Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced the release of Before The Grandeur: The Making Of A Horsemaster, a prequel to her acclaimed Autumn series. The novel delves into the early life of Cyril Landon, the horsemaster central to the series, tracing his journey from poverty in Gloucestershire, England, to becoming a celebrated equestrian figure.
The story begins in the village of South Wood Chester, where Cyril Landon is born into a world of deprivation. Faced with limited prospects, his determination and grit lead him to a labourer's position at a local farm. This role opens a door to a future he had never imagined, setting him on a path that would ultimately shape the lives of those around him. Blackwood described the writing process as a "trip down memory lane," offering readers a detailed account of a character who provides the successful life cherished by the entire Autumn cast.
Early reviews have praised the novel for its character-driven narrative. Richard Prause of Readers Favorite noted that the book "doesn't depend on manufactured plot twists to drive the story. Instead, it focuses on the simple, powerful moments of a man earning the trust of a stallion." Asher Syed added that the prequel is "a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."
The Autumn series began with The Perils Of Autumn, which earned Blackwood finalist honors in the Fiction Romance category at the International Book Awards and American Book Fest in 2019. Set primarily in the early 1970s, that novel centers on Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman born to an unwed mother. After graduating nursing school, Autumn is assigned to care for the terminally ill wife of Cyril Landon, the owner of Landon Lawns Stables. The ensuing romance between Autumn and Cyril is tested by external forces and personal tragedies, including the death of Autumn's mother and a perilous childbirth.
Blackwood's previous works include Willow's Walk, a 5-star rated romantic fiction set in Ottawa, Canada, and Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, a sweeping saga compared to Erich Segal's Love Story and Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook. Both novels received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising their emotional depth and engaging storytelling.
Before The Grandeur: The Making Of A Horsemaster is now available on Amazon at Rusty Blackwood's Author Page. For more information on Blackwood's work, including her complete bibliography and a retrospective video, visit her website at rusty-blackwood.com.
