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Rock Creek
As Carl sat astride his roan gelding and stared at Pine Bluffs, he knew that his days of punching cattle were over. The long drives across the West were dying now that the railroads had crisscrossed the Plains. Ironically, his last formal education had given him the skills and knowledge to help build those railroads and now he’d finally put them to use. His short-term plan of spending a quiet night or two in Pine Bluffs would soon be altered by a simmering man-made volcano in the mountains of central Wyoming at a mine that provided the coal for the railroad’s locomotives. But not after he’d stopped at the local general store to buy some lemon drops, and that decision would change his life even more.
- GenresWesterns
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2017
1362 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
104 books220 followersMost 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)
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 20, 2024
Rock Creek is a bit of a different story than the other C. J. Petit books I have read. I was expecting more of an action, shoot them up type story but this is a love story. If one is going to read it for sex scenes, foul language etc., you will be disappointed. Petit is an excellent storyteller and he grabbed my interest right away. I enjoyed this story but not as much as his other books. However, I will keep reading his interesting stories.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and twenty-six minutes. Michael Alan White does a good job narrating the story.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and twenty-six minutes. Michael Alan White does a good job narrating the story.
June 30, 2024
A great cowboy love. Story !!!!
Another great. story. About bad guys and good guys. THE DIFFERENCE IS IT PROBABLY TRUE. AND COULD HAVE HAPPEND AT THAT TIME!! I. ENJOYEDIT!!!!!THANKS
Another great. story. About bad guys and good guys. THE DIFFERENCE IS IT PROBABLY TRUE. AND COULD HAVE HAPPEND AT THAT TIME!! I. ENJOYEDIT!!!!!THANKS
January 14, 2020
ASSASSIN, GOOD VS EVIL, LOVE
4 STARS for this worthy old west drama surrounding the UP RR miners actions & especially 1 of their officials. Violence, brutality, & attempted murder plus the attempt to blow up a RR trestle to wreck a train of UP officials & others, including the Governor; all going in an attempted to calm down the miners. Then, Carl, an intriguing man from Texas was just finishing up 5 years of being a cowboy being on cattle drives & the like, but he knew they would be coming to an end. He goes in the General Store to buy some lemon drops & just like his mother had always told him, he met a wonderful lady Barb, a widow & her daughter Beth & was instantly struck by her eyes, voice, & laughter. Wow, he knew he needed to spend more time with her & her daughter. A funny exciting thing happened as he was purchasing candy that gives the reader a great laugh and it certainly did me, made me reread it and put a smile on my face. Oh, I wish I had the ability to accomplish that myself in real life. ( Wait til you read it & you will understand.) He has another conversation with that same town thug bully at the Saloon later on. However, they do have a different kind of talk later towards the end & it's unexpected. There aren't as many gunfights in this book as most CJP books, but the discussion of guns & ammo is still there just less types. All in all, this is a very good pleasing book to read.
4 STARS for this worthy old west drama surrounding the UP RR miners actions & especially 1 of their officials. Violence, brutality, & attempted murder plus the attempt to blow up a RR trestle to wreck a train of UP officials & others, including the Governor; all going in an attempted to calm down the miners. Then, Carl, an intriguing man from Texas was just finishing up 5 years of being a cowboy being on cattle drives & the like, but he knew they would be coming to an end. He goes in the General Store to buy some lemon drops & just like his mother had always told him, he met a wonderful lady Barb, a widow & her daughter Beth & was instantly struck by her eyes, voice, & laughter. Wow, he knew he needed to spend more time with her & her daughter. A funny exciting thing happened as he was purchasing candy that gives the reader a great laugh and it certainly did me, made me reread it and put a smile on my face. Oh, I wish I had the ability to accomplish that myself in real life. ( Wait til you read it & you will understand.) He has another conversation with that same town thug bully at the Saloon later on. However, they do have a different kind of talk later towards the end & it's unexpected. There aren't as many gunfights in this book as most CJP books, but the discussion of guns & ammo is still there just less types. All in all, this is a very good pleasing book to read.
July 30, 2017
LIFE OF A COWBOY
The Times are moving forward, so are the ideas of those in power. As you read this story, the cowboy is slowly going the way of the wagon trains. The invention of the railroad is improving the way of travel, shortening travel time. Improving the transportation of goods to those out of the way town's.
The author gives you a short insight of the unions and how these owners of these railroads are dealing with the workers, he points out the fate of the chinese mine workers, "Rock Creek Massacre" which involved the, white miners who felt that they were cheated by the owners of these mines. He doesn't go into depth but you all know through reading the growth of industries in America has a bloody history.
If you'll are familiar with this author, he always includes a history lesson, which I enjoy reading. These histories hit on wonderful sights such a sunset in the Grand Canyon, sitting on a beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts..very nice, restful. But keep in mind that type of lifestyle wasn't enjoyed by the masses, which the author mentions the lives of the miners of Rock Creek.
It's still a book you'll enjoy...
The Times are moving forward, so are the ideas of those in power. As you read this story, the cowboy is slowly going the way of the wagon trains. The invention of the railroad is improving the way of travel, shortening travel time. Improving the transportation of goods to those out of the way town's.
The author gives you a short insight of the unions and how these owners of these railroads are dealing with the workers, he points out the fate of the chinese mine workers, "Rock Creek Massacre" which involved the, white miners who felt that they were cheated by the owners of these mines. He doesn't go into depth but you all know through reading the growth of industries in America has a bloody history.
If you'll are familiar with this author, he always includes a history lesson, which I enjoy reading. These histories hit on wonderful sights such a sunset in the Grand Canyon, sitting on a beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts..very nice, restful. But keep in mind that type of lifestyle wasn't enjoyed by the masses, which the author mentions the lives of the miners of Rock Creek.
It's still a book you'll enjoy...
September 28, 2024
C J Petit delivers again!
I've read several of his books and have never been let down. It seems each of the the chief male characters, or the hero, in the books are alike and the same. He just has a different name and on a different mission in life. He's not a Clark Gable\Rhett Butler or a Superman. He just has a certain charisma that would make a lady want to know more about him. He is also intelligent and doesn't mind working and helping others. I can visualize what is happening and that pulls you into the story. The storyline and plot are well thought out. C J weaves you in and out of the plot so well it's hard to put the book down. He writes something both men and women can and will enjoy. If you haven't read any of his works, please do.
I've read several of his books and have never been let down. It seems each of the the chief male characters, or the hero, in the books are alike and the same. He just has a different name and on a different mission in life. He's not a Clark Gable\Rhett Butler or a Superman. He just has a certain charisma that would make a lady want to know more about him. He is also intelligent and doesn't mind working and helping others. I can visualize what is happening and that pulls you into the story. The storyline and plot are well thought out. C J weaves you in and out of the plot so well it's hard to put the book down. He writes something both men and women can and will enjoy. If you haven't read any of his works, please do.
August 4, 2021
Prejudice unions and adventure follow Carl wherever he goes
Carl road into pine bluffs and went to the general store to buy some lemon drops and met a cute young lady from school there with her mother who ran a boarding house. So instead of checking into the hotel Carl decided to check into the boarding house where this lovely young mother and daughter resided. A decision that changed his life forever. Meanwhile down in Rock Creek the union was stirring up trouble with the Chinese trying to oust them from laying the railroad track and pushing out the white folk. They were planning on retribution because the powers that be in the administrative branch of the railroad wouldn't quit bringing in Chinese who worked a lot cheaper than the white men did. The union found out that they were going to send a railroad executive to pine bluff to try to diffuse the problem and sent an assassin up there to pine bluff so that they could watch for him and if he came to monitor if he was on his way down to Rock Creek if he started on his way to Rock Creek they were to get him out of the way. Well the administrator did come down with his lovely wife and they did stay at the boarding house rather than the hotel and they were such a lovely couple.
Carl road into pine bluffs and went to the general store to buy some lemon drops and met a cute young lady from school there with her mother who ran a boarding house. So instead of checking into the hotel Carl decided to check into the boarding house where this lovely young mother and daughter resided. A decision that changed his life forever. Meanwhile down in Rock Creek the union was stirring up trouble with the Chinese trying to oust them from laying the railroad track and pushing out the white folk. They were planning on retribution because the powers that be in the administrative branch of the railroad wouldn't quit bringing in Chinese who worked a lot cheaper than the white men did. The union found out that they were going to send a railroad executive to pine bluff to try to diffuse the problem and sent an assassin up there to pine bluff so that they could watch for him and if he came to monitor if he was on his way down to Rock Creek if he started on his way to Rock Creek they were to get him out of the way. Well the administrator did come down with his lovely wife and they did stay at the boarding house rather than the hotel and they were such a lovely couple.
November 4, 2018
This is a wonderful hea western that has all the ingredients to keep you turning the page. The author has an uncomplicated way of writing that engages and compels.
I particularly liked the way all the details worked together and leave no loose ends. I came to this writer after reading a newspaper article about him and I was not disappointed.
Already looking for the next.
I particularly liked the way all the details worked together and leave no loose ends. I came to this writer after reading a newspaper article about him and I was not disappointed.
Already looking for the next.
January 26, 2019
Western Romance
Much Adventure and Action, with some romance. I have read several books by C.J. Petit and he never disappoints. I looked up the name of his first book and this is it. Carl just rode into town after a few years rustling cattle, trying to decide his future. He rented a room at the boarding house and met his future.
Much Adventure and Action, with some romance. I have read several books by C.J. Petit and he never disappoints. I looked up the name of his first book and this is it. Carl just rode into town after a few years rustling cattle, trying to decide his future. He rented a room at the boarding house and met his future.
February 2, 2019
Rock Creek
I enjoyed this book very much. It was attached to Will Gains family and I enjoyed those books, I hope you guys keep on writing for a long time. Done
I enjoyed this book very much. This was attached to Will Fain family. Keep on writing you guys. I will be looking for more of two of the best writers.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was attached to Will Gains family and I enjoyed those books, I hope you guys keep on writing for a long time. Done
I enjoyed this book very much. This was attached to Will Fain family. Keep on writing you guys. I will be looking for more of two of the best writers.
April 22, 2019
Wonderful.
I have read all Mr Petits wonderful books and am now starting to read them again. Never thought I would read cowboy books as I am a 64 yr old Englishwoman, but these books are superb. A big thank you to the author and keep writing, you've brought me a great deal of pleasure.
I have read all Mr Petits wonderful books and am now starting to read them again. Never thought I would read cowboy books as I am a 64 yr old Englishwoman, but these books are superb. A big thank you to the author and keep writing, you've brought me a great deal of pleasure.
December 10, 2019
Not just another western
Thank you again Mr. Petit for a wonderful book. Your author's note convinced me to give it 5 stars this time rather than let your editing issues bother me. Your characters are engaging and your stories always leave me with a tear (or more) in my eyes and a warm feeling inside.
Thank you again Mr. Petit for a wonderful book. Your author's note convinced me to give it 5 stars this time rather than let your editing issues bother me. Your characters are engaging and your stories always leave me with a tear (or more) in my eyes and a warm feeling inside.
April 11, 2020
Powerful and power packed.
I gave this book a 5 star. I had read it before and so glad I read it again. Clay had a wonderful upbringing by two parents that loved him and guided him throughout his life. I loved Barbara, she had never been loved until Clay loved her. And Beth such a good and loving child. Plenty of drama, tension and a wonderful storyline.
I gave this book a 5 star. I had read it before and so glad I read it again. Clay had a wonderful upbringing by two parents that loved him and guided him throughout his life. I loved Barbara, she had never been loved until Clay loved her. And Beth such a good and loving child. Plenty of drama, tension and a wonderful storyline.
July 16, 2021
Amazing storylines in all of his books!
I loved this book! The storyline was so good, even the stupid bad guys added to the story perfectly! And of course who could not fall in love with a sweet little girl who is so cute? I have enjoyed every single one of this author's books so far!
I loved this book! The storyline was so good, even the stupid bad guys added to the story perfectly! And of course who could not fall in love with a sweet little girl who is so cute? I have enjoyed every single one of this author's books so far!
January 18, 2024
Another great read by C. J. Petit
Another great read by C. J. Petit with so many twist and turns that you will have fun trying to keep up! So much excitement that it will keep up on the edge of your seat as well as way up past your bedtime!!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! I'll Be reading this one again to sure!!!
Another great read by C. J. Petit with so many twist and turns that you will have fun trying to keep up! So much excitement that it will keep up on the edge of your seat as well as way up past your bedtime!!! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! I'll Be reading this one again to sure!!!
October 18, 2025
Quaint
This was a very sweet and old fashion story. The Fitters and the Wilson's were the spitting image of old fashion upbringing. The story and the characters involved in this story give you the feeling that , today's world is all wrong and we should revert back to the old world.
This was a very sweet and old fashion story. The Fitters and the Wilson's were the spitting image of old fashion upbringing. The story and the characters involved in this story give you the feeling that , today's world is all wrong and we should revert back to the old world.
July 25, 2017
Great book
Good action and clean romance. No bad words. Bad guys, good guys, a sweet little girl, respectable women. A fairytale type ending after all the bad guys get what's coming to then. I will read more books from this author.
Good action and clean romance. No bad words. Bad guys, good guys, a sweet little girl, respectable women. A fairytale type ending after all the bad guys get what's coming to then. I will read more books from this author.
August 11, 2017
Rock creek
Story line flowed with just the right amount of history action and romance. Well written and believable. It isn't the author's fault but there needs to be better proof reading.
Story line flowed with just the right amount of history action and romance. Well written and believable. It isn't the author's fault but there needs to be better proof reading.
January 17, 2018
Western pulp fiction
Another formula story from Petit heroic male meets hot chick several bad guys killed hero dude is totally sensitive and in touch with his feminine side as is Petit. Perhaps Petit is actually a female certainly the writing has that breathless quality.
Another formula story from Petit heroic male meets hot chick several bad guys killed hero dude is totally sensitive and in touch with his feminine side as is Petit. Perhaps Petit is actually a female certainly the writing has that breathless quality.
February 12, 2018
Problem Solver
Another fine Western from Petit. Lots of action and even includes romance. I highly recommend this author and look forward to reading more from him since I have already read 18.
Another fine Western from Petit. Lots of action and even includes romance. I highly recommend this author and look forward to reading more from him since I have already read 18.
February 23, 2018
Good read. Lots of light humor. Romance, danger and action!
Great story line with balanced amounts of humor, danger and romance. The characters were
very believable. Was a five star read.
Great story line with balanced amounts of humor, danger and romance. The characters were
very believable. Was a five star read.
April 13, 2018
Well done Mr. Petit!
I loved each and every page of this book, and will recommend it to all of my friends and family. The flow of the story held my interest to a point where I couldn't put the book down
I loved each and every page of this book, and will recommend it to all of my friends and family. The flow of the story held my interest to a point where I couldn't put the book down
April 27, 2018
Another suspense/ western hit.
A wonderful journey through the west. Weaving a tale as only C.J.Petit can. A friendship forde through life and death situation.. The ending seem to happen three times ..
A wonderful journey through the west. Weaving a tale as only C.J.Petit can. A friendship forde through life and death situation.. The ending seem to happen three times ..
August 2, 2018
A favorite hero
Carl is a special hero. Loved how he treated Barbara and his interactions with little Beth. That little girl nearly stole the book. I'll keep reading CJ's books with these wonderful characters.
Carl is a special hero. Loved how he treated Barbara and his interactions with little Beth. That little girl nearly stole the book. I'll keep reading CJ's books with these wonderful characters.
November 4, 2018
Good reading
I can honestly say I have read every book penned by this author. I have very much enjoyed his books. He keeps you interested to see what the next page holds and he keeps it clean. Looking forward to more books by him.
I can honestly say I have read every book penned by this author. I have very much enjoyed his books. He keeps you interested to see what the next page holds and he keeps it clean. Looking forward to more books by him.
January 18, 2019
Nice easy read
Not really complicated with tons of twists and turns. Well written, straight forward, likable good guys, rotten bad guys. Love story of a down on her luck widow, and a lonely cowboy.
Not really complicated with tons of twists and turns. Well written, straight forward, likable good guys, rotten bad guys. Love story of a down on her luck widow, and a lonely cowboy.
January 27, 2019
I have read about 6 of this authors books so far and have not been disappointed one time. Petit is the best and I have purchased5ore.
5 more.I love his writhing and can put myself right into the storyline.Can't wait to start the next one.keep them coming.
5 more.I love his writhing and can put myself right into the storyline.Can't wait to start the next one.keep them coming.
July 13, 2019
CJ PETTIT
I truly enjoy reading westerns. I have become less fearful of guns. I have found a new hobby. I will be buying your books to add to my book collection. Thank you for writing such wonderful stories.
I truly enjoy reading westerns. I have become less fearful of guns. I have found a new hobby. I will be buying your books to add to my book collection. Thank you for writing such wonderful stories.
October 3, 2019
Another great story
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. Well written, I didn't notice many errors in this book. I love C.J. Petit, this has to be the 20th book I've read of his and ranks in the top 5 for myself. Can't wait to read the next one.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. Well written, I didn't notice many errors in this book. I love C.J. Petit, this has to be the 20th book I've read of his and ranks in the top 5 for myself. Can't wait to read the next one.
January 6, 2020
A good beginning
Although this was the first to be published, I think it's the best way to begin down the path with C.J. Petit . Having read several of his works prior, I was not disappointed with this. I recommend C.J. Petit to any fan of western stories.
Although this was the first to be published, I think it's the best way to begin down the path with C.J. Petit . Having read several of his works prior, I was not disappointed with this. I recommend C.J. Petit to any fan of western stories.
January 8, 2020
Rock Creek great book
I love this book because you made the people come to life and made it feel as I was there look I'm over heads shoulder! I would recommend it to all of my reading buddys
I love this book because you made the people come to life and made it feel as I was there look I'm over heads shoulder! I would recommend it to all of my reading buddys
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews