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Turned Out Well: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
“My nephew does not deserve to grow up fatherless and my sister is too happy with her husband to be widowed. I do not doubt that you are precisely the kind of horrid creature that would shoot to kill in a duel, and so I have remained silent. If... if... if you will leave Miss Darcy alone and not try to interfere with her and not try to abduct her again, I will keep quiet, but if you try anything I will tell all.”
Following on from Tact and Elizabeth Bennet’s marriage, the short stories in Turned Out Well cover the London debuts of the remaining Miss Bennets, the happenings at Rosings Park, and the marriage of the practical-minded Charlotte Lucas.
There are seven tales in all, dealing with the adventures of five distinctly different heroines.
Tactful
Lydia Bennet observes her sister’s introduction to the ton.
Undercurrents
Miss Catherine Bennet arrived in London expecting to have a marvellous time. She is disappointed to discover that she does not have a taste for society.
The Grange
Catherine is curious to see the house and the inhabitants that she has heard so much of.
Intact
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a resilient woman but some trials are hard to bear.
Tactless
Miss Lydia Bennet makes her debut and becomes all the rage. She anticipated balls and ballgowns and dancing and flirtation – she did not anticipate foiling an attempted abduction.
The Countess and the Highwayman
Lydia rarely behaves as she is expected to, and sees little reason to change her ways after her marriage.
Not Romantic
Miss Charlotte Lucas, whilst appreciating the romance of Pemberley, has too much sense to think of love.
Following on from Tact and Elizabeth Bennet’s marriage, the short stories in Turned Out Well cover the London debuts of the remaining Miss Bennets, the happenings at Rosings Park, and the marriage of the practical-minded Charlotte Lucas.
There are seven tales in all, dealing with the adventures of five distinctly different heroines.
Tactful
Lydia Bennet observes her sister’s introduction to the ton.
Undercurrents
Miss Catherine Bennet arrived in London expecting to have a marvellous time. She is disappointed to discover that she does not have a taste for society.
The Grange
Catherine is curious to see the house and the inhabitants that she has heard so much of.
Intact
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is a resilient woman but some trials are hard to bear.
Tactless
Miss Lydia Bennet makes her debut and becomes all the rage. She anticipated balls and ballgowns and dancing and flirtation – she did not anticipate foiling an attempted abduction.
The Countess and the Highwayman
Lydia rarely behaves as she is expected to, and sees little reason to change her ways after her marriage.
Not Romantic
Miss Charlotte Lucas, whilst appreciating the romance of Pemberley, has too much sense to think of love.
- GenresRomanceAnthologies
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2019
36 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 7, 2025
If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten. ~ Rudyard Kipling
Here are seven amusing and heart-touching stories of events following the end of “Tact” – this author’s previous published book. A description of the stories is contained in the blurb accompanying the purchase opportunity. I won’t give further details.
The stories can be understood without reading “Tact” although I would recommend it to any JAFF readers. A reader needs only to know that Mary had married Mr. Collins; Jane and Bingley are wed; and Lady Catherine was agreeable to the Darcy/Elizabeth marriage. We are searching for HEAs for Kitty, Georgiana, Lydia and even Charlotte (my favorite).
I hadn’t read anything by this author (I don’t know how I missed her) but I understand her stories have been available at on-line sites for some time. I applaud her for the venture into publishing and putting her work before many more readers.
The story — from Rumplestiltskin to War and Peace — is one of the basic tools invented by the human mind for the purpose of understanding. There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories. ~ Ursula K. Le Guin
Here are seven amusing and heart-touching stories of events following the end of “Tact” – this author’s previous published book. A description of the stories is contained in the blurb accompanying the purchase opportunity. I won’t give further details.
The stories can be understood without reading “Tact” although I would recommend it to any JAFF readers. A reader needs only to know that Mary had married Mr. Collins; Jane and Bingley are wed; and Lady Catherine was agreeable to the Darcy/Elizabeth marriage. We are searching for HEAs for Kitty, Georgiana, Lydia and even Charlotte (my favorite).
I hadn’t read anything by this author (I don’t know how I missed her) but I understand her stories have been available at on-line sites for some time. I applaud her for the venture into publishing and putting her work before many more readers.
The story — from Rumplestiltskin to War and Peace — is one of the basic tools invented by the human mind for the purpose of understanding. There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories. ~ Ursula K. Le Guin
February 10, 2020
I so enjoyed these seven lovely stories, that tie together and bring closure to certain members of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy's family from Ms. Peneaux' novel 'Tact'. I always love when an author explores the lives of the secondary characters from Pride & Prejudice. How they interpret and visualize them. How they create the men these young ladies will eventually marry. I must say, I was a bit worried with one of the men, and how she was going to make me like him! Let's just say, I shouldn't have been but it was a stretch.
Tactful: Mr. and Mrs. Darcy host their first ball together. The guest list includes Beau Brummell quite by chance. It is here that Lydia gets her first glimpse of how tactful her sister, Elizabeth really is.
"I don't think I have ever seen Beau Brummell so casually invited nor so readily dismissed." (quote from the book)
Undercurrents: Kitty Bennet has always been Lydia's shadow. When staying with the Darcy's without Lydia, her shyness and lack of confidence is more obvious. However, when angered and someone she cares for is threatened, she is not afraid to pull any punches.
"You have already declared that there cannot be an explanation, Mr. Darcy. I cannot, therefore, see any purpose in wasting my breath by providing you with one." (quote from the book)
The Grange: This is such a sweet story of when Kitty finally gets to go to the Grange.
"Tommy had thought all his life that he would need a bride who could speak for him when he could not, but in Kitty he had found something infinitely better - she was a woman who would listen to him." (quote from the book)
Intact: Such a poignant vignette.
"Her hands, feet, and arms obeyed her when she made to move to the door. It did not feel as though she ought to be whole and alive and yet she was." (quote from the book)
Tactless: This story had it all, humour, danger and heartbreak. Lydia and Georgiana have their debut. Lydia has a definite eye for fashion and becomes good friends with Beau Brummell. Being a proper lady is definitely a struggle for her, but like Kitty, when someone she cares for is threatened nothing will stop her! I laughed out loud in this story several times. Lydia is such an incorrigible Miss, but I loved her!
"Lydia half-turned to face him, having started to walk away, "Because I want to buy a gun instead." (quote from the book - me chortling here)
The Countess and the Highwayman: This was a fun vignette into the married life of Lydia.
"You ought to know, I have quite decided long ago that no one will harm that man apart from me. Drop your weapons or I will shoot you where you stand..." (quote from the book)
Not Romantic: This too was a poignant tale with a soft gentle humour.
"Miss Lucas, therefore, grew up to be a sensible girl, coolly accepting whatever situation she found herself in." (quote from the book)
I am thrilled to have learned about this author. I love her style of writing and await with great anticipation any further books she publishes, as I have now read them all! (Hint, hint, nudge, nudge).
January 5, 2020
This is a charming collection of five short stories and two multi-chapter novellas that serve as sequels to Tact, this author's previous full-length Pride and Prejudice variation. It explores the subsequent lives of Elizabeth Darcy, Kitty and Lydia Bennet, and Georgiana as well as Lady Catherine and Charlotte Lucas.
All these works are extremely well-written with nicely constructed plots. Characters are consistent with those established by Ms. Peneaux in the preceding novel. In some cases, that means there have been tweaks to Jane Austen's creations, so be prepared for some OOC behavior if you haven't read the previous book. That's especially true of Lady Catherine. Although romance features strongly in most stories, there's also pathos, adventure, and (in Charlotte's case) a more dispassionate approach to marriage.
In fact, Charlotte's the heroine in one of the two novella-length stories. Since she remains unattached at the end of Tact, it's nice to see her land in a situation perfectly suited to her temperament and talents.
However, it's Lydia who really shines throughout the pages of this book. In a short story describing Elizabeth's experience entering London society as Mrs. Darcy, Lydia's impeccable fashion sense comes to the attention of Beau Brummell. Lydia continues to be irrepressible, fearless, and unflinchingly honest in her own multi-chapter story fittingly titled Tactless. This is followed by yet another short story where her behavior is unconventional - to put it mildly.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these ladies' lives and loves. Their personalities - as well as those in supporting roles (like Mr. Darcy) - fairly leap off the pages.
Highly recommend!
All these works are extremely well-written with nicely constructed plots. Characters are consistent with those established by Ms. Peneaux in the preceding novel. In some cases, that means there have been tweaks to Jane Austen's creations, so be prepared for some OOC behavior if you haven't read the previous book. That's especially true of Lady Catherine. Although romance features strongly in most stories, there's also pathos, adventure, and (in Charlotte's case) a more dispassionate approach to marriage.
In fact, Charlotte's the heroine in one of the two novella-length stories. Since she remains unattached at the end of Tact, it's nice to see her land in a situation perfectly suited to her temperament and talents.
However, it's Lydia who really shines throughout the pages of this book. In a short story describing Elizabeth's experience entering London society as Mrs. Darcy, Lydia's impeccable fashion sense comes to the attention of Beau Brummell. Lydia continues to be irrepressible, fearless, and unflinchingly honest in her own multi-chapter story fittingly titled Tactless. This is followed by yet another short story where her behavior is unconventional - to put it mildly.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these ladies' lives and loves. Their personalities - as well as those in supporting roles (like Mr. Darcy) - fairly leap off the pages.
Highly recommend!
June 9, 2020
Good stories
The book is full of good stories. Some short, some long. All of them are enjoyable to read.
My favorite is the highwaymen. I found the humor in it was perfect for my warped sense of humor.
I recommend the book.
The book is full of good stories. Some short, some long. All of them are enjoyable to read.
My favorite is the highwaymen. I found the humor in it was perfect for my warped sense of humor.
I recommend the book.
August 13, 2021
Delightful short stories, disjointed sequel to the wonderful (and superior) ‘Tact.’
Put me in mind of Heyer, with innocent young ladies marrying reformed jerks. One of these relationships didn’t completely pass the smell test with me, but it was still a great read.
Put me in mind of Heyer, with innocent young ladies marrying reformed jerks. One of these relationships didn’t completely pass the smell test with me, but it was still a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2019
Wonderful
Sweet little novellas and vignettes, tying up loose ends for several characters from P&P. This is several stories in one book, and follows the.marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy, and Jane and Bingley. The stories cover what happens to Kitty, Lydia, Charlotte, Lady Catherine and Anne DeBourgh, and Mr.and Mrs. Bennett. The author has managed to retain the exact tone of the original, and to preserve the personalities of those characters involved. The book follows the variation written by the author, called "Tact," so the scenario is different. It would be helpful to read that book first so that you can follow where everyone is at the start of this variation.
If you've read the first book, you know that in this version Lady Catherine is a sympathetic character, and not the ogre of the original. Her vignette is particularly moving, as she is enduring tragedy and is reduced to a very human emotional state. Lydia, being the most flamboyant character, is given perhaps the most dramatic story, and it's wonderful. She undergoes by far the most radical evolution in circumstances, and very surprising ones at that. Charlotte 's story, plain and practical Charlotte, is another quite wonderful creation. Her outcome is cleverly tied into Lydia's story, and the result is most satisfying.
All of these stories are well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Sweet little novellas and vignettes, tying up loose ends for several characters from P&P. This is several stories in one book, and follows the.marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy, and Jane and Bingley. The stories cover what happens to Kitty, Lydia, Charlotte, Lady Catherine and Anne DeBourgh, and Mr.and Mrs. Bennett. The author has managed to retain the exact tone of the original, and to preserve the personalities of those characters involved. The book follows the variation written by the author, called "Tact," so the scenario is different. It would be helpful to read that book first so that you can follow where everyone is at the start of this variation.
If you've read the first book, you know that in this version Lady Catherine is a sympathetic character, and not the ogre of the original. Her vignette is particularly moving, as she is enduring tragedy and is reduced to a very human emotional state. Lydia, being the most flamboyant character, is given perhaps the most dramatic story, and it's wonderful. She undergoes by far the most radical evolution in circumstances, and very surprising ones at that. Charlotte 's story, plain and practical Charlotte, is another quite wonderful creation. Her outcome is cleverly tied into Lydia's story, and the result is most satisfying.
All of these stories are well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
January 27, 2020
3.5 Stars.
Jeannie Peneaux writes beautifully, and I love her depictions of Regency England. I have definitely read her books in the order of favourite to least favourite, however: Dear Nameless Stranger is by far my favourite, Tact was excellent, and Turned Out Well was entertaining.
This book is not so much a Pride and Prejudice variation as it is a sequel to a variation. It is a series of short stories and two novellas involving the characters from Pride and Prejudice following the events of Tact.
This means that Mary - and not Charlotte - is Mrs. Collins, that Lydia did not elope with Wickham, that Lydia and Kitty learned to behave in a more ladylike manner, and that Lady Catherine very much approves of Elizabeth Darcy.
My favourite of the stories was the novella Tactless, which tells the story of Lydia Bennet's season in London. I very much enjoyed Lydia's character, her affection for her sisters and her friendship with Beau Brummel.
I did have one issue with the story. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read.
I also really liked the short story The Countess and the Highwayman, because Lydia was definitely my favourite character by this point and it involves her being courageous and angry, which is her most entertaining state.
The novella involving Charlotte Lucas was good too, but despite the suggestion of a potential future HEA, it was overall a little depressing, because marriages of convenience are not the love stories we dream of, let's face it.
Overall, very enjoyable stuff. (And once again, the paperback version is awesome. I love the size and feel of these books!) I will definitely read any future Jeannie Peneaux books, she's one of the best JAFF writers out there.
Jeannie Peneaux writes beautifully, and I love her depictions of Regency England. I have definitely read her books in the order of favourite to least favourite, however: Dear Nameless Stranger is by far my favourite, Tact was excellent, and Turned Out Well was entertaining.
This book is not so much a Pride and Prejudice variation as it is a sequel to a variation. It is a series of short stories and two novellas involving the characters from Pride and Prejudice following the events of Tact.
This means that Mary - and not Charlotte - is Mrs. Collins, that Lydia did not elope with Wickham, that Lydia and Kitty learned to behave in a more ladylike manner, and that Lady Catherine very much approves of Elizabeth Darcy.
My favourite of the stories was the novella Tactless, which tells the story of Lydia Bennet's season in London. I very much enjoyed Lydia's character, her affection for her sisters and her friendship with Beau Brummel.
I did have one issue with the story. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read.
I also really liked the short story The Countess and the Highwayman, because Lydia was definitely my favourite character by this point and it involves her being courageous and angry, which is her most entertaining state.
The novella involving Charlotte Lucas was good too, but despite the suggestion of a potential future HEA, it was overall a little depressing, because marriages of convenience are not the love stories we dream of, let's face it.
Overall, very enjoyable stuff. (And once again, the paperback version is awesome. I love the size and feel of these books!) I will definitely read any future Jeannie Peneaux books, she's one of the best JAFF writers out there.
May 18, 2023
A good story that focuses on secondary characters
Jeannie Peneaux has written some of the very best P&P variations on the market, so when I say that this book isn't my favorite of hers, it's not because the book isn't good (it is) or because I didn't enjoy it (I did). It's simply that she has set a very high bar.
This book tells a series of shortish stories about characters who were secondary in canon: Kitty, Lydia, and Charlotte. The stories are well-told, are interesting, and build believably off the canon base while letting the characters grow, become better people, and fall in love in unusual and sweet ways.
That said, the reality is that most of us who read P&P books do so in order to read about Elizabeth and Darcy. Those two were in this book, but as background characters. They were married throughout it, and they had some cute moments, but I personally wanted to see more of them. Still, this is a good book and is worth reading. It's just not a Lizzy and Darcy book.
Jeannie Peneaux has written some of the very best P&P variations on the market, so when I say that this book isn't my favorite of hers, it's not because the book isn't good (it is) or because I didn't enjoy it (I did). It's simply that she has set a very high bar.
This book tells a series of shortish stories about characters who were secondary in canon: Kitty, Lydia, and Charlotte. The stories are well-told, are interesting, and build believably off the canon base while letting the characters grow, become better people, and fall in love in unusual and sweet ways.
That said, the reality is that most of us who read P&P books do so in order to read about Elizabeth and Darcy. Those two were in this book, but as background characters. They were married throughout it, and they had some cute moments, but I personally wanted to see more of them. Still, this is a good book and is worth reading. It's just not a Lizzy and Darcy book.
October 17, 2021
Wonderful conclusion to the story!
This is exactly what is often missing from many, if not most, JAFF variations—details of the resolution for important, though secondary characters. I loved every section and wished only that the previous entries in the series/trilogy had hinted that all the unanswered questions would be completely answered in the third
book.
All three books are well written and edited. I did wonder about the unusual verb usage - “has sat” for example - but it was consistent throughout. Is this usage from Austen’s time, or is it grammatical errors or misunderstanding of the author or editor. Once I realized that it was used everywhere, I accepted it without any distraction.
Highly recommended for readers of regency era historical romance!
This is exactly what is often missing from many, if not most, JAFF variations—details of the resolution for important, though secondary characters. I loved every section and wished only that the previous entries in the series/trilogy had hinted that all the unanswered questions would be completely answered in the third
book.
All three books are well written and edited. I did wonder about the unusual verb usage - “has sat” for example - but it was consistent throughout. Is this usage from Austen’s time, or is it grammatical errors or misunderstanding of the author or editor. Once I realized that it was used everywhere, I accepted it without any distraction.
Highly recommended for readers of regency era historical romance!
January 3, 2021
A different Charlotte
The storey is one of kindness and two slightly sad people finding more than merely an accommodation. It provides a more realistic scenario than many. This alternative future of the character Charlotte is drawn very well and is kinder and more satisfying than that of the original.
The storey is one of kindness and two slightly sad people finding more than merely an accommodation. It provides a more realistic scenario than many. This alternative future of the character Charlotte is drawn very well and is kinder and more satisfying than that of the original.
June 8, 2021
Penneaux has quickly become one of my favourite JAFF authors. Her Lydia is magnificent and her beau the perfect match. And her Charlotte is perfect too. Both try to the originals and exciting to read.
June 21, 2021
Still don't like the Elizabeth in these stories, but fortunately she wasn't a major character here. I loved Lydia's story, and I liked Charlotte's also. The others were good in that they offered closure from the previous novel. 3.5 stars.
May 29, 2023
A terrific read
Peneaux is a superb writer. This original offering gives us the novel as a series of linked novellas. The cast is consistent, but each section focuses on a particular couple or couples.There is emotional depth, witty dialogue and clever plotting to enjoy.
Peneaux is a superb writer. This original offering gives us the novel as a series of linked novellas. The cast is consistent, but each section focuses on a particular couple or couples.There is emotional depth, witty dialogue and clever plotting to enjoy.
December 1, 2021
lovely
A wonderful and interesting sequel to Tact. I always enjoy when we get more books and a chance to find out the fates of other characters.
A wonderful and interesting sequel to Tact. I always enjoy when we get more books and a chance to find out the fates of other characters.
May 30, 2024
Me encantó esta continuación de tan increíble historia.
February 4, 2025
1 star (but actually 4 stars)
As well written as all her other novels, I just can't stand Lydia and reading about her escapades holds no interest for me.
As well written as all her other novels, I just can't stand Lydia and reading about her escapades holds no interest for me.
March 13, 2025
Riletto. Bello e ben scritto
July 24, 2025
Genually hilarious and a happy ending for all Bennet girls.
January 19, 2020
I thought this was a sequel to torn is is not.
ODC are there in the background not the focus of the book my most unfavourite character Lydia is 3quaters of it Georgians and then Charlotte. But I did enjoy Charlotte story never did like that she got stuck with Collins and Lady Catherine no one deserves that.
ODC are there in the background not the focus of the book my most unfavourite character Lydia is 3quaters of it Georgians and then Charlotte. But I did enjoy Charlotte story never did like that she got stuck with Collins and Lady Catherine no one deserves that.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews