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Finding Bucky
Captain Stan Murray was finally being mustered out of the army after all of the administrative snafus that had left him in Montana Territory long after the conclusion of the War Between the States. As he began his long journey, he wasn’t going home to Michigan. He had to cross hundreds of miles of hostile Indian Territory to reach Cheyenne City in Wyoming Territory to try and find the girl that he hadn’t seen in almost ten years. She was probably married and had three children by now, but he knew he had to at least know. Ever since that day that he’d watched her being taken away, when he was so fat that everyone had called him Piggy, he had missed the only girl who understood him. The girl that no longer had the big front teeth that had earned her the mean nickname of Bucky.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2017
934 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
104 books224 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 61 reviews
August 23, 2021
Stan and Ellie or Piggy and Bucky we're great friends and grade school until lucky moved away with their family
They both screw up into beautiful people and stayed with their wonderful personalities. Stan went into the war and listed in the northern army of the civil war and came through with only a couple of small wounds. He was stationed at a porch in Wyoming territory and when he was finally mustered out he decided to ride to Cheyenne to see if he could find Ellie's family that's all he thought about. He wanted to find his Ellie. He ran across Indians and bandits who tried to curtail his life and kept going till he rescued an Indian maid Mary. He fought off the Arapahoe who came after her and gave her food and water and helped her get her strength back. He rode her to her village and met with the family and the elders and they told them no wagons had come through Wyoming in the last 10 years. So there was no reason to go to Cheyenne. So he decided to head to Boulder Colorado where he wanted to settle. He stopped three bank robbers and ended up becoming the sheriff of Boulder. But he still hadn't found Ellie. A Pinkerton agent John was sent to Boulder to verify the story that the rancher had taken out three vial criminals. Once John got to Boulder he went to the mortician saw the bodies and knew that they were the right ones. So he went to meet the sheriff and he couldn't believe it it was Stan his old captain in the Michigan brigade. They recalled old times including the fact that the young lady named Ellie had been looking for him in Denver. She even hired the pinkertons to do it but they had no luck and here was Stan sitting right in front of John so John told Stan her address and told him to get up to Denver and to try to speak to her. John hoped it was the right Ellie.
They both screw up into beautiful people and stayed with their wonderful personalities. Stan went into the war and listed in the northern army of the civil war and came through with only a couple of small wounds. He was stationed at a porch in Wyoming territory and when he was finally mustered out he decided to ride to Cheyenne to see if he could find Ellie's family that's all he thought about. He wanted to find his Ellie. He ran across Indians and bandits who tried to curtail his life and kept going till he rescued an Indian maid Mary. He fought off the Arapahoe who came after her and gave her food and water and helped her get her strength back. He rode her to her village and met with the family and the elders and they told them no wagons had come through Wyoming in the last 10 years. So there was no reason to go to Cheyenne. So he decided to head to Boulder Colorado where he wanted to settle. He stopped three bank robbers and ended up becoming the sheriff of Boulder. But he still hadn't found Ellie. A Pinkerton agent John was sent to Boulder to verify the story that the rancher had taken out three vial criminals. Once John got to Boulder he went to the mortician saw the bodies and knew that they were the right ones. So he went to meet the sheriff and he couldn't believe it it was Stan his old captain in the Michigan brigade. They recalled old times including the fact that the young lady named Ellie had been looking for him in Denver. She even hired the pinkertons to do it but they had no luck and here was Stan sitting right in front of John so John told Stan her address and told him to get up to Denver and to try to speak to her. John hoped it was the right Ellie.
April 28, 2020
LOVE, CHILDHOOD CRUELTY, WAR
5 STARS for this amazing Old West Historical Romance Drama that started when our couple were in elementary school getting bullied terribly that had them get to know one another & love each even then. However, when Ellie's parents took her & moved off west when she was 13 yrs old they broke both of their hearts. Stan had told her he would come & find her which she sincerely believes deep in her heart. He heads towards Wyoming where he was told they were headed all those years ago when he was mustered out of the US Army where he had spent 6 long years with the majority being the best part of 4 years spent fighting the War between the States. Hostile Indians, drunken unwashed hooligans, Bank Presidents, or High Society Climbing Mama's & PaPa"s were not going to stand in the way of this couple's happiness. This was true love shown at it's fiinest. Plenty of intense war fighting action & Shoot-em up moments, intense battles with Indian braves that make the reader hold their breath and a brilliantly funny bit of old west law enforcement humor when Stan took donuts & made the Bakery thrives eat fresh warm donuts til they threw up as punishment for stealing from the bakery. Wonderful book & I definitely recommend.
5 STARS for this amazing Old West Historical Romance Drama that started when our couple were in elementary school getting bullied terribly that had them get to know one another & love each even then. However, when Ellie's parents took her & moved off west when she was 13 yrs old they broke both of their hearts. Stan had told her he would come & find her which she sincerely believes deep in her heart. He heads towards Wyoming where he was told they were headed all those years ago when he was mustered out of the US Army where he had spent 6 long years with the majority being the best part of 4 years spent fighting the War between the States. Hostile Indians, drunken unwashed hooligans, Bank Presidents, or High Society Climbing Mama's & PaPa"s were not going to stand in the way of this couple's happiness. This was true love shown at it's fiinest. Plenty of intense war fighting action & Shoot-em up moments, intense battles with Indian braves that make the reader hold their breath and a brilliantly funny bit of old west law enforcement humor when Stan took donuts & made the Bakery thrives eat fresh warm donuts til they threw up as punishment for stealing from the bakery. Wonderful book & I definitely recommend.
July 21, 2017
Great book.
The teasing / bullying of the 2 main characters when they were in school can be related to the present. It is a wonderful story of love lost then found again with life experiences in between. The journey of one looking for the other--- who is in a loveless marriage. A great change of attitude in others. I will read more from this author. I hope you enjoy the book as I did. 😊
The teasing / bullying of the 2 main characters when they were in school can be related to the present. It is a wonderful story of love lost then found again with life experiences in between. The journey of one looking for the other--- who is in a loveless marriage. A great change of attitude in others. I will read more from this author. I hope you enjoy the book as I did. 😊
April 8, 2018
A very interesting story before thr Civil War and several years later.
SrTan was a busy man and a hero. He spared a Cheyenne Indian’s life. He saved a Ute woman, took her half me. He left friends there. He killed some bank robbers. Then he became sheriff. Life was not dull. He thought he had lost the love of his life, but after a few twists and turns managed to have everything turn out all right.
SrTan was a busy man and a hero. He spared a Cheyenne Indian’s life. He saved a Ute woman, took her half me. He left friends there. He killed some bank robbers. Then he became sheriff. Life was not dull. He thought he had lost the love of his life, but after a few twists and turns managed to have everything turn out all right.
December 8, 2018
Western romance of a friendship that lasted.
Great story. Children can be cruel and bullies have been around a long time. The teasing and taunting can either make you strong or tear you down. What a Sweet story of 2 that were bullied and became allies and good friends and more because of it. We all can remember the boy and girl in school that was made fun of by most, or shunned. The 2 in my class were Mark and Betty.
Great story. Children can be cruel and bullies have been around a long time. The teasing and taunting can either make you strong or tear you down. What a Sweet story of 2 that were bullied and became allies and good friends and more because of it. We all can remember the boy and girl in school that was made fun of by most, or shunned. The 2 in my class were Mark and Betty.
June 21, 2019
What a wild ride!
This is my second C.J. Petit book this week. I loved it. The perfect graphic western shoot 'em up combined with all the intricate relationship issues that makes a successful romantic comedy with just a touch of lady porn. Shocking...gruesome.....exciting.....funny and a little sexy. It is all good. Light reading and pure entertainment. It is only Thursday I am going to squeeze in another C.J. Petit title this week.
This is my second C.J. Petit book this week. I loved it. The perfect graphic western shoot 'em up combined with all the intricate relationship issues that makes a successful romantic comedy with just a touch of lady porn. Shocking...gruesome.....exciting.....funny and a little sexy. It is all good. Light reading and pure entertainment. It is only Thursday I am going to squeeze in another C.J. Petit title this week.
May 11, 2025
Wonderful and enjoyable book by C.J. Petit as are all of his books.
I think the most amazing thing about C.J. Petit's 95+ books is the different scenarios and circumstances that they all employ. This involves all of the different things that the hero for a living and what he has to do to be with his true love. They are all wonderful love stories that are a pleasure to read and I have read them all multiple times and have not read any other author since at least2017
I think the most amazing thing about C.J. Petit's 95+ books is the different scenarios and circumstances that they all employ. This involves all of the different things that the hero for a living and what he has to do to be with his true love. They are all wonderful love stories that are a pleasure to read and I have read them all multiple times and have not read any other author since at least2017
July 6, 2017
Been there
Love the story, witnessed growing up in the 40s and hearing of 18 to 20 year old boys going to school to make fun of male teachers. My grandfather gave up teaching secondary, high school because of treatment by the local bullies. Just as the main chat in this story it never changed his heart. Till he died he was still a teacher to all that would listen
Love the story, witnessed growing up in the 40s and hearing of 18 to 20 year old boys going to school to make fun of male teachers. My grandfather gave up teaching secondary, high school because of treatment by the local bullies. Just as the main chat in this story it never changed his heart. Till he died he was still a teacher to all that would listen
December 20, 2018
Finding Ones' True Love
Heart warming story of child's love that survived 10 yrs of separation. Stan was determined to find his Bucky after he served 6 yrs in military because of war. His love kept him going to search for her. After finding each other again, they found their happiness.
Heart warming story of child's love that survived 10 yrs of separation. Stan was determined to find his Bucky after he served 6 yrs in military because of war. His love kept him going to search for her. After finding each other again, they found their happiness.
May 24, 2019
Always true love
The kids called him piggy and they called her bucky. Then her family moved away. He never forgot her. When he left the army. He went to find her. She did not see him and had the maid send him away. Then she remembered piggy. Could this be him. She road to Boulder to find him. And now the sheriff found her.
The kids called him piggy and they called her bucky. Then her family moved away. He never forgot her. When he left the army. He went to find her. She did not see him and had the maid send him away. Then she remembered piggy. Could this be him. She road to Boulder to find him. And now the sheriff found her.
August 14, 2019
From steps to steps!
I never seen to be disappointed when I read one of C. J. Petit books. I wasn't this time either. If anyone has been made fun of or picked on you can relate to this book. Well written with a lot of action and courage to continue the search for what may already be lost. The one thing I deeply appreciate is the fact that there is always a satisfactory ending.
I never seen to be disappointed when I read one of C. J. Petit books. I wasn't this time either. If anyone has been made fun of or picked on you can relate to this book. Well written with a lot of action and courage to continue the search for what may already be lost. The one thing I deeply appreciate is the fact that there is always a satisfactory ending.
May 13, 2021
Another C J Petit amazing book.
Mr Petit constantly amazes me with his ability to create awesome themes. Fatty and Bucky were destined from childhood to be lifelong friends, but a family move plus a war separated them for 10 years. Neither knew where the other was, if they were married, had children or even alive. But Fatty had to know, so he started the journey of a lifetime.
Mr Petit constantly amazes me with his ability to create awesome themes. Fatty and Bucky were destined from childhood to be lifelong friends, but a family move plus a war separated them for 10 years. Neither knew where the other was, if they were married, had children or even alive. But Fatty had to know, so he started the journey of a lifetime.
July 20, 2021
How to survive bullying and love happily ever after!
This is a great story. It includes all that a western needs. There is a wonderful story. It includes the war stories, indians,mean kids , mean men and women,dry gulchers, and romance. I could have done without the one sexual encounter,but I just skipped it.
This is a great story. It includes all that a western needs. There is a wonderful story. It includes the war stories, indians,mean kids , mean men and women,dry gulchers, and romance. I could have done without the one sexual encounter,but I just skipped it.
September 5, 2017
The Searcher
What will happen after two young people who love each other are separated when one family moves. The Civil War prevents the young man from beginning his search. This Western will gain and hold the reader's attention from page one. I highly recommend this author.
What will happen after two young people who love each other are separated when one family moves. The Civil War prevents the young man from beginning his search. This Western will gain and hold the reader's attention from page one. I highly recommend this author.
March 28, 2018
Good story but
Good story but again the lack of proofreading really turns me off and you are a good writer and I enjoy your stories just don't like the mistakes on words, repeating sentences, misspelled words. Get that fixed and it would be a five!
Good story but again the lack of proofreading really turns me off and you are a good writer and I enjoy your stories just don't like the mistakes on words, repeating sentences, misspelled words. Get that fixed and it would be a five!
April 26, 2018
Good Story
Stan (Piggy) and Ellie (Bucky) are both picked on at school. They become best friends and fall in love. But Bucky parents move far away. After the war between the States Stan vows to find Ellie. In his way indians, outlaws and other things.
Stan (Piggy) and Ellie (Bucky) are both picked on at school. They become best friends and fall in love. But Bucky parents move far away. After the war between the States Stan vows to find Ellie. In his way indians, outlaws and other things.
July 21, 2018
I absolutely loved Finding Bucky. C. J. Petit is a master of developing interesting characters and plots. I lived in Southfield, Michigan when I was younger, where Bucky and Piggy grew up and so this book was even more special to me. I recommend all of Petit's books. I have read a dozen of them and enjoyed them all.
September 24, 2018
Finding Bucky
A very moving story about how bullying can hurt children, and either crush their spirits, or make them stronger, when they have a best friend, who defends and loves them! Bucky and Piggy persevere through the years, I til they are finally reunited!
A very moving story about how bullying can hurt children, and either crush their spirits, or make them stronger, when they have a best friend, who defends and loves them! Bucky and Piggy persevere through the years, I til they are finally reunited!
December 30, 2018
His stories keep you reading them all day.
I started reading just 1 of his books, then 2,3,4, the next thing I knew I had read them all, I averaged reading a book every 1 to 3 days. Waiting f or Mr. Petit to write some more.
I started reading just 1 of his books, then 2,3,4, the next thing I knew I had read them all, I averaged reading a book every 1 to 3 days. Waiting f or Mr. Petit to write some more.
May 27, 2019
Outstanding
This Author is outstanding!I have read several of these books and finding them to be equally very very exciting and ethical!You should get some and find out what A wonderful way to be equally pleased!
This Author is outstanding!I have read several of these books and finding them to be equally very very exciting and ethical!You should get some and find out what A wonderful way to be equally pleased!
October 22, 2019
Great story
Much better than a previous sorry by C.J. he seems to be a hit or miss mostly because some books touch upon subjects I dislike, like rape. But gladly this one doesn't. The story is quite funny and interesting, and a romance is quite, I don't know. Sweet.
Much better than a previous sorry by C.J. he seems to be a hit or miss mostly because some books touch upon subjects I dislike, like rape. But gladly this one doesn't. The story is quite funny and interesting, and a romance is quite, I don't know. Sweet.
April 3, 2021
Will not disappoint
If you enjoy a good, lighthearted western with lots of action with a side of romance you will always find it...and more in any CJ Petit western book. This one was no exception.
If you enjoy a good, lighthearted western with lots of action with a side of romance you will always find it...and more in any CJ Petit western book. This one was no exception.
August 30, 2021
What a perfect romance!
For now this is my favorite book of all! What a neat storyline! The ride to hunt for Bucky was incredibly good as was the rest of the book but the ending makes your heart sigh!
For now this is my favorite book of all! What a neat storyline! The ride to hunt for Bucky was incredibly good as was the rest of the book but the ending makes your heart sigh!
March 13, 2022
A Different Kind of Love Story
A thoroughly enjoyable read that has plenty of action yet a true love tale that is quite unique. The story has so many twists and turns getting to the end. Loved it!
A thoroughly enjoyable read that has plenty of action yet a true love tale that is quite unique. The story has so many twists and turns getting to the end. Loved it!
May 6, 2022
Excellent
Captivating novel with multiple storylines and characters. The characters were realistic and the situations very varied and interesting. I would highly recommend reading this novel.
Captivating novel with multiple storylines and characters. The characters were realistic and the situations very varied and interesting. I would highly recommend reading this novel.
June 10, 2022
Perfect example of how to succeed and prosper...
Having read a number of of Petit books, I find them refreshing. Telling the story of the old west but letting the reader embrace the lessons of life. What are you worrying about. Pick it up and read....
Having read a number of of Petit books, I find them refreshing. Telling the story of the old west but letting the reader embrace the lessons of life. What are you worrying about. Pick it up and read....
September 21, 2022
Fairly sappy story
I do enjoy C. J. Petit's westerns, but this one is just sappy. I finished it, but cannot say I enjoyed the read. I will continue reading Petit novels, but if any are like this one, won't finish it. This is just too 12 year old girl gushy for me.
I do enjoy C. J. Petit's westerns, but this one is just sappy. I finished it, but cannot say I enjoyed the read. I will continue reading Petit novels, but if any are like this one, won't finish it. This is just too 12 year old girl gushy for me.
November 7, 2022
not my cup of tea
I wish C J would stick to westerns and leave the sex scenes to someone else. I didn’t care for them nor calling the main characters Piggy and Bucky. But that’s just me!
I wish C J would stick to westerns and leave the sex scenes to someone else. I didn’t care for them nor calling the main characters Piggy and Bucky. But that’s just me!
March 16, 2024
Another good one ..... and an invitation for more
Another interesting, engaging and heart warming story by this master. I invite C. J. Petit to give us follow-up story on Mary, the Ute woman who played such a pivotal role in Stan's life.
Another interesting, engaging and heart warming story by this master. I invite C. J. Petit to give us follow-up story on Mary, the Ute woman who played such a pivotal role in Stan's life.
June 26, 2017
Excellent book
This is a very good read. This author certainly has a great imagination and creativity in this book. Would highly recommend this book to everyone.
This is a very good read. This author certainly has a great imagination and creativity in this book. Would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews