A BEST-selling author in the USA has been inspired by her student days in Wrexham for her new novel.

When author, Phaedra Patrick, studied stained glass in Wrexham in the 1980s, she also dreamed of becoming a novelist.

Now she is a USA Today bestseller whose novels are published in more than 20 languages worldwide.

Phaedra’s third novel, The Library of Lost and Found, will be published by HQ/HarperCollins on June 27 in paperback, ebook and audio book form.

Taking inspiration from Phaedra’s love of libraries, it tells of volunteer librarian, Martha Storm, who takes delivery of a mysterious book of fairy tales.

Within its pages lies a surprising dedication that stirs up family secrets and sparks her own emotional journey of discovery.

The book is for adults and is suitable for young adult readers too. It has already been a hit in the USA where People magazine called it, “Sweet and resonant.”

UK review website, Lovereading, said, “What an absolutely gorgeous book this is.”

Phaedra became a full-time writer four years ago when she took redundancy from her job in communications at the Co-op. She works from a small shed in her garden, where she now lives in Saddleworth.

She said: "Readers often compare my books to the late, great Maeve Binchy, which is a huge compliment. I love to write heart-warming stories about everyday people, and to make readers laugh and cry.

"I remember my student days in Wrexham with great fondness. The local people were so wonderful and friendly and I’m sure some of the characters in books take influence from them. I remember designing some Alice In Wonderland windows for Rhosddu Primary School and I wonder if they are still there."