These Old Shades cover art

These Old Shades

The Alastair-Audley Series, Book 1

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These Old Shades

By: Georgette Heyer
Narrated by: Sarah Nichols
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About this listen

Society believes the worst of Justin Alastair, the notorious Duke of Avon. When he encounters a young boy, Léon, who is running from his abusive brother, Avon employs the boy as his page, parading him around parties and other society events in full view of his bitter rival, the Comte de Saint-Vire.

But the truth is soon uncovered: Léon is in fact a girl named Léonie and is actually the legitimate child of the Comte and his wife. While Avon is intent on his plan to reveal the Comte’s duplicity and ruin him publicly, he is charmed by Léonie’s kindness, falls in love, and becomes a changed man.

First published in 1926 to great commercial success, These Old Shades showcases Heyer at her romantic best and remains a charming and entertaining listen for all fans of historical romances.

Public Domain (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing Historical Historical Fiction Romance

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All stars
Most relevant  
Narration was not perfect but much, much better than many others I have listened to.
I hadn’t read this book for many years so had forgotten much of it. It made me shed a tear or two at the end.
Very well done indeed.

How many nineteen year olds could write a novel such as this?

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The narrator is not good, she can’t create the right tones for different characters and some of the accents are overdone.
I didn’t enjoy her voice and only kept listening as I love the story. Please re-record with someone else! Thanks

Fab story from Georgette Heyer

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love this when reading the book myself but this particular narrator should have gone and done something else and allowed someone who CAN manage a passable french accent to tell this story.

the appalling french accents

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I really enjoyed this book, I've read her books so many times since I was a young teenager and they never disappoint.

lovely engaging story from Georgette Heyer

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This is my favourite Georgette Heyer book, full of intrigues and adventures. The time it is set in, Georgian England, (not regency) is evocatively captured. The details of the rich clothing, the French court, even the smaller details of home life (all be it the home life of the nobility) adding to the richness and depth of the story.
Our Heroine is both young and experienced, having had a disadvantaged life, and Avon is cynical and a little weary of his life looking for ways to best others using people and situations to his own advantage, until she explodes into his life.
I had listened to an earlier version where the narrator didn't get Satanas right and I was disappointed. This version is excellent- the narrator Sarah Nichols does a really good job with all the characters, bringing the book to life and I highly recommend it. This version is 5 stars all around

This Version is spot on.

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I used to love these novels 60 years ago but find them not quite my thing but for lovers of Georgette Heyer they are fine. The reading was good except for a poor French accent.

Romance

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I very much enjoyed the voicings of the all characters. I know the story well having read all of Heyer’s regency romances since I was a pre-teen 40-odd years ago. This is the first time I have listened to one and it was excellent - I listened twice in a row! 🩷🩷

Excellent regency romp!

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I have read many of Georgette Heyer‘s books more than once since the late 1950s-their appeal is the knowledge that love conquers all and there is always a happy ending.

Refreshing

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I have read Georgette Heyer’s books for over 60 years and this one has always been one of my favourites! My eyes give me a bit more trouble now, so rely on Audible - but usually struggle with their poor choice of readers for this author. Sarah Nichols, however, is the exception and makes a really splendid job!

An old favourite!

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I'd no idea Georgette Heyer wrote this as a sequel to Black Moth. I must go read Black Moth again now!

Favourite Heyer

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