READERS were given the opportunity to meet the author behind two books based in Harwich during a special event.

Author Jane V Phaure is the writer behind Girl on the Beach and its sequel The Butterfly Trap.

The books are about Lucy Carter, a writer who leaves her abusive fiancé to start a new life on the coast and are set in Harwich and Wrabness.

The Pier at Harwich hosted the meet and greet event where readers and guests, including the mayor and mayoress of Harwich, were treated to a fascinating insight into the literary world of Phaure and the characters in her books.

The evening, which was supported by East Coast Distillery, started with the mayor, Ivan Henderson, welcoming Jane and her guests to Harwich and thanking her for helping to put the town on the map with the numerous mentions in her novels.

Jane said: “It was such a special evening with a room full of my readers and friends; it was lovely to chat to each of them and hear just why Girl on the Beach was a book they simply wanted to keep reading.

“It was a truly wonderful feeling to share it at The Pier - a hidden gem. The Pier leaves you with a warm feeling inside, just like it did for Lucy Carter in both novels.”

Paul Milsom, owner of The Pier added: “It was lovely to welcome Jane and some of her readers to The Pier, especially as we have not been able to organise events like this for nearly 18 months.

“Her books really capture the spirit of old Harwich, which is used as a wonderful canvas for her two novels. I hope those who enjoy them will be encouraged to visit this fabulous and undiscovered part of the county.”