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Haven
The sky was ablaze with shooting stars. Everyone had marveled at the sight, but as Zack Dyer watched and wondered what they meant, he heard a voice telling him why they had appeared. He suddenly knew what they signified and that he had been chosen to lead the faithful away from here to a place where they would be safe from what was to come. He must show them the path to a haven from destruction. It would take a hurried arrival by the brother of one of his disciples to save the population of Haven but would be too late to save Zacharia from his own destruction.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2018
1313 people are currently reading
39 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 58 reviews
August 6, 2018
A Western Commune/A New Train/Action/Adventure/Marriage/Inventions
CJP has penned his 44th western novel which takes place as the rail systems in the US are nearing completion and a young man, who is an engineer, rescued his brothers family and others, including his future spouse, from a band of outlaws. The man and woman combat the outlaws and the commune members return to their homes in Michigan. This is an excellent read for the genre......engineering, trains, astronomy, and Gun fights are the norm, but they fit the time element of those changes to a "T"......DEHS
CJP has penned his 44th western novel which takes place as the rail systems in the US are nearing completion and a young man, who is an engineer, rescued his brothers family and others, including his future spouse, from a band of outlaws. The man and woman combat the outlaws and the commune members return to their homes in Michigan. This is an excellent read for the genre......engineering, trains, astronomy, and Gun fights are the norm, but they fit the time element of those changes to a "T"......DEHS
August 18, 2018
Not surprisingly, this is another outstanding masterpiece by one of the most innovative and prolific author I have had the privilege to follow. All of his books are among the best in the business and they all stand completely alone. This story is full of many different adventures and I can assure any of you seeking a great family oriented story, try this on on for size. You will not be disappointed in the least!
I have no problem awarding five stars to this exciting adventure through, what I believe to be an actual accountability of our true old western folklore. To say I am hooked on Mr. Petit's wonderful rendition of western adventures would be misleading, as his stories goes above and beyond what most writers try to accomplish.
There is a never ending stream of magnificent storylines from beginning to end and the many different characters are unsurpassed in their explicit cunningness and actions. This story exemplifies the true nature of old western entertainment and every episode is definitely worthy of following from the very beginning until the final exciting episode is over.
I certainly recommend this book to everyone, as I believe to not read this new story by Mr. Petit will definitely be your loss. I was hooked immediately and everything improves the and the entertainment only improves with each new exciting episode. Try it! You will love it, too!
I have no problem awarding five stars to this exciting adventure through, what I believe to be an actual accountability of our true old western folklore. To say I am hooked on Mr. Petit's wonderful rendition of western adventures would be misleading, as his stories goes above and beyond what most writers try to accomplish.
There is a never ending stream of magnificent storylines from beginning to end and the many different characters are unsurpassed in their explicit cunningness and actions. This story exemplifies the true nature of old western entertainment and every episode is definitely worthy of following from the very beginning until the final exciting episode is over.
I certainly recommend this book to everyone, as I believe to not read this new story by Mr. Petit will definitely be your loss. I was hooked immediately and everything improves the and the entertainment only improves with each new exciting episode. Try it! You will love it, too!
November 30, 2019
I hesitated to read this book based on the title and description. I was surprised to learn that the religious zealot and his "haven" set the stage for intervention by a brother of one of the followers. Seth was an engineer and a creative thinker in the railroad engines and beyond. He was not a typical western adventurer but was typical of C J Pettit's heroes as moral and thoughtful men. Rachel was a typical female in his westerns as a damsel in need of saving and who immediately attached herself to Seth.
Their adventures included killing criminals and rescuing the remnants of the commune. The return to civilization after years of isolation was over whelming for some of the families. Seth and Rachel set out on their own new adventures and change the future of travel and growth of a healthy community.
An interesting story.
Their adventures included killing criminals and rescuing the remnants of the commune. The return to civilization after years of isolation was over whelming for some of the families. Seth and Rachel set out on their own new adventures and change the future of travel and growth of a healthy community.
An interesting story.
December 25, 2019
STARS , ENGINEER, CULT, LOVE
5 STARS I gave to Haven because of the extra effort put into the storyline of the Astronomy. This is about a man who thought he had a sign from God to lead people to a place where they would not use any machines to work; but then he received a new vision when the comet came. Seth received a telegram of urgency from his brother he hadn't seen in 10 years; he and the others needed urgent help, please come. So, he got weapons & put his experimental train engine, Comet on the rails to Wyoming. This is a fast paced stimulating action filled read with some violent imagery, like any western might have with cruel bad men. Seth sets out to save the people of Haven if he gets there in time. Gripping at times with some oh yeah moments.
5 STARS I gave to Haven because of the extra effort put into the storyline of the Astronomy. This is about a man who thought he had a sign from God to lead people to a place where they would not use any machines to work; but then he received a new vision when the comet came. Seth received a telegram of urgency from his brother he hadn't seen in 10 years; he and the others needed urgent help, please come. So, he got weapons & put his experimental train engine, Comet on the rails to Wyoming. This is a fast paced stimulating action filled read with some violent imagery, like any western might have with cruel bad men. Seth sets out to save the people of Haven if he gets there in time. Gripping at times with some oh yeah moments.
December 3, 2019
My heart has been captured!
I'm a 21st century widow, age 78. I watched all the western as a child, they were about our only option. Never even thought about the genre until I saw a title "The Silver Widows", a little over one year ago.
I've read the classics and studied World Religions, after a three decades career raising nearly three hundred 'high risk youths'. (The only career I ever wanted).
I fell in love with these stories and the deeper messages within each.
My only frustration is the inferior proofing that diminishes these gems.
My offer still stands, I would proof for free!
I'm a 21st century widow, age 78. I watched all the western as a child, they were about our only option. Never even thought about the genre until I saw a title "The Silver Widows", a little over one year ago.
I've read the classics and studied World Religions, after a three decades career raising nearly three hundred 'high risk youths'. (The only career I ever wanted).
I fell in love with these stories and the deeper messages within each.
My only frustration is the inferior proofing that diminishes these gems.
My offer still stands, I would proof for free!
March 15, 2022
Different Story, Different Take!
The hero and heroine meet early in this book. Love it! There is quite a different take in this western book. A spiritual, delusional man leads a group of people from Michigan to Wyoming to form a village/commune called Haven. He believes the world will end when a visible comet crashes into the sun. Able sends a telegram to his brother Seth, an engineer, asking for help and guns to save them because now, the delusional leader plans on killing all his followers himself. Lots of things change. Rachel, a commune runaway, helps Seth over come the circumstances.
The hero and heroine meet early in this book. Love it! There is quite a different take in this western book. A spiritual, delusional man leads a group of people from Michigan to Wyoming to form a village/commune called Haven. He believes the world will end when a visible comet crashes into the sun. Able sends a telegram to his brother Seth, an engineer, asking for help and guns to save them because now, the delusional leader plans on killing all his followers himself. Lots of things change. Rachel, a commune runaway, helps Seth over come the circumstances.
November 19, 2020
A Meteor shower changes lives.
This is another great story by C.J. Petit. He writes about historical events. This book had three celestial events beginning with a Meteor shower, then an eclipse, and a comet. The Characters are entertaining and you find yourself feeling as though you would Love to really meet them. Then the romance between Seth and Rachel adds to the Amazing story.
This is another great story by C.J. Petit. He writes about historical events. This book had three celestial events beginning with a Meteor shower, then an eclipse, and a comet. The Characters are entertaining and you find yourself feeling as though you would Love to really meet them. Then the romance between Seth and Rachel adds to the Amazing story.
August 6, 2018
HAVEN
Seth was definitely a man before his time and being able to create his inventions was a surprise. What he never expected to find was his other half. CJP has turned out another page turning story that makes you really think hard about just how hard it was to live in the 1880's. I love his 📚 and I am never disappointed, I read them over and over again. BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO 👏
Seth was definitely a man before his time and being able to create his inventions was a surprise. What he never expected to find was his other half. CJP has turned out another page turning story that makes you really think hard about just how hard it was to live in the 1880's. I love his 📚 and I am never disappointed, I read them over and over again. BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO 👏
December 26, 2022
Interesting read
An engineer, his wife, and the members of a religious cult, move from Wyoming back to Michigan, after the self proclaimed prophet, freezes death. The group has to fight a gang of outlaws made up of some young men who are ex members of their group. The action takes place under the presence of a comet.
An engineer, his wife, and the members of a religious cult, move from Wyoming back to Michigan, after the self proclaimed prophet, freezes death. The group has to fight a gang of outlaws made up of some young men who are ex members of their group. The action takes place under the presence of a comet.
August 2, 2018
Ok read
This book in my opinion which counts for nothing to anyone except myself is not one of Mr. Petit's best. It was interesting to read but too easy on the happenings in the story. Still I will be looking forward to the next book.
This book in my opinion which counts for nothing to anyone except myself is not one of Mr. Petit's best. It was interesting to read but too easy on the happenings in the story. Still I will be looking forward to the next book.
August 4, 2018
ANOTHER GREAT PETIT BOOK
C.J.Petit has done it again. This, his 4th book, is just as good as the first 46 books. His strong characters overwhelming the despicable bad guys are his forte.a really enjoyable book.
C.J.Petit has done it again. This, his 4th book, is just as good as the first 46 books. His strong characters overwhelming the despicable bad guys are his forte.a really enjoyable book.
August 10, 2018
A Place To Call Home
CJP continues to write interesting Westerns filled with action and suspense. This novel keeps the reader in suspense from the beginning. Looking forward to the release of his next novel.
CJP continues to write interesting Westerns filled with action and suspense. This novel keeps the reader in suspense from the beginning. Looking forward to the release of his next novel.
August 11, 2018
Disappointed
I found this book so different that I did not like it. I forced myself to finish it but found it boring and too little old West and too much i didn't like. His other earlier books were great even with editing problems.Disappointed
I found this book so different that I did not like it. I forced myself to finish it but found it boring and too little old West and too much i didn't like. His other earlier books were great even with editing problems.Disappointed
August 20, 2018
3 1\2 Stars
Good story starts out kind of slow but gets better. A religious fanatic sees a meteor display and decides its God telling him to leave Michigan's U.P. And go to Wyoming to wait for the fulfillment of his prophecy.
Good story starts out kind of slow but gets better. A religious fanatic sees a meteor display and decides its God telling him to leave Michigan's U.P. And go to Wyoming to wait for the fulfillment of his prophecy.
August 21, 2018
Awesome as usual
Well I'm like a child at Christmas each time another Petit book comes out I read this one two d has after it was out Now 44 titles later I am awaiting number 45 never been disappointed
Well I'm like a child at Christmas each time another Petit book comes out I read this one two d has after it was out Now 44 titles later I am awaiting number 45 never been disappointed
August 21, 2018
Another great one!
I eagerly look forward to Petits books! They never disappoint. He doesn't do the cookie cutter type books either which is refreshing. Characters are solid woven into a most enjoyable plot. Keep em coming!!
I eagerly look forward to Petits books! They never disappoint. He doesn't do the cookie cutter type books either which is refreshing. Characters are solid woven into a most enjoyable plot. Keep em coming!!
August 26, 2018
AGAIN...
C.J. Petit does it again. Almost from the beginning to the end I can't stop reading. The characters and the story line keep you moving through the whole book. Don't blink and just keep turning the pages. All the way to the end I am sure you will enjoy it.
C.J. Petit does it again. Almost from the beginning to the end I can't stop reading. The characters and the story line keep you moving through the whole book. Don't blink and just keep turning the pages. All the way to the end I am sure you will enjoy it.
August 31, 2018
Winner
I've read many of Petit's books and am certain that "Haven" holds the #1 position. Petit crafted his characters so that I feel it would be no surprise if I recognized Seth and Rachel on the street. Recommended to all who enjoy a good story well told.
I've read many of Petit's books and am certain that "Haven" holds the #1 position. Petit crafted his characters so that I feel it would be no surprise if I recognized Seth and Rachel on the street. Recommended to all who enjoy a good story well told.
September 13, 2018
Enjoyable and light reading book. Had a bit of history and researched knowledge of the solar system.
I did enjoy this book. At first I thought I'd not read it because of the religion written. Not that I against religion. However,it got better.
I did enjoy this book. At first I thought I'd not read it because of the religion written. Not that I against religion. However,it got better.
September 19, 2018
Excellent Read
My only complaint is the lack of editing. It's like reading a 6th grade paper that has words added in the most unusual places.
Loved the story line and will recommend to many!
Crockett White
My only complaint is the lack of editing. It's like reading a 6th grade paper that has words added in the most unusual places.
Loved the story line and will recommend to many!
Crockett White
October 14, 2018
Petit does it again!
This is a book that once started can't be put down. Petit is a master story teller, and his ability to draw you in is amazing. The narration has you seeing the action as it unfolds. It's going to take a while to read all 45 of these Petit Masterpieces.
This is a book that once started can't be put down. Petit is a master story teller, and his ability to draw you in is amazing. The narration has you seeing the action as it unfolds. It's going to take a while to read all 45 of these Petit Masterpieces.
December 31, 2018
Believe
Sometimes you have to believe in things that you can't explain. This story shows how some beliefs came have surprising outcomes. Seth goes on a mission to help his older brother and finds the love of his life.
Sometimes you have to believe in things that you can't explain. This story shows how some beliefs came have surprising outcomes. Seth goes on a mission to help his older brother and finds the love of his life.
December 26, 2020
Another intriguing story
I liked the title and I have been following this author. I was not disappointed with the this adventure as good triumphs over evil and the hero gets the heroine.
I liked the title and I have been following this author. I was not disappointed with the this adventure as good triumphs over evil and the hero gets the heroine.
August 30, 2021
A good read.
I love these books because the characters are believable as are the stories .There is always a happy ending and the good guys always win. What more could you want in a summer read.
I love these books because the characters are believable as are the stories .There is always a happy ending and the good guys always win. What more could you want in a summer read.
September 13, 2021
Another amazing book!
This book was a bit different, the small train made it perfect! I really enjoyed Rachel and her guns! What a great way for the last outlaw to meet his just end! The ending of this book is one I will never forget!
This book was a bit different, the small train made it perfect! I really enjoyed Rachel and her guns! What a great way for the last outlaw to meet his just end! The ending of this book is one I will never forget!
May 24, 2022
An excellent read
This is such a unique tale that it became a real page turner. Another example of what a great writer the author is. Each book is so different but so fully enjoyable.
This is such a unique tale that it became a real page turner. Another example of what a great writer the author is. Each book is so different but so fully enjoyable.
January 31, 2023
Haven had some twists & "turns. Too much talk & change of scenery, but a message to tell of a -- minister -+Whose gonee wrong. Loved the train & convdrsation of those two. Woodblock story ...but can a woman change from no clue to guns so quickly?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
Who would have thought a little Heaven on Earth
Petit kept this story line positive throughout. It's true one persons He'll can be anothers Paradise! Shows how progress can be acceptable, even in the toughest of times
Petit kept this story line positive throughout. It's true one persons He'll can be anothers Paradise! Shows how progress can be acceptable, even in the toughest of times
October 25, 2023
Just another Petit novel....outstanding!
Nice change of pace but still a
Western ,winchesters, outlaws, good guy gets the gIrl, shootouts but no saloons. 2nd time I read this book but due to my "old timers" memory it was like a new book. Read it, you will like it.
Nice change of pace but still a
Western ,winchesters, outlaws, good guy gets the gIrl, shootouts but no saloons. 2nd time I read this book but due to my "old timers" memory it was like a new book. Read it, you will like it.
November 13, 2023
Haven
Thank you Mr. Petit for another wonderful opportunity to enjoy your well written book. We, as readers, are proud of your writing. Keep it up as long as you can. Take care and God Bless.
Thank you Mr. Petit for another wonderful opportunity to enjoy your well written book. We, as readers, are proud of your writing. Keep it up as long as you can. Take care and God Bless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews