This is a slow-burn for the ages!
A Fragile Enchantment
Romantic Fantasy, YA, NA
Wednesday Books
January 2, 2024
384
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 fabric is the same magic that will eventually kill her. Determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family, Niamh jumps at the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Avaland. But Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While young nobles attend candlelit balls and elegant garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class. The groom himself, Kit Carmine, is prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a political pawn. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more―until an anonymous gossip columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry, promising to leave them alone only if Niamh helps to uncover the royal family’s secrets. The rot at the heart of Avaland runs deep, 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.
“Give me some credit here. It’s like watching an entire opera play out
every time you two so much as make eye contact with each other”
This story crafted by Allison Saft has the feel of a historical romance while weaving in a magic system that really creates the fantasy vibe of this novel. The witty banter between our MCs is top-notch. Niahm is a magical seamstress, with a power passed down through generations to weave feelings into fabric. Kit is the outcast prince of Avalon whose brother, the king regent, has prearranged a marriage to a princes of a nearby kingdom. Niahm is hired to create the attire for the prince and princess for their upcoming nuptials and although using her magic is slowly taking years from her life, she can not turn down the opportunity to make enough money to support her family. Our FMC soon learns that secrets are being kept and the royal court has more to hide than she first imagined. What’s most unexpected is how the prickly groom-to-be prince is slowly working is way into her thoughts more and more.
Sometimes, it felt as though she’d threaded all her family’s wounds onto a string and hung them around her own neck. But she could not complain… Besides, it was a comfortable weight by now. If she did not carry it, then who would?
The internal struggle Niahm and Kit both have while balancing loyalty to uphold their families’ legacies versus also wanting literally anything for themselves is felt through the pages of this book. They are both strong willed characters who feel a duty to uphold their family’s needs over their own. Along with this is a brewing slow-burn romance that must be kept in the dark. Tabloids abound at any sight of the prince stepping out of line and Niahm must save her reputation if she wants to become anything more than a poor seamstress. When things start to heat up, decisions must be made and we find out who has been honest and who has more to hide than we ever thought possible…
She floated in a haze of pleasure and exhaustion. “Is this a dream?”
“I don’t know,” he said huskily, his eyes aglow. “Let me kiss you until dawn, and I suppose we’ll find out.”
A Fragile Enchantment is as enchanting as the title suggests and I really enjoyed it!
Hi, I’m Rebecca! I’m a Maryland girl at heart, but currently live in South Central Pennsylvania. The greatest loves of my life are my husband, my three daughters, and our Alaskan Klee Kai, Yoshi. The best time I find to read is when my kids are busy with one of their numerous extra-curricular activities and my husband is gaming. Let me tell you, a reader and a gamer make an excellent partnership! Aside from quality time with my family, I believe my day is best spent with a good book in one hand and an iced coffee in the other. My hobbies include reading books, buying books, and adding books to my TBR. And yes, those are three separate hobbies, don’t @ me. I’m obsessed with YA fantasy, extra-spicy romantasy, and everything in between. I’m insatiable when it comes to reading and if I love a book – I devour it. It becomes a part of me forever.
