Picture a storyteller who weaves romance, history, and a dash of steampunk magic into unforgettable tales—meet Nancy Campbell Allen! This American author from Ogden, Utah, has captivated readers with her genre-blending novels, from historical romances to paranormal adventures. With over 20 published works, Allen’s immersive storytelling and heartfelt characters have earned her awards and a loyal fanbase.
Known for her Regency, Victorian, and steampunk romances, Allen writes with a warmth that pulls readers into her worlds. Whether it’s a retelling of a fairy tale or a suspense-filled mystery, her stories sparkle with wit and charm. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this versatile author!
The Making of Nancy Campbell Allen
Nancy Campbell Allen grew up with a love for books, declaring reading her 'pastime of choice' since first grade. A graduate of Weber State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, she initially pursued teaching but found her true calling in writing. Her early research into the Civil War for her debut novel, Love Beyond Time (1999), sparked a lifelong passion for blending history with romance. Allen’s goal? To craft 'fun fiction' that resonates, particularly with LDS women, offering guilt-free escapes into richly imagined worlds.
Before becoming a full-time author, Allen honed her skills as a ghostwriter and freelance editor, contributing to works like We Knew Howard Hughes. Her dedication to storytelling, paired with her knack for research, laid the foundation for a prolific career that spans multiple genres and pseudonyms, including N.C. Allen and Laney Bell.
Nancy Campbell Allen’s Unforgettable Stories
Allen’s bibliography is a treasure trove of 24 novels and several novellas, showcasing her versatility across historical romance, paranormal, and contemporary genres. Her Steampunk Proper Romances series is a fan favorite, blending Victorian settings with fantastical elements. Beauty and the Clockwork Beast (2016) reimagines Beauty and the Beast with a steampunk twist, complete with gothic mystery and swoon-worthy romance. Kiss of the Spindle (2018), a Sleeping Beauty retelling, follows a cursed doctor racing against time, delivering adventure and heart.
Her Faith of Our Fathers series, written as N.C. Allen, dives into the Civil War era, earning her the 2005 Utah Best of State award for its vivid historical detail. Meanwhile, My Fair Gentleman (2016), a Regency romance inspired by My Fair Lady, won a Whitney Award for its charming tale of a sailor-turned-earl navigating high society. Allen also writes contemporary romances as Laney Bell, setting lighthearted stories in a fictional Rocky Mountain ski valley reminiscent of her Utah home.
Allen’s style is marked by meticulous research, strong female leads, and clean, uplifting romance. Her ability to meld genres—think steampunk with fairy tales or mystery with Victorian elegance—sets her apart, creating stories that feel both timeless and fresh.
Why Nancy Campbell Allen Matters
Nancy Campbell Allen’s impact lies in her ability to craft escapist yet meaningful stories that resonate with readers seeking clean, engaging fiction. Her work with Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line and Mirror Press’s Timeless Romance Anthologies has elevated the genre of wholesome romance, proving it can be thrilling and sophisticated. Allen’s active presence at writing conferences inspires aspiring authors, particularly within the LDS community, where her faith-infused storytelling offers a unique perspective.
Her genre-blending approach has broadened the appeal of historical romance, drawing in readers who might not typically pick up a Regency or steampunk novel. By reimagining classic tales with modern sensibilities, Allen ensures her stories remain relevant, celebrating love, resilience, and adventure.
- About Nancy Campbell Allen
- Education: B.S. in Elementary Education, Weber State University
- Key Works: Beauty and the Clockwork Beast, My Fair Gentleman, Kiss of the Spindle
- Awards: 2005 Utah Best of State, Whitney Award Finalist (2011)
- Fun Fact: Lives with a Siberian Husky named Thor and a YorkiePoo named Freya
Ready to fall in love with Nancy Campbell Allen’s enchanting worlds? Snag Beauty and the Clockwork Beast and dive into her spellbinding blend of romance and adventure!