Welcome to our sneak peek at the reading in your brand-new “Friend”!
Our opening story this week is Jan Snook’s “Life Through A Lens”. When Anna decides to take a night class in photography, she learns that taking the perfect photograph can’t always be taught. Mandy Dixon has illustrated this story for us.
In “Up, Up And Away”, Rita is due to fly to Australia to spend Christmas with her son and his new fiancée. There’s just one problem – she’s hates flying. Can she find a solution? Our story by Hilary Spiers has a lovely illustration by Sarah Holliday.
Samantha’s children have all left home and the house is very quiet, in Eirin Thompson’s “Missing The Music” . . .
. . . and in Christine Bryant’s “Dinner Is Served”, a couple meet their daughter’s prospective in-laws. Beautifully illustrated by André Leonard.
“Mysterious Miss Elise” is our next story. Some say Miss Elise is a witch, but something tells Florence that there’s more to the herb woman than meets the eye . . .
Set in the 1800s, our intriguing short story by Louise McIvor is accompanied by this lovely illustration by Sarah Holliday (above).
Annie is used to dealing with stray and unwelcome animals, but one morning she finds a very unusual guest in her garden . . . find out more in Della Galton’s “Fur Ever Friends”. With a sweet illustration by Helen Welsh.
In Mary Barr’s “Saving The Playgroup”, set in the 1970s, someone is going to have to step up and take charge if the playgroup is going to make it to Christmas. With an super 70s illustration by Ruth Blair.
Serials
In Part Three of Lesley Collison’s festive serial, “The Christmas Swap Shop”, Cheryl is finding that being in Tom’s company is most agreeable. But does he feel the same way? Kirk Houston’s vibrant illustrations add an extra-Christmassy touch.
Reinhold and Violet meet in most unexpected circumstances in Part Four of Kate Finnemore’s “Bring Him Home”. Philip Crabb’s super illustrations accompany this post-WW1 serial.
Series
In Della Galton’s “Paw And Order”, Sheila is finding that her new challenge isn’t exactly what she’d expected.
And in Glenda Young’s “Riverside”, Mike’s idol has turned up at the Old Engine Room. Mike’s in shock!
If this sneak peek has left you wanting more, don’t worry! Our new issue is in shops soon.
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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!
