NADINE BRANDES once spent four days as a sea cook in the name of book research. She is the author of the award-winning ROMANOV, FAWKES, and the Out of Time Series. Her inner fangirl perks up at the mention of soul-talk, Quidditch, bookstagram, and Oreos. When she's not busy writing novels about bold living, she's adventuring through Middle Earth or taste-testing a new chai. She and her Auror husband are building a Tiny House on wheels with their Halfling children. Current mission: paint the world in shalom.

New Year, New Books, New Plans

Another year out and a new year in. I know that everyone and their pet candle is writing a “summary of 2017” or “look out 2018!” post….and I’m not even ashamed to be joining in. Why? Because it’s the new year and I honestly can’t think of what else I… Continue reading

To Blog? Or Not to Blog? (Also known as “To drown? Or not to drown?”) – December Blog Hiatus

HAPPY DECEMBERRRRRR! Last year I blogged through the month of December, chanting to myself, “Neither rain, nor sleet, nor sun, nor avalanche!!!!” and….it. was. so. hard. I was traveling and editing and trying to write and planning to teach at a conference and…*deep breath* Another thing I noticed was that… Continue reading

15 Christmas Gifts for the Bookworm in Your Life

We all have them in our lives. Chances are that you ARE one. A bookworm. And it’s Christmas time. Personally, I think bookworms are the easiest people in the world to shop for. Barnes & Noble gift card. Duh. BUT over the years I’ve learned about some other fantastic items… Continue reading

ADVENTURING AUTHOR: Book Research in England

I didn’t exactly blast this to the world but…I went to England this month. No big deal (she says, screaming.) And I’m sharing a glimpse into that adventure because tomorrow is Thanksgiving and all I keep thinking is, “Wow. God has given me an amazing life. And I want to share… Continue reading

FAWKES: Cover Reveal Time!!!

People. WE. HAVE. A. COVER. My new novel, Fawkes, is a historical fantasy retelling of The Gunpowder Plot. It releases from Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins next year! (squeal) Not only do I have a cover for you, but I also have the blurb, release date, and….PRE-ORDERS!!! But…I know you’re not able to concentrate. In… Continue reading

What are you reading for New Testament November? (#NTNovember)

Last month we did #OTOctober — reading through the Old Testament (or at least portions of it) all month. It was fun seeing people share the books they were tackling, the verses that stood out, the new revelations that came. I started in Deuteronomy and ended up jumping to Proverbs… Continue reading

Hard vs. Bad…Thoughts From a Tough-Weekend Survivor.

I had a hard weekend. As I shared that on my social media on Monday, I realized that I was about to get a wave of “I’m sorrys” from my sweet followers. And while I appreciate the comfort and encouragement and prayers, I wanted to clarify: A hard weekend doesn’t… Continue reading