To kick off this fiction sneak peek, consider the phrase: “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”.
Whoever said that was spot on.
And first impressions can be brutal, can’t they? At least that’s the case in “Strictly Business” by Pamela Kavanagh, this week’s opening story, illustrated above.
Are you a lists person? Then you might empathise with Caroline in “It’s On The List” by Katie Ashmore, with its funky illustration by Mandy Dixon. But what is it that changes her perspective on those lists?
There’s a nicely nostalgic story next, which for some readers will prompt memories of trams and clippies — just as it does for Kathy in “The Last Tram” by Sharon Haston.
In “Amelia’s Cafe” by Michael Ingram, the popular little cafe is Amelia’s pride and joy.
After three years of hard work, it’s paying its way. Then the owner of the premises puts them on the market . . .
Michael is our Writer of the Week this week, chatting with Lucy.
Catherine finds she has a whole host of relatives she knew nothing about in “Look Who’s Talking” by Francesca Capaldi, illustrated by Kirk Houston.
“The Princess And The Pea” by Stefania Hartley is another of her stories featuring the wise Don Pericle, dealing with a wedding that challenges even his famous diplomatic skills.
How will city girl Laura cope with the wilds of Oklahoma in “Out Of The Woods” by Margaret Skipworth? Illustration by Kirk Houston.
Serials
Florence learns Annie’s real reasons for travelling to Canada in the latest chapters of Katie Ashmore’s enthralling serial “No Ocean Too Wide”, illustrated by Ruth Blair.
This week sees the final instalment of “The Call Of The City” by Katharine Swartz.
Juliet has begged Meg to come to New York. Is it finally time for reconciliation? Illustrated by Sailesh Thakrar.
Series
It sounds such a simple quest: to find a good cup of coffee . . . Join Jo and Marie on their mission in “Hold The Front Page” by Eirin Thompson.
It’s time for a lads’ night out in “Riverside”.
But it’s funny how nothing ever quite goes to plan . . . Keep up with the latest in our unmissable weekly soap by Glenda Young.
If this sneak peek has inspired you, you’ll be able to pick up your copy of this issue in the shops soon.
Or you could subscribe to the “Friend” today, and never miss another exciting story or fascinating feature!
Shirley Blair Fiction Ed Shirley’s been with the “Friend” since 2007 and calls it her dream job because she gets to read fiction all day every day. Hobbies? Well, that would be reading! She also enjoys writing fiction when she has time, long walks, travel, and watching Scandi thrillers on TV.
