About this item
From award-winning journalist and first-time novelist Derek Catron comes a historical Western and love story set on the bloody Bozeman, the trail that sparked the only Indian war that ended with the army s defeat. In the spring of 1866, Annabelle sets out with her extended family to the goldfields of Montana. Guiding the wagon train is Josey Angel, a cavalryman said to have killed more men than any soldier in the Union army. His reputation frightened Annabelle. His almost boyish appearance and manner intrigued her. The journey through landscapes so beautiful and vast that anything seems possible will test and strengthen Annabelle, a Southern widow who lost everything in the war. Josey discovers new purpose in seeing to the safety of the settlers. Haunted by memories of the war and what he did to survive it, he sees in Annabelle a reason to think beyond living one day to the next, if he can only find redemption for his sins.
About the Author
DEREK CATRONBorn: March 22Occupation: Managing Editor, Daytona Beach News-Journal; novelistHome: Daytona Beach, FloridaDerek Catron was born in Alexandria, Virginia, but his family moved to the suburbs outside Detroit, Michigan, by the time he started school. After his parents divorced, he lived in a Northern Kentucky suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio, and finished high school outside Orlando, Florida. He attended the University of Florida, where he spent more time working at the student newspaper - The Independent Florida Alligator - than he did attending classes.He started his career as a sports writer and switched to news before the experience destroyed his love of games. He worked at the Orlando Sentinel and Daytona Beach News-Journal, and his stories as an investigative reporter and feature writer have won numerous awards. He now serves as the News-Journal's managing editor.Derek is married with a teenage daughter. He spends his free time reading, exercising and watching Florida Gator sports. He's backpacked throughout the West. He and wife, Lori, enjoy traveling and were married in Italy. Rather than pay to mail the wedding garb back to Florida, they sported tux and dress on a villa overlooking the Bay of Naples, in a horse carriage in Florence and a gondola in Venice. The site of the legal ceremony is a closely guarded family secret.Derek's idea to write Trail Angel emerged following a holiday to Spain and assurances from Lori that she wouldn't leave him on becoming a "book widow" during the two years it took to research and write his first novel. Part of one summer was spent camping along the emigrant trail to Montana. Lori has maintained her vow, and a sequel, Angel Falls, is forthcoming. Check back on this website to read an excerpt.
