The Ladies of Covington
Send Their Love
A Book Review
The title of the first in a series of four novels, The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love, stuck in my mind enough so that when I asked at the library for "The Ladies of Something Send Their Love," the research librarian knew exactly what I meant. When she said, "Author, Joan Medlicott," I even recognized that name from my friend Jayne’s fervent recommendation. Jayne warned me that these were romantic novels. She was right. She was also right that they would carry me along, sometimes against my will or better judgment, through all four volumes. In fact I finished the whole set in about a week.
This experience has left me with a great opportunity to use the word "ambivalent." I wanted to stop after the first one, but I had to see what else happened. I resisted their appeal at the same time that I read steadily. I described them to Jayne as written soap operas for seniors. I was often unable to suspend disbelief as I watched the main characters, three elderly widows who met in a drab boarding house, grow into strong friendship, live together as a family, attract a considerable support group from neighbors, overcome obstacles that ranged from personal fears and weaknesses, dark memories of their marriages, and the cultural biases of their children, to corporate greed, flood and fire, and the appeals and traps of sexual attraction. It’s all there, folks. And somehow it works wonderfully.
These are southern ladies. And this is an upbeat, rosy glowing account of what could be called Utopia.The specific talent of each lady enriches the story. The books are drenched in good food [Grace is the gourmet cook and her recipes are included here and there]. The descriptions of flowers, plants, shrubs, colors, might propel you into a glimpse of heavenly greenhouses and landscapes. [Hannah is the horticulturist, plant grower, supreme.] And the hard work and long hours required to publish a coffee table book of unique photographs fill many pages. [Amelia discovers that her interest in photography has developed into a considerable talent.] Add to this the gracious living of the southern ladies, complete with fine china, oriental rugs, tasteful choices of furniture, decorations, and personal items, and you have a bit of Shangri-La.
You also have the author’s choice of pet topics for didactic writing. She manages to discuss among her characters the treatment of diabetes, the frustration of fighting city hall, personality problems, the unavoidable delays in home remodeling or construction, recovery from traumas of many kinds, security checks on con men, and being independent vs. being married or marrying for convenience.
In spite of my initial resistance I found that after reading this series, I continue to remember Amelia’s striking sapphire blue eyes, Hannah’s no-nonsense hairdo, and Grace’s bandanna always tucked at her waist. I remember happily their many vicissitudes, adaptations to aging, and triumphs so I share Medlicott’s gratitude for the universal guidance that made these inspirational novels possible.
These characters are all about 70. How will they fare when they reach their 80s or 90s? When Medlicott gets to that age, maybe we’ll find out!