A Leamington author was delighted after a copy of her novel, which she secretly left on a hotel bookshelf in Italy, was discovered three months later.

American-born author Karen Storey, who now lives in Leamington, left a copy of her debut novel, The Approval of Sheep, at a hotel in Italy when she visited in July.

Before leaving the book behind, she wrote a secret message inside, asking whoever found it to tag her on Instagram.

Despite waiting three months without hearing anything, Karen was delighted when the book, which recently celebrated its 1st birthday, was finally discovered around two weeks ago.

The note which was left read: "I have signed this book in secret! If you find it, please tag me on Instagram @KarenStoreyauthor or contact me at www.karenstoreyauthor.com. I hope you enjoy this story based on a true London covenant!

Karen said she was thrilled to hear from the stranger, having wondered whether her unusual experiment would ever lead to a response.

The individual who found Karen's book left a comment on one of her recent Instagram posts celebrating a year of the novel.

The comment read: "I read the copy you left in the hotel in Lake Garda & absolutely loved it & recommended it to my book club. Happy 1st Birthday."

The novel, which was published in October 2025, is an uplifting comedy inspired by a real-life covenant allowing sheep to run through a top London hotel.

It follows Gordon, a hotel employee who attempts to convince his employers that they need him by uncovering an old covenant and finding the descendants of those entitled to exercise the unusual right.

However, his plans become complicated when he encounters two eccentric elderly sheep farmers and a New York shepherdess.The Approval of Sheep has previously been shortlisted for a national award and is currently being adapted for film.

Karen, originally from New York, is an award-winning fiction writer whose short stories have been recognised in several international competitions.

Her work has also featured in The New York Times bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series, while she has appeared on the book podcast The Bestseller Experiment.

She previously attracted local attention after a story about her novel featured a promise from Kenilworth Books owner Douglas to buy a copy if he won the lottery, which he subsequently did.

Karen said the latest discovery had given her another unexpected story connected to her debut novel.

The Approval of Sheep is available in paperback and e-book formats from independent bookshops, Amazon, and Waterstones.