Happy Friday! I’m delighted to welcome an author many of you know well to my guest writer slot this week. Darlene Foster has written the highly entertaining Amanda Travels series and her 10th book Amanda in Scotland: The Standing Stones will be released on June 1st. Each story is stand alone and you don’t have to read them in order.
Here’s the blurb to give you a feel for the book:
What could possibly go wrong on the magical Scottish Isle of Arran? It’s such a peaceful, charming place with castles, mountains, old graves and ancient standing stones.
Amanda Ross and Leah Anderson are visiting Aunt Jenny who owns an old house on the island. But something is not right. A mysterious woman, who seems to have stepped out of the past, keeps appearing, Leah’s father hasn’t contacted the family for some time, and Aunt Jenny’s house may have an uninvited guest.
Amanda is intrigued by this picturesque island, often called Little Scotland. She watches exciting sheepdog trials, attends a lively ceilidh, makes friends with the locals, and visits the mystical Holy Island. Join Amanda as she tries to solve the mystery of the strange woman and the disappearance of Leah’s father. Will the past catch up with the present?
Want to know more? Here’s an excerpt:
They came to the top of another set of stairs that led down to a kitchen. Copper pans hung on the wall, apples rested in a basket, and a loaf of bread looked as if it was baking in the brick wall oven. A long wooden table held a plate of fruit tarts beside meat pies and a block of cheese. Wooden chairs sat around the table, ready for the servants’ meal.
“They sure made this look realistic.” Amanda stopped. “Did you hear that?”
“No, what?”
“Listen. There it is again. A moaning sound.”
Leah rolled her eyes. “You and your imagination. It was probably just a cat.”
“Maybe it’s the woman who died here.”
“Really, Amanda. I think you read too many books.”
The sound grew louder. Even Leah took notice.
“I think it’s coming from behind this door. Let’s check.
“Amanda, no! Maybe we’re not supposed to go in there.”
Amanda ignored her and pulled at the heavy door. It wouldn’t budge.
“Help.” A faint sound came from behind the door.
“We need to get this door open!” Amanda tugged harder.
Thump!
The door swung open. A woman, dressed in clothes from a long time ago, lay on the floor, shivering.
Amanda in Scotland is available at most on-line retailers and can be pre-ordered on some sites.
https://books2read.com/AmandainScotland
Author bio:
Darlene Foster grew up on a ranch in Alberta, Canada, where her love of reading inspired her to see the world and write stories. She is the author of the exciting Amanda Travels series featuring spunky Amanda Ross, a twelve-year-old girl who loves to travel. All ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another in unique destinations. When not travelling, meeting interesting people, and collecting ideas for her books, Darlene enjoys spending time with her family in Canada and at her house in Spain with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.
Website: http://www.darlenefoster.ca/
If you’d like to be a guest on my blog, please get in touch: estherchilton@gmail.com. Poems can be up to 60 lines and prose 2000 words. If you’d like to add a short bio and photo, then great.
Esther Chilton 
Thank you so much, Esther, for featuring me and my latest Amanda Adventure on your guest writer spot. Have a super weekend.
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You’re so very welcome. It’s a pleasure. Have a lovely weekend too.
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Ohh, this sounds like a good mystery, Darlene. I can’t wait to read it. Many thanks to your lovely host, Esther. xx
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Thanks, Colleen. I hope you enjoy it. Only 4 more sleeps until release day.
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Thank you, Colleen. It does sound good, doesn’t it? 😊
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Yes! I’m enjoying Darlene’s books. Amanda is a great little sleuth!
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The setting is quite familiar to me which usually makes for a good read. Thanks for the review, Esther.
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You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Thank you for featuring Darlene, Esther. Best wishes to her on her latest.
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Many thanks, John.
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😊
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That sounds like a suspenseful book. It is a great excerpt.
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It pulls you in, doesn’t it?
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Congratulations to Darlene on her 10th book in the series. Amazing!
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It really is.
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A rave review, if I ever read one!
Esther, you are kind and generous to feature Darlene here with her fabulous addition to the Amanda Adventure series.
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Many thanks, Marian. Darlene’s latest book in the series sounds great 😊
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Exciting excerpt from Darlene’s new book. Thank you for featuring Darlene, Esther!
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You’re welcome 😊
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🙂
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These kinds of stories based on a far-off land are so interesting.
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They really are 😊
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Lovely excerpt and thanks Esther of spotlighting Darlene xx
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That excerpt really draws you in. Thank you for your comment 😊 xx
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Wonderful!
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A wonderful excerpt, Esther! Thanks for featuring Darlene, and I can’t wait to read this Amanda adventure.
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Not long to wait! Thank you for your comment 😊
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Hi Esther, it is lovely to see Darlene featured here with another exciting Amanda story.
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Thanks, Robbie. It does look good.
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Esther, lovely to see Darlene and her latest book featured here! The Amanda series is terrific and she is a gifted writer. Yeah, I love the sound of this latest one and set on an island I love to visit! Brilliant! 😀
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Thank you, Annika. She is a great writer 😊
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Thanks for featuring Darlene, Esther! I’ve enjoyed every adventure I’ve taken with Amanda.
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That’s great to know 😁
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