Rusty Blackwood Offers Free Ebook of Prequel 'Before The Grandeur' on September 10-11

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 for free on September 10 and 11, 2026, at Amazon. This prequel to the thrilling Autumn Trilogy offers readers a deeper understanding of the series' central character, Cyril Landon, and his rise from poverty to becoming a horsemaster. The free promotion is a strategic move to attract new readers and reward existing fans, highlighting the importance of character-driven historical fiction in today's market.

The Autumn Trilogy, set primarily in the early 1970s, centers on a young Kentucky woman, Autumn Leeves, and her journey through love, loss, and the equestrian world. The first book, The Perils of Autumn, was a finalist in the 2019 International Book Awards and the American Book Fest's 2019 awards program, and received a 5-star rating from Reader's Favorite. By offering the prequel for free, Blackwood provides readers with the foundational story of Cyril Landon, whose difficult beginnings in England's war years shape the grandeur that awaits in the trilogy. This move not only enhances the reading experience but also underscores the significance of understanding a character's origins to fully appreciate their later triumphs.

In Before The Grandeur, readers are transported to the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, England, where Cyril Landon is born into extreme poverty. Despite the hopelessness of his situation, Cyril's determination and grit lead him to a labourer's position at a local farm, which opens doors to a future he never imagined. The novel explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the power of choice, as Cyril earns the trust of a stallion and begins his journey toward becoming a horsemaster. Richard Prause of Readers Favorite praised the book, stating, "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, noted that it will be "a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."

Blackwood expressed her enthusiasm for the free promotion, saying, "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. For fans of Historical Fiction, this page-turner is a must read." The new book is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM.

The significance of this announcement extends beyond a simple giveaway. It reflects a growing trend among independent authors to use strategic promotions to build readership and engage with fans. By offering the prequel for free, Blackwood not only provides value to her audience but also invites new readers into a richly developed world of equestrian racing, concealed secrets, and unfaltering love. The Autumn Trilogy has already garnered critical acclaim, with The Perils of Autumn receiving praise from reviewers like Ray Simmons, who said, "Romance and good writing come together perfectly in Rusty Blackwood's 'The Perils of Autumn'. A great read," and Trudi LoPreto, who added, "This book has it all and more. Please do not pass up 'The Perils of Autumn' - you will not be sorry."

Blackwood's previous works, including the 5-star rated Willow's Walk and Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, have also received rave reviews, solidifying her reputation as 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. Information on all of Blackwood's work is available at her website at http://www.rusty-blackwood.com. 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.

The free download of Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster on September 10 and 11, 2026, presents a valuable opportunity for readers to immerse themselves in a compelling historical fiction narrative that sets the stage for a beloved series. It highlights the importance of understanding a character's origins and the choices that shape their destiny, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.