I’m so excited to be part of Darlene Fosters launch of her eleventh Amanda book–Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady. This is a wonderful series that take kids all over the world to not only solve mysteries but visit some of the planet’s exquisite sights.
Before we get to my review of this book (spoiler: This Amanda story is great) and let you read an excerpt that will whet your appetite, I had the opportunity chat with Darlene about this book:
Why did you choose Malta as the setting for this adventure?
When I started to write this series, my goal was to introduce readers to interesting locations that may not be that well known. Malta is one such place. It’s not a country many people get to or know much about. My husband and I visited Valletta, the capital, for half a day while on a cruise. We loved it and decided to return for a week a year later. While we were there, I kept saying, “Amanda would love it here.” So, it was not surprising that I choose Malta for Amanda´s next adventure
How do you do your research for each book?
I start my research while I am visiting the location. I take many pictures and copious notes. I write in my journal every evening so I don’t forget things. I also pick up brochures, postcards and magazines while there. While I´m writing, I refer back to my pictures and notes. I also do research on the internet. I find YouTube videos are great as I get the feeling of being there, as are travel blogs. If I can find books or movies that take place in the location, they help with the research as well. There is one scene in Amanda in Malta that came from a news clip I saw on Facebook.
My Review
Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion:
In Darlene Foster’s eleventh in the popular Amanda Travels Adventures series, Amanda in Malta: The Sleeping Lady (Central Avenue Publishing 2021), Amanda receives a postcard from a girlfriend in Malta (a Mediterranean island between Italy and Africa) saying she is in trouble and needs help. As Amanda tries to figure out how to wrangle a trip to this distant location, a friend invites her to join him on a Malta vacation to replace another friend who cancelled. Amanda snaps up the opportunity. Once she is in Malta, her task is to find her friend and help her solve the trouble she is in without involving the family that is hosting her (so they aren’t exposed to undo danger, I suspect). It doesn’t take long before Amanda is embroiled in two mysteries: One, a plot to steal a priceless museum piece, and two, the horrible killing of the island’s endangered storks.
Amanda likes problems, the more complicated the better, so not surprisingly, figures out how to solve both of these while exploring the beauty and sights of this amazing little country. Look at some of the locations she visits:
As always Amanda learns a lot which means I–as the reader–do too:
“’Rambling??’ Caleb raised his eyebrows. ‘That’s what British people call hiking or going for a walk.'”
This is one of the best travel adventures available for youthful readers. The pace is quick but not so fast readers miss the excitement of visiting amazing locations. The characters are endearing with a nice mix of old favorites from prior Amanda books and new folks she meets through her Malta trip (if you know Amanda, you know she is gregarious, fun, and never misses an opportunity to meet new people). Kudos to the author for her creativity and ability to weave problem-solving skills in with the excitement of our planet.
Excerpt
She had been in Malta only a couple of hours and already Amanda’s head spun trying to take in everything. The taxi driver drove her, Caleb, and his parents from the airport to Valletta, the capital city. He dropped them off at the entrance of a cobblestone street, indicating their place was through the archway.
“I just love these colourful doors. They break up the sandstone buildings. From the air it looked like we were about to land on a city of sandcastles.” Amanda studied a worn blue door in front of her. “Look at this cool doorknocker. It’s in the shape of a seahorse.”
“Well, so it is!” Caleb lifted his camera to take a close-up picture.
Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen walked ahead, dragging suitcases behind them. On the phone in his other hand, Caleb’s 5 dad studied a Google map. “I’m sure the place we rented must be near.”
Mrs. Sorensen sighed and adjusted her shoulder bag.
“Should I carry that, Mom?” asked Caleb.
“I’m OK. You look after your roller bag and camera.”
“Here!” Caleb’s dad pointed down a narrow alleyway. “Our place is down there. No wonder the taxi couldn’t bring us right to the door.”
They trundled along cobblestones, suitcases thumping behind them. Amanda looked up at the colourful, square, closed-in balconies. “This place is so awesome!”
Mr. Sorensen stopped in front of an elegant wrought iron gate. He punched in numbers on the intercom pad. The gate slowly creaked open. They walked through it and past a welcoming pool with crystal clear water surrounded by lush bushes and flowers. In a corner, a fountain spouted, creating rainbows in the air.
“Oh, my. This is charming,” exclaimed Mrs. Sorensen as they entered the apartment. “There is a bedroom for you, Amanda, with your own bathroom.” She pointed down the hall. “Neil and I will have the room on the right. Caleb can sleep on the foldout couch here in the living room.”
“Are you sure? Caleb, do you mind sleeping in here?” Amanda asked.
“Heck no. I don’t care where I sleep. Besides, the TV is in here, so I’m good.”
“We didn’t come to Malta to watch television,” said his mom as she pulled the kettle out of a cupboard. “Let’s get settled in and have a cup of tea. Then we can explore the neighbourhood and pick up a few groceries. I know I’m going to like it here.”
“I really would like to find my friend,” said Amanda, anxious to connect with Leah and find out what she meant by something’s not right.
“Do you have her address?” asked Mr. Sorensen. “I can plug it into Google Maps and see where it is.”
Amanda dug the address out of her backpack and handed it to him. “It doesn’t look very far from here.” He looked up from his phone. “Should we go and find her now?
Here are the buy links
Amazon Canada here
Amazon UK here
Amazon US here
Barnes and Noble here
Chapters/Indigo here
About the Author
Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, traveling 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 traveling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining dog, Dot.
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Laws of Nature, Summer 2021.
Thanks for this. Planning to travel next year.
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Darlene has written a slew of middle-age travel books. I thoroughly enjoy them.
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I like books that make me feel as though I am in that location. Looking forward to reading this. Have you read all 11?
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Darlene does that so well, in words both kids and adults will like. It’s a good read.
I’ve read about four of them and they’re all similarly excellent.
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Excellent. I look forward to reading it. Do you have a favourite?
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It might be this one. I knew nothing about Malta and now I want to visit!
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Great post and fabulous review, Jacqui! I just read and reviewed it so the excerpt is fresh to me. Darlene will be my guest tomorrow!
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I’ll come over. Coffee? I’ve been working on my ms so I need a dose of caffeine! I even missed a few walks!
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Oh, sorry, no coffee because I scheduled it to be live tonight at 9pm that is 6am the next day in Spain.
Wait, what have you been working on?
I got a chill on the plane and came home with a runny nose for several days. I missed my walks also.
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Oh yeah, I see your point. It would keep me awake!
I got my final draft finished yesterday! I’m so excited–sent it to my editor and took a break. Today, I’ll work on marketing stuff. I wanted it done before I go visit my sister and did it! Yay!
Can you tell I’m happy? Now take care of your cold!
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Oh wow, you’re so good in keeping your timeline of your books. Hooray for the progress! Do you have a pool to send out the ARC? Your books have more reviews than other blogger authors.
Visiting your sister to celebrate is an excellent idea. Is she in Japan or Hawaii?!?! 😂🌺💖
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I do have several efriends who agree to read and share their love of the book to kick start things. I am so appreciate of people like that. I won’t send them copies until my editor finishes her work. Lots to juggle as you know!
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My cold is getting better. Happy that I didn’t have to take any meds.
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Another wonderful post and excerpt for Darlene’s newest. Congrats again! 🙂
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This is an impressive series.
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Thanks, Debby! xo
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xxx
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Want to read – proof of a great review.. and admit envy too.. Before covid, my poor husband was sent to Malta, all by himself, to work..
Caleb’s explanation of ‘ rambling’ ? As a Brit, this sounds like an older generation word .Most people hike or walk..
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What a place to work! I hope it went well for him. I thought ‘rambling’ was a Brit word. Wherever it came from, I like it.
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Thanks, Esther! I saw rambling on a sign in Malta and thought I just had to include it. It is quaint but still apparently used in Malta. I love the different words we use for the same thing. I hope your husband had a nice time in Malta, even if it was for work.
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Loved it, of course. And Prague, though I managed to visit him for a week.
Ramble ? Old world charm, definitely.
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Great review. The book sounds like all kinds of fun.
Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Sandra!
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Fun is the right word for it. Kids learn about other countries while solving a murder. I love that approach.
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Wonderful review on an exciting book, Jacqui! Congrats to Darlene on her new release- I love the cover!
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She keeps coming up with great locations!
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Thanks, Jacquie! I love that cover too.
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what a wonderful way to introduce children to the world!
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The world is a big place. I don’t think I’ve been to any of the place Darlene talks about in her books.
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That was my goal. Thanks so much.
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Super interview and review, Jacqui. I love the Amanda books!
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I saw your review of this one (I think it was this one). I loved it. Thanks for dropping by, Jennie.
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My pleasure, Jacqui. I reviewed Holland and also Alberta, not Malta.
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That puts me squarely in the ‘visual learner’ category. I remembered the picture of you holding the book but none of the text!
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I am a total visual learner! Give me a photo, and I’ve got it. I’m in your corner!
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🙂
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Thanks, Jennie. So pleased you enjoy Amanda’s adventures.
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You’re welcome, Darlene. 🙂
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A great review! Charlotte will be looking forward to reading this new Amanda adventure and so will I! Congratulations, Darlene.
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I need an energetic Amanda in my life!
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I’m so pleased Charlotte is still enjoying the adventures.
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This is a really splendid review, Jacqui. Darlene must be delighted.
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I am over the moon with this and all the great reviews Amanda in Malta has been getting. So pleased everyone is liking the story. Thanks!!
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I like Darlene’s approach to choosing a subject/place that most readers might not know that much about.
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When I discover a unique place, I want the world to know about it! Amanda lets me do that.
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This is a great review, and the book sounds exciting!
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Thanks, Kymber!
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Thanks so much!
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Fabulous review and tour post for AMANDA’s latest travel, Jacqui! ❤ Keep shining, Darlene!
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Thanks, Bette. Someday, I may get there!
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Thanks, Bette. The support has been phenomenal.
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It sounds like another fun adventure. I added it to my TBR list.
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Thanks so much!!
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I know they’re for MG but the travel notes are perfect for adults.
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Amanda in Malta sounds like such a fun and interesting book! Very informative about how to use multiple resources to research a location – thanks for the great tips. Best wishes to Darlene Foster.
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Thanks, Sharon. Glad you liked the tips.
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Such a clever idea for a series!
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Definitely!
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It’s awesome to see Darlene all over the web today with this new book! Thank you for sharing your review, Jacqui! My interest is piqued!
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Thanks, Jan. Amanda and I are delighted with the response.
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Isn’t it! I love seeing how other bloggers share book launches. It always gives me ideas.
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Yay! Congrats to Darlene on her tour. I’ve seen nothing but praise for her latest book. Fabulous review, Jacqui.
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Another thing I didn’t mention is that this one (probably all) are exactly the right length and blend of travel and adventure.
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Great point, Jacqui. I read the Holland one, and plan on reading New Mexico in prep for a spring trip. They’re fun and informative!
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I had that feeling too, reading this one. If I ever go to Malta, this is my travel itinerary.
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I’d do the same. 😀
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Thanks, Diana. I am over the moon with the reviews and response to this book.
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You have quite a fan club, Darlene. 😀
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Amanda books are awesome Jacqui. Congratulations to Darlene for adding another one to the series. Wishing her great success. 😊💕
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There aren’t a lot of books like this one out there for YA.
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Thank you so much for your good wishes, Balroop.
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Jacqui, a lovely review of Darlene’s latest book! Only too happy to share and I’ve posted my review on Amazon UK this morning!
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I posted at 7 am my time (West Coast of the US) and was not the first. She has some energy going with this book!
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It is so wonderful that the book is getting such great reviews and all over the English speaking/reading world too. Thanks for posting on Amazon UK.
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Love travel stories. Escape to new places without leaving your home.
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Especially now that we can´t travel! Thanks, Grace.
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I had no idea Malta had so many sights. This was a fun book.
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So happy for Darlene and wising her great success with Amanda’s latest travels. Glad to see you getting her book launch off the ground, Jacqui!
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Thanks so much. Jacqui has given this book a great send off.
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Darlene does an amazing job with these books. I don’t really like the physical aspects of traveling (all the unknowns) so these are a perfect replacement.
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Yes, I’m not a big traveler either, but I do like reading about different places around the world.
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Aw, this sounds fun and adorable. Good excerpt!
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Thanks, Pricilla.
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It is! She’s done it again!
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Dear Jacqui,
thanks for sharing this little interview of Darlene.
All the best
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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Thanks, Klausbernd.
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You are ery welcome
Keep well
Klausbernd 🙂
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Thanks, Klausbernd. Maybe Darlene will take her series to your corner of the world. Thanks to you, I know there are a lot of intriguing sights there.
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Well, who knows?
We already have quite a successful author who writes crime set around here and even in our village. That’s Elly Griffiths. There are some novels published set in our village.
Darlene may find old socery used at Sea Henge or meet Anne Bloleyn in her carriage drawn by headless horses.
Greeting from the sea
Klausbernd 🙂
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I love her books. How did I not put it together that she talks about your area? I’ve read most of those books.
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Der Jacqui,
her last book “The Night Hawks” is set on the Blakeney Point where Dina and I are voluntary wardens. Most of her other books play not far from where we live. She used to live on our coast. For every new book she visits the educational centre of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust in Cley next the Sea at the beginnng of her lecture tour (we don’t know why). So we started talk from author to author.
You know quite a lot about our North Norfolk coast from her books.
Kb
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From reading the excerpt, I’ll bet every twelve-year-old girl would love to be Amanda, setting off on a grand adventure!
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Glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Liz.
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She’s a fairly normal pre-teen–what any girl could be–except for her curiosity and bias for action. They really set her apart.
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Thanks so much, Jacqui for kicking off the blog launch with such an amazing review and post!! You are the best!!
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My pleasure, Darlene. I posted my review on Amazon this morning and you already had one! Woot! You are off and running.
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Congrats to Darlene! This sounds like a fantastic series for kids. I love that she combines mysteries with different locations that she personally visits.
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Thanks, Natalie. The location is almost another character.
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So do I. It gives it an authenticity that makes it hard to put down.
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This entire series sounds so fun. Congratulations to Darlene! Thanks for sharing, Jacqui!
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Thanks, Jill.
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Darlene has really carved a niche for herself with this series.
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Congratulations to Darlene. It sounds like another charming Amanda adventure. I like how well traveled Amanda is. The Malta location is so exotic!
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Thanks, mae. Malta was a fun setting to work with.
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And unexpected, don’t you think? I never would have thought of Malta as a destination.
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