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The Eclipse
The upcoming eclipse was anxiously awaited by Clay Jeffries as he prepared his private observatory on his private plateau above his father’s ranch near Rawlins in Wyoming Territory. Then he received a visitor with an unusual request. The stranger asked the ex-professor if he would tutor his frumpy, but brilliant daughter in astronomy, so she could fully experience the celestial show. He reluctantly agreed, but only if she proved to be an exceptional student. While his daughter surely proved to be both brilliant and frumpy, her arrival also brought with it many potentially deadly consequences that neither she nor her father realized. It would be up to the professor to keep them as well as his own family alive.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2017
949 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
103 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 74 reviews
October 28, 2017
A little slow in the beginning, but warmed up to the point of greatness in the end. I have been fortunate enough to read many books by Mr. Petit and have found all of them to be above average reading.
Worthy of the five stars, as the characters and the storylines were definitely beneficial throughout the entire book. I was definitely impressed with the entire storyline of astronomy and Mr. Petit was picture perfect with his descriptive analogy of the universe. Too, there was enough mystery and old western shootouts to maintain the readers attention. I do recommend this story to all who are looking for a compilation of western excitement, as well as the study of our universe.
Worthy of the five stars, as the characters and the storylines were definitely beneficial throughout the entire book. I was definitely impressed with the entire storyline of astronomy and Mr. Petit was picture perfect with his descriptive analogy of the universe. Too, there was enough mystery and old western shootouts to maintain the readers attention. I do recommend this story to all who are looking for a compilation of western excitement, as well as the study of our universe.
October 4, 2017
GREED, MURDER, LOVE ON THE PLATEAU
Another lovely western love story. Intelligent educated women were limited to what careers they could enter. This love story illustrates how educated women were perceived by those times. It was victorian to say the least, but its ugly head was bobbing in the water...
The plot is the same in all of C.J. Petit books, and I enjoy these stories and so will any of you who choose to download these stories.
Another lovely western love story. Intelligent educated women were limited to what careers they could enter. This love story illustrates how educated women were perceived by those times. It was victorian to say the least, but its ugly head was bobbing in the water...
The plot is the same in all of C.J. Petit books, and I enjoy these stories and so will any of you who choose to download these stories.
October 23, 2017
I'm running out of words
I've read all but three of CJ Petit's books that are available on Amazon and have immensely enjoyed all of them. It is very refreshing to find an author capable of telling a captivating story without prurient excess. I recommend this and all of Petit's books highly.
I've read all but three of CJ Petit's books that are available on Amazon and have immensely enjoyed all of them. It is very refreshing to find an author capable of telling a captivating story without prurient excess. I recommend this and all of Petit's books highly.
November 9, 2017
Absolutely wonderful story with fact based events.
I chose this story because of the eclipse history. The characters,events and conclusions of all the different intertwined issues and people were an absolute delight. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys strong people, fantastic astronomy interest and s great storyline. I love all C.J.Petit books
I chose this story because of the eclipse history. The characters,events and conclusions of all the different intertwined issues and people were an absolute delight. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys strong people, fantastic astronomy interest and s great storyline. I love all C.J.Petit books
September 29, 2017
A believable story
Well written story about a family and great friends plus a genius of a man. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great read.
Well written story about a family and great friends plus a genius of a man. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great read.
February 3, 2022
Steampunk Western
As usual, C.J. Petit has written a great story. I find his books have greater variety, and more incidental historical events, than Louis L'amour's books. They both have the hero, the girl, the villain, and requisite gun fights and horses.
This particular story seems to me to be a cross between Pygmalion (the play, not the myth), and "The Mysterious Island" by Jules Verne. The link with Verne is an engineer/astronomer who enjoys inventing all kinds of things. He takes on to tutor in mathematics and astronomy, a frumpy, prickly young woman who is angry with the world of men. Fortunately this engineer is pretty self-contained and not threatened by bitter women, besides, he has another wonderful woman in his life.
I very much enjoy reading Mr Petit's stories as a light snack between heavier books. They have happy endings, and very little soap opera drama or politics, which I despise.
I would rate it PG-13 or R, because it does get a little "warm" at the end when the hero gets the girl. Not pornographic, but warmer than I would want a middle schooler reading. If there was language, it was very mild - typical of Mr Petit's stories. And of course, the gun fights end in some deaths, but they are not overly descriptively gory.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.)
As usual, C.J. Petit has written a great story. I find his books have greater variety, and more incidental historical events, than Louis L'amour's books. They both have the hero, the girl, the villain, and requisite gun fights and horses.
This particular story seems to me to be a cross between Pygmalion (the play, not the myth), and "The Mysterious Island" by Jules Verne. The link with Verne is an engineer/astronomer who enjoys inventing all kinds of things. He takes on to tutor in mathematics and astronomy, a frumpy, prickly young woman who is angry with the world of men. Fortunately this engineer is pretty self-contained and not threatened by bitter women, besides, he has another wonderful woman in his life.
I very much enjoy reading Mr Petit's stories as a light snack between heavier books. They have happy endings, and very little soap opera drama or politics, which I despise.
I would rate it PG-13 or R, because it does get a little "warm" at the end when the hero gets the girl. Not pornographic, but warmer than I would want a middle schooler reading. If there was language, it was very mild - typical of Mr Petit's stories. And of course, the gun fights end in some deaths, but they are not overly descriptively gory.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.)
January 12, 2018
Same story second or third verse
The headline gives it away. I have now read 4 of Petit’s books Tate, Slow John, Max and now The Eclipse. All them are well written and goodreads. But they all have the basic story. Man meets a damaged woman, man gives her life and love and respect, they fall passionately in love, get married, have wonderful and passionate sex. Story ends. By now I know the rest of the story after reading the first page. I will miss reading more Petit books but, by now they are too predictable. I hope someone tells me if finds a different story line.
The headline gives it away. I have now read 4 of Petit’s books Tate, Slow John, Max and now The Eclipse. All them are well written and goodreads. But they all have the basic story. Man meets a damaged woman, man gives her life and love and respect, they fall passionately in love, get married, have wonderful and passionate sex. Story ends. By now I know the rest of the story after reading the first page. I will miss reading more Petit books but, by now they are too predictable. I hope someone tells me if finds a different story line.
May 2, 2018
PHD Cowboy
What can you expect from Mr. Petit but a well-conceived, warmly written adventure in a Western format?
This read is a delicious mix of the usual western involvement of weaponry and horses, but includes a healthy blend of scientific facts to complement his exacting useage of weaponry and ballistic results.
Adding in his character's development is always a plus- just consider his other novels like "Finding Bucky" or " Fort Selden" to mention just a few favorites.
Altogether, another fine read.
What can you expect from Mr. Petit but a well-conceived, warmly written adventure in a Western format?
This read is a delicious mix of the usual western involvement of weaponry and horses, but includes a healthy blend of scientific facts to complement his exacting useage of weaponry and ballistic results.
Adding in his character's development is always a plus- just consider his other novels like "Finding Bucky" or " Fort Selden" to mention just a few favorites.
Altogether, another fine read.
September 16, 2020
A Different type of Western
C J Petit takes us on a journey of science, romance and Western adventures in the late 1800’s. Premier engineer/astronomer, Dr. Clay Jeffries take a on a reportedly brilliant student at his home astronomy lab near Rawlings, Colorado. The frumpy cantankerous plain daughter of a Western meat packer changes from introvert ugly duckling to brilliant genius swan before our eyes. Read this unique Western to experience the Pre statehood Colorado through the eyes of a 19th century inventor and the writers story telling skills.
C J Petit takes us on a journey of science, romance and Western adventures in the late 1800’s. Premier engineer/astronomer, Dr. Clay Jeffries take a on a reportedly brilliant student at his home astronomy lab near Rawlings, Colorado. The frumpy cantankerous plain daughter of a Western meat packer changes from introvert ugly duckling to brilliant genius swan before our eyes. Read this unique Western to experience the Pre statehood Colorado through the eyes of a 19th century inventor and the writers story telling skills.
October 22, 2019
Fantastic1
After reading Hitch I started Eclipse I first thought darn we have lost another good Western author. Not having read any of C. J. Petit I thought I would see what was going to transpire. After a few pages I couldn't stop reading. And after seeing the book list I can see I have lots of reading ahead with no fear of running out of excellent writing.
After reading Hitch I started Eclipse I first thought darn we have lost another good Western author. Not having read any of C. J. Petit I thought I would see what was going to transpire. After a few pages I couldn't stop reading. And after seeing the book list I can see I have lots of reading ahead with no fear of running out of excellent writing.
August 28, 2021
Wow! Amazing storyline!
This one was a bit different than most I have read of this author's, but does it have a incredibly good impact! I loved how Harry changed and grew into a remarkably beautiful young woman who was smart and could shoot so well! I can't help but thank the author for these types of women he puts in his wonderful books! The incredibly pieces of history really make a great story too!
This one was a bit different than most I have read of this author's, but does it have a incredibly good impact! I loved how Harry changed and grew into a remarkably beautiful young woman who was smart and could shoot so well! I can't help but thank the author for these types of women he puts in his wonderful books! The incredibly pieces of history really make a great story too!
December 16, 2017
July 29, 1978???
A wonderful book and entertaining story. At the end of book the date of the eclipse was entered as 1978, a glaring typo. Also the idea that the comet was discovered and verified before the eclipse is not a believable time line. Even with those faults I find that C.J. Petit is becoming one of my favorite storytellers.
A wonderful book and entertaining story. At the end of book the date of the eclipse was entered as 1978, a glaring typo. Also the idea that the comet was discovered and verified before the eclipse is not a believable time line. Even with those faults I find that C.J. Petit is becoming one of my favorite storytellers.
September 23, 2018
The Eclipse
This was a very different kind of story, by C. J. Petit! He still holds true his beliefs that women were shortchanged by historical circumstances, in earlier days of Western culture, but in this book, he elevated an almost equal standing between the two main characters, in terms of intelligence, fortitude, and veracity!
This was a very different kind of story, by C. J. Petit! He still holds true his beliefs that women were shortchanged by historical circumstances, in earlier days of Western culture, but in this book, he elevated an almost equal standing between the two main characters, in terms of intelligence, fortitude, and veracity!
October 3, 2019
Different!
Interesting story line. The lead character is above the average guy by a long shot all most to prefect but still quite likeable. The heroine is revealed in a short time to become much more than she thinks she is. Even the house takes on a personality all its own. In the end justice is served.
Interesting story line. The lead character is above the average guy by a long shot all most to prefect but still quite likeable. The heroine is revealed in a short time to become much more than she thinks she is. Even the house takes on a personality all its own. In the end justice is served.
April 11, 2020
A great romance story, set in the growing west.
This book gets a 5 star rating because of the unique approach of using astronomer/engineer, a nerd. To bring about massive change in an undiscovered brilliant woman. He touts strong women in nontypical roles ( for the time. A feel good, cliffhanger, shootemup, if ever there was one.
This book gets a 5 star rating because of the unique approach of using astronomer/engineer, a nerd. To bring about massive change in an undiscovered brilliant woman. He touts strong women in nontypical roles ( for the time. A feel good, cliffhanger, shootemup, if ever there was one.
March 28, 2021
Another C J Petit great book!
C J Petit has the most remarkable imagination. Book after book he creates characters you fall in love with. Clay and Harriet could not appear more opposite, except their one love.... while Alex knew his daughter needed the right push and believed Clay could provide it. Sit back to read and enjoy the transition unfold. A fun read!
C J Petit has the most remarkable imagination. Book after book he creates characters you fall in love with. Clay and Harriet could not appear more opposite, except their one love.... while Alex knew his daughter needed the right push and believed Clay could provide it. Sit back to read and enjoy the transition unfold. A fun read!
May 12, 2021
CJ Petit must be a genius
I just finished The Eclipse and it was mind boggling. How great an imagination this author must have. I enjoyed it very much. I have
read nearly all of his books and re-read some of them. Keep up the good work Mr Petit so I will have something to read. 🌝
I just finished The Eclipse and it was mind boggling. How great an imagination this author must have. I enjoyed it very much. I have
read nearly all of his books and re-read some of them. Keep up the good work Mr Petit so I will have something to read. 🌝
November 11, 2021
Another Great Read
My second reading of this book. Like ALL of C.J.s books, the second reading is even better than the first. I race through the story the first time and miss interesting nuances and pick up wonderful parts the second time around. I'll certainly keep reading as long as I am here to read and DO is here to write
My second reading of this book. Like ALL of C.J.s books, the second reading is even better than the first. I race through the story the first time and miss interesting nuances and pick up wonderful parts the second time around. I'll certainly keep reading as long as I am here to read and DO is here to write
August 5, 2024
wonderful, exciting, and different
Not your average western, this shows another slice of life in the late1800’s. A genius who is an engineer and an astronomer, finds his life partner when he is asked to tutor a young woman. Love, Danger, and a Gatling Gun all make this a compelling read.
Not your average western, this shows another slice of life in the late1800’s. A genius who is an engineer and an astronomer, finds his life partner when he is asked to tutor a young woman. Love, Danger, and a Gatling Gun all make this a compelling read.
December 28, 2017
Thank you for the Christmas getaway I enjoyed when I picked up my Kindle and read the adventure of THE ECLIPSE! Cheryl
Actually this rating is a very strong one as I was rewarded with intriguing story lines, one after the other. It was my Christmas getaway!! Cheryl
Actually this rating is a very strong one as I was rewarded with intriguing story lines, one after the other. It was my Christmas getaway!! Cheryl
December 31, 2017
Thé éclipse as a western
Yes tais book hasard sommé historien faits médecin dithyrambique thé fiction. Itunes cakes Forgeard gold Reding. Modérer YouTube Wright est au thé gold Guy goût thé girl.
Yes tais book hasard sommé historien faits médecin dithyrambique thé fiction. Itunes cakes Forgeard gold Reding. Modérer YouTube Wright est au thé gold Guy goût thé girl.
March 22, 2018
Change of Lives
This is a fast moving, suspense filled Western about how the lives of two exceptionally brilliant people change after meeting. Petit continues to write interesting stories. I highly recommend this author.
This is a fast moving, suspense filled Western about how the lives of two exceptionally brilliant people change after meeting. Petit continues to write interesting stories. I highly recommend this author.
January 28, 2019
I continue to enjoy Petit's books.
Petition writes in a very realistic & believable way assuring way with his accurate record of dates & events. Looking forward to his next book I have selected.
Petition writes in a very realistic & believable way assuring way with his accurate record of dates & events. Looking forward to his next book I have selected.
May 30, 2019
The Eclipse is good 👍.
I enjoyed this book.as I spent time is Wyoming to see the Solar Eclipse 2 summers ago. I had no professor to show me the ropes, nevertheless enjoyed this book because of it.
I enjoyed this book.as I spent time is Wyoming to see the Solar Eclipse 2 summers ago. I had no professor to show me the ropes, nevertheless enjoyed this book because of it.
May 18, 2019
The Advancing of Women as Scientists
Loved as usual the history of the times. The persistence of Women to do more than most gave them credit for in math, science, engineering, politics, etc., was refreshing.
Loved as usual the history of the times. The persistence of Women to do more than most gave them credit for in math, science, engineering, politics, etc., was refreshing.
December 16, 2019
Great book
This was a truely different approach for Petit. Mixing the scientific with cooperate messing mixed with western action and a love story added up to a very good read. Hats off to C.J.
This was a truely different approach for Petit. Mixing the scientific with cooperate messing mixed with western action and a love story added up to a very good read. Hats off to C.J.
March 15, 2020
EXCELLENT
Hard start for me! After the story developed a little then the astronomie began to fill in for me.
Always an excellent story in all of your writings. One of my all-time favorite authors!
Thanks for another great read!!!
Crockett White
Hard start for me! After the story developed a little then the astronomie began to fill in for me.
Always an excellent story in all of your writings. One of my all-time favorite authors!
Thanks for another great read!!!
Crockett White
June 20, 2020
The Eclipse.
Another book. Enjoyed this one also. You sure do lot of research for your books. Your spouse must really be special. Does she help you ? Enjoy people this is one spectacular writer.
Another book. Enjoyed this one also. You sure do lot of research for your books. Your spouse must really be special. Does she help you ? Enjoy people this is one spectacular writer.
September 11, 2020
A clever crossover western
I find westerns to be fun to read. This novel has a very creative group of people trying to accomplish something besides raising livestock and children. The crossover to science and engineering was well developed.
I find westerns to be fun to read. This novel has a very creative group of people trying to accomplish something besides raising livestock and children. The crossover to science and engineering was well developed.
September 15, 2020
Solid read
I enjoy the author very much. This read was good but it was a little too predictable more than other his/her books. They were able to tie in some actual history which made it more interesting.
I enjoy the author very much. This read was good but it was a little too predictable more than other his/her books. They were able to tie in some actual history which made it more interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews