A Fragile Enchantment

I loved this book so much! I managed to read it in one sitting which is something I don’t usually do!

Allison Saft does it again! Everything about this book was so charming and I was hooked from the beginning. Allison does such a good job with writing words that leap off the page and transport you into the world of the book. There were definitely many moments that caused me extreme anxiety, but I loved how everything wrapped up. If Bridgerton and Studio Ghibli had a baby it would be this book.

I would like to start this review by saying that I had no idea what I was going into when I started this book. I saw pretty cover and I was in for a ride. It was amazing. I loved the build up of the relationship between Niamh and Kit the complexity of their relationships that really got to me. I highly recommend this!

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press & Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is beautifully written that I might just cry!! It is such a gorgeous and beautiful romantic fantasy and that too written by one of my favourite author!! I both adore and love it

What a gorgeous historical fantasy romance -- I loved the unique magic system especially, with Niamh and her magic hands, as well as the Bridgerton-esque elements and the grumpy-sunshine dynamic. I also really loved Niamh's relationship with Rosa and watching their bond develop throughout the story. Love everything by this author, and this did not disappoint!

I loved this so very much. It gave me the feeling of watching Bridgerton, except with magic! Royalty, scandal, political drama, this book gave it all. The writing is so very beautiful and whimsical. I was totally transported into the world that was created. Niamh reminds me of myself, someone who sacrifices for the people they love. The story between Niamh and Kit was utterly beautiful. I cannot recommend this book enough.

The second I saw that I got approved for the arc I let out a slight scream. I was kicking my feet in the air, I was crying, I was on the edge of my seat this book had me going through every emotion imaginable. A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft has made it into my top romance books of all time.

Following Niamh a seamstress with the ability to infuse clothing with emotion and feeling and Kit is the prince who is being dragged to the alter. When I say Kit is the definition of 'prickly to everyone except sometimes her' I mean it. I loved reading about his character so much. He has me kicking my feet in the air and squeaking. I really appreciated how Saft wrote Kit's personality it was very different then most ways male love interest are written. We love a man who gets super flustered and red in the face.

If you like:
-Enemies to lovers
-Sunshine x Grumpy
-Whimsical romance
-Slow burn

Then you should pick up this book! Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Trigger Warning for: Mentions of alcohol abuse, mentions of homophobia and homophobia related trauma

Wow. A Fragile Echantment is a beautiful follow up for Allison Saft. I was completely swept up in the prose and romance. Saft was already someone I had on my radar after her debut but this one really solidified the level of her writing skills and ability to capture an audience. Highly recommended.

Bridgerton meets Belladonna. Social and political machinations with a weaving of simple craft and elemental magic and a big heaping handful of gentle romance. It was a tenderhearted reminder to be kind to yourself; to love yourself like you love others; to know your own limits and not push beyond them.

Wow! This was such a good story which was an incredible mirror to my own life and emotions. I particularly enjoyed seeing the magical elements of the emotions of fashion, how what we wear can represent how we feel and how we want others to see us. I also loved the anglicization of Irish names represented in the character interactions.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this title.

This book was my first of Allison Saft's, and now I will definitely be reading more! This book was a very sweet romance, which is not my usual genre but it surprised me. Very rich, lush scenery and beautiful writing. There were a lot of social issues present but fit very well into the story; chronic illness, alcoholism, classism and LGBTQ issues, all set amongst an obvious allegory for British and Irish relations in the 19th century. There is a lot going on in this book but all the elements are combined seamlessly. I know I will definitely be able to recommend this one to readers at my store.

This was a great historical romantic fantasy. Very immersive and full of tropes I love such as forbidden romance. I have other Allison Saft titles that are also great. The cover is gorgeous too!

“Your existence alone is enough. And if you believe you’ve made no difference at all to anyone, you’re even more clueless than I thought”

Niamh is a young seamstress who has the ability to weave enchants of emotions into whatever she makes. She is brought to the capital of a neighboring land to create garments for an upcoming royal wedding. Along the way, she discovers what it means to want and to go after it, makes unlikely friends, and sets into motion something so much bigger than she is.

I absolutely LOVED this book! This regency era romantasy is so cozy and wraps you into it right away. I never wanted to put it down. Very much a grumpy x sunshine trope done well as it isn’t always my favorite trope (too much brooding really is too much). The story keeps you enthralled up until the last line. It ends with hope for the future of the characters and feels complete.

There really is nothing I disliked about the book except for the fact I wish there was more. Niamh, Kit, and Sinclair are just the best little trio. Also, I like how there really isn’t a villain, just some antagonists to sort of get in the way or just do things that make you want to smack some sense into them?? Again, just so cozy and light hearted. will read again

5/5

The world is always a softer place after finishing one of Allison's books, and this is no exception.
A Fragile Enchantment is a love story filled with delicate moments and heated conversations, tucked among hard truths. The longing alone will drive you to dramatics.
*Be prepared for tears.

Five stars is NOT enough for this absolute gem of a book. This cozy, beautiful story is regency fantasy romance at its best, exploring deeply human emotion with the glitter and sparkle of magical tailoring.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Fragile Enchantment is an upper YA historical fantasy with regency romance vibes, a cozy/flowery magic system, bi FMC and MMC (actually basically every character is gay 😁), and grumpy X sunshine forbidden love with an absolutely obscene amount of pining (because would I ever read and enjoy anything if there wasn’t obscene amounts of pining?). And I love love LOVED it!! A springtime regency romance with magic?? I swear- Allison Saft wrote this book with me and me alone in mind.

I definitely liked this book a lot from the very beginning, but I (once again) had too high of expectorations, and was expecting to just absolutely love and devour it from the first page. Which is a crazy expectation considering that I didn’t even do that with A Far Wilder Magic, my fav of Saft’s. But once I got a good portion into the book, I was definitely loving it. And I do think that reading it as a ebook was part of the reason I was struggling to get into it. However, although I loved this book so much and think that it was beautifully done, I do think that I still prefer AFWM. However, this is entirely due to personal preference and not any fault of the writing. (I’m a sucker for dual-pov and reverse grumpy X sunshine, okay?) But Saft’s writing absolutely shines in this book- as always. It’s rich and atmospheric and poetic but also witty and fun.

It’s a true feat of the writing the way every. single. character. in this book captured my heart. Of course I fell in love with the leads, Kit and Niamh, which I expect with Saft, but I was NOT however expecting to get attached to so many side characters. Sinclair! Rosa! Miriam! I loved them all! And their dynamic as a group was the sweetest thing in the world. I won’t spoil anything but the way things transpired with them all at the end made my heart so full.

But, of course, the main characters. As with any character who has ever pined over someone they can’t have, I related to Niamh a painful amount. She was such sweet, lovely character’s head to be in and, as always, felt so real and genuine. But KIT!!! I’ve never really loved a grumpy man but Kit is the typa grumpy man I will allow. The evidence is as follows:

“He is gentlemanly to no one but you. To the rest for the world, he is peevish, extraordinarily rude, and possesses no grace or decorum.”

Need I say more? But, seriously, I’m in love with him. But, even more than that, I’m in love with the way he loves Niamh. These two were so head over heels gone for each other and honestly, that’s kind of a rare find in romance for some odd reason. This wasn’t the slowest of burns for that reason, but I’ll allow it because UGHHHH these two were the cutest. The way they treated each other and helped each other grow was beautiful and emotional but they still had that helpless romantic tension which, ya know, is important (to me).

Speaking of just how far gone these two were for each other… the ENDING OF THIS BOOK. The mystery-ish plot and outward forces of this book were keeping me on my toes to the point where I was questioning if these two would get a HEA (not a good feeling). But they pulled through and, even though I already loved this book a good amount, the ending is what sealed the deal to make this book a true favorite. My heart was so incredibly full watching these characters finally get to be happy- I don’t think I’ve ever been so overjoyed and content with an ending before. I was smiling ear to ear while reading it. This is definitely one of those books that will break your heart and mend it and then give you a massive hug in just a few pages.

Cannot recommend this book enough if you love regency and/or fantasy romance, mature and well-developed characters, pining, lovely vibes, did I say pining?🪡🥀💐

Some quotes to prove my point:

“She supposed she was forever cursed to long for things she could not have.”

“It felt like a dream- a fairy tale. It didn’t feel possible, that she should’ve been allowed to have something she wanted so badly.”

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review !! 🥰🥰

I loved this book! I loved the magic system and the slow burn. I loved all the main characters and the awkward friendships they developed. It was very Bridgerton meets fantasy and I was absolutely here for it!

Wow. I don’t think i can properly express how much i enjoyed this book. From the very beginning it pulls you in, and each chapter gets better and better. This book is filled with drama, magic, and romance. Once you start you can’t put it down. If you’re debating reading A Fragile Enchantment, please do! you won’t regret it.


Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for providing me this arc in return for a honest review.


My Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5669381466

I’ve loved everything I read by Allison Saft so this book was one of my most anticipated upcoming releases. I’m very pleased to say that I absolutely loved this one as well! It’s a regency-era fantasy romance with a flair of Irish folklore. It contains a magical dressmaker who always puts the needs of others before herself, a lonely prince with a prickly exterior, an anonymous gossip column that reaps scandal, and a mysterious underlying political scheme.
Similarly to the author’s other novels, this story is about self-acceptance, sacrifice, family, friendship, and love. It’s a slow-burn, which I love because it allows us to get to know each character individually before we grow to love them as a unit. Also, that book cover? Stunning!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC

Review posted on Goodreads on July 7, 2023
Review and rating to be posted on Youtube on August 2, 2023
Review and star rating to be posted on TikTok on August 2, 2023

I got into this book not really knowing what it was about, and I have to say that it was probably one of the best books I’ve read in 2023. It had the perfect amount of magic, witty banter, and a FMC that you just could not help but fall in love with. I’m rendered speechless when trying to come up with this review as the book still remains so vividly in my mind.
I sometimes struggle with the immaturity and essence of time in YA Fantasy books, which is no fault but my own, however, in this book I genuinely had no complaints. I cannot wait to add this book to our library as I am confident that kids will be eating it up just as much as I did!

I absolutely adored this book! Everything was very well thought out and I think it’s perfect for anyone who wants a great hate-to-love slowburn with political intrigue and complex, but lovable characters!

Niamh and Kit’s relationship was so cute and I ate up the banter between them. Their relationship was a perfect balance of annoying each other and pining for each other and I couldn’t get enough.

I really have nothing bad to say about this book and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it! This is my first time reading one of Allison Saft’s books but I will now be going through her entire backlog and I look forward to any of her future releases! 4.5 Stars

This book was magical. I was captivated from the very first chapter. I had no idea how much I loved book with Bridgeton vibes AND magic, but it’s now a top genre. Essentially this is a forbidden romance between a prince and girl from lower class. ITS ALSO SO MUCH MORE THEN THAT!

We are thrown into a world that is in the midst or political turmoil. Where the labor class, that has been morally and financially taken advantage of by the nobles, are rising against the monarchy to defend their rights and fair wages.

In this story we follow Niamh, a seamstress with the ability to enchanted feelings and memories into her thread. Want a dress that makes you feel a memories of summertime? A coat that makes you “invisible” to other around you? A gown that makes you feel brave and powerful?

Niamh is called upon by king Jack to be the royal dresser for the wedding of his brother Kit and political rival Rosa. Niamh always puts others first, even when it hurts her. She is working herself to the bone ti try to provide her family with a better life, and Kit is not making that an easy job.

In the midst of it all is an anonymous columnist named “Lovelace” who is airing out the dirty laundry of the noble class. I don’t want to give too much away, as I went in semi blind and had an AMAZING time!

I highly recommend this book for all lovers of historical romance, dynamic of Bridgeton, enemies to lovers, and grumpy sunshine!

A Fragile Enchantment instantly became one of my favourite things I've read so far this year. Enemies to lovers, a royal wedding, a take on magic I've never seen before, and a Gossip Girl-esque gossip column? Sign me up. Add onto that some beautiful world building and characters you can't help but love (no matter how obnoxious they may act) and you've got a gorgeous read that I could not bring myself to put down.

I think it's safe to say that at this point I will read and enjoy everything Allison Saft writes. ( no pressure tho but like I would read your grocery list )
This book is pure romance, in the best possible way. It's a low stakes fantasy with a beautiful cast of characters. Our main character, Niamh is instantly lovable. The grumpy/sunshine trope here is done beautifully, and their relationship develops slowly with all the tension. What I love about Allison's writing is that none of her books are the same, and all of her characters are different as well. Which I think is a force in an author.
This book treats with more delicate subject like alcoholism and anxiety, xenophobia, working class with injustice. All of this set in a fantasy historical regent time.

This book is magical, whimsical and just adorable. The forbidden romance between Niamh and Kit was perfectly done. I loved loved loved all the parts where she was sewing and creating beautiful clothes because I could picture it in my head so easily, which is not something I can usually do.

I don't know what magic Allison is putting in all of her man male characters but they are always so perfect and wholesome even if they are complicated and layered. Wes from A Far Wilder Magic is still my favorite, but Kit is definitely a close second.

Read this book if you love :
♡ forbidden romance
♡ grumpy sunshine
♡ magic
♡ bridgerton but fantasy
♡ lovable characters
♡ gossip girl-ish but make it historical

Also I already can't wait to re-read this, in January when I buy the boom, which says a lot in itself.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this e-arc. I am forever grateful for it.

I totally loved this book! I am so going to get a hard copy of it when I can! I loved this so much! Regency England and muddle it up with a fantasy world and this is what you get. I cannot stop thinking about this book. Go good!
I just reviewed A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

To me, this entire book was pure perfection.

I've enjoyed all of Saft's novels and this one just adds to the list of amazing stories penned by her. Niamh is such a wonderful protagonist and I enjoyed her personal growth immensely but of course I most loved when she and Kit were on the page together. They had great banter from the start and beautiful moments the whole way through. Individually, they were incredibly well-thought out and developed which made the story feel both more real and more weighty with real people on the line.

It's such a tender-hearted love story touching on some really painful themes but they're such a sweet couple that you can't help but root for them. It's incredibly well-written and the magic is just the perfect mixture of cost and mystery while also being absolutely stunning to visualize. The supporting cast of characters really added to the story as well, with Sinclair being my favorite of them all.

I can't get enough of this book. Even though I got a free reviewer ebook copy, I already preordered a hardback for my own because I loved it so much. I definitely recommend it to any fantasy romance reader. It's an absolute delight!


Note: I received a free electronic edition of this book via NetGalley in exchange for the honest review above. I would like to thank them, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to do so.

This is now an Allison Saft fan account. When I get a physical copy of A Fragile Enchantment, it will be residing on my fave fantasy shelf next to Kristin Cashore, Marie Rutkoski, Tamora Pierce, Sarah J Maas, and Holly Black. I do not make the rules. This is just how it is now. A Fragile Enchantment was such a beautiful and, at times, heartbreaking, book. The chemistry was perfection, and the tension unmatched. When this book is released on January 30th, 2024, I need you all to give this the same amount of attention that Fourth Wing and Divine Rivals are getting right now. I haven't read Divine Rivals yet, and I know that this book is more delicate than Fourth Wing, but the emotions are there. We have the bad boy, who is really just a broken boy who is afraid of being loved, and then we have the bubbly girl that has always put others first and will call out any unkindness. Not to mention that they also have magic powers. Kit can control plants, and Niamh can embed feelings and memories into her embroidery. Did I mention that she is hired to make the wedding attire for Kit's arranged marriage?

I need you to love this as much as I do. I can not put into words how much this book has broken me and put me back together. There were a few times I did not think I could emotionally survive these two, but we made it. Please, please read this. Think of a more delicate, but just as passionate Cruel Prince. You will not want to miss this one, I promise. 
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[Disclaimer: I was given this eARC by St. Martin's Press- Wednesday Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!]

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.

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!

Wow. This book exceeded my expectations and then some. This was a FIVE STAR read for me!

This was the first book I’ve read by Allison Saft, and from the cover art to the summary, I was intrigued. But once I started reading, it just blew me away. Saft has such a gorgeous way with words, it was truly like poetry on every page.

The way eager to please, magical seamstress Niamh and prickly, secretive Prince Kit reluctantly fall for each other was just exquisite. They each had such intense and heartbreaking backstories on their own that I not only fell in love with them as a couple, but also with each of them as their own character. The supporting characters in this book as well as a sub plot involving political unrest gave this story even more depth than I anticipated (in a great way), and the world-building and descriptions of the magic and settings made me feel fully immersed in the story.

This book felt like the exceptionally gifted and beyond beautiful YA love child of the Bridgerton series and The Last Binding series. I can honestly say this was my favorite book I’ve read this month, and now I need to read Saft’s backlist ASAP!

🧵 LGBTQIA+ Representation
🪻Magical Bloodlines
🧵 Bridgerton Vibes
🪻Forbidden Romance

This was such an adorable, magical read! The world was very interesting, and we get a bit of history and politics as we read. The characters and their decisions are very impacted by the politics and issues within their countries.

The brotherly relationship between Kit and Jack was great. The side characters are very well developed, and I loved getting to know them.

The romance between Kit and Niamh was so frickin cute. I love them.

There is a lot of Bridgerton vibes, but with magic. I enjoyed the magic and how families had a specific magic that was passed down.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA fantasy romance!

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft is a true Bridgerton-meets-fantasy gem. The intricate world-building, endearing characters, and masterful storytelling created an enchanting experience that captivated me from the very first page. Saft's lyrical prose and profound exploration of themes like love and sacrifice make this book an absolute must-read for all fantasy enthusiasts seeking a captivating and immersive tale. Niamh and Kit had me longing for their happily ever after, and more than a few laughs and tears were shed while reading. A Fragile Enchantment is a spellbinding journey that lingered in my heart long after the final chapter. Definitely my favorite read for 2024 so far!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me just start by saying that I absolutely LOVED this book! It was everything I had ever wanted in a historical fantasy romance: whimsical writing, period setting, a dreamy fairytale atmosphere, and a gorgeous romance.

I especially loved the characters of Niamh and Kit. Niamh is a kind and compassionate young woman with a love for magic, while Kit is a stubborn but charming Highlander with a hidden past. Their banter was hilarious and their chemistry was undeniable. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.

The plot was also well-paced and engaging. There was a good balance of romance, adventure, and magic, and I was never bored. I especially enjoyed the way the author incorporated chronic illness, LGBTQ+, and mental health representation into the story. It was refreshing to read a book with characters who felt so real and relatable.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fantasy romances. It's a cozy and brilliant read that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.

Here are some of the things I loved most about the book:

The writing was absolutely breathtaking and whimsical. I felt like I was in a dreamy fairytale, and I never wanted it to end.
The characters were complex and relatable. I especially loved the relationship between Niamh and Kit.
The plot was well-paced and engaging. There was a good balance of romance, adventure, and magic.
The author incorporated chronic illness, LGBTQ+, and mental health representation into the story in a way that felt both realistic and respectful.
I can't wait to see what Allison Saft has up her sleeve next!

I had the absolute privilege of being chosen to read an advanced readers copy of this book and I was absolutely delighted! This is the first time I've ever gotten to read an ARC and I will forever remember it. Allison Saft created an absolutely breathtaking story. I enjoyed how all of the lore was easy to follow. I do wish she could have gone into a bit more detail about how the powers worked and why some characters were more affected by the use of their powers than others but that little bit of intrigue could be something she could explain in a sequel (if she decided she wanted to write one).

I really loved the characters of this novel. I was invested in each and every one of them. I like that every single one of them had both their good and bad traits highlighted. No one was a complete paragon of morality but I think that's what made them so likeable.

I really loved the romance in this book I wish I could go into more detail but I don't want to go into spoiler territory, especially considering the book hasn't even been released yet. I will say that anyone who likes the grumpy/sunshine trope will like the main couple quite a bit.

This book is one I'd recommend to fans of Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice. Definitely has those vibes with a hint of magic. All I could say is I found this story to be very, very heartwarming and it makes me want to go and read Allison's other books. I will definitely be picking up a copy of this novel in January and I'd encourage everyone else to as well.

This just might be my favorite book of the year. Niamh has been hired by the King of her neighboring kingdom as the seamstress for the upcoming wedding of the Prince. With the money and exposure that comes from this job, she will be able to provide for her family and make their lives easier.

Things start out bumpy but soon she finds herself coming to enjoy the moments she spends with Kit. But Niamh has a job to do. She can't allow her developing feelings for Kit get in the way of her goals.

This book was filled with longing, magic, court politics, fights for equality and lessons on putting yourself first and not giving up on the things you want. One of the things I especially enjoyed was the character growth in the side characters. They weren't just there for the sake of the main characters. They had their own issues to deal with as well.

I loved Kit. He allowed people to see him a certain way and had given up on fighting for the things he truly wanted. He was a sensitive kid who was told from a young age that that wasn't ok and so as an adult he tries to hide that side of himself. Niamh is great because she forces him to be himself and he in turn helps her to realize that she can't continue to live her life to please others.

Allison Saft has quickly become one of my must buy authors. Her writing is divinely whimsical and effortless in its narrative. One of the highlights of this book’s many dynamics was the emergence of found family. If you’re into enemies to lovers, regency romance, grumpyxsunshine this is the book for you. Thank you for the e-arc I can’t wait for other readers to fall in love with this novel.

SWOON 🥹😭 Every single book Allison Saft writes has so much emotion, romance, and whimsy, but you can tell she put her ENTIRE heart into this one! This is my favorite of her books so far. It's a tender and comforting regency romance with plant, weather, and sewing magic. Everyone's queer (both MCs are bi/pan with a gay and lesbian cast of found family). This is perfect for fans of <i>Half a Soul</i>, <i>Ten Thousand Stitches</i>, <i>Spin the Dawn</i>, or <i>An Enchantment of Ravens</i>!

My brain hears "Allison Saft is coming out with a new novel" and suddenly I've already preordered three copies. I was so excited to get an ARC of A Fragile Enchantment. This book was incredible and so beautifully written. Allison Saft is a master of romantic fantasies. You need to read this book!

A Fragile Enchantment is what I needed in my life right now. I loved the writing, the characters, and the plot! It reminded me of Howl’s Moving Castle and with that comes the feeling of nostalgia. I absolutely recommend this novel to anyone! I will be buying copies for friends!

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.

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.

A Fragile Enchantment is the first romance-driven book I have ever read in my life. The cover swayed me with its lovely delicate color scheme and the fantasy background really piqued my interest. I was fearful at first that Niamh would be the stereotypical girl looking for love, but instead I found her to be a genuinely engaging protagonist. All of Saft's characters have a life of their own and gave the book depth and solidness.

I also adored the curmudgeonly aspects of Kit and his uptight brother, Jack. I appreciated the tense sibling dynamics that permeated the book and the weightiness of their conflicts. The issues and problems set in this beautiful dreamlike summer scape that Saft creates unfolded in an easy manner that I found to be relaxing and inviting all at the same time. I also fell in love with the way in which Niamh's magic unfolded within the book. It was just a joy to read all of the descriptors of her enchantments. I had never read about or even imagined a magic like hers, entwining emotions and memories into fabric and clothing.

The book scratched an itch I never knew I had, all because I thought the romance would take a backseat to the fantasy, I was wrong but I was definitely not disappointed! So glad I decided to read this book. 5/5

I don’t even know how to put my feelings into words. I love you Allison Saft, thank you for writing protagonists so hopelessly endearing and who struggle with themselves in ways all of us can relate to. Niamh works so hard with so little effort reserved for her own happiness and Kit believes himself irredeemable, that his chance of happiness has passed him by. Their story is beautiful and painful and full of growth, not to mention a wonderful cast of side characters. I loved A Fragile Enchantment so very much, I can’t wait to own a physical copy when it’s released. Thank you so much to NetGalley & the publisher for my advanced copy!!

Pride and Prejudice vibes but make it chaotic bi disaster children and magic. Also, a prickly personality that might be a little too literally prickly. I was actually highlighting things as I read and cringing because I felt called out a few too many times. 10/10 recommend. I might even love it more than A Far Wilder Magic. ❤️ I am absolutely an Allison Saft fan for life.


I received an advance copy from the publisher, all opinions are my own and a review was not required.

I have avoided writing my review of A Fragile Enchantment for a while, not because I didn’t love this book, but because I love it so much that I wasn’t ready to part with it yet. Of course it will always be there for me, ready to sweep me away whenever I need an escape, but I’ll never get to experience this beautiful book for the first time ever again. I recently discovered Saft’s books while searching for standalone YA fantasy - I was looking for books but I found treasure. A Fragile Enchantment is a stunning story of love of all kinds, against all odds. It inspires words like longing, wistful, hopeful, & dreamy. I smiled, I laughed, & I definitely cried more than once. In my mind, this story is a period piece produced by Focus Features, right alongside Pride & Prejudice (2005) & Emma (2020).

A Fragile Enchantment is a story of found family & good trouble. It’s a story that reminds the reader of all the ways that we are human & complicated & well beyond a simple binary of good & bad. To put it simply, this book is like a love letter to all our faults that makes us beautifully human.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books & NetGalley for sending me an advanced digital copy of this book for review. (No…seriously…THANK YOU.) All thoughts & opinions expressed are my own.

A Fragile Enchantment is everything I never knew I needed but now can't live without. The romantic tension of Bridgerton meets whimsical, unique magic in this swoon-worthy story about a young woman who is desperate to save her family -- even at the cost of her own happiness. While I absolutely adored the romance and high-society setting in this, what really resonated with me was the deeper emotional themes of self-discovery and self-love in this book.

I'm 10000% convinced I will never ever ever dislike a book written by Allison Saft, and I can't wait to read her future work!

A Fragile Enchantment ends up being more than just a whimsical, magical regency romance. At its heart, this is a story about people struggling with duty and self-sacrifice, and all of the themes were tied in beautifully. As a lighthearted yet surprisingly poignant standalone fantasy romance, it's just quite lovingly crafted.

And if you like your Mr. Darcy-type awkward broody LIs, this one's for you.

This book was an absolute delight to read. I went in with high expectations for a fantastic fantasy romance set against the backdrop of political intrigue and was rewarded with a sweet story that touched on the effects of colonization, the aftereffects of rebellions, classism, prejudice, and more. Plus, almost all of the core characters are gay or bi, though those exact terms are never used.

Niamh and Kit by themselves would be an interesting story to read about, with their initially antagonistic relationship and attempts to understand each other. But the overall tale is enhanced by also focusing on the interactions and relationships the two have with their friends. Friendship and loyalty both play major roles in the story, and having that broader focus goes a long way to fully developing both Niamh and Kit's characters. These friendships help to better establish and define the conflicts and choices made by all involved.

All of this is set against a backdrop of political unrest and machinations. Niamh is part of the Macklish, a group of people who have historically been mistreated and dominated by the wealthy and aggressive Avaland. While the Macklish are pushing for better representation in Avaland and being ignored, the Regent is trying to make alliances with other nations and is using his brother Kit as a pawn through marriage.

Because neither the description nor the cover give away that there are LGBTQIA+ characters in this story, it would make a fantastic stealth read for a teen. But it would also be enjoyed by young folks who enjoy weightier romances and unique fantasy worlds.