Award Winning Novelist Rusty Blackwood Announces Release Of New Novel, Before The Grandeur: The Making Of A Horsemaster

WILMINGTON, NC, July 08, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced the release of Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster.

Every legacy begins with a choice – Before the grandeur came the master.

The village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, England, offered little for its residents, and for the deprived young Englishman, Cyril Landon, born into this stricken world of poverty, the road in every aspect appeared hopeless.

A chance for success in any field appeared far removed from his grasp. But life underestimated this young man, for he was filled with determination, grit, and an endless drive to achieve much better than his station in life was offering, and he would not settle for less.

A labourer’s situation at a local farm provided a window into a possible future that he had never given thought to, as he stepped through an opened door that would open many more. Little did he know at that time how far his choice would take him.

In his review, Richard Prause of Readers Favorite said, “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, indeed. If you appreciate character-driven historical fiction, this novel is well worth your time.

Another reviewer, Asher Syed stated, “Overall, this will be a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting.”

“It gives me great pleasure to bring you, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster”, stated Blackwood in introducing this prequel to her Autumn series of books. “This trip down memory lane was a journey thoroughly enjoyed on my behalf, as it opened a well-defined observation into Cyril Landon’s early life, from birth, through a difficult, poverty-stricken existence, to the acclaimed, celebrated Horsemaster you meet in The Perils of Autumn.” Blackwood went on to say, “A prequel usually precedes a story that is told over a series of books instead of following, but I felt the need to give the readers, and supporters of the well-received Autumn Trilogy, a detailed account into a character that provides the successful life that the entire Autumn cast cherishes. It is my hope you will enjoy the experience you will have and applaud this character that has come to mean so very much to me, his author.”

The new book is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM.

For The Perils Of Autumn, the first book in the series, Blackwood was named as a finalist in the Fiction Romance category by International Book Awards in the 2019 International Book Awards, the 10th annual awards program. She was also named a finalist in the American Book Fest’s 2019 awards program in the same category. The first book also received a 5-star rating from Reader’s Favorite.

The first book in the series, The Perils Of Autumn, set primarily in the early 1970’s, centers on a young Kentucky woman. Autumn Leeves is born in 1946 to Abigail Leeves, an unwed mother who struggles to make ends meet. Shunned by society of the time, mother and daughter find themselves in peril until they meet a kind old shopkeeper who takes them in.

By 1970, Autumn graduates nursing school and is sent on assignment by the local hospital to care for the terminally ill wife of middle-aged English equestrian master, Cyril Landon. Landon is the owner of Landon Lawns Stables, successful Thoroughbred racing stable located just outside Lexington, Kentucky. Duff Taylor, world renowned jockey lives full-time at Landon Lawns and enjoys the many benefits it brings. Duff has a dark secret surrounding an unsolved racing incident from his past that he will go to any length to protect.

Autumn arrives at Landon Manor in time to be thrown into the fray and finds herself caught in the ongoing disruption that ensues. Cyril and Autumn find themselves attracted to each other, but their ensuing romance is plagued by those trying to stop it, but they rise above it and marry. However, peril again knocks at the door when Abigail suddenly dies, leaving a pregnant Autumn to mourn her loss while fighting to not miscarry her baby who is born through a perilous birth.

Reviewers have also lavished praise on ‘The Perils Of Autumn’. Ray Simmons said, “Romance and good writing come together perfectly in Rusty Blackwood’s ‘The Perils of Autumn’. A great read.” Trudi LoPreto said, “This book has it all and more. Please do not pass up ‘The Perils of Autumn’ – you will not be sorry.”

Blackwood’s previous 5-star rated romantic fiction novel, ‘Willow’s Walk’, followed the release of ‘Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary’.

Willow’s Walk:

Willow’s Walk’ is a gripping tale that holds readers captive from the very first page. Set in the beautiful city of Ottawa, Canada in 2003, this touching story centers on the life and times of a woman determined to prevail at all costs, regardless of what is set before her, the result of which is certain to leave the reader reeling in its wake.

‘Willow’s Walk’ also received a number of 5-star reviews from professional reviewers. Maria Beltran stated, “I highly recommend this book.” Gisela Dixon said, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the life of a person presented in such a wonderful manner.” Another said, “Brutally honest. I was touched by the bittersweet conclusion that sometimes purpose and happiness are only found through great tragedy …”

Passions in Paris:

Blackwood’s first romantic fiction novel is a sweeping saga written in the tradition of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ and ‘What Dreams May Come’. It has been compared to Erich Segal’s ‘Love Story’ and Nicholas Sparks’ ‘The Notebook’.

‘Passions in Paris’ likewise received rave reviews. Linkk Kula Kane said, “Passions in Paris I think stands its ground with these other powerful romantic stories like ‘The Notebook’ by Nicolas Sparks.” Reader Fred Pifer stated that “‘Passions’, is a fascinating book of a love story that seemed to be written with me in mind. In the book ‘Love Story’ by Erich Segal, he told of a deep abiding love story that reminds me of Cullen and Joy’s in Ms. Blackwood’s book, but the twists of intrigue and mystery that she adds keeps the reader on edge throughout.”

Information on all of Blackwood’s work is available at Blackwood’s site. Readers can download paperback and Kindle versions of her books at Amazon sites worldwide, including Amazon.ca. ‘Rusty Blackwood, A 3 Part Retrospect’ is available at her website and on YouTube.

Rusty Blackwood is available for interview in the Toronto and Niagara areas and can be reached using the information below or by email at writerrusty@hotmail.ca. More information is available at her website at http://www.rusty-blackwood.com. All of her books are available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM.

Profile:

Rusty Blackwood is a prolific Indie author of romantic fiction, short story comedies, contemporary and traditional poetry and children’s books. Her first love is romantic fiction, but she crosses genres with ease.

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