This is a lovely middle grade novel that whisks you away to the island of Malta. I've never been but have heard a lot of rave stories about Malta and Amanda in Malta made me want to visit!

I loved the adventure aspect in this particular story, author Darlene Foster did a great job in creating a captivating and exciting story. Amanda sets off to find her friend Leah who disappears, and later the Sleeping Lady artifact goes missing too!

There are many great scenes in the book which will appeal to children: The Popeye Theme Park in Malta, (I loved Popeye as a child!) Marsaxlokk, (a charming fishing village,) the bird sanctuary island - Filfla, boat trips, island hops, Falconry centres and details about the eye of Osiris and dangers of anaphlaxtic shock!

It is also quite educational in places too.

There are humorous passages to make you laugh. I am sure this would appeal to youngsters and some young at heart adults too!

Amanda receives a message from her best friend, Leah, in Malta with her archaeologist aunt and is concerned she might be in trouble. When offered a spring trip to Malta with her friend, Caleb, and his parents, she grabs the opportunity and soon finds herself in the middle of a dangerous situation.

Set on the beautiful island of Malta, Amanda works with Caleb to find Leah and try to figure out the mystery of a missing museum artifact somehow tied in to a rash of killings involving endangered birds.

Armchair travel has never been so exciting!

I love the author’s ability to bring the settings alive, from the Blue Grotto to a beautiful cathedral in Valletta, all while keeping the suspense high.

This is a great addition to the Anada series- a great read!

While I am not a 7-12 year old who would be the target audience for this enchanting story I loved learning about Malta through Amanda's eyes. Author Darlene Foster has such a great way to tell a story and impart information about a location at the same time that I found myself thinking "Hey- I want to go to Malta!". I think that is the sign of a great writer when the reader wants to visit the place that is written about in the book.

The Amanda series is such a wonderful series and with each adventure young readers are able to learn a little bit more about the country that Amanda is visiting. This time she is drawn to Malta by her BFF who alludes to being in some sort of trouble and in true Amanda style she is able to come to the rescue.

From jellyfish stings, to sightseeing, to eating lots of native food and even visiting a Cat Cafe (my favorite) Amanda manages to take in a lot of what Malta has to offer.

If you have a young reader in your life this is definitely a series for them. Thanks to author Darlene Foster, her publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy for my honest review. Definitely one for your child's bookshelf.

I received an advanced copy of, Amanda in Malta, by Darlene Foster. This is a really cute book. I liked the characters and the setting. I have always wanted to visit Malta. Amanda's friend needs help and Amanda travels to Malta to help, Leah.