Welcome to this week’s fiction sneak peek.
Let’s look at the stories and serials in our issue dated July 1, 2023, available from Wednesday June 28.
Short Stories
In our opening story this week, a grandpa is sure all his grandson needs is a listening ear. “Breaking New Ground”, by Moira Gee, is illustrated by Mandy Dixon (above).
Village newbie Isabel is keen to fit in. But when she enters a competition in the village fete, she fears she has made a rookie error! By Teresa Ashby, “The Book Club” is illustrated by Ged Fay.
Hayley is used to Geoff letting everyone down. Can he change? Find out in Gabrielle Mullarkey’s “Begin Again”.
Ambitious graduate, Cherry, doesn’t agree with the way Assistant Manager runs the Regency Walk Hotel, in Becca Robin’s “It’s Got To Be Perfect”.
When cat food starts going missing, Milly sets out to catch the ‘purr-petrator’! “Milly Merritt Investigates” is by Karen Houseman. Illustrated by Andre Leonard.
Liam wishes there was a way to help his mum, without cancelling plans with his wife. Eirin Thompson’s “Any Time At All” features artwork from David Young.
In our final short story this week, two friends aren’t sure about the future of their quiz team. “Ask The Right Question” is by this week’s Writer Of The Week, Keith Havers and illustrated by Martin Baines.
Serials
A new four-part serial starts today – “Carving A New Path”, by H. Johnson-Mack. Rae is determined to make a success of her time at Piper’s Toys…with illustrations from Kirk Houston.
In Part Three of “Back To The Valley”, it’s all change in the department store – especially with the onset of war. By Alison Carter; illustrations by Andre Leonard.
Series
Tanya feels like her family is growing in Stefania Hartley’s “Welcome To Quayside”…
… while in Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, what does Mike have planned for the July 4 dinner?
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!
