Lassoing Echos

"Lassoing Echos" is a work of historical fiction loosely based on the life of the author and her family, beginning with that of her paternal grandfather. The author's grandfather, George Dale Woodruff was born in Arkansas about 1858, which creates the time frame and inspiration for Part I of the book. Zach Woodruff, like his real life counterpart, changes his name from Woodruff to Collins in an effort to hide from his criminal past, including numerous bank robbery adventures with the gang of Jessie James. Ironically, he ends gang life without blood on his hands only to enlist with Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders for a violent ride up San Juan Hill—an experience in which he finds a sense of redemption and the courage to return to civilian life and face his past. Part II of the book chronicles events experienced by the author but inspired by her grandfather, including her ranching adventures in Texas, New Mexico and Oregon. Any resemblance to the lives of real people or events is purely coincidental. As in real life, the book contains adult language and explicit descriptions of sexual encounters.