Picture a storyteller who spun tales of friendship and renewal from the sunny shores of St. Thomas to the misty mountains of North Carolina—meet Joan Medlicott! This American author captured hearts with her beloved Ladies of Covington series, blending warmth, wit, and the magic of human connection in stories that feel like a cozy chat on a porch swing.
Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Joan’s life is as vibrant as her novels. Her journey from horticulture enthusiast to bestselling author is a testament to her passion for reinvention, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. With a knack for crafting relatable characters, she invites readers into worlds where love, loss, and laughter intertwine.
The Making of Joan Medlicott
Born on January 1, 1932, in St. Thomas, Joan Medlicott grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. Married at eighteen, she traveled the world with her first husband, a U.S. Army serviceman, living in places like Switzerland and Germany. Her curiosity led her to horticulture, where she directed the Virgin Islands Division of Beautification, fighting to preserve natural landscapes. Later, in Boca Raton, Florida, she earned a master’s in counseling but found her true calling in writing at age fifty-seven. Inspired by a failed nonfiction project, Joan embraced fiction, teaching herself the craft through workshops and relentless determination.
Joan Medlicott’s Unforgettable Stories
Joan’s Ladies of Covington series, starting with The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love (2000), follows three sixty-something women—Grace, Hannah, and Amelia—who move to a North Carolina mountain town. Their adventures, from rebuilding after a fire to navigating love and loss, resonate with readers for their heartfelt exploration of friendship and resilience. The series spans ten books, including The Gardens of Covington (2001) and A Blue and Gray Christmas (2009), each brimming with small-town charm.
Beyond Covington, Joan’s standalone novels like The Three Mrs. Parkers (2005) weave multigenerational tales of forgiveness, while Come Walk with Me (2007) explores self-discovery through a woman’s transformative journey. Her style is intimate and conversational, with themes of renewal and community that echo her own life’s reinventions. Joan’s Caribbean roots shine in her vivid settings, whether it’s a lush island or a misty mountain valley.
Her lesser-known works, like Virgin Islands Tales of Ghosts, Hauntings, and Jumbees (1995), reflect her St. Thomas heritage, blending folklore with her storytelling flair. Each book feels like a warm invitation to reflect on life’s deeper connections, making Joan a cherished voice in women’s fiction.
Why Joan Medlicott Matters
Joan Medlicott’s stories resonate because they celebrate the power of starting anew, no matter your age. Her focus on older women as vibrant, complex characters challenges stereotypes, offering readers hope and inspiration. Fans, including bestselling author Debbie Macomber, praise her ability to craft towns “rich with charm and character.” Through her Tea on the Porch workshops in Barnardsville, North Carolina, Joan also nurtured aspiring writers, leaving a quiet but meaningful legacy in the literary world.
Her work reminds us that life’s challenges—be it betrayal, loss, or change—can lead to unexpected joy. By rooting her stories in universal themes, Joan created a timeless appeal that continues to draw readers seeking comfort and connection.
- Born: January 1, 1932, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Key Works: The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love, The Three Mrs. Parkers, Come Walk with Me
- Residence: Barnardsville, North Carolina
- Notable Contribution: Tea on the Porch writing workshops
Snag The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love and dive into Joan Medlicott’s heartwarming world of friendship and fresh starts!