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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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This is one of GH's earliest published novels (1926) and lacks the pace and rumbustious fun of later novels. I found it dialogue heavy without much action. It started well enough but I felt the going got heavier as it proceeded. I've loved many of the later novels and am glad I didn't start with this one - it would have put me off.

A Long Way Short of Ms Heyer's Best

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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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Stap me! Every time I read a Georgette Heyer she manages to pull me into her world. This is a great read, and I love the different characters which are narrated perfectly by Sarah Nichols, particularly Lord Rupert who made me smile a lot.

A witty tale of romance and derring-do

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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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I love this book which was first read to me by my mother when I was a child.

A simply delightful respite from the modern world with all its exigencies.

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