Posts Tagged ‘book review’
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Posts from Your Archives 2022 – #Christmas #Santa Darlene Foster
Posted December 16, 2022
on:- In: Books | Christmas | Family | Memories
- 13 Comments
I’m over at Sally Cronin’s blog today, sharing a Christmas memory. Hop over and say Hello. I hope all your Holiday preparations are going well.
Since this series began in January 2018 there have been over 1200 Posts from Your Archiveswhere bloggers have taken the opportunity to share posts to a new audience…
The topics have ranged from travel, childhood, recipes, history, family and the most recent series was #PotLuck where I shared a random selection of different topics.
This series is along the same lines and is a celebration of Christmas and New Year.
I do appreciate that this is not a religious festival for everyone but it is a time of year when families and friends come together and our thoughts turn to our hopes and wishes for the coming year. At the end of the post you can find out how to participate in this festive series.
Today children’s author Darlene Fostershares a delightful true Christmas story….do you believe in Santa?
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com
The Year I…
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- In: Books | reviews
- 20 Comments
Another awesome review of Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral by Patricia Tilton, a long-time Amanda fan. This review means a lot to me as Patricia reviews meaningful books, many topical, depicting diversity as well as modern issues that confront children today. Check out her blog for gift ideas for the young readers on your list.
Foster knows her audience and doesn’t talk down to her young readers. The dialogue is as realistic as are the characters. Patricia Tilton

Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral
Darlene Foster, Author
Central Avenue Publishing, Sep. 13, 2022
Suitable for ages: 9-12
Themes: France, Travel, Adventure, Mystery, Fire, Cathedral, Friendship
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Amanda explores the exciting streets of Paris, the fabulous Palace of Versailles and the gardens of the painter Claude Monet, while being drawn into the mystery surrounding the destructive fire of Notre Dame cathedral.
Amanda is in love! With Paris – the city of love. She’s in awe of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. While there, she gets to work as a volunteer and stay in a famous book store, along with her bestie, Leah, and Leah’s eccentric Aunt Jenny. A dream come true for a book lover like Amanda.
Except, while she’s at the Paris Opera House there is a bomb threat. Then the lights go out during…
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Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral by Darlene Foster #bookreview #childrensbooks #travel #mystery
Posted October 7, 2022
on:- In: Books | reviews | Writing
- 26 Comments
Sorry for my absence but I have been travelling lately and will share all about my travels soon. I wanted to share this amazing review by Teri Polen, who is an excellent writer. This review had me dancing on the ceiling.

Amanda explores the exciting streets of Paris, the fabulous Palace of Versailles and the gardens of the painter Claude Monet, while being drawn into the mystery surrounding the destructive fire of Notre Dame cathedral.
Amanda is in love! With Paris – the city of love. She’s in awe of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. While there, she gets to work as a volunteer and stay in a famous book store, along with her bestie, Leah, and Leah’s eccentric Aunt Jenny. A dream come true for a book lover like Amanda.
Except, while she’s at the Paris Opera House there is a bomb threat. Then the lights go out during their visit to the Louvre. Worst of all, a devastating fire blazes in Notre Dame. Why does a mysterious man, who claims to be a busker, writer and artist, show up every time…
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The Story Behind the Story
Posted August 17, 2022
on:- In: Books | guest posts | reviews
- 38 Comments
One of the most common questions asked of a writer is, “Where do you get your ideas from?”
Fellow Canadian author, Allan Hudson, runs an interesting series on his blog called, The Story Behind the Story. Recently, I was honoured to be featured on his blog where I talk about how I got ideas for my latest book, Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral

The Story Behind the Story: My dream to visit the romantic city of Paris came true when we took our dog on a road trip to visit friends living on the outskirts of the city. Paris, and the surrounding area, was everything I imagined it to be and more. Our friends kindly took the time to show us around this fabulous city as well as Monet’s gardens in Giverny and the amazing Palace of Versailles. I was so excited and knew it would be a perfect setting for Amanda’s next adventure.
Hop over and read more about my inspiration, and what I like and don’t like about writing.
http://allanhudson.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-story-behind-story-with-author.html
Allan Hudson is an accomplished author from New Brunswick, Canada. I recently read his novel Father.
Blurb for Father by Allan Hudson
In 1942 everything is going good for Tanner Hill. He has a good job, two healthy sons and a wife who loves him. As he makes lots of extra cash with his moonshine, he can afford many luxuries his neighbours cannot. And he’s not worried about conscription.
However, he soon realizes good things do not last forever. One argument after church with a disgruntled man with revenge on his mind and Tanner’s world is turned upside down. Forced into making a choice, Tanner chooses to follow his brothers and enlists. He leaves for the fighting so far away as a private in the Royal Canadian Engineers.
It will be three years until Tanner returns home. It won’t be the same.
Here is my review:
A quick read that carries a punch. There are no wasted words in this tale about family and the effects of war on relationships. The characters are real and relatable. The main character, Tanner Hill, is a flawed individual, but one you can’t help but love. The author paints a picture, with carefully chosen words, that take the reader to a specific time and place. An enjoyable read, I recommend this book. – Darlene Foster
Available on all Amazon sites
Book Review: Amanda in France – Fire in the Cathedral by Darlene Foster (Amanda Travels Adventure Book 9) #childrensbooks #kidslit
Posted August 7, 2022
on:- In: Books | guest posts | reviews
- 33 Comments
Another great review for Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral by Toni Pike. Toni is a multi-genre Australian author who enjoys writing page-turning fiction for adults, hilarious books for children, and non-fiction. Please check out her blog and her books. I am so delighted that readers all over the world are enjoying my latest book.
I was delighted to hear that Darlene Foster had written another exciting adventure in the Amanda Travels series – and this time it is set in Paris, one of my favourite cities. It’s available now for pre-order, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive an advance copy for my honest review.
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- In: Books | reviews
- 100 Comments
I’ve created a short trailer for Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral. Let me know what you think of it.
MJ Mallon posted a review of Amanda in France on her blog which made me very happy.

My Review
Amanda in France: Fire in the Cathedral by Darlene Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series of books set in different countries is a fun and clever way to introduce youngsters to different cultures.
Darlene Foster’s entertaining style draws the reader in and keeps their attention throughout. In this latest adventure, Amanda in France, we are treated to the wonders of Paris with mention of many famous places.
Read more of Marje’s review here
I’m so pleased with the positive reviews and feedback I have received for this, the ninth book in the Amanda Travels series.
Thank you all for the amazing support this blogging community provides. You have made this journey so much better.

A Great Review
Posted April 21, 2022
on:- In: Books | reviews
- 50 Comments
Writer D. L. Finn posted an awesome review of Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady along with reviews of two other amazing books. Check out her blog and learn about her own wonderful books.
Embrace your inner child with a huge hug by reading a great book! D. L. Finn

The attention to detail was amazing, and it was like I had gone on tour with Amanda. Read more here