Amanda Skenandore is a local 'to my neck of the woods' Colorado girl, now in Vegas. She's a historical novelist. And a nurse! And I didn't know that until our discussion. I guess I should have picked up on it when reading her newest book, coming out THIS WEEK! Tomorrow, July 27th actually, The Second Life of Mirielle West. It is set in the 1930s in the U.S. leper colony in Louisiana.

Yes, you read that right! I didn't know the U.S. had a leper colony and didn't know that folks in the U.S. still have leprosy today till I read her book. You'll learn a lot by reading it and listening to this discussion. It was amazing to discuss leprosy and covid with an infection disease prevention nurse. You'll definitely be thinking about what our covid historical fiction will be like, thus history has its eyes on you. Thanks Hamilton!

Amanda Skenandore is the award-winning author of three historical novels, The Second Life of Mirielle West, The Undertaker’s Assistant, and Between Earth & Sky. She’s also a registered nurse and certified infection preventionist. When she’s not writing or chasing germs, Amanda spends her time curled up on the couch with a book and cup of tea, or propagating her many houseplants. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their pet turtle Lenore. https://www.amandaskenandore.com/

At the time of our discussion in May, events were iffy, but now she has a bunch lined up: https://www.amandaskenandore.com/events/

Here's her 3 novels, listed with the most recent first. Remember, if you buy from these links, you support Amanda, ME and independent bookstores:

The Second Life of Mirielle West: https://bookshop.org/a/8901/9781496726513

The Undertaker's Assistant: https://bookshop.org/a/8901/9781496713681

Between Earth and Sky: https://bookshop.org/a/8901/9781496713667
This novel is about the schools for Native Americans that have been so much in the news recently. If I had realized that at the time I certainly would have brought it up.

Other things discussed:
Coney Island Boardwalk in Bailey: https://www.facebook.com/ConeyBailey/

Up with People:https://upwithpeople.org/