Fiction Sneak Peek: February 25, 2023 Issue


Welcome to our weekly round-up of the fiction in our latest issue.

It’s on sale Wednesday, February 22.

Happy reading!

Short Stories

Our opening story this week is Alison Carter’s “The Bidding Wedding”. We’re in Wales in the 1830s, where local wedding customs fascinate a visitor. Illustration from Andre Leonard.

Time is a great healer, in Gabrielle Mullarkey’s “Life After Linda”. Illustration by Michael Thomas.

Picture-framer, Sue, is reminded of what her family means to her, in Lisa Allen’s “Snappy Families”.

There’s a peanut butter thief in Melissa’s office, and she has a suspect in her sights! “We Work Together” is by Nicola Martin.

Yasmin’s secret project could be revealed, in “A Test Of Courage” by Laura Tapper. Artwork (above) by Kirk Houston.

Caroline is busier than ever in her retirement, in Marian Myers’ “It’s About Time”. Illustration, Helen Welsh.

Our final story this week is Teresa Ashby’s “The Best Day”. Grandad, Marcus, is on babysitting duties, and it takes him back to his own days as a lad.

Serials

Finding Anya is proving a perilous task, in Part Three of Deborah Siepmann’s “The Sapphire Peacock”. Artwork by Helen Welsh.

It’s the penultimate instalment of Beth Watson’s “Friends And Neighbours”. Alexis is thrown in at the deep end at work whilst Caitlin is considering her ‘date nights’ with Ben. Artwork, Gerard Fay.

Series

Tanya wants to help her new friends, but there just isn’t enough storage space, in Stefania Hartley’s “Welcome To Quayside”…

…while in Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, where did Karen get the questions for the pub quiz?

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!