Our latest issue is on sale from Wednesday, March 8.
Let’s take a look at the fiction that’s inside!
Short Stories
Our opening story this week is Alison Wassell’s “Make The Grade”. Carrie and John are both teachers at the same school, but when a promoted post becomes available, which one will apply? Set in the 1970s, with artwork from Sailesh Thakrar.
Life lessons are learned whilst climbing in Scotland, in “No Mountain Too High”, by Kate Worthington.
An absent father still makes his presence felt, in “Passed And Present”, by Hilary Spiers.
Looking after an allotment turns out to be more rewarding than expected, in Val Bonsall’s “Taking Root”. Illustration from Ruth Blair.
There’s a hedgehog rescue underway, in “A Prickly Situation”, by Jenny Dale. Illustration from Martin Baines.
Jenny spots a pair of red “Dancing Shoes” in a charity shop window, and they remind her of carefree, younger days. By Teresa Ashby, with artwork from Helen Welsh.
In our final story, will villagers come together after a deluge? “A Flood Of Friendship” is written for us by Audrey Mary Brooks.
Serials
A new five-part serial begins today – “When One Door Closes”, by Anne Pack. Edinburgh is a city of opportunity – if you know where to start! Artwork from Ruth Blair.
Isabella returns to Cecil Weatherford’s watch and clockmaker’s shop, in Part Five of “The Sapphire Peacock”. By Deborah Siepmann, with illustrations throughout from Helen Welsh (above).
Series
Organising a residents’ meeting proves challenging, in “Welcome To Quayside”, by Stefania Hartley.
While over on Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, what is Sam going to do about Karen and the quiz?
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!
