Review: A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

*I received a copy of this book from Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.

A Fragile Enchantment

by Allison Saft

January 2, 2024

Goodreads Summary:

In this romantic fantasy of manners from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft, a magical dressmaker commissioned for a royal wedding finds herself embroiled in scandal when a gossip columnist draws attention to her undeniable chemistry with the groom.

Niamh Ó Conchobhair has never let herself long for more. The magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into every dress she makes is the same one that will kill her—sooner rather than later—and she’s determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family. When she’s commissioned to design the wardrobe for a nearby kingdom’s royal wedding, she knows this is her one chance to make something of herself.

Niamh arrives in Avaland, where young nobles are making their debuts into society during the candlelit balls and elegant garden parties that fill the social Season. The only damper on the festivities is the groom Kit Carmine, prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a desperate political act. Beneath Avaland’s glittery façade, unrest is brewing, and an anonymous gossip columnist has been spreading rumors about corruption within the royal family. As Niamh grows closer to Kit, an unlikely friendship begins to blossom into something more…until the columnist starts buzzing about her chemistry with the prince, promising to leave her alone only if she helps uncover the royal family’s secrets. Niamh discovers that the rot at the heart of Avaland goes far deeper than she bargained for—but exposing it could risk a future she never let herself dream of, and a love she never thought possible.

Transporting readers to a Regency England-inspired fantasy world, A Fragile Enchantment is a sweeping romance threaded with intrigue, unforgettable characters, and a love story for the ages.

Review

A Fragile Enchantment was a most eventful story- the main characters jumped hurdle after hurdle. But no number of complications could take away how utterly romantic A Fragile Enchantment was~

When Niamh and Kit first met in A Fragile Enchantment, I could not fathom how they’d form any sort of connection. One had endless doubts while the other could not be more resentful. But Allison Saft’s beautiful proses convinced me. Delicate nuances and poetic dialogues layered the characters in emotions. I could so clearly feel their joys, pains and desperations.

Niamh and Kit was the epitome of forbidden love. Personal turmoil and societal rules kept them apart for most of the story. Yet their feelings continued to grow (from quiet caring) until they could not be contained (to untameable heat). Niamh and Kit belonged together- misunderstandings and disapprovals could not keep them apart.

I wish the story delved deeper into the magic of the world. I would’ve liked to better understand the different magical abilities. Nevertheless, A Fragile Enchantment swept me away with its lyrical writing, dynamic characters and dreamy romance.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.