She was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and graduated with a degree in literature.

After graduation, her big break occurred in 2007 with the publication of her first mainstream novel, Garden Spells, a modern-day fairy tale about an enchanted apple tree and the family of North Carolina women who tend it. Booklist called Sarah's accomplished debut "spellbindingly charming." The novel became a Barnes & Noble Recommends selection, and a New York Times Bestseller.

After publishing four bestselling books in five years, Allen took a break from writing when she was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer in early 2011 at age 39. She is now in remission and returned to writing with her 2014 bestseller Lost Lake. In 2015, she revisited the setting of her first book with First Frost which continues the story of the Waverly Sisters from Garden Spells.

When asked about her writing process she said; "I start with a loose storyline, then see where it goes" Her books have been translated into 30 languages and sold nearly 2 million copies.

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