Smorgasbord Bookshelf 2022- Share an Extract from your latest book – #YA – Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady (An Amanda Travels Adventure Book 8) by Darlene foster –

In this series you are invited to share an extract of 500 words from your most recent book published within the last 12 months. Details at the end of the post.

The aim of the series

1. To showcase your latest book and sell some more copies.
2. Gain more reviews for the book.
3. Promote a selection of your other books that are available.

Today I am sharing an extract from the YA adventure by Darlene Foster. Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady (An Amanda Travels Adventure Book 8) – I have read the book and can highly recommend.

About the book

Amanda receives a postcard from her best friend, Leah, and is surprised to learn that she is in Malta with her aunt. Reading between the lines, she senses Leah is in trouble. Desperate to help her, Amanda travels to Malta with her classmate Caleb and his parents.

Amanda is intrigued by this exotic island in the middle of the Mediterranean, full of colourful history, sun-drenched limestone fortresses, stunning beaches and fascinating birds. But…who is killing the protected birds? Who stole a priceless artifact from the museum? And why is Leah acting so strange? She couldn’t possibly be involved in these illegal activities, or could she?

Join Amanda and her friends as they visit ancient temples, an exciting falconry and the enchanting Popeye Village, as they try to get to the bottom of the mystery of the Sleeping Lady.

An extract from Amanda in Malta

Amanda bit into the warm, fluffy pastry formed in a triangle and stuffed with ricotta cheese. “Yum, this is good!” She wiped her greasy hands on a napkin.

A small boy scurried by their table, bumping into it.

“Hey, watch where you’re going!” shouted Caleb as he grabbed his drink before it fell over.

“Sorry.” The Afro-headed child stopped himself by clutching Amanda’s hand. He gave a weak smile and strode off down the street. Before he turned the corner, he looked back and stared at Amanda with intense brown eyes and nodded.

“Kids! They’re the same everywhere.” Caleb’s mom shook her head while mopping up tea with her napkin.

Amanda slipped the piece of paper the boy had discreetly placed in her hand into her jeans pocket.

“There is so much I want to do here. I was only here for one day on a cruise stop a few years ago and always wanted to return and explore.” Mrs. Sorensen took a sip of tea.

“There are so many interesting churches and old temples here. The Museum of Archaeology is supposed to be amazing and just look at this architecture.”

“Mooom, I don’t want to spend all my holiday in churches and museums!” Caleb groaned.

“Don’t forget you promised me we would go to Popeye Village.”

“Don’t worry, son. We’ll go to see Popeye.” His father nodded.

“What do you mean, Popeye Village?” asked Amanda.

“It’s the movie set of the Popeye movie from 1980 starring Robin Williams. It was filmed here in Malta and the site was built specifically for the movie. Instead of taking it down, it’s now used as a theme park,” explained Mr. Sorensen.

“I love that movie.” Caleb puffed out his chest and flexed his muscles. “I yam what I yam. I’m Popeye the sailor man.”

Amanda giggled at his antics and for the moment forgot about finding Leah.

They picked up a few grocery items and some brochures from a travel information booth, then returned to the rental.

Amanda studied the postcard from Leah. The green door looked similar to the one she had visited, except for a different door knocker. The one on the door of the postcard was a dolphin while the one at the address was a lion’s head. Was Leah trying to tell her something through the postcard? Amanda turned it over and examined the address again.

It was the same address they had visited.

How was she going to find Leah?

She felt prickles behind her eyes, sniffed, and pulled a tissue out of her pocket. Out fell the folded slip of paper the little boy had given her at the café. She slowly opened it. Scrawled in messy magenta lipstick were the words, TRY AGAIN.

Amanda gasped and touched her finger to her bottom lip.

Was this a message from Leah?

A recent review for Amanda in Malta

Jjspina 5.0 out of 5 stars Another intriguing adventure with Amanda!  Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2022

A fun adventure series for middle-graders/preteens that both girls and boys will enjoy! This book, Amanda in Malta, was like traveling to Malta with Amanda and her friend, Caleb and his parents.

The author described all the sights and fascinating places to visit if you ever get to travel there. I felt as if I was along for the trip and enjoying everything that was described in such deep detail from the birds that inhabit the island to the historical museums and plenty of great places to eat.

With the extensive traveling this author has done, it is clearly evident that she pays close attention to detail wherever she travels and incorporates her love of travel with an intriguing mystery for her Amanda series.

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I look forward to traveling along with Amanda to some more interesting places in this delightful series. 

Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And:Amazon UK

A selection of other books by Darlene Foster

Find out more about Darlene’s books and read the reviews: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website/Blog: Darlene Foster WordPress – Goodreads: Goodreads – Twitter: @supermegawoman

About Darlene Foster

Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, travelling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not travelling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining dog, Dot.

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. thanks Sally.

What will be in the post and how to get in touch

• • • I will top and tail in the usual way with your other books and links, bio, photo and social media.
    • I will also select a review from Amazon or Goodreads that I feel has the best selling pitch for the book.
    • If your book is very recent and as yet has not received a review then I will share one from a previous book.
      
    • This series is open to all authors both those on the Bookshelf or new to the blog
    • I suggest an extract of approximately 500 words or a poem that you feel best reflects the theme of your collection.
    • If you have an illustration or images you can attach to the email for me to include. No need to send the cover as I will have that or will access from Amazon.
    • If you have not featured on the blog before then I will need Amazon link, Goodreads, blog or website plus your social media links (main three you use)
    • Please send your extract and any accompanying images to sally.cronin@moyhill.com