This is the Cinderella retelling you've been waiting for!!!!!!! I would give more stars if I could. This book has all the feels, all the character arcs and growth, and a beautifully and expertly crafted plot!

You will literally swoon over the male main character, Kit. Niamh is a relatable, fearless, and refreshing female main character. And that KISS. Y'all, I loved the spice in this book. It was as sweet and sincere as the MCs, and it was everything!

The plot was complex, believable, had me guessing, and was SO WORTH THE PAYOFF! This book hit ALL the plot pacing points beautifully. The dialogue was believable and BRILLIANT. I really really cannot say enough good things about this book! Anxiously awaiting it's release so I can add it to my bookshelf!

I LOVED the respectful and believable LBGTQ+ representation! I don't want to spoil the plot points there, but I have a feeling you will love this representation as well. 💕

Content Warning: so. much. TENSION. Nine instances of strong language. Mostly closed door spice.

I would definitely let my oldest child read this book once she turns 14 year old and would HIGHLY recommend this book to all my friends!!!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and insights expressed in this review are my own.

Be still my aching heart!

A Fragile Enchantment is so wonderfully curated to the YA audience; however, it would easily suite anyone's romance palette. There are elements of the printed correspondence in Bridgerton with Lady Whistledown, whimsical magic, enemies-to-lovers, overcoming forbidden love, and so so SO much more.

I was blown away with the writing style of this book. If any of Saft's other stories are anything like this, she very well may become one of my favorite authors. The story, the characters, the tension... everything was so enticing, I read this in one go and I mean that entirely. I could not put this book down.

If I could give it more stars. I would. Highly recommend for all the feels--from elation all the way down to wistfulness.

I received this title as an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Allison Saft for the opportunity to read this treasure!

I truly wish I could rate this book higher, but I just could not connect with Kit, the main male protagonist. I found him to be obnoxious and not sympathetic, though I think that was the author’s intent. The premise was really interesting and I loved Niamh’s talent of weaving enchantments into her designs. The history and world building was interesting, but about halfway through, I just couldn’t abide the romance plot. It felt very unromantic and forced. I found myself skimming to get to the end. I seem to be in the minority, though so if you like fantasy, romance, and a bit of political history this one could fit the bill. Just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

It’s whimsy. It’s romantic. It’s just enchanting! I can’t wait for the world to meet Niamh and Kit.

Allison Saft threads such a beautiful story in this grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, forbidden love fairytale.

A Fragile Enchantment follows Niamh, a magical dressmaker commissioned for the royal wedding, and Kit the reluctant political princely pawn of a groom. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more—until an anonymous gossip columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry…scandalous!

Thank you to Allison Saft, St.Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy. A Fragile Enchantment comes out January 30th. Add this to the preorder list!

P.S. For the Swifties, it feels like I Can See You meets Ivy.

I really wanted to love A Fragile Enchantment because it’s honestly a really beautifully written story, but I do feel like in order to wrap up the ending, there was a lot of unanswered questions sacrificed. I am not sure if there’s going to be a sequel of some sort and that is why the ending was so open, but I do hope that is the case, I feel like after the set up of the first book, a second book could be a stronger story and I would look forward to reading that. Overall, I really did enjoy reading this story, I just wish there was a little more.

3.5 stars

TW: mention of self harm, homophobia, addiction

I have conflicted feeling about this. Although I did enjoy the book, this fell flat for me. The romance was great, and I don’t fault that. The fantastical world building was part of this book that frustrated me. The magic systems from both main characters were interesting but for a long while, it seems like the reader has to wait to get an explanation of anything from how it works. The soft magic systems for me didn’t really work especially from the hero’s side of the story. Also there is something that just pulled me immediately out the story that made me question the world building of this story ( spoiler: There was some random Spanish thrown in there that just threw me off questioning if there was any people or nations that spoke Spanish besides the hero’s arranged marriage fiancé and her servant.)

The royal politics were fascinating to learn about, but after awhile, the story dragged on for a little too long. The ending felt that too cookie cutter for my liking leaving too many things open ended. This sucks that book ended up that being for me but I do hope that someone else will enjoy.

A Fragile Enchantment consumed me from the start. It has such lovely nuanced writing; beautiful without being overly lyrical. I absolutely loved the regency fantasy genre this sits in. I need more or those in my life.

We follow Niamh, a Machlish seamstress with the magic to weave enchantments into her designs. She received a letter, before the start of the narrative, from the Prince Regent of Avaland inviting her to be the designer for the royal wedding between his younger brother Kit and Infanta Rosa, the princess of Castilia. As a lowly Machlish laborer Niamh jumps at the opportunity to provide for her family with the added benefit that when her designs are seen she’ll get more work.

There is political unrest brewing in Avaland and Niamh must contend with her need to support her family and the connection that is blooming between herself and Kit.

There is a gossip columnist, Lovelace, that very much evokes Lady Whistledown from Bridgerton but the author put some additional detail into the gossip column’s content that sets Lovelace apart.

Kit was prickly and heavily flawed but you could sense the unrest he was feeling inside himself. He was pretty rude and never really changed his abrasive attitude but he was pleasant enough by the end that I could accept the HEA.

I find it comforting when a main character has a job I fully understand. I can sew and I loved the adoration with which Niamh spoke of her craft. She puts little pieces of herself into her work and they evoke the feelings she weaves into the patterns. I wasn’t confused by any terms used and that was a pleasant experience.

I sincerely hope that there will be a pronunciation guide in the final form of this book. We get a lot of names thrown at us in the beginning exposition so I think it would help.

I’m conflicted about this book being YA. There is plenty of cursing and one fairly explicit scene. Even though there is little detail, you get the point very clearly about what is happening. Don’t get me wrong I loved the more adult content I just wanted to give a heads up for the content within.

All in all an excellent read. It dragged a bit at certain points but the plot would pick back up again and I was fully engrossed, And that cover? Simply gorgeous. I await with bated breath to get my hands on a hard copy of this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

If you love fantasy and regency romance, LOADS of mutual pining, and court politics, A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft is the book for you.

With a swoon-worthy love story full of delicious tension, A Fragile Enchantment delivers in the romance department. I fell in love with Niamh and Kit, both as complex magic wielding individuals from different worlds, and as a pairing.

The cast of characters in A Fragile Enchantment were well fleshed out, each having their own complexities and arcs. I greatly enjoyed watching each and every one of them grow and change as the plot progressed.

The magic system that took this tale from regency romance to fantasy romance, was unique and made the story one I won’t soon forget. I loved how the characters’ magics complimented their personalities and and mirrored their struggles.

The intermittent use of modern language and words like “clout” was the only aspect of the story that pulled me out of immersion. I would come across language that made me confused as to the time period the story is supposed to take place in. It didn’t happen often, but this for me, is one of my few pet peeves in fiction. I understand that this is a fantasy, but I personally prefer a consistent time period language style.

All in all, I absolutely adored A Fragile Enchantment. 4 stars. A Fragile Enchantment is a wonderful comfort read full of love and gentle reminders that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish.

thank you to netgalley for this arc!

a fragile enchantment quickly and easily became one of my favorite books!!

initially i was intrigued by this book because of the cover, and the blurb sounded incredible. "a magical dressmaker commissioned for a roval wedding" had me hooked before i even began.

the magic system was fascinating and i was immediately engrossed in the story and everyone’s magic abilities (ESPECIALLY niamh's) the characters were so charming and the romance was passionate and so so intimate. i was happy to see Igbt rep also!!

the only grievance i have with this book is i thought everything was wrapped up too fast, and at the end was wanting a bit more from a final chapter. but that was small and didn't take away anything from what i had already read.

if you love the regency era, and books so full of longing you can feel it flying off the pages, you'll love this enchanting tale allison saft has woven.

So the cover drew me in bc.. yeah I judge books by their covers Im SORRY but..

You know those books where you go through every emotion possible? THIS WAS IT FOR ME AND I LOVED IT.
Every trope I love? present. It was an iconic read, Im not a good writer (hence why I read so much) but i try and do my best to express how each book made me feel in my reviews and this just made me FEEL everything. This is my first historical romance which I didnt think would be my vibe and I was proven SO wrong!

The Bridgerton vibes made me absolutely fall in love with the story

Thank you St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this beautiful book :)

"Recency England-inspired fantasy world'" yes please! Great read. Be sure to check out Saft's other books as well. A Far Wilder Magic is worth the read. whoever does these covers is amazing. They always catch my eye.

This was magical. I’ve loved each and every one of Allison’s books so far, but this was one was by far my favorite. She knows how to write this delicious aching tension that makes this one of the best romances I’ve read in a awhile. The FMC does have that trope-y trait of being clumsy, but it’s not enough to be distracting. There is intense chemistry between the main characters from the start, but Saft does a masterful job building the tension and relationship so it feels earned and deserved and never rushed or shallow.

The story carries the plot forward, but felt secondary for me as this is a book about character development and relationships.

I appreciated the splash of politics, and the world building is good with a real sense of place. There were sometimes when the Gaelic-inspired words confused me a bit, but it was minor. I felt rooted in the British Isles even though it was a fictional location and that added great atmosphere.

Can’t wait to see what the author does next, she’s a must-buy for me.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This YA romance gives me fairytale (a la Hans Christian Andersen not Grimm Bros) meets Bridgerton/Gossip Girl with a solid helping of magic. We’ve got dysfunctional family dynamics, found families, lgbtqia characters and chronic illness rep among all the other wonderful things in this book.🧡

“But I also understand more than most that family is what you make it - and so is home. You have to choose your own happiness..”

The first 20-30% didn’t really pull me in but once I was hooked, I could not put this down. I found myself identifying deeply with Niamh though I’m much older and sadly magicless. As Niamh often repeats to herself “You’re not sick until you’re sick”, I could feel that rumble of anxiety that everyone with a chronic illness can understand. When is my next flare up coming? Did I push too far? Do I have enough left in me to get through this? And the way her default is to “fix” everything…ooof I feel called out 😬 Niamh is who I wish I could have been at 18. She’s determined, kind, resilient and clever while still being vulnerable and flawed.

“Stop cutting off pieces of yourself when you’re already more than enough.”

The author does a really great job of developing the relationship between Kit and Niamh. Even before they “like” each other, they are magnetic. They can see through each other’s facades and down to the heart of them. It’s exactly what they need (I mean don’t we all need someone to see what’s under the mask?). The building of their relationship relies heavily on body language and non-verbal cues which makes for a subtle yet effective romance. I wish I could read so much from a single look 🥺

“In all the ways that mattered, Kit Carmine was just like her.” ❤️

The writing is beautiful and the story enthralling. The longing is palpable while the characters frustratingly yet endearingly real. A Fragile Enchantment is absolutely worth the read.

I really enjoyed this book! Niamh is such a fun character. She has chronic illness/disability and I LOVE to see the representation!! I had hopes about how this book would go and it was such a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed the magic system and the characters. Overall, a very fun read.

forever grateful for netgalley giving me an arc of this because it was one of my most anticipated reads for next year. i read a far wilder magic by allison saft last year and fell in love instantly with her writing style, characters, and the way she can build a world so seamlessly.

in a fragile enchantment, we follow niamh who is a magical tailor who can weave emotions into garments and is hired to create clothing for a royal wedding. kit is our prince who is so incredibly prickly at first but it was so evident that he could be so soft. character wise, i found that niamh reminded me of when i was younger and had such an idealistic way of living. but just because niamh is idealistic doesn't mean that she's not true to herself. she's unapologetically selfless, which is something she battles throughout the entire story. kit, on the other hand, is such a sour prince, i frankly loved it. he's the second son of the king, and i like how we learned about his past and troubles. i also loved how saft incorproated so much lgbtqia+ representation in her cast of characters.

the magic system was delightful, and it wasn't incredibly complicated, which i think would be great for readers who don't normally read fantasy. it's easy to understand, and i'm always a fan of individualized magical abilities (lightning, plants, healing, emotions into clothes!) it always gives me such sky high vibes i love it.

lastly, the ROMANCE of it all!! this next paragraph isn't going to be super spoilery, but if you want to be surprised about it, i'd skip to the next paragraph! i love how they barely liked each other's company to being friendly and almost each other's confidants (like how kit literally threw himself down the stairs so that no one would talk about niamh) to being infatuated with one another. i think i would have liked to have seen a bit more pining a la pride and prejudice (2005) BUT it still did not disappoint. i highlighted sooooo many quotes in my kindle app that i cannot wait to review them because sometimes they really had me kicking my feet and giggling!

my one thing that i think i would have liked to have seen though is just more information about niamh's family. we got a lot of information about kit's family, which makes sense because the story takes place in the palace and their estates and everything, but niamh's monologue consisted a lot of her duty to her family. i think a few letters to her family and then them writing back would have been something fun and to give more insight on how niamh's family was.

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the early access to A Fragile Enchantment! This book was a charming, romantic read, perfect for fans of authors like Heather Fawcett, Stephanie Garber, and Diana Wynne Jones. There’s a coziness to the writing style that really invites readers to settle in and enjoy the story as it unfolds.

So while this isn’t my usual go to for a read it was so good! I really enjoyed watching the different emotions flow through the characters and Niamh powers were also pretty cool. At the beginning I did have places where I had to stop and reread because I was kind of confused but once I got the ropes of the book it was smooth sailing from there. I would love to read another version featuring Jack and sophia or even Sinclair and his special someone if he ever gets one! Thank you so much for letting me read it ahead of time it was wonderful 😊

This book was everything! I'm a big fan of Alison Saft so I was excited to read her latest work, and as I am also a fan of period dramas, A Fragile Enchantment was right up my alley. If you're looking for a sweet, charming and captivating read with Saft's consistently beautiful prose, I'd recommend this book to you.

Wonderfully enchanting and cozy, this novel was pure joy to read. It reminded me of Howl's Moving Castle with a blushy grump x clever sunshine dynamic. I really enjoyed how dynamic and intelligent the characters were and the chemistry was palpable. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know and checking the author's other works.

Niamh seizes the opportunity of a lifetime when she lands a job working for the royal family, creating clothes for them. Upon arriving, she encounters Kit, the prince who is engaged to be married. Despite his grumpy and difficult demeanor, spending more time together leads to unexpected feelings blossoming between them. However, their love is deemed forbidden, presenting a complex dilemma. As the story unfolds, numerous twists and turns take place, revealing a captivating narrative. To uncover the full extent of their journey, delve into this captivating read

This book was everything I needed and more. I absolutely fell in love with Allison's writing. It's a magical romantic fantasy, brimming with twists and turns, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, yearning, love, and an array of amazing characters. Niamh, the badass main character, captivated me with her determination. I feel deeply connected to her personality—she's clumsy yet resolute, overflowing with love for everyone around her. She often puts others' needs before her own, and I truly identified with her. Kit, on the other hand, was a complex character who stole my heart. He had a grumpy demeanor but was filled with love for those he cared about. The story itself was incredible. I adored the magic system and Niamh's unique power, which made her truly special.

this was magical, cozy, beautiful and felt like a warm cup of tea on a cold night, I definitely recommend!!