The Spirit of Covington

Ladies of Covington #4

by Joan Medlicott

Already having captured reader’s hearts and minds in three critically acclaimed books, the irrepressible ladies of Covington take on an even greater level of emotional complexity in Joan Medlicott’s new novel—her richest and most affecting yet.

In the wake of a devastating fire, Grace, Hannah, and Amelia must rebuilt their beloved farmhouse as they struggle with the tremendous impact of their loss. Max—still struggling to suppress his attraction to Hannah—receives a heartbreaking blow of his own when his son renounces his inheritance, marries and Indian woman, and moves to India. Deciding to will his estate to Hannah, Max proposes a marriage of convenience so that she can avoid taxes.

Meanwhile Grace contends with her companion Bob’s recovery from a heart attack and must decide whether to rejoin the ladies at the new farmhouse or remain with Bob. While they wait for their farmhouse to be rebuilt, and without the buffer of Grace’s ease, Hannah and Amelia find their very different personalities clashing. To ease the strain, Hannah temporarily moves to Max’s house.

A soul nourishing Portrait of the power of female friendship and the endurance of love. The Spirit of Covington is vintage Medlicott: totally engaging, heart-tugging, and unfailingly true to life.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Adult

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 10, 2003

About the author

Joan Medlicott lives with her husband in Barnardsville, North Carolina, where she conducts the popular Tea on the Porch workshops.

Reviews

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All three Ladies deal with trauma in this one. Disaster affects each in different ways. Good read.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it about this series that makes me eagerly anticipate reading the next book as soon as I finish one? Life happens and sometimes tragedy. And these women--all now in their 70s--still continue to grow, change, and grapple with the new challenges they face. It proves that no matter how old we get, there is still an uncertain teenager inside, with fears and longings that one would think have been outgrown by now.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling book in this series. The author really explored the aftermath of trauma and how people react differently. Perhaps a little predictable and neatly wrapped at the end, but still a very satisfying read.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Covington series. Amelia, Grace and Hannah (ladies of a certain age) have several issues to deal with, including a fire which devastates their beloved home in Covington, North Carolina. There are trials and tribulations in this book. Is another good read.

[LInda L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all these Covington books a long time ago, but apparently neither recorded nor reviewed them. This one was incredibly sad - to lose the home they loved so much and still come back with faith that all will be well.

[Linda Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better the 2nd time

Read this series some time ago... thought of it recently and really had to search to find it as couldn't remember title/author. Google helped me ... search Senior ladies sharing country home..
Success found Grace,Hannah & Amelia... my old friends.

[JLS10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ladies of Covington loss their treasured farmhouse in a fire and are forced to cope with loss and how to rebuild their lives that they had built in Covington. Each reacts differently to the loss, and has had choices to make because of it.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction. It’s been many years since I read other books in the series, but it’s as good as I have remembered.

[Sherry Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books and want to read the next one as soon as I finish one.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

[JoAnne Bedient · Rating 5 out of 5]

love these books!

As a woman similar in age to the women in these books, I can relate to them well! I also live the Asheville area and I’m familiar with places they mention. I feel like they’ve become friends!

[Jocelyn Montalvo Cullum]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14245940

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this book by impulse. The description of the plot was interesting - three women, living together, suffer and survive the loss of their home and how it impacts all of them.

This book was much more thought provoking than I thought it would be. This is the "Golden Girls", but not Hollywood or TV - real life. I guess I related more, since I am very close to their age. It was uncomfortable. What would I do if I lost my home and all my possessions? How would I cope? I'm not sure I'd do well.

While it disturbed me personally, I really enjoyed this book. I have always related better to women than men, and this story of three women forging a family and life together was enjoyable.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read it since it was part of the Ladies of Covington series and I can't stop until I read them all. Of course it was a fun, little chick lit read (thanks, Spencer, for the chick lit reference!).

Still annoyed at the author's flippant treatment of men, but not annoyed enough to not want to read the books.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a fire destroys the home of the three ladies (Amelia, Hannah and Grace), the friends are separated and have to make a big decision. Do they rebuild a house and all three move back in together? Do they go their separate ways?
I am enjoying the Ladies of Covington series very much.
On to the next book in this series!

[Patricia Solla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have really gotten into reading this series about 3 older women and their lives as they change and grow after moving in together. The setting descriptions of the area in which they live are wonderful. The interaction of these women and their families,friends and, yes, lovers is really amazing.

[Lisa]

Ladies of Covington series / book four

[May Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Joss · Rating 3 out of 5]

A warm folksy tale, more felt than thought.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story continues...