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Sara Addison Allen is a literary fiction author best known for her novels of fairy tale magic, heartwarming romance, and small town feel. She became a New York Times Bestselling Author with the publication of her novel Garden Spells in 2007. Other published books by Allen include The Sugar Queen (2008), The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010), and The Peach Keeper (2011).

About Allen

Sarah Addison Allen was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She received her Bachelors degree in literature and shortly after her graduation in 1994 published the New York Times bestseller Garden Spells, also recognized as a Barnes and Nobel recommends selection. In her words, she explains earning her degree in literature: "I thought it was amazing that I could get a diploma just for reading fiction. It was like being able to major in eating chocolate".

Her elegant imagination was likely sparked by her parents creativity. Allen's father was a journalist, her mother a cook. Her father was a copy editor, a reporter, and an award winning journalist for the local paper in Asheville "Allen." Sarah Addison. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Oct. 2012. . .

Garden Spells (2007)

Garden Spells was Allen's breakthrough novel published in 2007. Garden Spells tells the story of a curious family, the Waverley's, from Bascom, North Carolina. On the Waverley property sits an old, enchanted apple tree. Clair Waverley is a successful caterer who uses magical plants in her cooking. Clair's rebellious sister, Sydney, abandons Bascom and her odd family as soon as she can. Years later, Clair returns with a young daughter. The sister's must learn to forgive and heal in the house they were both raised in together.

The Sugar Queen (2008)

Josey Cirinni is a poor excuse for a Southern belle. She settles down south with her mother, and her life quickly becomes uneventful. To occupy her time, she escapes to a secret stash of sweets and reads enchanting romance novels. Josey's narrow world changes when she discovers Della Lee Baker in her closet, a fairy godmother like figure towards Josey. Due to Dalla Lee Bakers appearance, Josey meets new people and discovers adventures far beyond what she would have imagined could happen at her once bland, inactive home.

The Girl Who Chased the Moon (2010)

Emily Benedict travels to Mullaby, North Carolina in hopes of discovering the answers to questions surrounding her mother's death. Upon reaching her mother's childhood house, she reunites with her grandfather. While staying in Mullaby she learns that mysteries in the town are a way of life, and often are not solved: strange lights dance across the yard at night and wallpaper changes to suit your mood.

Another character resides in the town of Mullaby; Julia Winterson is an adored member of the community who cannot help but bake cakes for everyone. Though the town loves her baking, the cakes symbolize more than a friendly dessert. Julia bakes for fear of regaining a love she ''fears she's lost forever.

The Peach Keeper (2011)

Willa Jackson is the decendent of once well known, weathly, Southerners who fell years ago to financial ruin. The Blue Ridge Madam is the empty, once elegant home that serves as the last of the family monuments. Soon Willa learns that the home has been restored by Paxton Osgood who hopes to transform the old southern mansion into an inn. While restoring the home, the 75 year old skeleton of a traveling salesman is unearthed. Paxton and Willa work together to solve the mystery that surrounds their families, the Blue Ridge Madam and the town of Walls of Water, North Carolina.

Literary Fiction

Allen's style of writing is considered literary fiction. Fiction is a genre of writing that is composed of made up characters, settings, or ideas. Often times, however, a fictional work is centered around real life people, locations, or events. “The word 'fiction' comes from the Latin verb fingere, which means to fashion or form. It is usually used to denote both the activity of inventive imagining, or the products of such an activity: imaginative narratives or objects (characters, places, and events). Fiction is normally contrasted with reality: engaging with a fictional world involves recognizing that its denizens have been excluded from the realm of actuality”.