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Return to Autumn Part 1

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Are you ready to take the ride throughout the pages of 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.

Life in the Thoroughbred stables has also carried on for head groom and trainer, Manfred Montgomery, and stable foreman, William Brown, as they continue their ongoing quest to bring Duff Taylor, Landon Lawns' exclusive jockey, to justice for suspicious involvement in an unsolved racing incident from his past. However, Duff has managed to add to his growing page of secrets, that of which is about to be revealed within these exciting pages.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2022

1 person want to read

About the author

Rusty Blackwood

14 books45 followers
"An eclectic author whose images in word truly do leave you breathless"...

Best-Selling Popular Author, Rusty Blackwood, has 10 self-published available titles to her name, and there's no denying this Canadian Indie Author loves what she does, adding a dash of passion to the craft of writing!

Ms. Blackwood grew up on a rural farm in south-western Ontario, but now resides in the cultural city of St. Catharines, Ontario where she loves tending her gardens, and spending quality time with family, and friends.

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
1,261 reviews58 followers
March 19, 2023
After reading 'The Perils of Autumn', I was excited to get my hands on 'Return to Autumn' to follow the further journey of Autumn.

Autumn is now the wife of Cyril Landon and they are the parents of Abby. Cyril's housekeeper and friend Agnes Harris also lives with them. Duff Taylor lives full time at Landon Lawns. He has a secret and it will be interesting for readers to know it as they read the story further. 

Manfred Montgomery, and stable foreman, William Brown has a suspicion about Duff. Will they bring the truth in front of everyone? My favorite part from the book was the blooming love between Cyril and Autumn. In spite of the age difference, they manage their relationship well and prove that love knows no age. 

This is a great romance fiction drama. It's a great book for light reading. The author's writing skills are impressive. I enjoyed the smooth paced story and would be definitely interested in reading more books by Rusty in the future. The character development is amazing. Don't miss reading this book.
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2,492 reviews148 followers
February 27, 2023
Return to Autumn penned by the author Rusty Blackwood is a captivating story that hooked my attention from the first page itself. The story is set in the Meadows of Kentucky.

Cyril and Autumn had experienced a mutual attraction to each other the first time they saw each other. After the death of Cyril's wife, Autumn and Cyril got married and are now parents of their young kids. Cyril's friend Agnes is a housekeeper and always there for him. 

William Brown and Manfred Montgomery knew that Duff was keeping their master in the dark. Unfortunately, they didn't have any solid proof against him. To express their concern to Cyril, they need proof. Read this story to know more about Duff's secret. 

The chemistry between Autumn and Cyril is amazing. I loved their relationship. It would be amazing to see this story in the form of a movie. I strongly recommend this book to my fellow readers. The narration is smooth and strong. Readers would love every bit of this book. I appreciate the writing style of the author that makes it easy for readers to follow the story. 
181 reviews
April 13, 2025
Take a journey back into the green Meadows of Kentucky, where passion, sorrow, devotion, and decades-old secrets resurface once more…

Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Return to Autumn brings the reader back to Landon Lawns Stables, four years on from what happened in The Perils of Autumn. Returning in April 1976, this highly emotive, tastefully written sequel revisits Autumn Rose Leeves-Landon as mother and wife, living with heartbreak behind her but with the strength beside her husband Dr. Cyril Landon.

Autumn's existence is defined not merely by the deep love she carries for Cyril and their boisterous daughter Abby Rose Alice, but by ghosts of the past as well—notably, her mother's inexplicable and swift death and being her best and closest friend.

With steely resolve, she advocates for healthcare advancements in her rural community despite it all while navigating the eternally insatiable life of horse racing at Landon Lawns.

Why This Sequel Shines:
• A Timeless Romance:
Autumn and Cyril's relationship is the emotional core of the novel—tender, mature, and respectful. Their romance has a sense of hard-won longevity, a welcome respite from the usual whirlwind romances.
• Engaging Setting:
Blackwood brings the 1970s Kentucky countryside to life, weaving a rich environment around Landon Manor, the stable, and the close-knit community they support.
• Suspenseful Undertones:
The Duff Taylor subplot, the mysterious jockey with a shady history, introduces tension. As Manfred Montgomery and William Brown try to get to the bottom of things, readers are drawn into a slow-burning mystery full of secrets and suspicion.
• Strong Female Lead:
Autumn is a richly nuanced protagonist—tough but fragile, motherly but ambitious. She's not merely responding to her life—she's creating it.

Writing Style & Flow:

Rusty Blackwood's writing is clear, lyrical, and emotionally engaging. Her pacing is measured, her descriptions vivid, and her dialogue convincing. The story moves along smoothly with a fluidity that speaks to her skill and mastery as a storyteller. She clearly knows how to keep a reader interested without using gimmicks or melodrama.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a romance that matures like fine wine, with a mix of heartfelt drama, suspense, and nostalgic charm, Return to Autumn is a must-read. It’s ideal for fans of multigenerational sagas, rich emotional storytelling, and character-driven plots.

Recommended for: Lovers of family sagas, Hallmark-style dramas, horse racing settings, and stories about healing after loss.

Bonus Idea: This whole series is all but crying out for a TV miniseries adaptation—picture Downton Abbey crossed with Kentucky horse country.
298 reviews31 followers
September 13, 2023
"Return to Autumn," the long-awaited sequel to "The Perils of Autumn," takes readers on a captivating journey back to the enchanting world of Landon Lawns Stables. Rusty Blackwood weaves a spellbinding tale set in April 1976, where the lives of Autumn Leeves-Landon, her husband Cyril, daughter Abby, and loyal housekeeper Agnes Harris, continue to unfold with intricate depth.

The narrative unfolds with a perfect blend of romance and drama, as we are reintroduced to familiar characters and welcomed into their evolving lives. The story revolves around the Thoroughbred stables and the intriguing quest of head groom Manfred Montgomery and stable foreman William Brown. Their determination to expose Duff Taylor, Landon Lawns' exclusive jockey, for his mysterious past actions adds an element of suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Rusty Blackwood's writing is impeccable, drawing readers into the lush landscapes of Kentucky and the intricate relationships of the characters. The author masterfully captures the essence of the era, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the time. "Return to Autumn" is not just a novel; it's a nostalgic journey through the pages of history, intertwined with romance and secrets waiting to be unveiled.

As the first part of a two-part sequel, this book sets the stage for an epic continuation of the story. The anticipation builds, leaving readers eager to uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface. With its rich storytelling, multidimensional characters, and a plot that seamlessly weaves together various elements, "Return to Autumn" is a must-read for fans of romantic fiction and historical drama.

Prepare to be transported to a world where love, intrigue, and hidden truths collide. Rusty Blackwood's storytelling prowess shines brilliantly in this captivating novel, ensuring that readers will eagerly await the next installment. "Return to Autumn" is a worthy successor to its predecessor, offering an immersive reading experience that will leave a lasting impact.
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915 reviews52 followers
May 2, 2023
Rusty Blackwood's "Return to Autumn" is Part 1 of the 2-part sequel to The Perils of Autumn. The story is set in the Meadows of Kentucky. After reading about the chemistry of Cyril and Autumn in The Perils of Autumn, I was eager to know where their relationship will go ahead.

In this book, the story picks up four years later. Autumn Leeves Landon is now a happy wife of Cyril Landon. They have a beautiful daughter Abby Rose Alice. One month before the birth of Abby, Autumn lost her mother Abigail. Cyril and Autumn experienced mutual attraction to each other the first time they laid their eyes on each other. By living at the stables, Autumn learned a lot about how things work there. She hated to see animals or humans suffer in any way.

But the man named Duff Taylor at their stable is keeping them in the dark. The foreman William Brown and head groom Manfred Montgomery are aware but they don't have proof against him.

Read this book to know more about Duff's secret. The twists in the story kept this book interesting till the end. The way Rusty has created an exciting plot is impressive. As I finished this book, I was left wanting more of the story. Part 2 is already out and I will read it soon.
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656 reviews32 followers
September 25, 2023
This is the second part of the series and it’s more engaging and adventurous. The story is set up in 1976 and revolves around Autumn Rose Leeves who lost her mother and her best friend before she gave birth to her daughter, Abby. She was much respected and honoured lady who did work for the welfare of the citizens in her area around.

The novel further delves into the ongoing challenges at the Thoroughbred stables, where head groom and trainer, Manfred Montgomery, and stable foreman, William Brown, who are determined to uncover the truth about Duff Taylor, the enigmatic jockey with a mysterious racing incident in his past. As the plot unfolds, secrets begin to unravel, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The language is simple and easy to understand, this novel can be read as standalone. The author has beautifully created an immense tension and mysterious scenes. The climax wasn’t predictable, it left a shady impact on the readers to read the last part which would definitely be more exciting and engaging. The characters are well narrated and developed. The cover is beautiful with a captivating title. This book should be read by all the readers who love reading romantic fiction dramas.

Go and order your copy now !
6,122 reviews
January 18, 2023
Return to Autumn continues years later from where Rusty Blackwood’s The Perils of Autumn left off. I was excited to have the opportunity to read this one and was not disappointed. I enjoyed going back to the Landon Downs in Kentucky. It was fun catching up with the characters and seeing where they are now. I was once again intrigued with their continuing story that had some romance, mystery and suspense. I loved reading it and could not put it down until the end.

I am giving Return to Autumn five stars. I recommend it for readers and fans of clean romantic fiction will want to read this one. I am looking forward to reading more by Rusty Blackwood in the future.

I received a digital copy of Return to Autumn from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
271 reviews13 followers
April 25, 2025
Return to Autumn by Rusty Blackwood is a beautiful story about family, love, and life’s ups and downs. It continues from The Perils of Autumn, picking up the story four years later. It takes us back to Landon Lawns Stables in Kentucky, where Autumn now lives happily with her husband Cyril and their little daughter Abby. Their housekeeper, Agnes, is still there too, like part of the family. Reading this felt like I was visiting people I already knew and missed.

The book shows how life keeps moving, no matter what happens. Autumn is still holding on to some sadness from her past, but she stays strong for her family. I loved seeing how she cares about everyone around her and how much she loves her family. There’s also a bit of mystery in the story. Duff Taylor, a jockey at the stables, has a dark secret. Two other characters, Manfred and William, are trying to find out the truth about him, which keeps you interested and wanting to know what happens next.

I connected with Autumn’s character in a very personal way. Like her, I’ve had to deal with loss and keep going in life. I understood her pain, her strength, and the way she finds happiness in small things. This story reminded me how important family is, and how no matter how hard life gets, there’s always hope and love waiting for you.

I think this book is perfect for anyone who loves simple, heart-touching family stories. It’s not full of drama, but it’s honest and warm. It made me feel peaceful while reading it. If you enjoy stories about love, family, and a little mystery in a quiet countryside setting, you should definitely read Return to Autumn.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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