Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal

I’ve heard Shades of Milk and Honey described if “Jane Austen wrote fantasy stories.” I can see where this idea comes from, for this book is a regency novel that reminds me some of the best of Austen’s work. In it accomplished young ladies know how to apply glamours to make the world seem slightly better than the actual surroundings. Music can have magical light dancing through the air, a room can look like a forest. The ever practical plain Jane is the true glamourist in the family, but it is Melody who attracts the men due to her pretty face. When unscrupulous men try to manipulate Melody in order to get her dowry, it is up to Jane to stop them and perhaps find a love of her own.