Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced that the ebook version of her latest novel, Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, will be available at no charge on September 10 and 11, 2026, exclusively on Amazon. This prequel to the thrilling Autumn Trilogy offers readers a deeper understanding of the equestrian world of professional racing, concealed secrets, and unfaltering love that defines the series.
Before The Grandeur explores the origins of Cyril Landon, a deprived young Englishman born into poverty in South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire. Despite his bleak circumstances, Cyril's determination and grit propel him toward a future he never imagined. A laborer's position at a local farm opens doors to the world of horse racing, setting him on a path to become a horsemaster. The novel illustrates that every legacy begins with a choice, and that determination can turn uncertainty into triumph.
Reviewers have praised the book for its character-driven narrative. Richard Prause of Readers Favorite noted, "It 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. It's a perceptive exploration of ambition and loyalty." Another reviewer, Asher Syed, called it "a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."
Blackwood herself stated, "I am pleased to offer Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster at no charge during this timeframe. Born into extreme poverty with little hope of survival, Cyril Landon's difficult beginnings throughout England's horrific war years will better assist readers in understanding the difficult journey that precedes the grandeur awaiting them in The Perils of Autumn."
The Autumn Trilogy began with The Perils of Autumn, which was a finalist in the Fiction Romance category at the 2019 International Book Awards and the American Book Fest's 2019 awards. The novel, set in the early 1970s, follows Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman who becomes a nurse for the terminally ill wife of Cyril Landon, the owner of a successful Thoroughbred racing stable. Their ensuing romance is plagued by those trying to stop it, and peril again knocks when Autumn's mother dies, leaving her pregnant and fighting to save her baby.
Blackwood's other works include the 5-star rated Willow's Walk, a gripping tale 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. All of her books are available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM. More information about the author and her work can be found at her website, http://www.rusty-blackwood.com.
The free ebook promotion provides an opportunity for new readers to discover Blackwood's work and for existing fans to delve into the backstory of a beloved series. By offering the prequel at no cost, Blackwood aims to expand her readership and highlight the themes of ambition, loyalty, and love that resonate throughout her writing. This promotion is a strategic move to generate interest in the Autumn Trilogy and to reward her dedicated fan base.
