Fiction Sneak Peek: April 22, 2023 Issue


Welcome! Every Tuesday we take a quick look at the stories in our latest issue.

Short Stories

It’s a lovely spring story to open – “A Fresh Palette”, by Rebecca Holmes, and one grandma believes time spent in nature is never wasted. Artwork (above), Pat Gregory.

Can a broken heart be mended? Find out in Mary Hudson’s “Dare To Repair”. Illustrated by Manon Gandiolle.

Our next story is set in WW2, where one young bride is finding shortages mean a wedding gown is something that can only be dreamt of. “Ribbons And Lace” is written by debut author and Writer Of The Week Elizabeth Egginton, and illustrated by Philip Crabb.

“Fifteen Minutes” is plenty of time to get to Sue’s appointment. Or is it?! Audrey Mary Brooks’ short story is illustrated by Ruth Blair.

A change in circumstances and an unexpected bequest lead to one young woman having to “Dig A Little Deeper”, in Amanda Quinn’s short story. Artwork, Andre Leonard.

Meeting a handsome author could be more than was signed up for, in “One For The Books”, by Eirin Thompson.

In our final story of this week, the ‘guests’ at Tia’s doggy B&B can be a handful – or should that be a ‘paw’-ful?! “Follow My Lead”, by Laura Tapper, is illustrated by Manon Gandiolle.

Serials

It’s Part Two of “The House On The Shore”, and Grace is enjoying showing Antonio round St Joan. Written by Lydia Jones, our five-part serial features artwork by Kirk Houston.

In Part Four of Katie Ashmore’s “The Winds Of Fortune”, Norah’s brother suffers another setback, whilst Theo plans to reconnect with Minnie Vandunlan…Artwork, David Young.

Series

In Stefania Hartley’s “Welcome To Quayside”, can Jeannie be convinced to give the library a shot?

And Ruby has quite a tale to tell Mary, after the magic show…“Riverside” is written by Glenda Young.

Lucy Crichton

Better known as “Fiction Editor Lucy”, I am always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, I enjoy working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of “Friend” fiction!

Fiction Sneak Peek: April 22, 2023 Issue

Welcome! Every Tuesday we take a quick look at the stories in our latest issue.

Short Stories

It’s a lovely spring story to open – “A Fresh Palette”, by Rebecca Holmes, and one grandma believes time spent in nature is never wasted. Artwork (above), Pat Gregory.

Can a broken heart be mended? Find out in Mary Hudson’s “Dare To Repair”. Illustrated by Manon Gandiolle.

Our next story is set in WW2, where one young bride is finding shortages mean a wedding gown is something that can only be dreamt of. “Ribbons And Lace” is written by debut author and Writer Of The Week Elizabeth Egginton, and illustrated by Philip Crabb.

“Fifteen Minutes” is plenty of time to get to Sue’s appointment. Or is it?! Audrey Mary Brooks’ short story is illustrated by Ruth Blair.

A change in circumstances and an unexpected bequest lead to one young woman having to “Dig A Little Deeper”, in Amanda Quinn’s short story. Artwork, Andre Leonard.

Meeting a handsome author could be more than was signed up for, in “One For The Books”, by Eirin Thompson.

In our final story of this week, the ‘guests’ at Tia’s doggy B&B can be a handful – or should that be a ‘paw’-ful?! “Follow My Lead”, by Laura Tapper, is illustrated by Manon Gandiolle.

Serials

It’s Part Two of “The House On The Shore”, and Grace is enjoying showing Antonio round St Joan. Written by Lydia Jones, our five-part serial features artwork by Kirk Houston.

In Part Four of Katie Ashmore’s “The Winds Of Fortune”, Norah’s brother suffers another setback, whilst Theo plans to reconnect with Minnie Vandunlan…Artwork, David Young.

Series

In Stefania Hartley’s “Welcome To Quayside”, can Jeannie be convinced to give the library a shot?

And Ruby has quite a tale to tell Mary, after the magic show…“Riverside” is written by Glenda Young.

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