Award-winning author Rusty Blackwood has announced that the ebook version of her latest novel, 'Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster', will be available for no charge on July 30 and 31, 2026, at Amazon. This prequel to her acclaimed Autumn Trilogy explores the early life of Cyril Landon, a central figure in her earlier works.
'Before the Grandeur' traces the journey of Cyril Landon, a young Englishman born into poverty in the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, during England's war years. The story follows his rise from a deprived background to become a master horseman, driven by determination and grit. Blackwood stated, '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 novel has received positive reviews, with Richard Prause of Readers Favorite noting, '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, commented, 'Overall, this will be a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting.'
The first book in the series, 'The Perils of Autumn', set primarily in the early 1970s, centers on Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman born in 1946 to an unwed mother. After graduating nursing school, Autumn is assigned to care for the terminally ill wife of middle-aged English equestrian master Cyril Landon, owner of Landon Lawns Stables. The story weaves a tale of romance and peril, as Autumn and Cyril find themselves attracted to each other amidst secrets and challenges. 'The Perils of Autumn' was named a finalist in the Fiction Romance category by the International Book Awards in 2019 and received a 5-star rating from Readers Favorite.
Blackwood's other works include the 5-star rated 'Willow's Walk', set in Ottawa, Canada, and 'Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary', a romantic fiction novel compared to Erich Segal's 'Love Story' and Nicholas Sparks' 'The Notebook'. Both have garnered critical acclaim. Readers can download paperback and Kindle versions of her books at Amazon sites worldwide, including Amazon.ca.
For business and technology leaders, the free download offer represents a strategic move in the digital publishing landscape, leveraging promotional pricing to expand readership and build momentum for a series. The decision to offer a prequel at no cost could serve as a model for authors seeking to drive engagement and sales for subsequent titles. As the publishing industry continues to evolve with digital platforms, such tactics highlight the importance of direct-to-consumer marketing and the power of online retail channels like Amazon in reaching global audiences.
More information about Rusty Blackwood and her work 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.
