I just finished reading Mart Robinette Kowal's Shades of Milk and Honey, and I must say, I enjoyed it greatly. The plot was engaging, the writing flowed well, and nothing jarred me out of the world of the book (as opposed to the clever-idea-but-poorly-executed Pride and Prejudice and Zombies).

It reminded me Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer's magical regency books, though with a very different flavor. Kowal is very careful to make sure that this magic is used for decoration and entertainment, and does not have any military applications, which makes it a suitable "feminine accomplishment" rather than a dangerous weapon.

I recommend the book, and after reading it, I also recommend going to the website and reading the Easter eggs. (They are password protected: just remember the name of the horse Jane rides in Chapter 10.)

In the meantime, here is the delightful book trailer, featuring some of Kowal's shadow puppetry.

And as a bonus...Jane Austen's Fight Club, for some non-period authentic fun:

(Coming soon...my belated thoughts on N. K. Jeminsin's amazing The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms)