Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced that the hardcover version of her latest novel, Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, is now available at Amazon. The book serves as the prequel to her multi-award-winning Autumn Trilogy, a series that immerses readers in the equestrian world of professional racing, concealed secrets, and enduring love.
In a statement, Blackwood expressed her enthusiasm for the new format: "I am extremely pleased to offer, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, in hardback edition. As the prequel to my multi-award-winning Autumn Trilogy of books that are each available in hardback, having Grandeur join that select group finishes the collection perfectly, especially for the consummate collector, as well as all readers who prefer this choice of format." The hardcover edition is available for purchase at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM.
Before the Grandeur explores the origins of Cyril Landon, a deprived young Englishman from the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, whose determination and grit propel him from a labourer's situation at a local farm to a future he never imagined. The novel delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the transformative power of choice, as Cyril begins his journey toward becoming a horsemaster. 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, indeed." 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."
For a limited time, Blackwood is offering the book at no charge. "I am pleased to offer, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, at no charge during this timeframe," she said. "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. For fans of Historical Fiction, this page-turner is a must read."
The release of the hardcover edition completes the collectible set of the Autumn Trilogy, which began with The Perils of Autumn. That first book was named a finalist in the Fiction Romance category by the International Book Awards in 2019 and by the American Book Fest in the same year, and it received a 5-star rating from Reader's Favorite. Set primarily in the early 1970s, The Perils of Autumn centers on Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman who becomes entangled in the lives of Cyril Landon and his racing stable, Landon Lawns, uncovering dark secrets and finding love amid turmoil.
Blackwood's other works include the 5-star rated romantic fiction novel Willow's Walk and her first romantic fiction novel, Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, both of which have garnered praise from reviewers and readers alike. Information on all of Blackwood's work is available at her website, http://www.rusty-blackwood.com.
The availability of Before the Grandeur in hardcover and its temporary free offering provide an accessible entry point for new readers and a valuable addition for collectors and longtime fans of the series. This announcement underscores Blackwood's commitment to delivering quality historical fiction and enriching the reading experience for her audience.
