by Joe Ellison
A BLOSSOMING Saddleworth author never dreamed her story about an old man and a charm bracelet would capture the hearts of readers in 19 different countries…
But that is exactly what Phaedra Patrick has achieved with her debut novel ‘The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper’, which was released last year.
And the author has also recently won the ‘Prix des Lectrices Milady 2017’, a reader’s choice award in France, for her popular novel.
A special ceremony took place at her French publishing house, Bragelonne, in the company of journalists, bloggers, readers and book trade professionals.
Phaedra said: ‘It was wonderful to spend a little time in Paris and for my book to be celebrated there.
“It shows that widower Arthur Pepper’s epic journey to discover the stories behind his late wife’s charm bracelet can be enjoyed by readers everywhere.”
Inspired by the married mum-of-one’s own charm bracelet, the book has been praised as “eccentric, charming and wise” by best-selling author Nina George.
But Phaedra admitted hitting on the right topic was not easy and this was actually her sixth attempt to get a book published.
She said: “I used to write about young women but there are already so many books about that.
“I didn’t think a book about a Yorkshire man would translate very well into other cultures! But I suppose everyone has a father, brother, son or uncle they can relate to.”
The story follows 69-year-old widower Arthur Pepper who, on the first anniversary of his wife Miriam’s death, discovers her charm bracelet hidden away.
Charm by charm, Arthur follows clues around the world to discover Miriam’s secret life before they met, taking a journey that leads him to find hope in the most unexpected places.
With the book still hot off the press, Phaedra has already had a second book, ‘Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone’, recently published in the US. It will be available in the UK later this year.
‘The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper’ is available from Amazon, Waterstone, WH Smith and other bookstores.
Brilliant story loved it well done