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Mac's Cabin

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Mac Jones had been searching for a refuge for seven years and had finally found it in the mountains of Colorado. Then, as soon as his cabin was built, he was presented with two fellow refugees who would turn his peaceful sanctuary into a killing ground.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2018

1312 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Petit

104 books223 followers
Most 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)

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5 stars
2,149 (64%)
4 stars
870 (26%)
3 stars
235 (7%)
2 stars
57 (1%)
1 star
27 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Jean.
1,819 reviews807 followers
May 4, 2024
I have read a number of C. J. Petit’s books and have found them difficult to put down. He has a way of writing that makes one want to know what is going to happen next. There is a pattern to his writing but each book is unique. The books tend to be about family and the characters are interesting with a personality. If you are looking for a get-away-from-it books, try a C. J. Petit story.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Michael Alan White does a good job narrating the book.
1,402 reviews13 followers
April 1, 2018
I have read almost all of the C. J. Petit books and have enjoyed each and everyone, thus far. His a very positive author and all of the novels are outstanding. I will read any novel of his I have missed within the next few weeks.

What can I say: Five stars or more for this wonderful rendition of our true old western atmosphere. The storylines are magnificently displayed and the characters explicitly depicted. I was very impressed from the beginning with Max and his possessed disposition. He set a goal and proceeded straight ahead.

I only wish that Mr. Petit would, for once at least, write another follow up story of Max, Molly, Tom and their family. I am sure it would be as outstanding adventures Luke this one.

I most certainly recommend this book as well as all of Mr. Petit's outstanding stories. If you haven't read any of his novels you ate definitely losing out. Give them a try, as I assure you, you will not be disappointed.
5 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2018
I have enjoyed several of C.J. Petit's books now and continue to lament the lack of a GOOD proofreader. In spite of the glaring errors, I will continue to read his books due to their interesting stories.

Mac's Cabin was a pleasant departure from the previous books of his that I have read. My visual of Molly at first was that she was somewhat dumpy and not particularly attractive. It took a while to wash that image from my mind. Tom, on the other hand, was exactly as I had imagined him to be. As for Mac, I thought he was much older at first. More like a middle-aged man who was ready to retire to his backwoods existence and shun the mainstream lifestyle. That image changed too.

All in all, a fun read!
3 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2020
One of the most consistently entertaining authors I have read. How he has maintained some quality in his writing as he produces such amazing works in an incredible time frame is hard to imagine. The full development of each book instead of the cliff hanging style of many is really a big plus, also.
994 reviews10 followers
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January 2, 2020
SANCTUARY, OUTLAWS, BUILDING

41/2 STARS for Mac's Cabin it is an excellent exciting drama that takes place in around 10 years after The War Between the States. Mac a veteran of that war had moved west after he was the last living family member and sold the family farm; he was a Bounty Hunter, Deputy Sheriff, & Cowboy. He finally decided to homestead his own place a kind of SANCTUARY, for penance. It grabs the heart to find out why he feels he needs to do so, & not over his war years. However, in his exciting action of fulfilling his homestead requirements he knows that he needs to keep his eyes out for the Indians who jumped reservation & are killing settlers; because his full section is mainly Forrest, river, streams & Sandy soil not to mention lots of wild game. Going on, he's expecting a criminal minded guy that had helped bring his roof supplies up. Wow, with all of this drama going Mac fights a huge bear and discovered his 1 large cabin for his full section is going to have to be built over a ice cold take your breath away, it needs to warm up some before you even try to drink some roughly 10 ft Creek. He has to think on that engineering problem; so, it will be awhile before he starts his penance. Molly & Tom meet Mac in town next to the fishing poles at the store, he tells a tall tale & insist on buying Tom a fishing rod & supplies. Molly, is abused & threatened later in the day by her husband,who she finds out info that both frees & scares her for both Tom & herself; so she flees to a stranger's sanctuary for sanctuary. After all they didn't have any money or food. Two lonely adults who just need to see if they can find the help they need. Will the evil & killers heading their way destroy sanctuary for all of them or for any of them, Mac ?, Molly ? or the child Tom ? What a delightful way to read about the tragidies of one's life that haunt's for a lifetime.


Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews13 followers
December 19, 2020
Mac Jones had had enough of war and killing. He wished to retire from that life, settle down and build the home he always wanted. He decided on Larimer County, Colorado; to homestead land between the North and South fork of the Cache la Poudre River, twelve miles northwest of Laporte, twenty-seven miles from Fort Collins. Here he would build his home, hunt, fish, and start a new life. In Fort Collins, enduring a life of despair and self-loathing, we find Molly Bradford with her ten-year-old son Tom. Through bad luck and poor choices Molly suffers in a marriage to Bob Philips aka Ed Richardson, a self-serving outlaw on the run from the law and his former gang. Bad turns to worse and Molly must escape this nightmare. Two strangers, in the right place at the right time, can change everything. Mac’s Cabin turned out to be a great story. A powerful, endearing story of love and second chances. I enjoyed the tale and heartily recommend it to any western/romance fan. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
1,133 reviews18 followers
August 15, 2024
A DNF on page 103. Sorry but Molly was unlikable. She doesn't even make an attempt to find work. Work was scarce for woman but there were maids and waitresses. Store clerks . Cooks ,cleaning women. Instead she moves from one man to the other and winds up following home a total stranger and asks can she live with him. What? Of course he says "sure you can stay he my nicely furnished home that I broke my back building. I'll go sleep outside in my tent until you decide what you want to do with your life. Don't worry about money. I'll give you some of mine and drop you where you want to go." Sure. Why not?

I like C. J Petit. Hard to believe he wrote this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
199 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2021
Mac found the place that he wanted to build his cabin on a remote mountain top

But will he be left alone or will others try to take it from him? When the lumber was being delivered one of the men was questioning him about his stuff and what he was going to build. Mac immediately knew he was going to have to keep an eye out for that guy.
Matt kept working on his cabin that turned into a big house two bedrooms, a big kitchen a pantry a bathroom a bathtub room and it was all over the intersection of two rivers coming together with a creek running out of the back door.
3,198 reviews26 followers
March 28, 2018
A Colorado Mountains Western With Wil Animals, A Settler, Soldiers, Robbers, Indians and Wild Animals

CUP has penned another western with heart, determination and new leases in life. A young man buys a section of land to build a home. During the construction he meets a young lady who, with her son, he lost all hope. They form a friendship that protects them from wild animals, robbers, and indians. This is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
12 reviews
March 30, 2019
I Love These Books!

C.J. Pettit does a wonderful job of developing his characters and introducing bits of information to suggest but not give away what will happen later. I like the way he writes and that he researches the period of time and places he describes in his stories. I’ve enjoyed going on the internet to verify some of the details in his stories as well. Every one of his books that I’ve read has been enjoyable!
181 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2019
I just recently discovered C J Pettit and have been intrigued with his story telling ability. I am intrigued with his ability to put the reader into locale and the action of his story. A cabin designed as a retreat becomes the center of activity as he care and about the mother and child escaping from domestic abuse. He incorporates their story as he expands his cabin and fortifies it against violent intruders. Mac creates ingenious ways to protect the love of his life and her young son. The action is captivating and compelling.

I am not knowledgeable about guns and am intrigued with his knowledge and comfort with the guns used during the last century. One could almost imagine Pettit handling the firearms.


11 reviews
February 26, 2021
Really exciting. Did not want to put it down.

I really enjoyed reading this book.It kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I was learning new things by reading what was happening to the amazing characters. It was never boring. All info was educational to me.The plot was perfect for a very interesting read. C.J. Petit is one of the best authors I have ever read- the absolute BEST western writer!
Profile Image for Masina Lane.
258 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2018
Mac and Molly

Another fine Western from Petit. Mac is mostly a loner until he meets Molly and her son Tom under unusual circumstances. This novel is full of action and suspense from the beginning. I highly recommend this author and hope that he continues to write interesting stories.
857 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2018
Good Western Romance

Molly has had a rough life. After the death of her first husband she marries an outlaw who lied about his name making her not legally married. When she meets Mac Jones who buys her young son a fishing rod. She takes a chance and walks miles to his isolated cabin. Where Mac takes her and her son in.
1 review
March 9, 2022
Nice book

I read a lot of fiction books especially westerns and romance spiced with historical facts. Finding this author’s book has been great for me. It takes you away from today’s
Ugly events that we seem inundated with. Paints a pretty picture in your mind of the western landscape which I love. I can’t help but love his happy endings as well.
37 reviews
March 15, 2022
Mac the good guy

A very interesting story. I liked the way Mac keep a good clean and happy life even as he was sad because of his penance. I had read the book before but still found it a thrilling read. Molly was a brave woman to go through her tough life with the two bad marriages and still found happiness by her courage for a better life by going a man she barely new.
Profile Image for Lee Ellen Shook.
9 reviews
March 27, 2018
I love love C.J. Petit

I have read every book. Each one unique. His love and respect for women is very real. The men are so tough,yet so tender and caring. I highly recommend the author to lovers of western historical romance. I also love a little sensuality. Good reading..
515 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2018
Good book.

Enjoyed reading this book. Just a couple of mistakes you might want to check your years in the author notes. I don't think you were writing stories in 1017! But I do enjoy your plots and settings!
859 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2018
Mac's Cabin

I've yet to read a book written by Mr.Petit that I don't enjoy! I've read all that I can find. This one is very exciting and I will probably read it again as I've read the twice and probably will read them again. I love his books!
Profile Image for Casey.
1,537 reviews6 followers
April 3, 2018
Another winner

When you begin another Petit book you can expect that it will not be a formula book but rather a real story.
This is no exception to that delightful fact. His characters are strong, intelligent but also human.
10 reviews
April 3, 2018
Old fashioned western.

Now here's the kind of book that's not going to make you cringe over nasty violence or blatant sex. It's a gentle story about nice people that have a happy life, with a few little bumps along the way. Enjoy.
15 reviews
April 7, 2018
Inspirational

Since I first read a C. J. Petite novel, I have hunted every book this man has written. At first, I thought C.J. was a woman. I have cried and laughed reading his books. Awesome westerns. I've read them all, and can't wait for the next.
1 review1 follower
April 9, 2018
Outstanding read!

I love Petit's basic story structure. So refreshing. Your basic western, with good character development, respectful romance and honorable cast members. I don't know he does it, but I've continued to read everything he's published. They never get old!
Profile Image for MALCOLM E NORRIS.
13 reviews
April 16, 2018
A good read

A very interesting western with a family fighting the bad guys. I liked the main character, Mac, which is important to me since reading the book means I spend a lot of time with him.
3 reviews
April 16, 2018
Now I know how to build a cabin over a creek!

Excellent read. Loved the caricatures. It was almost like I was there. Mac and Molly are now my friends,never to be forgotten. Four and a half stars
35 reviews
April 23, 2018
Where's the beef?

I'm a fan of Petit but this book had too much building description and too little action.
An old tv commercial used an old lady to complain about hamburgers with too little meat. Hence, the catch phrase, where's the beef?
87 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2018
Very good for you to get the feel of the old West!

A good example of how to write an exciting novel without extra perversion and foul language! An excellent opportunity to get your younger folks books with good moral and solid values
139 reviews
April 30, 2018
Another winner!

I always enjoy Petit's books and this one is no exception. Mac, Molly and Tom are remarkably well developed characters, especially considering the shortness of the story. The plot is consistently entertaining. Recommended to everyone who enjoys Western novels.
66 reviews
June 13, 2018
A lonely woodsman ends up anything but lonely.

I enjoyed this book immensely and how Mac's family grew in the cabin over the river. Even found it fascinating why he built it exactly where and how he did.
5 reviews
July 16, 2018
Keep writing. You have the unusual abi!ity to make the Old West a rea!ity.

Our family's stories are we!l documented and your stories are very rea!istic, while reinforcing the courage that was needed to survive. Thank you.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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