Hello, and welcome to our whistle-stop tour of the fiction in this week’s issue.
Seven Short Stories
First up this week is Alison Wassell’s “A Red Letter Day”. With a grandchild on the way, Jill finds herself keeping a secret. And there’s an envelope hidden in the drawer…artwork from Kirk Houston.
Next up it’s “Who Is David”, by Audrey Mary Brooks. A mystery box of toys appears on the doorstep, but who delivered them? Artwork by Manon Gandiolle.
Ellie comes into contact with ice sculptor, Gavin Lockhart, but has trouble “Breaking The Ice”. By Gabrielle Mullarkey.
Can two commuters “Make It Work”? Find out in Teresa Ashby’s short story, illustrated by Manon Gandiolle.
It’s 1910, and Norah loves to play piano, but it’s a secret she must keep to herself. “Perfectly In Tune”, by Becca Robin, is illustrated by Pat Gregory.
Maureen and Jean find that they’re being asked to take part in loads of surveys, so they decide to turn the tables, somewhat! “Surveys With A Smile”, by Eirin Thompson, is illustrated by Ruth Blair.
In our final story this week, “Boxing Clever”, by Christina Collins, what was Grampa thinking when he left Leah the horsebox?
Serials
In the final part of Liz Filleul’s “In At The Deep End”, can everyone work together for one last effort to save the pool? Artwork, Andre Leonard.
A brand-new serial begins next week.
In Part Four of “For The Love Of Family”, will Iris’s appeal fall on deaf ears? By Laura Tapper, with artwork by Sailesh Thakrar (above).
Series
In Part 2 of” Welcome To Quayside”, dinner with the Dalamos is helping Tanya and Hattie feel right at home. By Stefania Hartley.
While over on Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, a replacement chef is urgently needed for the deli café.
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!
