Most recent review for Return to Autumn: Part 2, the second book in the 2-part sequel to the 5-star-multi-award-winning, romantic fiction drama, The Perils of Autumn....
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite - 5 stars
Return to Autumn: Part 2 of the 2-Part sequel to The Perils of Autumn by Rusty Blackwood resumes from where the prior novel left off. After Autumn falls unconscious, Cyril discovers a suspicious stain on Autumn's jacket, resembling the one from her accident. This leads him to suspect she may have been assaulted in the tack room. Uncertain, Cyril questions stable foreman William Brown while Autumn is being examined. Despite worries about potential consequences and possible pregnancy, Cyril remains steadfast in supporting his wife. Meanwhile, William and Manfred speculate that more than a simple fall occurred, suspecting foul play. Tensions rise when Taylor insinuates impropriety on Manfred's part, leading to suspicions of his involvement. In the midst of it all, Taylor begins plotting revenge against William. Who will come out on top, whether or not Landon Lawns Stables, Autumn, Cyril, and all who stand to lose everything, comes to a head in this grand series finale.
Return to Autumn by Rusty Blackwood really drives home the vulnerability of Autumn, who has been at Landon Lawns Stables as Cyril's much, much younger wife for long enough to bear him an heir, and the resilience of her marriage to Cyril who comes from the pedigree of old school British landed gentry. Blackwood writes in the classic style of 1970s fiction where the assault of Autumn physically and emotionally is a vehicle to advance the plot of vengeance, and at a time where this could spell ruin publicly and professionally when paired with the after effect as well as the ramifications of disruption to the training and care of the horses that are the most important aspect of Landon Lawns Stables. I like Autumn because she is capable and intelligent, and you really do want to root for her and Cyril and their growing family. The sabotage that threatens everything and those involved keeps the pace threading through the story's patchwork of subplots. Return to Autumn is a satisfying conclusion to Blackwood's build-up in the series.