Social - May 2003

Series author’s newest revisits three old friends

Ladies of Covington

By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer

Author Joan Medlicott brought the ladies of Covington to Lincolnton Wednesday.

The North Carolina author was the guest speaker for the third annual book club meeting. Members of the Review, Priscilla and Mentor book clubs met in the reception hall of the Lincoln Cultural Center. They visited, had refreshments and listened to Medlicott read the first chapter of her soon-to-be-published book, “The Spirit of Covington.”

The book, which will be available in the fall, is the fourth in series about three widows — Grace, Hannah and Amelia, who share a home in the town of Covington.

“The ladies of Lincolnton love the ladies of Covington,” Alice Greene said.

Greene, who works at Lincolnton’s Charles R. Jonas Library, says that Medlicott’s books are in high demand. They are often on reserve.

Hazel Andrews, a member of the Priscilla Book Club, said that Medlicott’s books are an inspiration.

“Her books relate to everyday life for women,” she said. “It helps us to know we can be independent. We can face our problems, rise above them and have a good life.”

Medlicott spoke to book club members about the characters. She even admitted to pulling characteristics from some of the people she meets at her book signings and speaking events.

The author spent part of the day Wednesday wandering down Main Street.

She enjoyed an ice cream cone and admired area businesses.

“I was thrilled to see no boarded up stores on Main Street,” she said.

Medlicott, 70, lives in Barnardsville, outside of Asheville. Her books include “The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love,” “The Gardens of Covington,” and “From the Heart of Covington.”

Medlicott told the audience Wednesday that her first book took two years to complete. She now finishes writing a novel in eight months.

Her newest book, she believes, is a bit more daring than its predecessors. Each character has a different perspective of the story events, she said.

“The book is about loss and grief and how they handle it,” she said. “Each woman handles it differently.”

No matter where their travels take them, Grace, Hannah and Amelia have a solid fan base with members of Lincoln County book clubs.

“(The characters) offer so much hope and inspiration for women as they mature in life,” said Pat Lawing of the Review Book Club. “You don’t have to stop living as you get older.”

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Joan Medlicott’s books can be found in area bookstores and at the library. For more information about the author or her publications, look on-line at www.joanmedlicott.com.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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