FROM THE HEART OF COVINGTON

The third entry in Medlicott's cozy series about North Carolina roomies Hannah, Amelia and Grace presents new trials for the aging trio. Hannah's estranged daughter Laura, injured in a boating accident, moves in while recuperating; shutterbug Amelia volunteers at a hospital and gets an opportunity to show her work in New York City; and Grace, who lives to bake and eat, is in denial concerning a diagnosis of diabetes. Meanwhile, all three must contend with the illness of close friend and neighbor Harold. Just as the youthful concerns of series like Sweet Valley High are targeted toward a niche of readers of a certain juvenile age, the geriatric concerns of the ladies of Covington—hip replacements, adjusting to sleeping alone after the death of a spouse, making dietary concessions to age and ruminating on where the soul goes—determine the audience here as well. More like a lengthy once-a-year holiday update on the doings of family and friends than a novel, the lead-by-example episodes should still offer reassurances to readers facing similar problems, though even they might find it hard to endure the painfully stilted dialogue. Helping underprivileged children, organizing round-the-clock care for terminally ill friends, healing wounded birds: if not exactly exciting, these activities are carried out by the sort of well-meaning women you'd want in your corner in a pinch. Major ad/promo; national author tour; reading group guide. (May 23)

Forecast:Medlicott scored with The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love and The Gardens of Covington, and she stays the course here, so expect a repeat performance sales-wise, too.