Fiction Sneak Peek: August 20, 2022 Issue


A very warm welcome to our quick peek at the fiction in our latest issue.

It’s on sale Wednesday, August 17.

Our Opening story is Julie Dawn Baker’s “In Good Company”. When a best friend relocates to Canada, one woman discovers that although she’s much missed, another special friend has been right beside her all along. Artwork by Sarah Holliday (above).

Piergiorio feels neither Italian nor English. Will a trip to his parents’ homeland of Sicily help him carve an identity of his own? “One Summer In Sicily” by Stefania Hartley is set in the 1950s and illustrated by Andre Leonard.

Lorna’s husband used to change the lightbulbs, but she has no head for heights. “Lorna’s Light-Bulb Moment” is by Eirin Thompson.

Judith loves photography – but can she win a prize for her efforts? Find out in Sara Partington’s “Seeing The Bigger Picture”, illustrated by Sailesh Thakrar.

There’s tension when one mum wants her daughter to study something more ‘academic’ than art, in Anne Pack’s “By Design”. Artwork Jim Dewar.

Naturally shy Caroline is flustered by super-confident Morris singing THAT song in the bakery where she works! Karen Houseman’s “Sweet Caroline” features artwork by Manon Gandiolle.

In our final story of this issue, Will returns to his island home – but will he stay this time? “Coming Home”, by Alyson Hilbourne, is illustrated by Michael Thomas.

Serials

It’s the final instalment of Suzanne Ross Jones’s “Love And Best Wishes”, and the future’s looking bright for Violet and Jason. Artwork by Kirk Houston.

A brand-new serial begins next week!

Master Gryce has given Jennet a gift, but what does he expect in return? Part 5 of Pamela Kavanagh’s “The Apothecary’s Apprentice” features illustrations by David Young.

Series

There’s an unwelcome guest at Chloe and Alice’s latest wedding, in Jan Snook’s “Wedding Designs”…

…whilst in Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, it seems George can keep on top of everything but anniversaries!

Lucy Crichton

Fiction Editor Lucy is always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, she enjoys working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of 'Friend' fiction!