Books By Rusty Blackwood

Passions In Paris
A forgotten diary, lost for forty years, reveals the story of a rediscovered love nearly lost in 1999 Paris. An unforgettable romance filled with danger, intrigue, and a love without boundaries, Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary tells the story of forbidden love, salacious adultery, cunning jealousy, and unrequited passion. READ MORE

Willow’s Walk
The path each person walks is entirely their own.

The pitfalls along that path, as well as the way in which they are dealt with are entirely up to the individual. But Willow Sutherland-Crosby walks a far different path, and with her own agenda.

Abuse, deception, intrigue, and a never ending quest for happiness and love – will she find these, or will her blind determination be her downfall? READ MORE

The Perils of Autumn
This page turner, set primarily in the early 1970’s, centers on a young Kentucky woman, Autumn Leeves, born in 1946 to Abigail Leeves, an unwed mother who struggles to make ends meet. 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, owner of Landon Lawns Stables, a most successful thoroughbred racing stable located just outside Lexington, Kentucky in a posh community known as The Meadows. READ MORE

Return to Autumn – Part 1
Are you ready to take the ride through this long-awaited two-part sequel to the 5-star, multi-award-winning, romantic fiction drama, The Perils of Autumn? The Meadows of Kentucky awaits your return.

The first, the anticipated, romantic fiction drama, Return to Autumn, picks up four years later, and sweeps you back to the often perilous life at Landon Lawns Stables. It is now April 1976, and life in Landon Manor has carried on for Autumn Leeves-Landon, and her mature husband, Cyril, along with their young daughter Abby, and their astute, devoted housekeeper and friend, Agnes Harris. READ MORE

Return to Autumn – Part 1
The posh Kentucky community of The Meadows welcomes you back, inviting you to take the final ride through the pages of this outstanding, dramatic series.

The tumultuous ride that began in the 5-star-multi-award-winning romantic fiction drama, The Perils of Autumn, continuing in the 5-star-award-winning, Return to Autumn: Part 1, now concludes in the 5-star-awarded, Return to Autumn: Part 2. READ MORE

Before The Grandeur – The Making of a Horsemaster

Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, the edifying prequel to the thrilling Autumn Trilogy of books by Rusty Blackwood, certain to immerse you into the equestrian world of professional racing, concealed secrets, and an unfaltering love that will encase your heart.

Grab a copy at: https://www.amazon.com/Before-Grandeur-Horsemaster-Rusty-Blackwood/dp/1738681440/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

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

Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers’ Favorite 5 stars

Rusty Blackwood’s Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster is a gritty historical prequel about Cyril, a young Englishman who refuses to be limited by his meager beginnings. The story starts with his impoverished childhood in 1913 England and carries through the crushing weight of the Great Depression. Born into the rot of a depressed village, Cyril’s life is a constant battle against poverty and low expectations. The story tracks his growth from a shy boy with a stiff upper lip to a resilient young man who discovers a rare, almost magical gift for communicating with horses. Supported by his father, Lester, and his surrogate mother, Rachel, this calling takes him to the grueling training tracks of Aintree, spurred on by the bold Agnes. Can Cyril transcend the many obstacles in his life and ultimately carve out his own place in the world?

Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster by Rusty Blackwood is a drama that beautifully honors the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a very immersive look at how a person is deeply impacted by their environment. What really shines is the texture of the setting; you can see the damp chill of South Wood Chester and the energy of the stables in your mind. The relationship between Cyril and Agnes is a real highlight. Her caring heart truly pushes him to be more than just a laborer. The writing has a grounded, comforting weight, like an old-fashioned family saga. 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.

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Asher Syed 5 stars

In Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster by Rusty Blackwood, Cyril Landon grows up in South Wood Chester. His prospects are severely limited until he finds his way through working with horses, learning stable duties, and riding in demanding conditions that shape his path. He leaves England for Aintree to train under experienced horsemen, then later travels to America after securing an opportunity that places him in a racing operation in Kentucky. There, he works under Oliver Green at Meadow Green Stables, where his ability with difficult horses leads to increased responsibility and a permanent role in the operation. As his position strengthens, his personal life becomes tied to the stables through his marriage to Alice Bowman, a rider with her own connection to the field. When control of the stables falls to him, Cyril must sustain the operation while loss and illness alter the course of his life and work.

Rusty Blackwood’s Before the Grandeur is the prequel to the Autumn series, pulling back the curtain on Cyril through the years before anyone would think to notice him. The author does an excellent job of moving him into situations that seriously test that discipline, and stretches where long hours wear him down until someone is forced to step in. Cyril comes across with a steady, unadorned way of dealing with people, and in this, the author remains faithful to who we know he becomes later. Agnes Harris is the most fascinating character to me, and the author gives her spectacular agency. She travels alone to Mayfair to find work, and later takes charge of a large household that depends wholly on her judgment. The settings are grounded in physical detail, from the narrow streets and worn bricks of South Wood Chester to the wide training grounds at Aintree, where rails and measured distances shape each run. Overall, this will be a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting.

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Frank Mutuma 5 stars

The village of South Wood Chester was devastated by the effects of the First World War. This is where Cyril was born. The birth had been difficult for his mother, but Cyril was born a healthy and resilient baby. His mother would later succumb to tuberculosis. Times were tough, but with the help of the housekeeper, Mr. Landon raised Cyril. When it was time to attend school, Cyril became friends with a girl called Agnes. They would become inseparable till adulthood. As a teenager, Cyril joins his father to work as a farmhand after breaking an unruly horse for Mr. Billings. Later on, his employer would encourage Cyril to become a professional groomer. Cyril’s move to Aintree is a strain on his relationship with his friend, but Cyril is determined. In Aintree, he trains under Leif Beesley, who is good at his job but also has other weird behaviors, like providing a tea that knocks Cyril out at night. After training under Leif, Cyril trains under Even Grayborn, the accomplished horse master. How will things unfold in Before The Grandeur by Rusty Blackwood?

With well-crafted dialogues and well-developed characters that brought the story to life, there was never a dull moment in Before The Grandeur. Rusty Blackwood skilfully captured historical events like the First World War and the Great Depression of the 1930s, and how they affected ordinary people. I also loved other themes covered, like determination, hard work, and helping those in need. The message of being open-minded to possibilities and opportunities that many often seem to dismiss will also resonate with many readers. Rusty ensured all events and places were vividly described and the plot flowed flawlessly, leaving no room for confusion for the reader. This thought-provoking work also piqued my curiosity about equestrian sports, and I can’t wait to find out more. I look forward to reading something else by this talented author.

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Review by NerdyBibliophile

Book – “Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster”

Ratings – 5/5🌟

“Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster” by Rusty Blackwood is an inspiring historical novel about Cyril Landon, a young man trying to escape poverty and limited options in Gloucestershire, England. Set around World War I, the story captures the uncertainty of forging a path when chances feel scarce. What starts as a basic farm labor job slowly leads Cyril into a world he never expected: horses and professional racing.

The part that stood out most is how the book portrays perseverance and ambition. Cyril’s growing respect for horses and his decision to seize an unexpected opportunity make his journey feel genuine and uplifting. Blackwood does a great job showing how one choice can redirect an entire life, while also bringing the equestrian world to life with real warmth and passion.

“Before the Grandeur” is a heartfelt read for fans of historical fiction, underdog stories, or character-driven growth. As the prequel to Blackwood’s “Autumn Trilogy”, it’s a strong introduction to a character whose determination and love for horses stay with you. It’s ultimately about finding purpose where none seemed to exist, and having the courage to walk through doors you never saw coming.

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Review by pages_and_paradise 5 stars

Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster is a compelling story about determination, ambition, and finding purpose in unexpected places. The novel follows Cyril Landon, a young man born into poverty in rural England, whose life seems destined to follow a difficult path. However, his resilience and willingness to work hard make his journey both inspiring and engaging.

What I enjoyed most was watching Cyril discover his passion for horses and gradually realize that his future could be very different from what he had always known. His character is relatable because he doesn’t rely on luck alone—his progress comes through persistence, courage, and a desire to create a better life for himself.

Overall, this is an uplifting and well-crafted read that combines personal growth, historical detail, and a love for horses. It serves as a strong introduction to the series and leaves readers eager to see where Cyril’s journey will lead next.

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🌟BOOK REVIEW BY ROYAL.BOOKS.UK FOR: BEFORE THE GRANDEUR ( the making of a horsemaster) 🌟

🌟 AUTHOR : RUSTY BLACKWOOD 🌟

REVIEW: Before the Grandeur(The Making of a Horsemaster) is an engrossing and heartbreaking historical story that masterfully conveys the strength of tenacity, optimism, and sell-belief. Cyril Landon, a young man born into poverty in rural Gloucestershire England shortly before World War I is introduced to readers by Rusty Blackwood. The core of this motivational tale is Cyril’s will to create a better life despite his limited opportunities and uncertain future.

The genuineness of Cyril’s experience is what makes this book so captivating. It feels natural, plausible and incredibly fulfilling to watch him go from being a poor farm worker to someone enthralled with the world of horses. Blackwood deftly illustrates how one chance when paired with bravery and diligence, may fundamentally change someone’s life. Every accomplishment feels well deserved and emotionally fulfilling as Cyril’s love for horses deepens with time.

Readers are drawn into the difficulties of early twentieth century England by the historical setting’s exquisite realism which also realistically depicts the equestrian world. Blackwood’s writing is affectionate evocative and full of sincere love for the racing industry and its characters. The book is hard to put down because it hits the ideal balance between emotional storytelling and historical veracity.

This book which is the prelude to the critically acclaimed Autumn Trilogy stands alone with confidence while providing a solid framework for the subsequent adventures. It’s a tale of perseverance aspiration and having the guts to seize unanticipated chances when life appears determined to prevent you from doing so.

Fans of historical fiction, coming-of-age tales and character-driven books should definitely read Before the Grandeur. It is an inspiring, unforgettable book that serves as a reminder that greatness frequently starts with a single courageous choice. Long after the last page, readers will still be moved by Rusty Blackwood’s inspirational story

MY RATING 5/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Viola Grace 5 Stars

August 5, 2026

Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster is a heartfelt and engaging story about determination, resilience, and finding purpose despite difficult beginnings. I really enjoyed following Cyril Landon’s journey and seeing how his passion for horses gradually opened doors to a completely different future.

What stood out to me most was the character development and the historical setting. The struggles of the time feel meaningful rather than simply being background, and Cyril’s determination makes his journey easy to connect with. The relationships, the world of horse racing, and the challenges he faces all add depth to the story.

This is a great choice for readers who enjoy historical fiction, character-driven stories, and stories about overcoming circumstances to build a better life. It was an enjoyable and inspiring read, and I would definitely recommend it to readers who appreciate a well-developed journey from humble beginnings to something greater.

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