Hello, and a warm welcome to this week’s Fiction Sneak Peek.
Our Opening story this week is “Doctor’s Orders”, by Katie Ashmore. Set in the 1870s, an intriguing case requires Inspector John Mountson to work together with lady Doctor, Ellen Fordsby. With an atmospheric illustration by Jim Dewar (above).
“Fred And Ginger” by Christine Bryant is next. Olivia’s new cat and her young neighbour, Fred Bunting, both have the happy knack of bringing people together! Martin Baines’ cheerful illustration is just the ticket for this feel-good story.
An American couple are in Scotland on a voyage of discovery – the only drawback, unsurprisingly, being the weather! “Back To Your Roots” is by Alison Carter.
In Eirin Thompson’s “As Right As Rain”, Leah shares her umbrella, and it changes the course of her day. With an uplifting illustration from Kirk Houston.
Siobhan is planning “A Room Of Her Own” — her own space, to fill with the things she loves most, just like the ones her friends Gina and Isabel have. But Siobhan’s will be even more special . . . find out why in this lovely short story by Vanda Inman, with a stunning illustration by Manon Gandiolle.
In our moving next story, two women become friends at the annual Turner watercolours exhibition. “This Time Next Year” is by Fiona Thomson.
There’s someone Donna hopes to meet up with one day, in our final story of the week, “Call Off The Search”, by Lynda Franklin, illustrated by Jim Dewar.
Serials
In Part Two of “Swansong At Foxwell’s”, it looks as though Charlie’s grand plan has backfired. Set in the 1900s, Lynn Love’s super story is complemented by Mandy Dixon’s elegant illustrations.
In the penultimate part of “The Inn On Bluebell Lane”, Gwen can’t understand why she’s still so exhausted . . . Katharine Swartz’s serial has sunny illustrations by Sailesh Thakrar.
Series
Dan’s planning a detour on his latest assignment in Della Galton’s “Paw And Order” . . .
And in Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, why is Jim being so secretive?
If this sneak peek has left you wanting more, don’t worry! Our new issue is in shops soon.
Did you know that subscribers receive their issues early? Click here for more information on subscribing to the “Friend” today. Right now we’re offering a fantastic subscriber discount, too: just £8 for the first 13 issues. Don’t miss out, take advantage of this offer while it lasts!
Fiction fans will also want to listen to “Reading Between The Lines”, our brand new story podcast. Click here for more information.
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!
