4.5 rounded to 5 Stars! The perfect blend of magic and romance. I read this in one sitting because the story kept me engrossed and smiling with delight throughout! A royal romance, with politics, and LGBT+ representation in the side characters. A Bridgerton-esque tale woven with quippy banter and a moody, broody love interest. What an enchanting tale!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this tale!

🌹Spoiler-Free Review
🌹A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft
🌹YA, Fantasy, Romance

With the perfect mix of fantasy & regency-esque romance, A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft is a warm & enchanting tale to read.

Niamh Ó Conchobhair is a dressmaker with an ability to imbue garments with magic. In an effort to make a name for herself & care for her family, Niamh leaves her homeland & takes a job in the kingdom of Avaland as a clothing designer for a royal wedding. While trying to prove her skills & impress the royals, Niamh struggles with how to honor her commitment to her new employer while navigating unexpected unrest & relationships within the kingdom.

Saft’s novel has a dynamic plot that interweaves scandal & political discord with subplots about family obligation, desire, and free will. It is impressive for a standalone novel to cover so much in an organized & impactful way. The tensions between Machland & Avaland are reminiscent of relations between Ireland & Britain during the 1800’s. This story prompted me to revisit what I already knew about that period of time, research more, and gain new perspectives.

The story is perfectfully perfumed with just the right amount of fantasy. It does not have an overwhelming world or magic system, but it is enough to allow the reader to engage in a healthy amount of escapism in the midst of heavier themes. With that said, at times I was intrigued by the specific types of generational magic that the characters possessed, and I did crave further expansion on it.

The characters & relationships in A Fragile Enchantment have great depth to them. The physical scenes may fade to black, but Saft writes such a meaningful & emotionally intense romance that it would be hard to find a reader unsatisfied.

Overall, this is a moving story that addresses important themes such as socioeconomic stereotypes & systems of class, breaking cycles of childhood trauma, and the challenge of balancing duty & loyalty to one’s family versus self. There is also representation for those living with chronic illness & for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Allison Saft for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in advance.

🌹TW: Discussions of emotional and physical abuse, Discussions of colonialism, Death of a parent (off page), Alcoholism, Homophobia
🌹Tropes: Forced Proximity, Forbidden Romance, Grumpy/Sunshine, and Enemies to Lovers.

Thank you to St Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I will happily leave a review for this when the racist remarks by one of their employees is addressed. I want to support the author, but also want to know they don’t support this behavior.

While I would love to provide accurate feedback on this title, it is unfortunately published under Wednesday books, which I am actively boycotting. Wednesday/St. Martin's Press has yet to acknowledge their employees' incredibly racist and Islamaphobic propaganda posted online, and I refuse to promote, review, or provide feedback on their titles until they do.

Okay. Let's just start with the whole vibe of this book, making me feel good in a comforting, blissful, perfect romance way... yet, also with plenty of friction between not only the characters but the different pieces to this world. Honestly, this was simply divine.

I love a good romance, and I especially love enemies-to-lovers. This kind-hearted main character, Niamh, has beautiful magic that gives her the ability to stitch her emotions into gowns, men's jackets, handkerchiefs, you name it. She is hired as a Machlander in the palace of Avaland, which until recently controlled her country, basically running it into the ground. This is where the politics of the story, this world, primarily arises. However, when she meets Kit, the soon to be married prince, things get all sorts of thorny and soft quite quickly.

I loved this so much. This is a humorous and romantic story that will be perfect to brighten anyone's day!

Out January 2, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

** thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for the ARC and chance to read and review **

✨ look for it January 2, 2024 ✨

A slow burn, enemies to lovers story that is like a magical version of Bridgerton! I thought the characters were all dynamic and it was cool that everyone had different magic. A book is so much better when they have good chemistry!! It does take about 5 to 6 chapters to get into the story but then after that you’re hooked! ✨

(My only “critique” is that it’s only from FMC POV and in my opinion I think it would’ve had more depth with duel POV)

A huge thank you to St. Martins Press, Wednesday Books, Allison Saft and NetGalley for providing me with this e-arc.

Let’s just say I screamed when I received this book. And let’s just say I pretty much devoured this entire book!

Not only is the book cover absolutely gorgeous but so is the writing!

Allison Saft has an absolutely enchanting writing style that transport you into a magical and fantastical world.

This Cinderella-style story gave me an immediate 5 star feeling from the very first chapter.

The world building and magical elements were so beautiful! As for the characters I think they were written exceptionally well and their development throughout the book was done expertly.

I adored Niamh and her life story, every little detail we learnt about her made me love her just so much more! Kit on the other hand worked on my nerves for the most of the book (but that just means his role was played well!). I loved how Princess Rosa brought an air of mystery and intruige to the plot, she kept me wanting to read more and more!

This book is perfect for YA and adult readers who love their fantasy books with the enemies-to-lovers trope!

Overall this was a phenomenal book that I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy once this book is released!

I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more of Allison Safts writing in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review.

“A Fragile Enchantment” by Allison Saft had amazing appeal thanks to the lovely cover and the description of a forbidden Cinderella-style romance.

I really liked Niamh and her always sunny disposition despite her life-draining magic. Kit, on the other hand, was the poster child for spoiled rotten royals. I really couldn’t stand him for most of the story due to his obnoxious, child-like ways and was confused why Niamh felt any attraction to him other than his looks.

Princess Rosa (Kit’s betrothed) was one of my favorite characters and brought a much-needed air of mystery, darkness, and intrigue to the story. She was completely different than everyone else in the kingdom - and in the best way possible. She had bold, dramatic taste in fashion and wore black almost exclusively even though no Avlish noblewomen would unless in mourning. I wished there was more of her in the story, and if the author decides to write a sequel, I sincerely hope she brings Rosa back!

The book’s world building was interesting, along with the magic aspect, but there were a few scenes that went on too long for my liking. In some instances, they weren’t moving the plot along and could have been trimmed down to still get the point across. Niamh, while sweet and naturally disarming, was prone to word-vomiting. She nearly ruined the long await first kiss of the book with her nonstop talking!

Overall, I think teens, young adults, and adults who like enemies-to-lovers and rags-to-riches stories will enjoy this book. Although I had my small struggles with the story, it was still a good read and worth recommending. I would definitely read a sequel if the author chooses to explore and continue this story.

When I got approved for this title, I was ecstatic! The cover is gorgeous, and the premise sounded wonderful. This is my first Allison Saft book so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I had heard nothing but praise for her work. The writing was beautiful, but ultimately this story just wasn't what I had hoped it would be.

The story itself was very slow in the beginning, and I kept putting it down to pick up another title instead. I wasn't immediately hooked. As I continued with the hope of a faster-pace to the plot and deeper connection to Niamh and Kit, I really struggled to remain engaged. The interactions between the two were meant to be full of tension and provide a swoony fantasy rom-com experience, but I wasn't seeing that. Instead, I didn't feel any chemistry and their relationship was somewhat toxic.

I really enjoyed the concept of Niamh weaving magic into clothing! This was such a neat idea that I loved to see explored.

There's also a lot happening in this book and it's a bit overwhelming to keep up with.

Overall it was just ok for me. However, there's definitely an audience out there for this book and they will devour it! I'll be recommending this to my audience on Bookstagram.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Wednesday Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was an interesting concept. Niamh is a magical clothing maker, hired by the interim king to dress his younger brother for his upcoming wedding and events. Kit, the younger brother, is different but also magical. He has been away from the kingdom for some time and is being forced into a marriage for politics. Niamh is very emotional, clutzy, and always in her own head. Kit is self-loathing and in a way this book read like an ememies to lovers but more.

There was a political side to the story between Kit and the King, and the fiance coming in as well. There was racism of the court and essentially this was a class crossing friendship that turns to more.

There was a lot to break down here - the romance, the politics, the racism, the past of the kingdom that lends to events 'today'. The king is keeping secrets and so are Kit and his Fiance. This book tried to throw it all at the reader - maybe too much, too fast. there was character rep, which I liked, the setting was just OK, I wanted more backstory about past times and the current political view, that said the overall story was good.

I liked that Niamh's magic is fed by her emotions, I liked how emotional she was and that was not only her, but part of her work. That said, I wanted more about her illness that she brings up a few times but details were lacking.

Overall, this was a light, romantic, swoony read. The other parts of the story were interesting but not fleshed out enough really.
(Review will post on 12/20)

Niamh is a magical seamstress who has been hired by the Crown Prince to outfit his brother for his wedding. But when she meets the troubled Prince, it quickly becomes clear that they have a connection that could ruin everything...

This book is really beautifully written. I enjoyed the world building and Saft's writing style really just brings everything to life. However, it did feel a little like not enough happened in the book. The plot wasn't particularly interesting, and that made it harder to connect with the book. A real shame!

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for review

A Fragile Enchantment was a great read and really warmed up my heart with how sweet the whole story is.

First off, the cover is beautiful and instantly drew me to this book, and Saft's writing style is a beautiful connection between book and reader.

I LOVED the chemistry between Kit and Niamh! By the end, I really felt like these two were meant for each other despite all the odds against them. Kit was also such a layered character and Niamh was just THE definition of wholesome. Even the friendships were so well written, I loved reading every interaction with the core-gang.

I think the worldbuilding should've been expanded a littleeee bit, as it all sounded so interesting but wasn't super fleshed out. However, certain aspects like the class divide was well-done and thought provoking and felt relevant to what we experience today.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

An absolute delight. As soon as I see a new release from Allison Saft, I autobuy! She has me fully entwined with her magical storytelling full of heartwarming intruque, and easy-to-get-lost-in cozy curl-up fantasy books.

I have come to enjoy Allison Saft's writing and I was especially excited to receive an ARC for this regency-inspired story. The weaving of history and culture in Saft's writing always impresses me as I find it a difficult task, but moreso than this element, the characters are so compelling. I feel strong affection and attachment for everyone! Niamh and Kit hold a special place in my heart, their hearts heavily guarded and so laid open to see. The messages of love and being seen by someone really resonated with me in this book and I cannot wait to get my own copy.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A charming grumpy-meets-sunshine, commoner/royal love story that feels like Bridgerton meets Pride & Predjudice with wistful magic. Full of angst, relationships in turmoil amongst friends, family and lovers, forbidden romance and friends that become family this was a sweet story that was a cozy to snuggle up with.

Oh WOW! Where do I begin? A Fragile Enchantment is a true delight. I am a huge fan of Saft’s other novels, but this just cemented her as my number one, go-to YA author. Her writing is gorgeous and her settings are lush but her characters…her characters are truly what always shine through.

Starting with our leads, Niamh is a clumsy, caretaking, radiant angel and I love her. Her magical ability to weave emotions into fabric is only one of the many reasons she is so special and the other reasons are far less supernatural but no less extraordinary. Witnessing her growth in discovering her worth beyond what she can do for others was such a gift. I loved reading about this hopeless romantic fall in love, not only with Kit but also with her friends.

Kit, on the other hand, is grumpy, often disgruntled, and prefers his garden as company more than people. But he is also caring, attentive, and protective of those he loves and I ADORE him. You can see him falling in love with Niamh through little gestures and I think that was probably my favorite part of the whole book--the subtle intimacy between the characters.

In a romance, it is easy for the side characters to fall into the background and only exist to help the main couple get together. In A Fragile Enchantment, that was not the case. Rosa, Miriam, Jack, Sinclair, and Sofia were interesting, sympathetic, and fleshed out characters that I loved reading about just as much (Rosa was my particular favorite).

Beyond the characters, the plot had me biting my nails in anticipation and stress towards the end, and I’m not ashamed to admit I even shed a few tears. The writing was just as beautiful as I have come to expect from Saft and the entire novel is just as stunning on the inside as that gorgeous cover is on the outside.

Fantasy Romance is having a bit of a moment right now, and I don’t think you can do better than Allison Saft. If you haven’t picked up any of her books yet, this is a wonderful place to start.
A Fragile Enchantment is out January 2, 2024. I cannot recommend it enough!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

"A Fragile Enchantment: A Captivating Tale of Love and Intrigue"

In her remarkable novel, "A Fragile Enchantment," Allison Saft weaves a tapestry of romance, fantasy, and political upheaval that will leave readers spellbound. Drawing inspiration from beloved series like Bridgerton, Saft delves into a world where love defies boundaries, and the pursuit of truth is fraught with danger.

The story revolves around Niamh, a gifted dressmaker with a touch of magic in her hands. Despite her own health struggles and the weight of caring for her sick parents, Niamh's selflessness shines through as she navigates a politically tense society. Enter Kit Carmen, a prince whose disposition is initially as prickly as thorns. But Niamh's resilience and talent capture his attention, leading to a compelling journey from enemies to lovers.

Saft's masterful storytelling immerses readers in a realm reminiscent of the regency era, complete with all its opulence and societal restrictions. Through Niamh's eyes, we witness the complexities of relationships, including a growing affection for Princess Rosa, the intended bride of the man she loves. The author deftly explores LGBTQ representation, shedding light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities within this world.

With a captivating supporting cast, each with their own fascinating backgrounds and captivating personalities, Saft breathes life into her story. Princess Rosa emerges as a beacon of determination, challenging the constraints imposed upon her by her royal status. Through the seamless blending of enchanting elements and the harsh realities of politics, Saft creates a fantasy realm that feels both magical and palpably real.

"A Fragile Enchantment" not only transports readers to a world teeming with fantasy and romance but also allows them to reflect on real-world issues. The divide between the working class and the monarchy cleverly mirrors our own society's struggles with inequality. Saft's exploration of sacrifice, loyalty, and the search for truth sparks profound introspection and invites conversations about societal norms.

The central theme of forbidden love between Niamh and Kit adds layers of complexity and passion to the story, ensuring an emotionally charged experience that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page.

Allison Saft's writing style is a revelation, skillfully conveying the characters' emotions and establishing a powerful bond between reader and story. With its captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and political intrigue, "A Fragile Enchantment" guarantees an immersive reading experience from start to finish.

I wholeheartedly recommend "A Fragile Enchantment" to those seeking a captivating and thought-provoking journey into a world of magic, love, and political upheaval. Saft's mesmerizing tale leaves an indelible mark and will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly anticipating her future works. So grab a copy, settle into your favorite reading nook, and prepare to be enchanted by this remarkable novel. Happy reading!
These are my honest opinions, thank you NetGally, the author, and publishers for this ARC.

Ugh, every Allison Saft book feels so different and yet so amazing. I loved the vibes here and the focus on the romance.

There's a lot of regency vibes here, it definitely gives Bridgerton. There's balls and royalty. Some court politics, civil unrest, and at the center of it a seamstress who just wants to make a better life for her family.

What impressed me the most is how subdued, yet elevated the conflicts are. Niamh is a foreigner in the kingdom of Avaland. She can't hide her accent, therefore she can't hide her nationality. A generation before she was born her country and Avaland were in a horrible war. She deals with the conflict of her family being concerned that she would care to go serve the royal family that destroyed their country and then getting there and finding friends amongst people her own age.

Instead of being recruited for the resistance, she rejects them. Instead of a tyrannical king, she's got a royal that is trying to hold the pieces of his country together after his father's ruthless reign, instead of finding a catty woman on the other side of a love triangle she finds a princess who understands the practicalities of loving a prince. All were refreshing things to find in a story. There were many chances for the author to make this a coming of rage story, about a girl from a scorned country out for revenge, but that isn't the story being told here. It's more straightforward and soft.

As an American, I appreciate the mix of nationalities in the story. The realities of living as each one, from multiple characters. I live in a country that has a lot of mixed pride this way and it was nice to see it in a fantasy world.

I'd recommend this one for fans of the prose style found in Marie Rutkoski's work, or Rebecca Ross's. There's a lush whimsicalness to the world and the heart that is transforming in the story.

Thanks to Wednesday and Netgalley for the ARC. It did not disappoint!

This is not at all what I thought it would be yet I'm not disappointed. I think I found a new favorite author.

Niamh is a lovable and kind female main character who reminds you of what it was to be young and naive of the world around you. Her sunny disposition balances the moody and glum Prince Kit very well.

The story gives off a vibe of Carnival Row meets Bridgerton. It has slight spice to it which is just enough to make you want more. The depth of the characters and the rich history of the world Saft has created made this a fun weekend read!