Picture a Las Vegas storyteller who weaves history and heart into unforgettable tales—meet Amanda Skenandore! This bestselling historical fiction author, also an infection prevention nurse, crafts novels that shine a light on forgotten corners of the past. From Native American boarding schools to America’s first nursing school, her stories pulse with themes of identity, resilience, and social change, all wrapped in meticulous research and vivid prose.
With her debut novel, Between Earth and Sky, Skenandore burst onto the literary scene in 2018, earning accolades like the American Library Association’s Reading List Award for Best Historical Fiction. Her unique blend of medical expertise and narrative flair makes her a standout voice in historical fiction, inviting readers to explore the human side of history’s toughest moments.
The Making of Amanda Skenandore
Born into a family of scientists who traded Vulcan salutes and corny math jokes, Amanda Skenandore grew up in the Colorado Rockies, surrounded by books and a love for storytelling. A self-described daydreamer, she struggled with dyslexia but never let it dim her passion for reading and writing. After flirting with various college majors, she chose nursing—a practical path she initially dreaded. Yet, just before turning 30, a short-story workshop reignited her creative spark, prompting her to chase her true calling as a writer.
Skenandore quit her full-time nursing job, took a part-time role as an infection prevention nurse, and dove into writing. It wasn’t easy—her first novel went unpublished, and it took six years to find an agent. But her persistence paid off with Between Earth and Sky, a testament to her grit and talent. Today, she lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their pet turtle, Lenore, balancing nursing and novel-writing with a gardener’s zeal and a traveler’s heart.
Amanda Skenandore’s Unforgettable Stories
Skenandore’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending her nursing background with deep dives into lesser-known historical moments. Her debut, Between Earth and Sky (2018), explores the devastating legacy of Native American boarding schools through a poignant coming-of-age story. Inspired by her mother-in-law’s Ojibwe heritage, it tackles cultural identity and assimilation with emotional depth, earning praise for its vivid prose and unflinching honesty.
She followed with The Undertaker’s Assistant (2019), set in Reconstruction-era New Orleans, where a young embalmer navigates love and loss. The Second Life of Mirielle West (2021) dives into the 1920s leprosy hospital at Carville, Louisiana, showcasing Skenandore’s knack for turning medical history into gripping human drama. Her 2022 release, The Nurse’s Secret, follows a grifter-turned-nurse in 1880s New York, blending mystery and historical intrigue. Each novel pulses with resilient heroines, rich settings, and themes of justice and belonging.
Skenandore’s style is both compassionate and unflinching, never shying away from the grisly realities of history—be it leprosy’s stigma or the horrors of forced assimilation. Yet her stories brim with hope, making them perfect for readers who crave emotional depth and historical insight. Her 2024 novel, The Medicine Woman of Galveston, continues her streak of illuminating overlooked stories.
Why Amanda Skenandore Matters
Amanda Skenandore’s work does more than entertain—it educates and empathizes. By spotlighting marginalized voices and hidden histories, she challenges readers to confront the past’s complexities. Her novels resonate with book clubs and history buffs alike, sparking discussions about resilience and social change. As a 2024 Nevada Arts Council Literary Fellow, her influence is growing, cementing her as a vital voice in historical fiction.
Her dual career as a nurse and writer adds authenticity that sets her apart. In a world grappling with health crises and cultural divides, Skenandore’s stories feel achingly relevant, reminding us of the strength found in community and compassion. Her ability to humanize history makes her a must-read for anyone seeking stories that linger long after the final page.
- Birthplace: Colorado Rockies
- Key Works: Between Earth and Sky, The Second Life of Mirielle West, The Nurse’s Secret, The Medicine Woman of Galveston
- Awards: American Library Association’s Reading List Award, Nevada Arts Council Literary Fellowship
- Fun Fact: She lives with a pet turtle named Lenore!
Snag Between Earth and Sky or The Second Life of Mirielle West and dive into Amanda Skenandore’s gripping historical fiction! Her stories will tug at your heart and spark your curiosity about the past.