Laura Tapper News Today

Fiction Ed Lucy takes a closer look at the stories, series and serial instalments you'll find in our Winter Special, in shops this week!

Our November 6, 2021 issue is out this week. Here, Fiction Ed Lucy takes a look at the stories, series and serials you'll find inside.

Fiction Ed Lucy runs through all the fabulous short stories we've included in "The People's Friend" Special 216, on sale this week.

Poetry Ed Abbie reflects on our talented "Friend" poets and the uplifting poetry we publish in the "Friend" to celebrate National Poetry Day.

Fiction Ed Lucy takes a sneak peek at the short stories we've packed into our June 5, 2021 issue, including a cracker from Alyson Hilbourne.

Fiction Sneak Peek: April 24, 2021 By Short stories “As Lucky Can Be”. Chrissie’s dad loves his “Lucky Sweep” business, but when he puts his back out, Chrissie must step in to avoid letting the happy couples down . . . whether it ‘soot’s her, or not! With a vibrant illustration by Sailesh Thakrar. Cloakroom attendant Jeannie witnesses the first lady of colour to win an Academy Award, in Alison Carter’s “City Of Dreams”. Thoughtfully illustrated by Sarah Holliday. Catch up w...

Fiction Sneak Peek: February 13, 2021 Issue By th February. “A Night To Remember”, with a lovely illustration by Ruth Blair (above). It’s 1880, and Gertrude is accompanying her daughter, Viola, to a Valentine’s ball, where Viola hopes to receive a proposal. But someone from Gertrude’s past is also there, and he was the love of her life . . . A couple who met at a support group for the recently widowed are getting ready for a fresh start — and it involves flat-pack furniture! Alison...

Fiction Preview: Special 204 Here’s a look at the fiction that’s inside . . . The opener Our opening story is “As Time Goes By”, by Lynda Franklin. As children, Ruthie and Paul were close. Does getting older really mean growing apart? Find out in this romantic Valentine’s story, illustrated for us by Mandy Dixon. Suzie can’t stop thinking about a pair of shoes, even though they’re not to her usual taste. It’s time to try something new in “If The Shoe Fits”, by Patsy Collin...

Fiction Sneak Peek: December 19, 2020 Issue By The opener Our opening story is “The First Star”, by Pamela Kavanagh. Set in the 1870s, it’s the story of Belinda, the only one of her sisters without a suitor, who makes a Christmas wish on the North Star. Can it come true? Sailesh Thakrar’s festive illustration welcomes you to our second bumper Christmas issue. Kind-hearted car mechanic, Luke, thinks of everyone but himself. On Christmas Eve, can he manage to finish early and get home t...