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Miles City
Chicken Charlie was being shut out by the town and didn't know why. No one would buy her eggs or chickens. Then Ben Arden arrived in town and suddenly, chickens were the least of her concerns.
- GenresWesterns
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2017
996 people are currently reading
46 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 75 reviews
June 13, 2017
THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE EVIL
Another western love story with a lot of intrigue.
A young teenager leaves home because he's tired of the farmer's life and wants more. They hear about gold discovery in California and the Black Hills of The Dakotas. They usually pick up trades in their travels from one ranch to another. Most of these wandering cowboys earn thirty to forty dollars a month depending on their positions on the ranch. Well our cowboy, Ben Arden was smart he saved his thirty dollars, only bought what he needed. The cowpunchers life is one of fractures, concussions and the worse would be a fractured spine, slipped discs. Arthritis and any other muscle or bone degeneration, they were susceptible to. Well it's man meets woman or you could say damsel in distress. Charlotte Prescott, is one of those in distress, husband was hanged as an army deserted. She owns a chicken ranch, sells eggs and chickens to the general store. Now this is her only source of money and yes survival. Well the town has turned their backs on her for reasons she doesn't understand. This is another quick read and it's interesting. Lots of twists and turns throughout the adventure. Some may feel that Ben Arden is a tad bit of a controller, but at least he is open to conversations with Charlotte.
You need to read this adventure it'll make you smile, unbeknownst to yourself. Love this author so far, no derogatory words or ethnic slangs. We all know young people grow up quick living on the frontier. You know if you don't, you will die at the hands of mother nature or mankind...there isn't really a choice..is there🐔🐔🐔🐓🐓
Another western love story with a lot of intrigue.
A young teenager leaves home because he's tired of the farmer's life and wants more. They hear about gold discovery in California and the Black Hills of The Dakotas. They usually pick up trades in their travels from one ranch to another. Most of these wandering cowboys earn thirty to forty dollars a month depending on their positions on the ranch. Well our cowboy, Ben Arden was smart he saved his thirty dollars, only bought what he needed. The cowpunchers life is one of fractures, concussions and the worse would be a fractured spine, slipped discs. Arthritis and any other muscle or bone degeneration, they were susceptible to. Well it's man meets woman or you could say damsel in distress. Charlotte Prescott, is one of those in distress, husband was hanged as an army deserted. She owns a chicken ranch, sells eggs and chickens to the general store. Now this is her only source of money and yes survival. Well the town has turned their backs on her for reasons she doesn't understand. This is another quick read and it's interesting. Lots of twists and turns throughout the adventure. Some may feel that Ben Arden is a tad bit of a controller, but at least he is open to conversations with Charlotte.
You need to read this adventure it'll make you smile, unbeknownst to yourself. Love this author so far, no derogatory words or ethnic slangs. We all know young people grow up quick living on the frontier. You know if you don't, you will die at the hands of mother nature or mankind...there isn't really a choice..is there🐔🐔🐔🐓🐓
January 31, 2024
Petit weaves a compelling tale that takes us to a city brainwashed by a corrupt sheriff and a perverted mayor, both puppets for a manipulative railroad agent covering up a dark past while trying to fleece landowners along the right-a-way moving west. The story reveals the far-too-common stupidity of obedience to an abuser of power toting false promises. The stranger (Ben Alden) in town is the only one who had sense to see past the deception, and his innovative tactics to liberate the town of its exploiting crooks make the story fun and adventuresome while gradually righting wrongs and cleaning house. Revelations of power-hungry individuals and the followers who turn over their heart, minds, and souls to these deranged leaders remind one of today’s ongoing realities! Story includes some great narrative on historical perspectives on how the Confederates’ faulty concept of independence through seceding would never have worked, even if the Union had abandoned the effort to defeat the Confederacy. Lots of great plotlines, mixing in discovery, romance, and courage. PKB
August 4, 2021
Chicken Charlie in and Dan Arden meeting Miles City as as Dan wants some eggs to eat he misses eggs Dan
This is the first sale that chicken Charlie has made in months as the town has shunted her and she doesn't know why. Dan pays her liberally for her eggs as he takes two dozen and she cries when she gets the money after he's gone. In the meantime Dan starts to work on his property he got north of town clearing trees and getting ready to build a cabin. His land has a nice creek a waterfall and a pool so he can cool down and bathe anytime he needs to. The town is run by a crooked sheriff and even worse mayor in a railroad man that wants Charlie killed and those three men are spreading vicious rumors about Charlie whose real name is Charlotte.
This is the first sale that chicken Charlie has made in months as the town has shunted her and she doesn't know why. Dan pays her liberally for her eggs as he takes two dozen and she cries when she gets the money after he's gone. In the meantime Dan starts to work on his property he got north of town clearing trees and getting ready to build a cabin. His land has a nice creek a waterfall and a pool so he can cool down and bathe anytime he needs to. The town is run by a crooked sheriff and even worse mayor in a railroad man that wants Charlie killed and those three men are spreading vicious rumors about Charlie whose real name is Charlotte.
April 12, 2023
The story held high hopes: the older and tired wanderer looking for just the place to settle down.
And the woman who owned the egg farm, trying to scratch out a living selling eggs and chickens to a spiteful town who wanted her gone from their little town of Miles City.
All Ben was looking for was eggs to complete his morning meals, so he paid a visit to the chicken farm and met Charlie.
Well, he bought himself those eggs and soon found another reason to stick around. The brown-eyed beauty with the long legs and the too tight fitting shirt seemed as if she needed his help.
Another adventure by C. J. Petit is off to a gallop.
And the woman who owned the egg farm, trying to scratch out a living selling eggs and chickens to a spiteful town who wanted her gone from their little town of Miles City.
All Ben was looking for was eggs to complete his morning meals, so he paid a visit to the chicken farm and met Charlie.
Well, he bought himself those eggs and soon found another reason to stick around. The brown-eyed beauty with the long legs and the too tight fitting shirt seemed as if she needed his help.
Another adventure by C. J. Petit is off to a gallop.
November 18, 2019
GUNBATTLES, TRUE LOVE, FEUDS, RR
5 STARS for this non stop action of thrilling GUNBATTLES, around the building of the RR, & the overwhelming hardship of an old Family Feud being behind the vindictiveness of a lone widow also in the RR route which brings us to the main Staples of cjp books. GUNS & their ammo description combined with sensational battles of gun feats. The lust filled interchanges between Ben & Charlotte are enough to make everyone smile, plus the deep love shined by that physical love also. Just a beautiful book all around.
5 STARS for this non stop action of thrilling GUNBATTLES, around the building of the RR, & the overwhelming hardship of an old Family Feud being behind the vindictiveness of a lone widow also in the RR route which brings us to the main Staples of cjp books. GUNS & their ammo description combined with sensational battles of gun feats. The lust filled interchanges between Ben & Charlotte are enough to make everyone smile, plus the deep love shined by that physical love also. Just a beautiful book all around.
February 23, 2020
I enjoyed the story
It was a good story that included a wandering cowboy looking for a place to call home, a woman who was ostracized in town by lying cheating officials, two brothers with a 25 year old axe to grind, and two sisters separated in their early childhood because of their parents death. The main character is an intelligent and kind man who is very aware of his surroundings and other people. There's adventure, violence, irony, humor, good luck, and a bit of romance. Well written. Many thanks to the author.
It was a good story that included a wandering cowboy looking for a place to call home, a woman who was ostracized in town by lying cheating officials, two brothers with a 25 year old axe to grind, and two sisters separated in their early childhood because of their parents death. The main character is an intelligent and kind man who is very aware of his surroundings and other people. There's adventure, violence, irony, humor, good luck, and a bit of romance. Well written. Many thanks to the author.
March 29, 2022
Shouldn’t this book be titled “Chicken Charlie” instead of Miles City?
I loved Chicken Charlie! She was a lady named Charlotte who raised chickens in men’s baggy clothing to hide her figure. A long comes an experienced cow hand that was still searching for his destination. Miles City it is. Lots of details and twists and turns. Charlotte is mistreated by the town because of an evil mayor, sheriff, and railroad agent. Petit always writes about a good strong honorable man—enter in Ben Arden. He will save the day!
I loved Chicken Charlie! She was a lady named Charlotte who raised chickens in men’s baggy clothing to hide her figure. A long comes an experienced cow hand that was still searching for his destination. Miles City it is. Lots of details and twists and turns. Charlotte is mistreated by the town because of an evil mayor, sheriff, and railroad agent. Petit always writes about a good strong honorable man—enter in Ben Arden. He will save the day!
January 7, 2018
Classic Petit yarn
Strong characters with definite good and bad guys. No grey areas in authors yarns .Hero is big strong man who becomes rich and saves the damsel in distress. Author is familiar but not truly knowledgeable with firearms. We never dry fire percussion revolvers(damages nipples) and never prime the chambers before loading due to risk of accidental discharge. I know this a fictional story but some readers may be mislead. Overall very readable.
Strong characters with definite good and bad guys. No grey areas in authors yarns .Hero is big strong man who becomes rich and saves the damsel in distress. Author is familiar but not truly knowledgeable with firearms. We never dry fire percussion revolvers(damages nipples) and never prime the chambers before loading due to risk of accidental discharge. I know this a fictional story but some readers may be mislead. Overall very readable.
November 12, 2019
Miles City
C.J. Petit, is a solid author well versed in western lore. I have had the distinct pleasure to have read his complete works. I have read in the neighborhood!is some 2000 western novels. I have enjoyed them all immensely. There is no doubt but that C.J. Petit is at the top of the heap in stories. My only hope is that this author will speed up his work
. I anxiously await his next great adventure.
C.J. Petit, is a solid author well versed in western lore. I have had the distinct pleasure to have read his complete works. I have read in the neighborhood!is some 2000 western novels. I have enjoyed them all immensely. There is no doubt but that C.J. Petit is at the top of the heap in stories. My only hope is that this author will speed up his work
. I anxiously await his next great adventure.
January 13, 2018
Miles City
This by far is one of your best books. I absolutely enjoyed all of the action and suspense. The love story was amazing. The fact that they had set fire mine on the property made the story that much more interesting. I had a really pleasant time reading this book. I look forward to reading all of your fine books.
This by far is one of your best books. I absolutely enjoyed all of the action and suspense. The love story was amazing. The fact that they had set fire mine on the property made the story that much more interesting. I had a really pleasant time reading this book. I look forward to reading all of your fine books.
March 7, 2018
Land and the Chicken Lady
Petit continues to write interesting and suspense filled Westerns. The railroad is finishing tracks near a town and ruthless men are determined to take the land in the path owned by a widow. Just one man and the widow stand in their way. Lots of action in this one.
Petit continues to write interesting and suspense filled Westerns. The railroad is finishing tracks near a town and ruthless men are determined to take the land in the path owned by a widow. Just one man and the widow stand in their way. Lots of action in this one.
January 20, 2019
Western story with romance and adventures.
I gave this western story four stars because it had way to much romance for me. It was a good read and I didn't mind reading the story, I just didn't think it need all the sweetness. My wife did get a laugh when I would repeat some of the dialogue between husband and wife.
I gave this western story four stars because it had way to much romance for me. It was a good read and I didn't mind reading the story, I just didn't think it need all the sweetness. My wife did get a laugh when I would repeat some of the dialogue between husband and wife.
March 20, 2020
'OK, but ...........
This is a reasonably well written western novel. However, for whatever reason, the author chose to insert several very inaccurate passages about the Civil War, and the cause thereof. Writers of fictional dime novels like this one, should leave history to historians.
This is a reasonably well written western novel. However, for whatever reason, the author chose to insert several very inaccurate passages about the Civil War, and the cause thereof. Writers of fictional dime novels like this one, should leave history to historians.
August 25, 2020
Typical C J Petit, AWESONE
Very good book. Light humor and a solid story. Chicken Charlie was struggling to survive, not understanding why the town had turned against her, yes her. Ben roamed westward for 13 years looking for the right spot to settle. He arrived in Miles City, liked what he saw, and had a hankering for some eggs.
Very good book. Light humor and a solid story. Chicken Charlie was struggling to survive, not understanding why the town had turned against her, yes her. Ben roamed westward for 13 years looking for the right spot to settle. He arrived in Miles City, liked what he saw, and had a hankering for some eggs.
April 19, 2022
Good things happen
I particularly like the ending of this book with Ben hiring a newly met Joseph White Cloud as his deputy to be trained to become sheriff. The idea of a feud being carried on as the Bishops do has a realistic ring to it. Overall a good read but I do wish there had been better proofreading...lots of mistakes.
I particularly like the ending of this book with Ben hiring a newly met Joseph White Cloud as his deputy to be trained to become sheriff. The idea of a feud being carried on as the Bishops do has a realistic ring to it. Overall a good read but I do wish there had been better proofreading...lots of mistakes.
December 9, 2023
I love all of CJ Petit's book. I've bought almost all of them and I will give everyone I have read 5 stars. This one however, was a little too much on the cheesy romantic side. The characters were over done and 1/2 way through I almost wished one of them had been taken out, then it would have been a great book!
November 1, 2017
A VERY GOOD STORY
On any given morning you can tell how the day would go. but
not with this story, This story is not a good story . it"s a great
one, It keeps getting more important, and interesting all the
time. Could not put it down until I finished it.
LCR
On any given morning you can tell how the day would go. but
not with this story, This story is not a good story . it"s a great
one, It keeps getting more important, and interesting all the
time. Could not put it down until I finished it.
LCR
January 12, 2018
Great read !! Just grand book to read! Up and downs , more ups!!
Great western about a man that truly love his woman! Oh she loves him too!! You will not put it down!! He is a true man!!
Great western about a man that truly love his woman! Oh she loves him too!! You will not put it down!! He is a true man!!
April 12, 2018
#17
Nice book! This is number 17 for me and I've liked every one. You write a fine love story wrapped around a western setting. Each one is unique with some, a few, standard features we all should adhere to but alas, don't. Well done, on to#18.
Nice book! This is number 17 for me and I've liked every one. You write a fine love story wrapped around a western setting. Each one is unique with some, a few, standard features we all should adhere to but alas, don't. Well done, on to#18.
June 23, 2018
Very good would read more. I liked the book because there is no real bad language also a happy ending.
Would recommend to all my friends and family. I like western as well. Love that they are on kindle and I would like more of them to read.
Would recommend to all my friends and family. I like western as well. Love that they are on kindle and I would like more of them to read.
July 7, 2018
Eggs
Ben has a hankering for some eggs. He ends up finding his one true love. He has to kill seven men who were out to kill her. In the end, he and Charlotte find happiness beyond their wildest dreams.
Ben has a hankering for some eggs. He ends up finding his one true love. He has to kill seven men who were out to kill her. In the end, he and Charlotte find happiness beyond their wildest dreams.
July 10, 2018
All of mr. Peti books are goodreads. The good guys always win and marry the pretty woman. No foul language or any other disturbing words. Just good fun reading without trying figure the bad guys from the good guys like so many mystery books.
December 12, 2018
Another Great American West story. C.J. Petit never lets me down.
A Western about a Cowboy hungry for some eggs. He received much more than breakfast. Great Characters, a tale that never drags.
A Western about a Cowboy hungry for some eggs. He received much more than breakfast. Great Characters, a tale that never drags.
March 17, 2019
Simple, good story.
Mr. Petit continues with a winning theme of good, bad and believable characters although sometimes they appear too good.. He also, unfortunately, continues with poor proofing which detracts from the reading (and the stars).
Mr. Petit continues with a winning theme of good, bad and believable characters although sometimes they appear too good.. He also, unfortunately, continues with poor proofing which detracts from the reading (and the stars).
May 11, 2019
Sweet
A very sweet story of love and devotion. Great characters that make you keep reading to see if they ever conquered their trials and tribulations. The added problems and shoot outs , keep you intrigued till the last page.
A very sweet story of love and devotion. Great characters that make you keep reading to see if they ever conquered their trials and tribulations. The added problems and shoot outs , keep you intrigued till the last page.
June 18, 2019
Another excellent Petit book.
I have come to truly appreciate the way Petit puts together the very believable characters and their surroundings. Looking forward to selecting my next book.
I have come to truly appreciate the way Petit puts together the very believable characters and their surroundings. Looking forward to selecting my next book.
July 20, 2019
From rags to riches
This is a truly interesting story.If you have ever misplaced a loveone or a family member,it gives you hope that someday you will be reuntied. It is just too bad the publisher and printer do not correct their mistakes.
This is a truly interesting story.If you have ever misplaced a loveone or a family member,it gives you hope that someday you will be reuntied. It is just too bad the publisher and printer do not correct their mistakes.
August 27, 2019
Montana Adventure
I have never read an author who writes and does not have their books edited you have to be willing to overlook the errors in the text. But Petit writes a good story, so I keep on reading and enjoying.
I have never read an author who writes and does not have their books edited you have to be willing to overlook the errors in the text. But Petit writes a good story, so I keep on reading and enjoying.
March 28, 2020
Wonderful book by C.J.Petit
I enjoyed his book so much he brings you into his stories and is so good about telling the details in what his characters experienced . A most enjoyable book.
I enjoyed his book so much he brings you into his stories and is so good about telling the details in what his characters experienced . A most enjoyable book.
June 13, 2020
Miles City.
Well I sure hope I don't run out of your books. I'm enjoying your books. Thanks so much for keeping me in books. Especially today. MY OTHER HALF HAS BEEN GONE 8 YS.He would have enjoyed your books. Keep them coming C.J.Petit. JD
Well I sure hope I don't run out of your books. I'm enjoying your books. Thanks so much for keeping me in books. Especially today. MY OTHER HALF HAS BEEN GONE 8 YS.He would have enjoyed your books. Keep them coming C.J.Petit. JD
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews