Welcome to our sneak peek at all the reading waiting for you in your “Friend” this week!
Short stories
Our opening story this week is Alyson Hilbourne’s “Underneath The Arches”. Cathy’s café underneath the arches is a dream come true. She’s determined to make it a success. With a lovely illustration by Andre Leonard.
We go back to the 1970s next, for Alison Carter’s “What To Expect”. When pregnant Claire is told she must give up her job, she draws inspiration from her feisty grandmother. With a beautiful dual-period illustration (above) by Ruth Blair.
“Exactly How It Happened” by Cilla Moss is next. Rosie’s grandparents are helping with her family history homework. They can’t seem to agree on anything, until it comes to Rosie’s mum…
Two friends meet the boy they both had a crush on at school. After all these years, will they still feel the same way? Find out in Teresa Ashby’s fun story, “Bad Boy Barry”, with an illustration from Mandy Dixon.
Mattie has just opened a second-hand bookshop. She discovers something surprising inside a donated book – an unused ticket for the 1966 World Cup Final! Her cad of a boyfriend wants to sell it, but Mattie wants to do the right thing . . . “A Turn-up For The Books” is the first in a lovely new series of stories by author Liz Filleul, which will be illustrated for us by artist Sarah Holliday.
In our next story, Cynthia remembers her father’s painting, and ponders whether she can finally forgive him . . . Find out if it’s possible in Gabrielle Mullarkey’s “Butterflies In Blue”, with a stunning illustration by Sailesh Thakrar.
It’s World War II, and Annie feels she can play football as well as any man. But can she get a game? Find out in “No Game For A Girl”, by Sharon Haston, illustrated by Gerard Fay.
Serials
Friends Marion and Zara are still there for each other, after years of friendship, in our brand new serial which begins today. Laura Tapper’s four-part serial, “We Can Work It Out” is illustrated by Ruth Blair.
It’s Part Three of Alison Carter’s “The Journey From Jarrow”. Beautifully illustrated by Helen Welsh. Rhona meets a little lad who thinks the marchers heroes . . .
Series
In Della Galton’s “Paw And Order”, a chance encounter gives Miriam a change of heart…
And in our weekly soap, “Riverside”, written by author Glenda Young, Ruby has a bone to pick with Jim!
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!
