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Hunting Pearl
Will noticed that the numbers didn't add up when he was eleven but didn't discover the truth of that mathematical problem until he was seventeen. For most of his young life, Will had known Pearl as his older sister, but only after the man who had acted as his father died, did he learn that she was really his mother. Now, despite his youth and lack of experience, he was going to set out on an almost impossible quest to find his mother after more than twelve years. But even as he rode out of San Miguel, he had no idea just how long and dangerous that search would be.
- GenresWesterns
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 18, 2017
1196 people are currently reading
55 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 67 reviews
March 18, 2018
9 and counting
I love these books! They have a good story, well written (all-be it with proofreader errors and spell check missed words). The stories move quickly and lead one into the next chapter, you don't want to put it down, at least, I don't.
I have read 9 books so far and intend to read all this author has written. I still haven't determined whether C. J. Petit is male or female, doesn't matter. The books read like a woman's point of view. The love stories are beautifully done. But a knowledgeable proofreader is needed.
While C. J. seems knowledgeable about the weapons of the time, it doesn't appear that C.J. was raised in ranching country. There is a horrible error around the 2754 location (approximate). The owner and hands are described as watching a couple ranch hands "converting a heifer to a steer"!
Absolutely impossible! Plus this procedure is usually done during branding in the spring with new calves. The timing was out of context here, the procedure of making young bulls into steers!
I love these books! They have a good story, well written (all-be it with proofreader errors and spell check missed words). The stories move quickly and lead one into the next chapter, you don't want to put it down, at least, I don't.
I have read 9 books so far and intend to read all this author has written. I still haven't determined whether C. J. Petit is male or female, doesn't matter. The books read like a woman's point of view. The love stories are beautifully done. But a knowledgeable proofreader is needed.
While C. J. seems knowledgeable about the weapons of the time, it doesn't appear that C.J. was raised in ranching country. There is a horrible error around the 2754 location (approximate). The owner and hands are described as watching a couple ranch hands "converting a heifer to a steer"!
Absolutely impossible! Plus this procedure is usually done during branding in the spring with new calves. The timing was out of context here, the procedure of making young bulls into steers!
July 7, 2017
A must read!
I must start by saying this book was not intended to be funny, however when I read
the part about the ranch cowboys "converting heifers to steers" I laughed for a solid
10 minutes!!! We raised cattle when I was growing up in Oklahoma and being able to convert girls to castrated boys would have been a miracle!!!!
I loved the story line and all the action! Keep up the good work!
Crockett White
I must start by saying this book was not intended to be funny, however when I read
the part about the ranch cowboys "converting heifers to steers" I laughed for a solid
10 minutes!!! We raised cattle when I was growing up in Oklahoma and being able to convert girls to castrated boys would have been a miracle!!!!
I loved the story line and all the action! Keep up the good work!
Crockett White
January 10, 2020
RAPE, UNDERAGE, FIGHTS, A QUEST
5 STARS is what I give Hunting Pearl. It's an Old Western Era exciting action packed story filled with drama heavily peppered throughout with dangerous shoot em ups gun fights. Knives were also included in some of the gun fights & used as both a weapon threat & to create emotional hardship in order to get an edge to win the fight; but did not succeed in our story. A SECRET WEAPON that Will discovered when he had just begun his quest was Otto, a German Shepherd & a huge already trained obedient one. Otto, did his part in attacking bad evil men who attempted to harm Will or Mary, really anyone Will introduced & said was a friend & to watch. Dog lovers especially will enjoy the lovable Otto's protective abilities & wants for the people he feels is his. Just a great terrific read, I read it straight through & couldn't put this one down. What are you waiting for? If this is your taste, or if you think you might just enjoy & never read 1 before try it; after all reading is an adventure!
5 STARS is what I give Hunting Pearl. It's an Old Western Era exciting action packed story filled with drama heavily peppered throughout with dangerous shoot em ups gun fights. Knives were also included in some of the gun fights & used as both a weapon threat & to create emotional hardship in order to get an edge to win the fight; but did not succeed in our story. A SECRET WEAPON that Will discovered when he had just begun his quest was Otto, a German Shepherd & a huge already trained obedient one. Otto, did his part in attacking bad evil men who attempted to harm Will or Mary, really anyone Will introduced & said was a friend & to watch. Dog lovers especially will enjoy the lovable Otto's protective abilities & wants for the people he feels is his. Just a great terrific read, I read it straight through & couldn't put this one down. What are you waiting for? If this is your taste, or if you think you might just enjoy & never read 1 before try it; after all reading is an adventure!
August 16, 2021
Will sits off to find his mom and runs into adventure and outlaws and Apaches
We'll get a cross country working his way there and gets to a trading post outside of gila Arizona. Where he encounters two outlaws trying to rob the trading Post and shoots them down in the gun battle. He buries them and becomes friends with Harvey the owner of the trading Post. On his way to gila he runs across a girl who's been raped and left for dead and he assures her that the two men who did the deed are dead. So from being despondent and wanting to die she finally decides to drink and even eat something. Will finds her some clothes to wear and as soon as she's able they get on their horses and ride. They come across many adventures and many evil ones that they have to defeat which takes the both of them including Ottto Will's dog
We'll get a cross country working his way there and gets to a trading post outside of gila Arizona. Where he encounters two outlaws trying to rob the trading Post and shoots them down in the gun battle. He buries them and becomes friends with Harvey the owner of the trading Post. On his way to gila he runs across a girl who's been raped and left for dead and he assures her that the two men who did the deed are dead. So from being despondent and wanting to die she finally decides to drink and even eat something. Will finds her some clothes to wear and as soon as she's able they get on their horses and ride. They come across many adventures and many evil ones that they have to defeat which takes the both of them including Ottto Will's dog
December 20, 2018
Great book.
I really enjoy this author. I like Westerns and some romance. This book has both like most of this author 's books.
A young man who sets out to find his Mother and has many different encounters along the way. Learns how to shoot better with many different guns. Saves a girl, finds a dog, helps save a trading post twice, finds love and eventually his Mom. The dog is very smart and special....saving the young man and others. So many different encounters in the young man's quest.
I don't like when this author 's books end. I have to start a new one soon. Enjoy!!!
I really enjoy this author. I like Westerns and some romance. This book has both like most of this author 's books.
A young man who sets out to find his Mother and has many different encounters along the way. Learns how to shoot better with many different guns. Saves a girl, finds a dog, helps save a trading post twice, finds love and eventually his Mom. The dog is very smart and special....saving the young man and others. So many different encounters in the young man's quest.
I don't like when this author 's books end. I have to start a new one soon. Enjoy!!!
August 17, 2020
Indecisiveness of Youth
A young man in search of his mother runs into a young girl desperately in need of help but doesn't want it. He helps her any way. Will, Mary and a dog named Otto set out together to seek Pearl, Wills mother. Circumstance tears them apart from each other. Events continue to drive a wedge between them of their own making. Being young they are indecisive until it becomes critical to decide and to act. When all looks lost and completely out of theirs hands...well I suppose your just going to have to read it.
A young man in search of his mother runs into a young girl desperately in need of help but doesn't want it. He helps her any way. Will, Mary and a dog named Otto set out together to seek Pearl, Wills mother. Circumstance tears them apart from each other. Events continue to drive a wedge between them of their own making. Being young they are indecisive until it becomes critical to decide and to act. When all looks lost and completely out of theirs hands...well I suppose your just going to have to read it.
September 7, 2020
This Story. Ok love your books! I've been reading west erns for years. Any way you need to know that July can't make a better into a steer a because its a girl girl😀😀
Boy are bulls even when young but they can and Re turned into steers😀😀. Now the next thing you need to do is have someone actually read the fishes script because of they are reading it at all they are just skimming and missing quite a few mistakes. They should do a much better job!!! AnywAy please keep writing as I enjoy your stories very much. Sincerely, NAParks
Boy are bulls even when young but they can and Re turned into steers😀😀. Now the next thing you need to do is have someone actually read the fishes script because of they are reading it at all they are just skimming and missing quite a few mistakes. They should do a much better job!!! AnywAy please keep writing as I enjoy your stories very much. Sincerely, NAParks
December 12, 2022
Another great western
The character development is outstanding. The storyline is so realistic for the time period in the southwest. The author's ability to deal with the social issues of the lack of women's rights, rape, and bigotry. The reader gets the understanding of the meaning of survival in the old west after reading about outlaws, rattle snakes, deserts, floods, and traveling by horse or train. The author once again writes about finding true love during times of struggle.
The character development is outstanding. The storyline is so realistic for the time period in the southwest. The author's ability to deal with the social issues of the lack of women's rights, rape, and bigotry. The reader gets the understanding of the meaning of survival in the old west after reading about outlaws, rattle snakes, deserts, floods, and traveling by horse or train. The author once again writes about finding true love during times of struggle.
February 21, 2018
OTTO
I really enjoy reading this book. I love horses and dogs (not so much in that order). But this make me think of olden days. This book have action and love in it. It shows that Will was a compassionate man with no hang up. He knew what happened to Mary was something she had no control over. So there was nothing to forgive. Mary had nothing to be sorry about. Thank you for writing such a beautiful book.
I really enjoy reading this book. I love horses and dogs (not so much in that order). But this make me think of olden days. This book have action and love in it. It shows that Will was a compassionate man with no hang up. He knew what happened to Mary was something she had no control over. So there was nothing to forgive. Mary had nothing to be sorry about. Thank you for writing such a beautiful book.
May 17, 2018
Linda Mitchell I have read every book now that I could find of OJ Petit and I have loved all but one. I didn’t like the ending. I love all the characters. He has a way to make you fall in love with the heroes. The story line in Hunting Pearl was the best. However I think that of them all I would recommend his books to all my friends. I chose the 5 stars because that is the highest number to choose.
March 18, 2018
Good Book
Mr. Petit western are good from start to finish. 16 year old Will finds out that his older sister was actually his mother. Forced to leave when he was 6 Will heads on a 2 year journey trying to find her. He meets Mary and begins to fall for her. Lots of action with outlaws, Indians and more. And one very special dog.
Mr. Petit western are good from start to finish. 16 year old Will finds out that his older sister was actually his mother. Forced to leave when he was 6 Will heads on a 2 year journey trying to find her. He meets Mary and begins to fall for her. Lots of action with outlaws, Indians and more. And one very special dog.
March 29, 2019
Will be searching
Will found out that Pearl was not his sister, she was his mother. Now that he was old enough, he had to find her. After finding Mary, he now had another problem. He had to leave Mary to find Pearl. When he found her and brought her home. Was he too late to go back for Mary?
Will found out that Pearl was not his sister, she was his mother. Now that he was old enough, he had to find her. After finding Mary, he now had another problem. He had to leave Mary to find Pearl. When he found her and brought her home. Was he too late to go back for Mary?
April 28, 2020
Hunting Pearl
This book was extremely well written and one of the best Western s that I have read. Loved all the action and suspense but most of all the romantic love story. It really touched my heart. Each and every one of your books are all 5 star ratings. I would encourage all your fans to read them all.
This book was extremely well written and one of the best Western s that I have read. Loved all the action and suspense but most of all the romantic love story. It really touched my heart. Each and every one of your books are all 5 star ratings. I would encourage all your fans to read them all.
August 19, 2020
Another amazing book by C J Petit
Will Houston had a horrible childhood, and at 17 his long search across NM and AZ hunting his sister Pearl taught him things never known before. A year later the most amazing was a chance encounter with a skinny 16 year old girl that had been raped and left to die in the dessert.
Will Houston had a horrible childhood, and at 17 his long search across NM and AZ hunting his sister Pearl taught him things never known before. A year later the most amazing was a chance encounter with a skinny 16 year old girl that had been raped and left to die in the dessert.
December 6, 2020
Another good read
Do people read the reviews or look at how many stars. I look at how many stars it has and how many people have given them. Then I read what the publisher says and decide to read it. I like the author and plan on reading all his books. I haven read a bad on yet !
Do people read the reviews or look at how many stars. I look at how many stars it has and how many people have given them. Then I read what the publisher says and decide to read it. I like the author and plan on reading all his books. I haven read a bad on yet !
July 8, 2021
Ride to find Love! Interesting feelings from many different people taking part in this book! Faith of the couple. Anyone and All! I so enjoyed their journey!
The dog was so important and faithful! Each person or animal held a special place in the story! Such great descriptions were so enticing!
The dog was so important and faithful! Each person or animal held a special place in the story! Such great descriptions were so enticing!
March 9, 2022
Still love his stories
C.J.Petit has a way with words , I like the way he treats the women in his books. He obviously loved his wife dearly. It's nice to know that men like him do still exist. Hunting Pearl is a great read. I recommend it to any one who loves a man with the feelings this man shows for women.
C.J.Petit has a way with words , I like the way he treats the women in his books. He obviously loved his wife dearly. It's nice to know that men like him do still exist. Hunting Pearl is a great read. I recommend it to any one who loves a man with the feelings this man shows for women.
May 24, 2022
Partner?
The story may revolve around Will in his search for Pearl and finding his own pearl in Mary, but the real hero is named Otto. It is interesting to follow the respectful friendship that develops between Will and Jesus Fuentes...they were almost adversaries instead. Good read.
The story may revolve around Will in his search for Pearl and finding his own pearl in Mary, but the real hero is named Otto. It is interesting to follow the respectful friendship that develops between Will and Jesus Fuentes...they were almost adversaries instead. Good read.
May 26, 2017
Excellent read
Very well written story about a young man and his quest to find his mother. Along the way his life changes dramatically. A definite page turner. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great story
Very well written story about a young man and his quest to find his mother. Along the way his life changes dramatically. A definite page turner. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great story
July 22, 2017
Enjoyable
A very pleasant short read. The story holds all the necessary ingredients... action, romance, a strong protagonist and several dastardly antagonists. All well written and with actual good grammar, something sadly lacking in many books nowadays.
A very pleasant short read. The story holds all the necessary ingredients... action, romance, a strong protagonist and several dastardly antagonists. All well written and with actual good grammar, something sadly lacking in many books nowadays.
July 23, 2017
Heifers don't need to be neutered..They are female
Calves. A calf is baby cow. Are you sure you sure
You are a cowboy? Bulls are steers after they are de-nutted
So are you a Heifers or a steer
steer?
Calves. A calf is baby cow. Are you sure you sure
You are a cowboy? Bulls are steers after they are de-nutted
So are you a Heifers or a steer
steer?
August 7, 2017
Hunting Pearl
I loved this book. There is so much about it. The young boy searching for his mother and the troubles that he runs into. Then finding that one person that means the world.
I loved this book. There is so much about it. The young boy searching for his mother and the troubles that he runs into. Then finding that one person that means the world.
May 8, 2018
Another 5 star western by c. J. Petit
I love all of c. J. Petits western novels. I have read almost all 40+ books &most of them twice. They are all light the old time cowboy movies where the hero ends up with the girl.
I love all of c. J. Petits western novels. I have read almost all 40+ books &most of them twice. They are all light the old time cowboy movies where the hero ends up with the girl.
June 21, 2018
Another hit from C.J. Petit.
Another lawman of the west. A boy's concern for a messing mother lead him to dog devoted to him . His mother found, his wife . We have action all the way though the pages.
Another lawman of the west. A boy's concern for a messing mother lead him to dog devoted to him . His mother found, his wife . We have action all the way though the pages.
September 29, 2018
GREAT READ
This is my first time to read this Author. But I was very happy with the results. I liked the way the story line was continued and there was no reason to see the F Bombs or other things likewise. I have already ordered the other books available by this Author.
This is my first time to read this Author. But I was very happy with the results. I liked the way the story line was continued and there was no reason to see the F Bombs or other things likewise. I have already ordered the other books available by this Author.
November 30, 2018
A good story.
Although I indicate it is a good story I still believe it could be improved by proof reading to eliminate glating errors. Also, the author reveals western ignorance by the statement that they were making a steer out of a heifer.
Although I indicate it is a good story I still believe it could be improved by proof reading to eliminate glating errors. Also, the author reveals western ignorance by the statement that they were making a steer out of a heifer.
January 11, 2019
This is a exceptional book that shows a young mans character. He is strong of moral values and true to his promises, He shares his ability to know what is correct even if it cost him. I love the way he figures things out and acts accordingly. You will enjoy this book give it a read.
March 14, 2019
Surprise love
Wonderful book.enjoyed every word.excitement,sadness,puppy and could go on and on.as a dog lover/rescuer loved the ending.was fearful about dog in story usually sadness but thanks for all the good,GOD BLESS and keep up the great writing.
Wonderful book.enjoyed every word.excitement,sadness,puppy and could go on and on.as a dog lover/rescuer loved the ending.was fearful about dog in story usually sadness but thanks for all the good,GOD BLESS and keep up the great writing.
March 17, 2019
Adventures filled with love.
Another fantastic adventure of a boy coming of age while hunting for his list mother. Along the way Will finds Mary and they create a special bond. Will finds his ma and love.
Another fantastic adventure of a boy coming of age while hunting for his list mother. Along the way Will finds Mary and they create a special bond. Will finds his ma and love.
May 30, 2019
Such a good one.
I love this one by C.J. Petit. Truly an adventuresome story. I'm already liking forward to The Gun Smith. I have loved each of the books written by him and look forward to many more. I read at night after the lights go out. The best time.
I love this one by C.J. Petit. Truly an adventuresome story. I'm already liking forward to The Gun Smith. I have loved each of the books written by him and look forward to many more. I read at night after the lights go out. The best time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews