Come and see me at Redwings Book festival!

Hello!

Last time I wrote, I was laid low with the flu and we were in bleak midwinter. I'm very happy to report that I'm now feeling A-OK and spring has most definitely sprung!

It's been a busy few months, the highlight of which was a two-week holiday in Mauritius to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary.

Adrian and I had an amazing couple of weeks chilling on the beach and exploring this beautiful island. We hiked up a mountain in the Black River Gorges National Park, visited a vanilla farm, haggled with traders at colourful markets, snorkelled in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean and explored the island's vibrant capital city, Port Louis.

Here are just a few photos from our trip:

Since I've been back I've enjoyed some lovely hacks on Dobbie.

Spring is definitely my favourite time of the year to go for a ride, and the bluebells here in Kent were amazing this year, as you can see!

It's hard to believe The Handsome One will be 17 next month.

He's looking amazing and has more beans now than when I first started riding him back in 2017, almost eight years ago.

I do love being his honorary auntie!

[See if you can spot his tongue!]

In other news, Czech publisher Fragment continue to work their way through their translations of the Riverdale Pony Stories, and have just published the eighth book in the series, The Mystery of Riverdale Tor.

I received a couple of complimentary copies in the post the other day, and I love what they've done with the cover.

I'm so thrilled that pony-mad young readers in the Czech Republic get to enjoy Poppy and Cloud's adventures. I'm keeping everything crossed they'll complete the set with Czech editions of Books 9 and 10 very soon.

Finally, I'm over the moon to be attending the second Redwings Book Festival, which is being held at Redwings Horse Sanctuary's Caldecott Visitor Centre in Norfolk on Saturday 14 June.

I’ll be joining my friends and fellow pony book authors Cressida Burton and Jane Badger for a panel on Writing for Children (and why we love pony books!), hosted by Anna Sewell and Black Beauty expert Professor Tom Ruys Smith.

If you love classic pony stories or just want to chat about all things equestrian fiction, I’d love to see you there!

The festival is a celebration of books and animals (a perfect combo!) and features some incredible authors across different genres.

Plus, you’ll get to meet some of Redwings’ rescued residents, including a special donkey reception to kick things off!

Tickets are only £20 for the whole day and are on sale now.

Redwings Book Festival 2025

Date: Saturday June 14th 2025

Start time: 10am

Location: Redwings Caldecott, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Audience: Suitable for all ages

Duration: 7 hours

Price: £20. Free entry for children aged 16 and under

Tickets: Book your ticket here

That's all from me for now. Have a great summer and I'll be in touch soon.

In the meantime, happy reading!

Amanda