In modern American literature, one of the most popular genres is a love affair.
The plot of these works is based on the romantic relationship of the two main characters: the first meeting, the emergence of feelings and the further development of relationships. Sidelines may also be included, such as detective stories.
The founders of this genre can be considered Jane Austen, who created the cult sentimental novel “Pride and Prejudice”, and Georgette Heyer, who, inspired by Austin, created such works as “The Black Moth”, “Powder and Flies”, “Marriage of convenience” and others.
To date, many modern authors devote their work to the genre of romance. Most of them are women. One of these writers is Sarah Edison Allen, whose book Garden Enchantment has become a bestseller.
Biography
Sarah Edison Allen was born in 1971 in the city of Asheville, which is located in the United States, in the state of North Carolina. Here she spent all her childhood and youth. Sarah's father was a journalist, and her mother a cook, so the girl grew up with a love of literature and good cuisine.
Despite the fact that Sarah always loved to read as a child, she wanted to be a waste management specialist. The idea to become a writer came only after college.
She studied at the local University of North Carolina Asheville, where she received a master's degree in literature.
Sarah Edison's first novel, Garden of Enchantment, was released in 2007 and was almost immediately recognized as a bestseller by the authoritative New York Times.
In 2011, the writer was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing a long course of chemotherapy, she managed to defeat the disease, and Sarah again returned to creativity.
At the moment, in addition to "Garden Enchantment", Allen owns 6 more works. One of them is published under the pseudonym Katie Gallager.
Bibliography: "Garden Enchantment"
In Russian, the novel was first published in 2009 by Eksmo Publishing House and entered the Mona Lisa series.
The abstract states that the action of Sarah Allen’s book "Garden Enchantment" takes place in the family house of the Waverley family, which is located in the middle of a luxurious garden surrounded by a high fence. Many unusual plants grow in this garden, and among them there is an apple tree whose fruits are able to predict the future.
The women of Waverly - Claire and Evanel also have special abilities. One of them is a talented culinary specialist, and can prepare a great dish from any plant. Another often gives loved ones presents with a special meaning. Claire’s younger sister, Sidney, also has an unusual gift, but which one will be revealed later.
Once the peace of three women is disturbed by a suddenly appeared neighbor, intending to completely change the usual life of this house.
Sugar Queen
Another popular novel by Sarah Edison Allen is The Sugar Queen. It was published in Russian in 2010 and, like Garden Enchantment, was included in the Mona Lisa series.
The main character is 27-year-old Josie Sirrini. Her life can hardly be called ideal: a strict despotic mother, whose relationship never developed, self-doubt, shyness, and, as a result, the complete absence of friends. Josie lives by eating sweets, reading romance novels and dreaming of miracles and adventures.
One day, in some incredible way, Josie Sirrini discovers the local rebel Della Lee Barker in his dressing room. From this moment, the girl’s life begins to change dramatically, and some of the events that take place are so incredible that they can be explained only by magic.
Prizes and awards
For her work, Sarah Edison Allen has been awarded numerous awards.
In 2008, the writer received the Southern Book Prize - the debut novel Garden Enchantment was named the best science fiction for women in 2007 and entered the reading list of the American Library Association. In the same year, the work “Sugar Queen” won the “Selection of Reviewers” award.
In 2015, Chapel Hill University of North Carolina's Literature Department recognized Sarah Edison Allen as Honored Writer.
Reader Reviews
Despite the popularity of the genre, romance novels are often criticized and ridiculed - most negative reviews are devoted to the semantic component of the plot and the banal images of the characters.
However, all this cannot be said about the works of Sarah Edison Allen. Her novels are highly rated and popular among both critics and readers.
Fans of the writer's work note the amazing magical atmosphere of her works. The plot is diverse and, unlike typical representatives of the genre, is not based solely on the romantic relationship between the characters. Allen’s novels also have a place for sidelines, no less interesting than the main one.
The books of Sarah Edison Allen can be called light good tales. These bright stories are a great way to relax and spend the evening after a hard day.