I've been on an historical fantasy kick this summer, and this story was amazing!

This was my first time reading this author and I loved her writing and world-building.

Niamh leaves her village and her family to design a royal wedding in the palace, as she is a seamstress with great magical abilities.

When she arrives at the court, things are different from what she expected and political intrigue abounds. Everything gets more complicated when Kit, the prince, and Niamh form an unlikely friendship.

A gripping story with well-developed characters. Highly recommend!

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This is a really sweet, historical, fantasy romance story. It is really well written. Allison Saft has such a way of creating beautiful images in words (I felt like I could see some of the dresses Niamh was making). There were some good tropes that I enjoy (grumpy/sunshine, forbidden romance, slow burn). It definitely has Bridgerton vibes with the Lovelace gossip column. But I did not feel the chemistry between the two main characters, so the romance fell flat for me.

Bonus points for lots of LGBTQIA+ representation.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for providing an eARC of this book!

A Regency romance inspired fantasy .. think Bridgerton vibes, but add magic!
The story was whimsical, the forbidden romance was filled with just the right amount of banter and swoon worthy moments.
This was such a fun read, and exactly what I needed in the moment. I’ll definitely be looking for this authors books in the future.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the published for graciously providing me the opportunity to read this eARC!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Really lovely writing and story, love this author!
The magic element was super neat, and the romance was sweet and heart warming.
A perfect cozy little read.

This book is so precious and dear to my heart. I fell in love with Allison’s writing in a far wilder magic, and this regency fantasy romance was just as good. I think her writing is so beautiful and she makes characters that I legitimately wanna be friends with. The bisexual panic from our woman main character here is so relatable. I truly think that all of you who are not fans of Sara J mass fantasy romance type books would really enjoy fantasy romance the way that Allison writes it. There’s some thing so tender about the way she writes romance.

this was absolutely *enchanting* and i had the best time reading it. when i tell you i was kicking my feet, giggling nonstop, there’s no exaggeration.

i do think there were a few plot points that were unresolved, which was a bit of a letdown. plus, niamh got on my nerves a lil. i know nothing will beat a far wilder magic by the same author tho. i love that book <3

thank you netgalley for the arc, i feel so lucky :)

The idea of weaving memories into clothing is a really unique form of magic and I thought it was well written. I love regency era romances so I was excited to read one with a magical twist. However, I had trouble believing the storyline and connecting with the characters. It felt like Niamh felt entitled to everyone’s time even though she was new to court and didn’t know anybody. The characters also did not seem to mature throughout the book. This book just wasn’t for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Super cute and sweet romance. A little too sweet and young for my taste. I sped read much of the second half.

Now, I see you asking why I would want to pick up this book.
I have the answers:
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Interesting magic
- Slow burn (With much yearning)
- Forbidden Romance
- Beautiful world-building

I often struggle with Fantasy Romance books due to the lack of world-building alongside any romance that normally turns up but this book had a very nice mix of the both to me.
It's a low-stakes fantasy focused largely on relationships between characters yes but, The magic and world we are introduced to throughout the story are rather whimsical in their own right.
I also have to give props to Allision Saft for creating a cast of characters where everyone is my favourite, that's no easy task

Thank you very much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC

A Fragile Enchantment will wrap you in spun sugar and leave you breathless as it weaves its way into your heart. Allison Saft has created something mesmerizing: soft and wistful; we worry the story may blow away with the breeze. It is quietly moving, a beauty to behold— as fragile things often are.

Niamh, an enchanted seamstress, arrives at the castle of Avaland eager to create a wardrobe for the impending Royal wedding. She wasn't expecting, however, to become embroiled in long-standing class conflict or attracted to the surly and soon-to-be-married prince Kit.

If you like Bridgerton, this is for you: there is a game of Pall Mall (pink and black mallets included), an anonymous gossip rag, glitzy balls, and character tension that builds with each page. The Regency-inspired period and Irish folklore blend into a romantic drama where you can hear Taylor Swift instrumentals playing, all with a hint of magic— it's that endearing.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced copy to review.

Sweet romance revolving a seamstress with a particular gift of putting her emotions onto her creations and a grumpy but kind prince.

From the except and reviews, I really thought I would like the book, but I had a really hard time connecting with both main characters, On romance books, I usually read anything that is not interaction between the main characters fast and focus on the romance building between them. On this one, I found the some of the side characters much more interesting that the main ones - I ended up skimming any interaction between the two. I found that Rose and Sofia were more compelling characters, and that some both Sinclair and Jack ended up having personalities and actions too inconsistent throughout the book, becoming only plot devices for the main plot.

Overall, I feel like this was just not a match for me - I would still read other book by the author as I enjoyed the writing, though. I would recommend people having a go at it considering the other great reviews - it was probably more of a "its not you, it is me" kind of thing

I received a free copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press; all opinions are my own!

Wow! This was a gorgeous, lush read, full of magic and wonder! It's also a fantastic look at family, born and found; love of all shapes and angles; and class conflict in a psuedo-Regency era England. I deeply appreciate that the author did not feel the need to vilify any of the main characters, but presented them as complicated, flawed humans with a variety of motives and ideals. I especially enjoyed the fact that where it would have been easy to set up a rivalry with the love interest's fiancee, Saft takes a completely different approach. For sensitive readers, any sexual interaction is solidly in the fade-to-black category, and there are references to homophobia and racism due to the time period the book is based on.

This cover is soo pretty! The book has major Bridgerton vibes. Loved the characters and the romance.

Read if you like:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forbidden Romance
Magical Bridgerton

This book is exactly what I needed, and I am so glad I gave this Bridgerton-esque fantasy book a chance.
Niamh, our main character can sew emotions into her clothing as part of her divine magic. The plot centers around Niamh being commissioned to make the wedding clothes for the Royals, Kit and Rosa in a month’s time. Of course, things get messy when she begins to fall for the groom. A Fragile Enchantment had a bit of everything I loved and was an amazing comfort read that I gobbled up.
So, there is a lot going on behind the scenes that added to this novel, there’s mention of a past genocide causing racism and court politics. Not to mention a pesky anonymous writer who seems to know all the courts gossip and goes by the name of Lady Lovelace (I guessed who it was early). All these elements added so much depth and I loved the regency themed setting Allison Saft created. The writing was delicate and prose with flourish. I am excited to read other books Saft has written, she truly has a unique style.
I loved the main character Niamh, so rarely have I been able to relate to a character as much as I have with her. Niamh is hopelessly clumsy in all ways, prone to putting others in front of herself. Working herself to the bone so that her family can have a better life. Kit is a complex character as well, as are most of the ensemble. There was no clearcut villain in this story, everyone had thoughts and reasons behind their actions. I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of the story.
Lets talk about the romance. Oh, the romance. Let me just say this is a book where boys love boys and girls love boys and girls (okay almost every character is gay). There is a moment where we learn that while the country our FMC grew up in is embracive, the country where this story takes place is much more rigid and less accepting. Also, I love the amount of friendship in this story as well. It isn’t just about the two MC’s and the love story. The chemistry between these characters and the dialog between them had me giggling and smiling along the way.
This book was an amazing read, and a fun time all around. Mystery, forbidden love, and a sprinkle of scandal await in A Fragile Enchantment. I think this is a great read for those that aren’t that big into fantasy as well because once you learn the names, the world itself is easy to understand.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read a copy of the book voluntarily so I could review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!

I could not put this book down! A rich and captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and political intrigue, A Fragile Enchantment was exactly what I wanted in this Bridgerton-esque book. Saft skillfully blends of historical and imaginative world-building that is magical and yet grounded. The characters all feel well-considered and fleshed out with vivid personalities and hidden depths. The romance that unfurls within this enchanting backdrop is spellbinding, and Niamh and Kit make the best bantering pair.

4.5 Stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. What I liked: the characters were dealing with real, relatable issues -- alcoholism, shame/guilt, self-neglect, loneliness -- and dealing with them in the all the messy ways humans deal. I liked the sisterhood Niamh creates with the other women characters, and the way they solve things together in the end. The magic was interesting, but without a larger context -- Rosa appears and can control lightning and I wondered what else was out there in Avaland, magic-wise? What I didn't like: The clothes and society rules, the notion of a "season," all seemed like a reference to Regency, but the language/dialogue in no way did. A few times the dialogue seemed odd in the context of what was happening, as did Jack's refusal to do anything other than wedding planning. The development of Niamh and Kit's relationship seemed slightly choppy. I do believe this book is for the younger end of YA, and that those readers will be happy with the romance and the magic.

I saw this book everywhere before requesting it from NetGalley; it was listed as a “other readers enjoy…” on multiple sites so I was very excited to see it and be accepted to read it!

The story follows Niamh, a tailor who can magically weave emotions into clothing, and Kit (or Prince Christopher), who is preparing for a political marriage arranged by his older brother, the Prince Regent of their kingdom. Throughout the Season (very much Regency/Bridgerton vibes), Kit and Niamh become friends and then something more.

This book has a lot packed into it, and while I felt like it all fit into the story, it was a lot to follow. There was a lot of talk on politics, but it was quite a bit of telling rather than showing unrest between nations. Some minor conflict was based on acceptance (or lack thereof) based on ethnic background and romantic relationships.

Tropes/topics include (but are not limited to):
*grumpy x sunshine
*arranged marriage
*forbidden love
*chronic illness rep

Overall, I liked this book. It wasn’t my favorite, but enjoyable with a satisfying conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher (Wednesday Books) for a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Since many ARC readers have already summarized the plot & magic system in their reviews, I'll go right into my thoughts.

1) this is a lovely take on YA queer historical roman-tasy. I would say it's more historical fantasy than romance (despite the cover), as the plot and many events center on things outside of the romance. Not a problem for me--but for others, don't expect everything to be done in service of the romance. It is a beautiful queer romance (both leads are bisexual, which, as friends have pointed out, can cause a lot of unnecessary drama from readers who think it isn't "queer enough," but I thought was well done), and a side pairing revealed later is also a queer romance! The main characters take comfort in their lgtbq connection ("you're just like me" during a particularly heartfelt moment where they connect) and in how hard it is to be themselves in front of their families/communities.

2) it feels low-fantasy (vs high-fantasy; it's historical fake!england, fake!ireland, and fake!spain, but with elemental magic), but not in a bad way. The story relies much more on the historical/class/war aspects for drama than the magic system, and so does not need an intricate system or whole new world (though there is definitely downsides to the magic of the main characters and how it escapes their control and/or weakens then, as well as a few major events because of their magic).

3) this book made me get a little weepy at least twice in the last third of the book, fully solidifying my 4 star rating. Why not 5 stars? I can't see myself rereading it and it just didn't have the oomf on my emotions I wanted for that. Not that it did anything Wrong, it just didn't have as much as an emotional impact.

4) Allison Saft's similies, metaphors, descriptions, etc. REALLY work for me. They're beautiful and very vivid. I don't skim past them like I do many authors' (which bore me). I noticed this during "Down Comes The Night," and while not as vivid as DCTN (I think because that book was more medically focused in its descriptions, which is *right* up my medical career alley), I still noticed and loved the writing style/narration in "A Fragile Enchantment."

5) Though Kit is considered rude and unfeeling by many other characters, his feelings and longings toward Niamh came across quite clearly to the reader (although Niamh herself is clueless for awhile! Honestly, she's an unreliable narrator (not in a bad way) in that she is very bad at reading other people and what they're hinting at (Sinclair hints at Kit's feelings toward Niamh for a bit *in front of* herand she's still oblivious!).) I really enjoyed their slow burn romance, even though the /shakes fist (because I hate this trope)/ third act "break-up" caused a lot of angst and not much romance. Their wedding was very beautiful, and their epilogue, though short, also very sweet. I might've wanted longer with both but they were done well otherwise.

Overall, a 4/5 star book, and very delighted I got to read it so early. Recommend!

I'm 100% a reader who judges books by their covers even though I try not to, and this one is lovely! A Fragile Enchantment is a sweet, cozy, fantasy romance set in a regency-ish era. It has several popular troupes including grumpy x sunshine, enemies (to friends) to lovers, forbidden love. While I wished there was a bit more establishment of the magical system, that's purely selfish. It was such an interesting concept, but the details that were provided helped the story and anything additional would've been too much. This was a quick, light read full of whimsy and perfect for a bright spring day!

4.8 stars

To put it lightly, I am obsessed. To NOT put it lightly, here’s this review.

A Fragile Enchantment is a fast-paced regency fantasy-romance. It had me slipping down the slippery slope of “just one more chapter” at midnight. I greatly enjoyed how despite the romance, there was a greater depth to the plot. Between Lovelace (Whistledown inspired), the labor class protests, political infringements, arranged marriage, and the various magical powers, this book had high stakes.

Niamh Ó Conchobhair is our main character and thanks to her ability to befriend everyone and work endlessly, there’s not a dull moment in this book. She is from the working class and has been chosen to go to the palace at Avaland to be the tailor for the royal wedding. Niamh’s family is poor and to her this is the chance of a lifetime to rescue them from poverty. She throws herself into her work and uses her defining power of weaving emotions and memories into the fabric.

🚨NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT🚨
I was fighting for my life in order to not roll off my bed screaming and kicking every time Kit Carmine graced the page with his presence. I LOVE HIM, OKAY?! He is the groom of the wedding that Niamh has been tasked with outfitting and THEIR CHEMISTRY IS EVERYTHING. Kit, in true princely fashion, has emotional scars and struggles to show love despite being endlessly caring. A lot of authors go for this view, but Allison Saft did it like no other.
Kit, Sinclair, Rosa, Niamh, and Miriam are forever icons in my heart.

Tropes:
enemies to friends to lovers
sunshine x grumpy
forbidden love
regency inspired
magic
wedding fever


My only qualm with this book is I felt the world building could have been done a tad bit better!