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 something bad happens?
Join Amanda as she explores the exciting streets of Paris, the fabulous Palace of Versailles and the gardens of the painter Claude Monet, all the time looking for clues as to who would want to destroy such a beautiful, historic cathedral.
Join Amanda as she explores the exciting streets and sites around Paris, all the while looking for clues as to who would want to destroy such a beautiful, historic place.
I’ve armchair traveled with Amanda a few times now, and I was thrilled to experience France with her this time around.
Even though these books are geared toward the younger crowd, I learn something about the different countries every time. Here are just a few examples from France: the purpose of gargoyles, there’s a lake beneath the Palais Garnier (just like Phantom of the Opera!), and the Louvre was originally a royal palace. Evidently I never paid much attention in history class.
Amanda has a talent for attracting trouble, and she’s not in Paris long before strange occurrences begin. Why do they keep running into the same man everywhere they go? Who went through Aunt Jenny’s belongings in their room at Shakespeare and Company? Can their new friend Pierre be trusted? Amanda and her friend Leah (who’s beginning to show signs of classic teen moodiness) find themselves in the middle of a mystery all while touring the wonderful sites (and food!) Paris has to offer.
This is a fast-paced story easily finished in under two hours. I highly recommend this series as a way to introduce kids to different countries and cultures. Solving mysteries with Amanda is just a bonus.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I can see that about the Louvre. The way it’s situated definitely looks like it was a palace. This sounds like an interesting series. Excellent review!
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I love how Darlene visits all the places, makes notes, and then adds them to the books. Sure makes it feel authentic. Thanks, Tessa!
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Thanks, Lady Tessa.
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I’m excited to read this book and learn about Paris. Good review, Teri!
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I never knew you could stay at Shakespeare and Company in exchange for volunteering in the bookstore. They’d never get me to leave, Priscilla.
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Thanks, Priscilla. Teri writes such great reviews.
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Great review, Teri. Congrats to darlene! 💕🙂
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Thanks, Harmony! I really enjoy these books and going on adventures with Amanda and friends.
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Thanks, Harmony.
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Thanks for this terrific review, Teri. I am over the moon that you enjoyed the adventure and learned a few things too. My job is done!!
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My previous history teachers probably aren’t very thrilled at my lack of knowledge, so thanks for re-educating me, Darlene!
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Super review, Teri. Darlene is a treasure for sure,
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Thanks, John – and no argument there!
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😊
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Thanks, John for your kind words.
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It sounds like Amanda really has a lot on her plate with this one!
Congrats to Darlene!
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She’s kind of a magnet for trouble, Mae, lol.
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Thanks, Mae. Amanda does tend to attract trouble but nothing more than she can handle!
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Celebrating Darlene’s (and Amanda’s) every success!
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Same here, Annette!
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Thanks so much, Annette.
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Hi Teri. I wasn’t expecting to find Amanda here — but it’s a delight to see her anywhere. Kudos to Darlene on this one.
I’ve been getting fascinated with Paris too, via the “Accidental Alchemist” series. I will definitely have to read Amanda’s take on the city.
Hugs to you both!
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It was such a fun adventure, Teagan. Darlene always incorporates local foods into the stories – which leaves me drooling, of course. I’ll have to look into the Accidental Alchemist series. The title alone intrigues me. Hugs!
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It’s a bit of a mash-up, urban fantasy, alchemy, cozy mystery — and food. I’ve been listening on Audible. I see there are 6 books and a novella in the series (so far?).
https://marianallen.com/2022/09/queen-victoria-and-betty-boop-walk-into-a-bar-mondayrecommends-and-nailart/
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Good grief… My lemon computer posted the wrong link. So sorry…
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Paris is fascinating and right up your street!
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I want to armchair travel with Amanda too! Nice review, Teri. I never think of reading children’s books to learn more about places, but it sure makes sense.
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Honestly, I’ve been embarrassed at how little I’ve known about the places I’ve visited with Amanda, Wendy. With this series the reader gets an education plus a mystery!
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Thanks, Wendy. Kids love learning about other places, as do adults!
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Great review, Teri. Even though the books are for kids, I’ve read a couple of them before traveling, just to get ideas. So informative as well as fun stories. Congrats to Darlene, and thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
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Right? Darlene touches on some of the best places to visit and gives background info about each. Maybe she should look into being a travel agent as a side gig.
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Lol. She’s too busy writing more books!
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Thanks, Diana. I love that you use my books for research on places you plan to visit. xo
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I felt that way with Trixie Belden mysteries when I was a kid. The crimes were easy enough to solve, but I learned about other places/people/things as I read. Great review, Teri.
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Trixie Belden! I haven’t thought about those books in years, but I can still remember having a few of them. Thanks for the reminder, Staci!
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I also loved the Trixie Belden books but not many others recall them. Glad to find two kindred spirits here. Xo
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It’s it great how many things we can find to bond over, Darlene?
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That should have been “isn’t it great…” (sigh).
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I love that term: armchair travel 🤣 because that’s what books do for us!
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Exactly! Sometimes on this planet, sometimes another world. I’m always up for the journey, Sophie.
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Armchair travel is as good as the real thing! Books are the best way to see the world without leaving your house.
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HI Teri, a lovely review of Darlene’s new book. I also have it on my radar.
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You’ll love it, Robbie – enjoy the trip!
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Thanks, Roberta!
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Reblogged this on Darlene Foster's Blog and commented:
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.
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Thanks for reblogging and the kind words, Darlene! Hope you had wonderful travels.
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I had a great time, now catching up.
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Congratulations to Darlene on the wonderful review! I enjoyed the book as well.
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Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, Darlene.
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I’m also a confirmed fan, Liz. I can always count on an educational read combined with a mystery.
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Great review of a wonderful book by an author I trust. Thank you, Teri!
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Thanks, Marian – and thanks for visiting!
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Congratulations on the great review, Darlene! I hope to get to this fantastic setting someday.
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You would love it, Pete!
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