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Travis

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After the final battle of the Civil War, Confederate Sergeant Travis Kane rode his Yankee horse away from Palmito Ranch to return to his ranch in Uvalde County.

As he began the two-hundred-and-fifty-mile ride across West Texas, Travis was grateful for surviving the long, bloody war without being wounded. But now that the fighting was over, his biggest concern was for his young wife because he hadn’t received a letter from Lillian in almost two years.

He expected to reach his hidden ranch in four more days and hoped to find Lillian waiting for him. After four long, chaotic years, he was very anxious to return to his wife and resume his peaceful life as a rancher.

But when Travis returned, he wouldn’t find his wife, nor would he find peace.

494 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2023

1567 people are currently reading
41 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Petit

104 books220 followers
Most biographies start with birth and then roll through the years as they drift by but that would bore me to death, and I lived through it.

The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.

As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.

My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"

Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.

I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)

"And what did the doctor say?"

"I'll ask him when we get back."

"Yes, you will."

I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.

Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.

So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.

The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.

Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.

Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.

Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.

They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.

It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.

They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.

(Read the full bio on Amazon)

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5 stars
1,864 (58%)
4 stars
880 (27%)
3 stars
331 (10%)
2 stars
73 (2%)
1 star
49 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
26 reviews
May 15, 2023
Disappointing

I was rather disappointed with this last novel by Mr. Petit. Although the story line was in keeping with his story telling, the sexually suggestive narrative was concerning. I have recommended his western books to my children and grandchildren but now am concerned that it was a mistake. I want them to read stories about our early history, even if those stories are fictional. I grew up living a cow boy's life to an extent, and I was raised by the morals of the old west. A true cowboy was a gentleman, who respected and revered the fairer sex, protected women and children, and lived by a code. Although some of your earlier books came close to crossing the line in regards to borderline debauchery, this one is a little on the raunchy side. I guess I'll have to read another future book to see if the trend continues. If it does, I'll have to find a new author who wants to carry on the "Cowboy" tradition.
40 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2023
As a fan of C.J. Petit I don’t believe he wrote this book

There are so many things wrong with this book. You don’t explain sex to a six year old. Then have him commit on what PaPa is doing to Mama all through the book. Davey’s character went between a six year old to a ten year old. Myra and Travis giving her 1280 acres ranch away instead of joining the two. This is just not C.J. Petit Quality
126 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2023
Why are you writing about women being raped? You didn't used to do that.

I'm very very ashamed of you for writing about women being raped. Do you actually think we want to read that? Well we don't. No decent person wants to read about somebody getting raped. No decent person would write about it. I won't be reading any more of your novels.
11 reviews
June 27, 2023
Not his best

One dimensional characters with too much sexual references - more than most of Mr. Petit's books. Maybe some people's fare but surely not most people's idea of a good read.
105 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2023
Another Good Story!

I always enjoy Mr. Petit's books -- they are entertaining, feel-good westerns where I always learn something authentic about the period.

You will find a number of proofreading errors, but don't worry about those. Those of us who are his loyal fans much prefer he spends his time and energy writing his books! Our favorite Cowboy is struggling with severe health issues and his writing is his escape and his legacy.

I love the good father figure portrayed in this book. C. J. Petit's books that contain a young boy or young man are always my favorites.

I would rate this story PG-13 - there is, of course violence expected in a western, some very mild language, and some "educational" sex descriptions that are kind of cute if, in my opinion, still a bit much for a six year old boy. Of course, usually on a ranch or farm, kids didn't need a whole lot of explanation because they witnessed procreation every spring all around them.

I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.)
994 reviews10 followers
April 2, 2025
5 STARS, ACTION & LOTS OF DRAMA

5 STARS again for C.J. Petit's wonderful exciting storyline of a man returning home at the end of the Civil War in East Texas that had fought as a Confederate. It is action packed, filled with lots of shoot em up excitement drama & tension, Indians, and bad men that run roughshod over an entire County of people. They murder people in their homes, offices, & rape young women that are 14 years old because they like hearing them scream & them to struggle plus others.

Travis is the only one who has guns that returned & he was asked for help. He just got married again the day before but these 4 Union deserters had ran off his new wife & son from their ranch. Now they had taken over the town & county. He could not help but wonder if they would show up at his ranch next. He had no choice.

RECOMMEND
Profile Image for Donald Montano.
Author 13 books377 followers
May 21, 2023
The Civil War was over and Travis Kane was headed back home to Texas to but his life back together after four long years of fighting.

The South had lost and he had to make the most of what was now a meager existence. But his hometown bore little resemblance to what he had ridden away from.
The first bit of bad news to greet him was his young wife of four months had died delivering a child.
But whose? He had been gone for the duration of the war. And now the town of few men and fewer guns had been taken over by four Union deserters. And this was just the beginning.
How he takes a new wife and claims a young son is what makes the story warm your heart.
Read on. CJ Petit is at his best.
19 reviews
May 4, 2023
Mr. Petit has done it again. Another page turning story that didn't disappoint. Mr. Petit's book are the reason that I enjoy reading historical fiction. But I haven't found many authors that can live up to his way of telling a story. The characters come to life, as does the way they live. And so many different scenarios for the different characters. I also appreciate the fact that he doesn't use many slang words. Keep up the good work, and please don't let your fans pressure you into pushing yourself with the next book. I, for one and willing to wait for your good works. Thank you!



















304 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2023
Another C J Petit masterpiece!

Unless there is a new one this book is Mr Petit's 94th book. I have read every one and each are amazing. Travis is returning home at the end of the Civil War and discovers his wife has died. Travis finds the widow Myra and her son Davey in his house hiding from four Yankee deserters that have took over her house. Travis must protect Myra and Davey but also stop the four deserters as they wreck havoc an killed the sheriff, the blacksmith, the judge and wife while kidnapping the judge's three daughters. Saddle up an enjoy the ride of the Archangel Michael. :-)
5 reviews
May 20, 2023
Travis

Thank you Mr. Petit for writing Travis. It was one of my favorite and I have read about a dozen of your books. It discussed several topics rarely discussed now days and it mentioned how terrible the civil war was especially the brutality and and terrible loss of lives. Also how Travis was willing to share his good fortune with others without expecting anything in return. At 90 years old I wish we had more people. living today Would do more of the same. Keep writing books with good stories. Thank you. Ray White
Profile Image for Paul Brown.
Author 8 books68 followers
June 8, 2023
Great storyline with some tidbits of Civil War history and insight peppered in. Likable characters, as well as those to hate. A little bit more graphically violent assaults on the women than I cared for. Strings of despair can sometimes be overdone, but the recovery here happened in a timely way. Some of the dialogue became monotonous toward the end of the book, leaving out a final plot point. Text could use some light editing. Still, a story worth reading. Thank you, CJ, for pumping these out! PKB
68 reviews
May 12, 2023
Thank you so much

I'm so glad to see your last story! I hope this means you're in good health & can continue to give us the pleasure of the writing skills that you have shared! Always know you are in this reader's prayers! You have an uncanny talent to writing that is too incredible! I have enjoyed experiencing all your books and want to read them to my grandchildren, when they get a little older, of course! Thank you again for your unique skill!
64 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2023
Not as good as some.

Chris Petit has become one of my favourite writers of Western fiction. His Evans family saga and the Joe Beck series are wonderfully researched and crafted. This latest book though is not inthe same class. It is rather episodic and more loosely structured. Despite this, it is still a good read and captures the poverty and struggle of the immediate post civil war period very well.
242 reviews4 followers
July 25, 2023
Another Homerun

I have read almost all of CJ Petit’s books and have never been disappointed. I have purchased the few I have not read yet, but save them to savor whenever I need a Petit fix, enjoying the anticipation. It would be hard to pick a favorite as the book currently being read would fit the bill. I highly recommend this author and any of his books as they all all uniquely different.
536 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2024
Travis

This is the 1st book I’ve read by CJ Petit and it was at times confusing and difficult to follow the threads. It seemed that the book was written as a dialogue being spoken in the 3rd person instead of an actual story. There are a lot of characters in this story, but Myra and Travis are the 2 main characters and everyone else are secondary. It seemed that Myra was the one telling the story through her eyes and Travis was adding to the story.
69 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2023
93 and going strong

If you're a fan and an avid CJP reader everything you liked in book 1 is still here in book 93. I have said this in most of my reviews. You don't read CJP expecting good literature and clean editing. What you have come to expect, and what you get, is an evening of entertainment...for eight bits...WOW.
859 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2023
Travis

I loved the characters in the book and the storyline. I felt the story was a little bi t rushed in the beginning. But I must say it was a wonderful story. I couldn't put it down as usual until I had devoured the whole thing. I love that he doesn't leave us hanging always gives the hereafter.
47 reviews
May 16, 2023
Another great read

I always know I’m in for a great journey when I find a new Book by Mr. Petit. I never pass up an opportunity to be taken back to a time where Men were really men and not the milk sops we have today. A boy of 12 became a man fast in those days. Progress has not improved the race.
Profile Image for Anthony R Woods.
695 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2023
Fantastic story

Travis was returning home to west Texas from the Civil War. He met some Comanches who told him a Yankee who had hurt a woman and stole a horse. Travis found the deserter on his way and ended up in a shoot out. After this the story gets better and Travis becomes a hero to his home town.
Profile Image for sue rutherford.
5 reviews
May 17, 2023
Have read all your books.

I have read every single one of your books. From the first to last they have given me thrills. Ive learned more about guns then every before. Because of you I am less afraid of them than I use to be. You have an amazing way of discrebing things. It keeps me hooked all the way through the books. I recommend to books to everyone.
28 reviews
May 20, 2023
Always enjoyable to read.

I enjoy reading these books. I finish one and can't wait for the next book to come out. They always keep my attention from start to finish. If you like a western with a little clean romance then I would recommend these books. I own every book CJ Petit has written.
Profile Image for Jim Buchanan.
160 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2023
Right

You defend your friends, you help those in distress, you remove the problem. That's what Travis Kane does time after time in the unsettled post Civil War era. When confronted by personal doubts that he actually did the right thing he receives justification. Good read about some of the adjustments we have to make in life.
70 reviews
July 11, 2023
A long story

CJ always does a fantastic job with his stories He can wrap up more different ways to end 1 that anybody I have ever read It's a Pleasure to read His stories he ends them several times and he never know what's coming next year but he leaves nothing to be done Wonder about Ties up all the lousians and fantastic authors
99 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2023
Fun read, realistic

This is another riveting western with solid story telling and plenty of action. The best part is the action is based on justice, honor, and integrity. The whole story revolves around making moral choices. The hero is as solid as David from the bible. I loved the story and hope Petit will write some more.
Profile Image for Jeff Mutchler.
32 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2023
CJ Petit has an amazing ability to write really captivating stories, I am pretty sure that I have read all of them to date(which means there are 3 more by the time you read this). He might make some very strange errors like mistaking who is speaking to the point where it reads as someone even speaking to themselves, it takes a minute at times to decide who he actually meant to have talk to whom.
3 reviews
December 4, 2023
Another wholesome adventure.

I love living the life of your characters. I'm right there with them through all their trials and tribulations. It's comforting to live in a world where good always prevails.

My love of Westerns began by reading my Father's books . One of his favorite authors was Louis Lamoir.
118 reviews
January 17, 2024
Another great read by C. J. Petit

Another great read by C. J. Petit. Full Of excitement, with twist and turns that keeps a reader glued to the pages of their book! Another book filled full of joy, sadness, romance, love, and family! It's definitely a page turner. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!!
176 reviews4 followers
May 1, 2023
Good read

A little different from Mr. Petits previous books but a great read. Post-civil war era. Every book is greatly anticipated. You can't go wrong with the choice of C.J.Petit book.
Profile Image for Jane Goss.
110 reviews
May 5, 2023
Worth waiting for

Another great adventure! This is another book that could continue! With the story revolved around the war between the states as always C.J. Has researched and given us a look into some history.
Profile Image for Cleo A. Hanson.
179 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2023
Justice triumphs

I am never disappointed in a book written by C.J. Petit. The characters are life like and believable. I am so glad to find a new book that I download it and read it right away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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