Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Allison Saft has done it again! What a beautiful and swoon-worthy story. Filled with magic, love, and so many wonderful characters. This historical romance is sure to sweep readers off their feet!

A Fragile Enchantment is such a beautifully written fantasy romance. The banter, longing stares, secret pining, and clandestine meetings between Kit and Niamh had me smiling like an idiot. The magic was so unique and beautifully described, but I still had some questions about different aspects of the magic that weren't answered by the end of the book, leaving me wishing Saft would have dived deeper into the magic system.

This is a new comfort read for me - it felt like a warm hug, like coming home. If you like grumpy x sunshine, Bridgerton, magic, and a swoon-worthy romance you will love this book. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

thank you to netgalley for the arc of this book!

this was an absolute 5 star read for me!
First and foremost if there is one Allison Saft fan, it is me. If there is no Allison Saft fan, I am dead!!
This book is the literally if the song "enchanted" was a book. It felt so different but familiar to Saft's previous books as well as other regency fantasy romance books that I've read before. The greenhouse and the solarium.... I SWOONED. The politics that were woven into the romance plot brought out such a depth in the main character of Niamh and helped bring her closer to Kit. I really loved the simplicity and cheesiness that this YA book brought me and can't wait for everyone to read it!! Cheesiness in the sense that it showed the main characters in their young age and coming of age where they don't quite know how to deal with the cards they've been handed.

I absolutely adore this authors books, and this one was no exception. It was very cute and reminded me of Bridgerton the TV show. I will definitely be buying a copy of this book when it comes out.

I wished I loved this more, but 40% in I felt like I had been reading this book for 2 months. I know others will LOVE this, I just think this book wasn’t for me. I wasn’t invested with the characters and the writing was stunning but it also got to be a bit much for me at times, making me skim a lot.

A Fragile Enchantment is about a young lady named Niamh who is well known for her enchanted dresses, one day she is requested by  a royal to make some pieces for a high profile wedding.
Eager to financially support what family she does have left, she accepts the position. 

Upon arriving Niamh quickly meets the Prince Regent and his incredibly difficult brother Kit. The more involved she is working for the royal family the more she realizes not everything is what it seems and there are secrets to be found.

This was a cozy and light hearted read that gently touches on the topics such as dysfunctional families, addiction, and forgiveness
.
There is LGBT representation, elements of magic,   super grumpy lead male, a gentle lead lady, and a positive outcome in situations that arise throughout the story.

I loved the banter between Sinclaire and Kit, loved Rosa and her maid in the mix..a deliteful cast of characters.

Yes. there is indeed a happy ever after for the love birds.

Personally I would love a story on Lovelace in particular, that was a fun addition that gave is Bridgerton vibes.
There is one "steamy" and a few make out scenes, they are brief and not very descriptive.

Another job well done Allison Saft !

I enjoyed both Allison Saft’s previous books and was beyond excited about this one. I loved the historical setting paired with magic and political tensions. The romance was sweet and tender and so romantic. Both the FL and ML were so easy to root for and love. Niamh over-exerts herself in fear of disappointing loved ones and constantly puts the needs of others before her own. Like Niamh, Kit feels a duty as a prince and to his brother despite not fitting into high society’s expectations. He has a cold and defensive nature but we get glimpses of his soft side the more time they spend together. They’re able to let their guard down and be unapologetically themselves with each other. The supporting characters were also just as charming and easy to adore. Overall a heartfelt and comforting read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the arc.

When I started A Fragile Enchantment, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. The market has been flooded with Regency-style romances since Netflix's "Bridgerton" series exploded into cultural popularity. But I trusted Allison Saft, as "A Far Wilder Magic" is one of my favorite books, and expected her to bring that same level of thought, detail, and worldbuilding to "A Fragile Enchantment."

I should have, perhaps, been ready to read something different.

Unlike Saft's other works, "A Fragile Enchantment" is very much a romance-first book. And while the world was as LGBTQ+ friendly and tied up with tensions around class, race, and nationality as her previous works, it is very clearly a re-skinned European drama set in the early 1900s. This isn't necessarily a bad thing — in fact, I'd argue that Saft is at her best when she takes inspiration from real-world issues and historical events. This is what made "A Far WIlder Magic" shine; but in "A Fragile Enchantment," the England-to-Avaland change makes it, at points, that much harder to believe in the plot that's happening.

Of course, because "A Fragile Enchantment" is a romance, you have to read it like a romance, which can, at times, mean "critical thinking need not apply." Like, for example, why is Niamh so worried about her reputation when caught at the ball alone with Kit, but suddenly they're fine going to the greenhouse unchaperoned? Why is a commissioned tailor hanging out with a prince so much anyways? And what's going on with the B-plot of the Machlish protests, which only pops up as safe and convenient when the plot needs it to be?

I also found the craft in Saft's work to be lacking compared to her last novel. This felt like a return to "Down Comes the Night," where things are fixed merely with the power of love, dialogue is clunk and heavy-handed, and we get far more telling than showing about how characters feel.

To finish up my round of "this could have been better" list: While I think Niamh is a wonderful ray-of-sunshine character, her near insta-love (or at least insta-attraction) for the rude, taciturn prince who represents the oppression of her people was weird and off-putting.

Now, with all of that, you may be asking, "Okay so why did you finish this at all?" Because, despite all of the above, I have to admit I loved "A Fragile Enchantment."

Saft has an incredible way of creating complex characters who suffer from real, relatable issues — discrimination, chronic illness, familial pressures, abuse. She weaves all of these characteristics deeply into the characters themselves, making them feel alive and nuanced. And while I poked at her re-skinning of Europe, I thought it was exceedingly clever. I loved the way she managed to build personal tensions that reflect (or inverted) national ones.

The romance was lovely, too. Even days after finishing, I can't stop thinking about Kit and Niamh and our side plot characters. It was dramatic and sappy, and sweet and tender. Again, this is the kind of romance we've seen Saft do before, but putting it front-and-center instead of secondary to the main plot was a delight to read.

All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely. I'd read it again (and am considering doing so!). While I do think this was a step back in terms of craft, Saft still managed to capture my attention (and my heart), just as she has done with her other books.

Heartwarming and magical! A Fragile Enchantment is Bridgerton, Ella Enchanted, and The Tudors rolled into one. It’s full of magic laced with emotion, political intrigue, star crossed love, and scandal. I absolutely adored the purity and sweetness of this book! The relationships were so well developed and went so much beyond the romantic - the sibling/friendships shone: Kit and Jack’s brotherly rivalry and affection, Kit and Sinclair’s enduring friendship, Niamh’s bonds with Rosa and Miriam. I adored all the characters! This book was lovingly woven with Irish mythology, has themes of colonialism/reparations, and features LGBTQIA characters and relationships. This book will wrap you up in a warm embrace during the cold winter months! I cannot wait for everyone else to enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.

I love everything that Allison Saft writes so this story was no exception to the rule. The whimsical setting with the regency romance atmosphere as well as the chemistry between the characters were all so swoony and fun to read. As a fan of historical romance, this book had everything checked out!

I absolutely adore fantasy historical romances, it’s always a wonderful blend of whimsical magic and scandalous societal pressures, and this book delivered on all the goods. It’s funny, it’s swoony, the chemistry of the characters is fantastic, the plot is exciting and kept me frantically turning the page, I couldn’t have asked for more. Allison Saft has found a life long fan in me 🙌🏻

Allison Saft's "A Fragile Enchantment" is an enchanting and poignant tale that effortlessly combines elements of fantasy, romance, and mystery. Set against a backdrop of lush landscapes and ancient traditions, this novel immerses readers in a world where magic and reality intertwine.
Saft's prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid imagery that transports readers into the heart of the narrative. The author's attention to detail is commendable, capturing the nuances of the enchanting settings and the complexities of the characters' emotions. From the bustling streets of the city to the ethereal beauty of the enchanted forest, each scene is beautifully crafted, awakening the senses and creating an immersive reading experience.
Saft also weaves a compelling mystery throughout the narrative, seamlessly blending it with the fantastical elements of the story. The twists and turns keep readers guessing, and the revelations are satisfyingly unpredictable, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the overall plot.
Thank you netgallery for this free ARC in exchange for a honest review

Link to review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5657821557?book_show_action=false

An ARC of this novel was presented to me from Netgalley, the Author, and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.

If you are in charge of purchasing for your library, or any other shelf, purchase this book! This is a young adult fantasy with a dash of romance (no worries, nothing too X-rated) and a ton of politics, family drama, hints of social divide, and a very small ode to Bridgerton. This is a great novel that will appeal to young adult readers as well as your average reader who just wants a really good story.

Niamh is a wonderful designed/seamstress who weaves bits of her own magic into her garments. She's trying to support her family and wants to move on to bigger and better things, and the opportunity comes when she's asked to dress the wedding party in the neighboring kingdom. Sure, the two groups of people in these kingdoms don't get along, but Niamh is not worried about this. She's a bouncing, bubbling, happy person -- you know the kind.

So, it makes sense that she stumbles (yeah, she's constantly tripping and falling over) into Kit's life. Who is Kit? He's the duke, the second prince of the kingdom, the broody (yet gorgeous) grump that no one can really understand because he's such a grouch. But not Niamh... she begins to feel an instant connection to him and it is very clear that they're meant to be. The only problem: he's set to wed a princess from a foreign land and unite another group of kingdoms.

Yeah, there's lots of politics for a YA novel, but in a way that is pretty captivating. There is also a Bridgerton theme... a random mystery writer keeps discussing the politics of the kingdom. By the time you figure out who this is, it makes perfect sense. But it is very fun to go down that side-plot.

Now, if you think, well, what else is unique about this one? Can I just throw in that there are LGBT secondary characters that are pretty worthwhile?! I know they're not the "main characters" but they really do thoughtfully add to the overall story, the plot, and the general feeling of this book. I'd be happy to read a story entirely devoted to Sinclair, for example.

My favorite line.... "No good came from loving fragile things."

My only criticisms (because no book is ever perfect... well... mostly):
1) There are some moments where the story gets dense and lags here and there. You will notice, because you'll be thinking, less politics, more Kit and Niamh.

2) I know everyone is different, but the fact that Kit is a smoker kind of turned me off to him just a tiny, tiny bit. I don't enjoy smoker mouth. But hey, this is definitely a unique characteristic, and one that I haven't seen recently in YAL. Also... Niamh likes it, and that's what matters.

3) I am never going to like Jack. Even when you're supposed to like him, there's just something about him that rubs me the wrong way.

4) If we were going to tell Rosa's identity story, we needed a bit more. It seems like her revelation comes out of nowhere, but at the same time, you kind of see it coming. There's just a few paragraphs somewhere missing that fully flesh out this character. But, she's a great character!!

So again, 4 amazing stars. Please purchase this if you're remotely interested, because it truly is great. I think this will speak to many YAL readers, especially those who love fantasy and romance combined in the same genre.

I love Allison Saft. Down Comes the Night is a personal fav. I enjoyed this and found it very sweet, but it was maybe a little too sweet though. I found it a little try hard at times, it just wasn't really working for me. Still love Allison Saft, and I did enjoy this overall. But it's not her best.

5/5 stars
Recommended if you like: magic, chronically ill rep, Regency era, forbidden romance, LGBTQ+ rep

This review has been posted to Goodreads as of 7/5 and will be posted to my review blog 7/12 and to Instagram on 7/16.

I really like art-related magic and don't think it's used enough in fantasy. In this book, Niamh has the ability to imbue her clothing and embroidery creations with actual feelings and memories. On some occasions, she's also able to add additional magic to her clothing. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book and seeing the things Niamh created with her art and magic. I think I would've liked seeing a bit more of it, but we do get a decent amount.

The world the book takes place in has "divine blooded" people of all classes who posses magical gifts, such as Niamh's embroidery magic and the royal family's ability to control plants, but this magic tends to diminish over generations. Naturally, noble families with divine blood do their very best to marry other divinely blooded families in order to keep their magic strong. I thought this was a very seamless way to integrate magic and beliefs about magical abilities into a society that's already stratified by class. It felt like a very realistic outcome of what would happen if, historically, noble families did have magic.

I also liked the hints of history in the book. The real-world counterparts of the different countries are fairly obvious (Machland = Ireland, Avaland = England, Castilia = Spain, etc.), and a lot of the political relations between them are historically accurate (not entirely, but enough of them). At the same time, this feels like a distinct world with its own political goings-on.

Niamh has grown up in Machland and spent her life as a seamstress and practicing her family's magic. Desperate to give her mom and grandmother a better life, Niamh takes the invitation to Avaland despite the troubled history between the two countries, her grandmother's thoughts on the matter, and the risk to her own health (Niamh has a chronic joint? condition). She's determined and loyal and a bit self-sacrificing, risking both her happiness and her health to try and provide her family with this better chance. I liked Niamh's spunk and loyalty, and it makes her a good friend and defender.

While she wasn't alive when the conflict was going on, Niamh has seen the consequences of it her whole life, and isn't afraid to make her stance known. She likes the royal family (mostly), but struggles to reconcile what she sees of their actions with how they are in a more private setting and is continuously frustrated with their decision not to act. Niamh definitely pushes at the boundaries of things, but she is good at getting people to see different perspectives.

Sinclair is a semi-disgraced lord's son and Niamh's first friend in Avaland. He's a humorous character who shares Niamh's loyalty and frustration with the current status quo. I liked their interactions and the lightness Sinclair brings to scenes. He's also a veritable fount of information about court and helps guide Niamh through the intricacies of Avaland's aristocracy.

Kit is the younger of the two princes and is prickly all around. He is downright mean at times, though Niamh often doesn't let him get away with it, but for the most part he's just prickly. Underneath is all he's got a heart of gold and can be just as loyal to his friends as Niamh and Sinclair are. Really, he just kind of needs to learn better emotional regulation and he'd probably be fine, lol. I do like Kit and enjoy his character and (most) of his interactions with the others.

Princess Rosa is Kit's betrothed and is a bit of a Wednesday Addams character, preferring rainy days and black clothing, among other things. She isn't all that interested in getting married but knows it's her political duty and she comes across as relatively unaffected by most things. Her lady's maid/best friend is Miriam, who's disposition is a lot sunnier. Miriam and Niamh make quick sort-of friends, and Miriam is steadfastly dedicated to Rosa.

Jack is the prince regent and is kind of slippery to pin down. He's outwardly kind to Niamh, but he won't listen to the Machland workers' demands, and he's cagey about a lot of things. Sofia, princess and Jack's wife, also doesn't get a ton of page time, but she seems nice, if lonely.

The anonymous gossip columnist, Lovelace, was the main mystery of the story. Each Season they publish a rag detailing the mistakes and juicy gossip of the aristocracy, ranging from romantic mishaps to political opinions. Everyone reads the column and what's written there can greatly harm someone's chances of success. Niamh, Kit, and Sinclair are all targeted at various points by Lovelace, though Jack is the most frequent target overall and the column often comments on his political inaction. The mystery of who Lovelace was was actually a difficult one to figure out. There were a lot of really good options to pick from and I was genuinely surprised when I found out who they were.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a light, Regency-era fantasy. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships, and reading about Niamh's magic. Lovelace was a fun little addition to the story that added some tension on top of the politics.

I had high hopes for this novel and started out strong. But, as I read more, I grew disenchanted with both the characters and the worldbuilding. The protagonist started to grate on my nerves a third of the way through and I stopped caring about the main romance.

As for the worldbuilding, my knowledge of European history worked against my enjoyment. It’s clear that the plot was inspired by the relationship between Ireland and England during the Great Hunger. I initially thought “Oh, how neat!” because I love Irish history. However, as I read more it was clear that they just changed the names of the countries to be more *fantasy* and nothing else. It didn’t feel unique and I grew bored. I started skimming halfway through just so I could get the book over with.

I’m incredibly sad that I didn’t enjoy A Fragile Enchantment more. I don’t think it is a bad book; it just wasn’t the book for me. Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing me an e-galley in exchange for an honest review

5/5
I laughed, I cried, I swooned. Allison Saft has brought me the fantasy historical romance of my dreams. Tender and intimate, with a magic that envelops you like a perfectly tailored jacket. A Fragile Enchantment lifts its thorny exterior to uncover a plethora of hidden blooms from its vivid characters to its emotion fraught regency setting. This is the romance of the year and its exploration of addiction, loneliness, and legacy is sure to leave its mark on readers of any age.

Absolutely perfect for fans of historical romance, the dynamics of Bridgerton, or those looking to delve more into the genre!

Full review to come on my blog!

"Her heart beat. Her lungs swelled with air. Life was here, right in front of her."

Thank you to Netgalley for the digital advanced reader copy!

A whimsical and cozy standalone fantasy, Allison Saft's newest book (01.30.2024) just about perfectly balances elements of fantasy, romance, magic, political intrigue, and oppression and family - both in pacing and emphasis. Complete with representation not dissimilar to her 2022 release (A Far Wilder Magic): a briefly implied Jewish Spanish woman, and a handful of queer characters, all shimmer like the divine-blooded under the spotlight in this novel, diving into the relationship between what appears to be a magical version of Ireland and Great Britain.

A Fragile Enchantment heavily explores themes of what it means to live, to truly experience life

as well as a romance that, at first, appears to be quite unexpected, despite the cover art. With a dazzling thread of strongly structured plot, threaded through the needle that is Allison Saft's enchanting writing style used to sew together the fabric of every detail, every romantic scene, every gesture, Saft guides the reader through the resulting story full of life, love, longing, and yearning, that is just as magical, just as heartbreaking and just as powerful as any single garment that Niamh Ó Conchobhair could sew by hand, imbuing the novel with all the emotions and care that were so meticulously described as the result of Niamh's own magical craft.

Ebook received for free through NetGalley

I absolutely adored this story, the characters, the land, and everything else. I wouldn’t mind a second book to follow along for longer. Thanks for the read.

Sooo, read this if you need another Kate-and-Anthony story from Bridgerton.

Brimming with magic, yearning, and some of the most enchanting descriptions of clothing I've read, A FRAGILE ENCHANTMENT is the book of the season. Niamh is a divine-blooded seamstress tasked with designing a prince and his begrudgingly-betrothed fiancée's wedding outfits. She arrives in Avaland hoping to make her family's future brighter, but with no expectations for herself; except, perhaps, to stay out of trouble.

Prince Christopher "Kit" Carmine might as well be the definition of trouble. Brooding, bitter, and more than a little belligerent towards Niamh, the two should have no reason to like one another. But as the wedding grows closer, both political and emotional secrets will be revealed.

In other words, read this book if you enjoy:
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ politics & romance brought into one
✨ enchanted dresses
✨ a stunning, well-developed cast of characters
✨ slow-burn

The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is that I felt like some aspects of court politics went underdeveloped. There's a lot of strain and plot development put on the political relationship between the Maclish and Avaland, yet it seems as if the kingdom of Avaland has a lot more serious matters at hand than just the feelings of the Maclish. Aside from the main character being Maclish and the horrors that the King subjected the Maclish people to, I'm shocked that specific issue had taken center stage, especially by the book's end.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I want to extend my deepest thanks to NetGalley, Allison Saft, and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.