Hello, and a warm welcome to our weekly peek at the fiction in our latest issue – dated June 24, 2023.
We have seven brand-new stories and two serial instalments – as well as our series and our soap – ready for you to read.
Short Stories
In our opening story, watching Meryl Streep in ‘Mamma Mia’ inspires one woman to make a few changes! “Here I Go Again”, by Emma J. Myatt, is illustrated by Mandy Dixon.
Cassie dreams of returning to Thailand, in Alyson Hilbourne’s “To Familiar Shores”.
Alice has attended so many weddings, that they’re beginning to lose their sparkle! “Be My Guest” is by Sally Waterbury.
Melina and Tanino are determined to be ‘fun’ grandparents, in Stefania Hartley’s “No Stone Unturned”. Artwork, Jim Dewar.
We’re in 1951 for our next story, and Rosie’s first taste of stardom isn’t quite what she was expecting. By Barbara Dynes. Artwork, Jim Dewar.
Ellen and Ronnie are so proud of their daughter, Clara, when she’s accepted for teacher training. Then Clara says she has news… “Lessons Learned” by Eirin Thompson is illustrated by Mandy Dixon.
Our final short story for this week is Gabrielle Mullarkey’s “A Room With A View” – where a familiar old house becomes a home. Artwork, Jim Dewar.
Serials
In Alison Carter’s “Back To The Valley”, Lily is delighted to show their French guest round the store. Illustrations by Andre Leonard (above).
In the final part of Sue Cook’s “Hearts On Fire”, Julia’s first trip to Villa Davide comes to an unexpected, but not unwelcome, conclusion. Artwork, Gerard Fay.
Look out for a new serial beginning next week.
Series
Tanya isn’t sure what she can donate to the library of things, in Stefania Hartley’s “Welcome To Quayside”…
…while over on Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, who could possibly be knocking on the Ship Inn’s door?
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!
