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Evans Family Saga #3

Huw's Legacy: Book Three of the Evans Family Saga

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Kyle felt guilty for playing a game as his mother suffered back at their small excuse for a house, but she had insisted and knew that it was important to her that he spend time outside of the mechanized hell where he spent sixty hours a week earning his meager pay that kept food on the table and paid the rent. Doctor Turnbull had estimated that she had six months remaining and that was three months ago. She had lost so much weight and was only able to tolerate a weak broth now, so he didn’t believe it would be that long. His mother had been the center of his life for as long as he remembered and when she left him, he’d have no family at all. The bastard that had called himself his father had deserted them ten years ago when he was six, and Kyle blamed him for his mother’s illness. He had no one else to accuse. He’d been her nurse and minister over the past week as she was unable to leave her sickbed without assistance, and he knew that caring for her had added discomfort to her pain. Even as he played, he kept thinking of his future after she succumbed to the cancer but saw nothing but years of toil on the oven of the ironworks floor and an empty life with no possibilities.

486 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2019

1328 people are currently reading
60 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Petit

104 books220 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
1,905 (69%)
4 stars
627 (23%)
3 stars
140 (5%)
2 stars
31 (1%)
1 star
23 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Jean.
1,817 reviews806 followers
September 25, 2023
I am enjoying reading this series by C. J. Petit. He is a new author for me and I am impressed with his storytelling skills. This book even more than the prior books has created more suspense in the story. I find the book hard to put down once I start to read and can’t wait to start the next book as I finish this book.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and fourteen minutes. Jim Meskimen does a good job narrating the book.
Profile Image for Linda.
503 reviews7 followers
December 3, 2019
An absolutely awesome book

Mr. Petit you have written another great book. When reading this book you can actually visualize that you are there watching the story unfold. Would highly recommend this series to everyone that enjoys a great western story. Hope there will be another in this series.
241 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2019
The Evans says just begs better

All of Petit's book are well worth reading. They furnish Western lore without being one gun battle after another. However, the editing on this book is lax. Missing words and weird verb tenses distract from the story.
1,399 reviews13 followers
December 28, 2019
An exceptionally outstanding western folklore masterpiece by one of the most prolific writers of American adventures. A compassionate storytelling adventure that touches anyone's heartstrings immediately, as Kyle's on-going traveling escapades will grab you immediately, and will maintain your undivided attention from beginning to end!

Never read a C. J. Petit book that wasn't five stars worthy, and this probably his best of the best. I was hooked immediately waccountings on-going traveling escapades, and how well he adapted to each and every new adventure. The only reason I was able to set this storytellers due to fact I started reading it late in the evening hours.
If you love compassionate storytelling at its very best, with overwhelming family relationships, then this compelling masterpiece is definitely for you. No profanity throughout the entire story! Kyle is very adept at handling each and every exciting new threatening episode, regardless of his age and experience. Bryn and Dylan takes Kyle in immediately, and begins teaching him how to survive the problems facing him in his new surroundings!
Outstanding storylines throughout this compelling western masterpiece, that immediately touches your heartstrings, and the character selections could not have been better portrayed, as they continuously fulfilled their assigned roles to perfection. One of the most family-friendly accounting of realistic old American folklore storytelling masterpieces I have had the opportunity to read.
All of you western addicted readers will certainly enjoy following this compassionately motivated success story of how our old West was finally settled, and the many heartwarming episodes of how families working together solved their many problems, by working together! Gunfights aplenty! Outstanding camaraderie, and compassionate family-friendly entertainment that touches anyone's heartstrings immediately throughout the entire story. Even you non-western enthusiasts will find yourselves completely engrossed within the first few pages, and you will find it hard to put the story aside, as each new developing adventure will definitely keep your undivided attention from beginning
To end. Ongoing romantic , that touches your heartstrings throughout the entire story! Grab the book and enjoy the ride of your lifetime!😄
994 reviews10 followers
March 19, 2020
FAMILY, LAW, HORSES, LEGACY, LOVE

Book 3 of The Evan's Family Saga earns 5 STARS just like Book 1 & Book 2 & I am on my way to read Book 4. I absolutely love this Western Romance Era Drama that is taking place during different times during the old west so far with it's details in shoot-em- up gun action and just so much more. CJP descriptions of the surrounding landscape is amazingly beautiful & makes the reader see it in the mind's eye. My only complaint is editing & that is only because I have been giving high praise for Books 1 & 2. In this book the names of the Evans' men were mixed up a lot along with a few other things. At this point in the writing & publishing game maybe it's time to get books read & have the mistakes all noted; just a suggestion. Anyway, I do love this Saga, I go to read the next one, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
567 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2019
How's Legacy: Book Three of the Evans Family Saga

CJP has always provided the different and unexpected plots to bring us the best stories. He also is known to write the complete ending to the stories that he writes, again he has come through with flying colors. Kyle loved with his mother and working in a factory from the age of nine. He knew that in Pennsylvania that he would never have a good future to look forward to. So he decides to do what his mother wanted him to do, to go out west to find his true family. So he set off to walk to Omeha in Nebraska Territory. Eight hundred miles on foot with no weapons except for his walking stick. It takes more than curiosity, it takes bravery modes than most men ever see. 👏👏 BRAVO 👏👏 CJP NEVER DISAPPOINTS!!
181 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2019
Kyle learns that he is Huw's son as his mother dies. He set out to travel 800 miles by foot with only his wit and his baseball bat for survival. We travel with him with both physical and emotional hurdles. He was intent on finding Dylan and Bryn, his cousins in Omaha. Kyle was helped along this long journey and finally reached Dylan and then traveled on to Bryn who had Denver. He was welcomed by his grandmother and many young children. There were confrontations with outlaws determined to kill Bryn and his family but Kyle prevailed with only his wooden bat. He quickly fell in love with Katie and he worked with Bryn. Dylan and his family moved to Denver and all the family was in area of Colorado Kyle decides to study law while his cousins were US Marshals. He marries Katie and they give birth to their son.
This story of the Evans Family comes to a close with an abundance of Evans offspring from the three men. There are enough children to continue the Evans Family Saga. This was a beautiful story of courage, endurance, perseverance and love.
Profile Image for john o'reilly.
222 reviews
January 22, 2020
So engrossing nearly had my dinner on my head

This author will certainly be responsible for my meals being cold my wife going daft and other crazy goings on ,i get so into these stories life just stops these books are not to be put down they are so so easy to take in easy to imagine that you are in the story some where or wish you were ,great writing better still imagination,now to the next book (I’m in bed) so no intrusive shouting for meals only peaceful sounds (quite) really looking forward to this story .
101 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2020
Love it!

I found Mr Petits books back in Sept of 2019 and proceeded to read all of his books that he has written. I just finished Kyle's story and I must say this is the first one that was more story based less explaining how a bullet destroyed the body in its path. Also within Kyle's story,..Mr Petit moved me to tears! A most wonderful story,..no one knows what it is truly like to have no family at all,..until they have been left,..all alone. Great read Mr Petit,..Thank you
400 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2022
One of the best! love this series!

Petit is so clever! You would think the Evan’s family would have a dog in this family saga —No—they have a miniature donkey. Who would ever think of that. Kyle’s story is wonderful. So glad there is something from Huw to represent him. I love how Petit has kept alive every character in every book. Kyle’s weapon (big stick) was a great addition to all the guns and foiling the bad guys. It is amazing how much money you can get emptying the pockets of outlaws and paid thugs.
3,198 reviews26 followers
December 5, 2019
A CJP. Omaha/Denver Western Action Adventure (HL) (TEFSB - 3)

CJP. has penned an Omaha/Denver western action adventure titled Huw's Legacy, which begins with a young boy taking care of his Mother who suffers from cancer. Before she dies she tells him who his real father was and about his death in the coal mines in Pennsylvania. After her death he begins the trip to find his family. I'm hid is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
69 reviews2 followers
December 14, 2019
LLA Nomination

After reading every offering from CJP I have decided to create the LLA award to recognize a prolific writer who most embodies the Louis LAmour western spirit. The books are never the epitome of classic literature but the themes are timeless and you can never read and not be entertained. This is not about one book but the efforts of CJP to tell a simple story for all of us.
38 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2019
A great romantic western story

The Evans family were coal miners in Pennsylvania in the early 1800's. After the mine explosion, what was left of the family needed to pick up the picess of their lives and move on. Eventually they started their journey away from the dangerous mines and found other means to feed and house themselves. The story follows the great railroads being built and leading to the settlements across this great country of ours.
25 reviews
March 11, 2023
C. J Petit does it again.

How can one man (I understand he writes all his books himself without ghost writers) produce 59 really good reads? Each book features uniquely separate stories. Huw’s Legacy starts with a pre teen as hero of the tale working from dark to dark in an iron works factory and follows his life and learning experiences well into adulthood. All Mr Petit’s stories are smoothly read and great fun. I recommend this one with admiration for the remarkable author.
841 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2019
5 Stars

This was the third book in the Evans Family saga and though all three books were good I considered this one the best. Kyles mother didn't tell him the truth about who his father was until on her death bed. Then Kyle starts a long journey from Pennsylvania to Nebraska on foot to meet the family he never knew he had.
Profile Image for Judith Bowers.
45 reviews
December 13, 2019
Outstanding!

Please CJ, keep this saga going!! I would truly be devastated if this were to be the final book in this series! I couldn't put this book down. Kyle and Katie's romance was beautiful! We need to hear more about his life now that he has become a lawyer. By the way, my husband and I frequently dance to the Blue Danube waltz.
Profile Image for Jane Goss.
110 reviews
December 18, 2019
Another Great Book!

I. Have read every one of C.J.Petits books and was happy to see there was another book with the Evens family.What a surprise. Always action and adventure in Petits books. I did have to laugh a couple of times. The characters got mixed up. I never criticize for these typos because I am lost in the story.
22 reviews
December 21, 2019
I gave the book 4 stars for story only. The rating for editing should be a 2 stars. The person doing the editing should either be fired or demoted to manuscript delivery person. There are so many mistakes in the book the one would have to wonder if maybe the editing was done by first grade student.
377 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2019
Kyle's New Family

Great story of Kyle's life after his mother's death. For a young man of 17, he walked for several months to meet his biological 's father family in Omaha. An amazing journey and his life changes after meeting his Uncle Dylan and Bryan. Kyle
learns the importance of family and love of the right spouse.
178 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2020
Wonderful western story that will be enjoyed by all.

I have read a lot of western books and this story is way up there as one of the best. I really liked the over 6 hour reading time it gave the story time to include a lot of adventure and background. Of course the happy ending is always good.
34 reviews
January 26, 2020
Good read

Having read the first two Evan's book I was anxious to see what would come. Nice story especially knowing many of the characters fro prior reads. Now to the fourth in the series. Petits books are an easy read,though from time to time he gets mixed up on and sometimes uses double verbs. Shows lack of proofreading. Still fun reading.
304 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2020
True C J Petit's amazing imagination.

Other than a few times where names are crossed, this is an excellent book. Kyle grew up with nothing. At 17 and the death of his only known relative, his mother, he begins walking West to search for possible uncles his mother had revealed on her death bed. His adventures and discovery make this a hard to put down read.
Profile Image for Paul Brown.
Author 8 books68 followers
November 10, 2023
Enjoyed the introduction of Kyle. Great back story on his relationship to the Evans clan. Also liked the character development of Katie who has her own issues but could see the importance of staying her course. Some light edits are needed. Chapter 5 & 12 have several spots where Kyle's name is used where Bryn's belongs. Still, a fun read. PKB
859 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2019
Evans Family Saga

Huw's Legacy is book Three of the series by C. J. Petit. It's a wonderful story of the beginning travels of this young man to the family he never knew. I didn't want the story to end! This has been a great series. I hope there is more.
Profile Image for Debbie Samford.
2 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2019
Having reas

d all of C.J Petit's books, I have to say he has really outdone himself this time. The surprise addition of Kyle to the Evan' family was thrilling and his accomplishments with the stick was an interesting twist to the story. I can't wait for his next book.
481 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2019
I have read nearly all of C.J. Petit’s books and this is the best of the bunch. Kyle walked nearly halfway from Pennsylvania to Omaha to find his uncles. He also found family and the love of his life.
3 reviews
December 15, 2019
Petit just keeps getting better. His prolific production has in no way reduced the quality of his writing.

Wonderful story about good people overcoming the challenges of a developing frontier; good overcoming evil. Best book so far . Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Chris Prine.
29 reviews
December 17, 2019
Huw’s Legacy

This was a very interesting read and kept my interest until the end. C. J. Petit’s series of books keeps me looking for his next book. I have enjoyed his western stories.
40 reviews
December 19, 2019
The Evan's Family Saga

This has been an exciting book, it has many twists and turns. I love your writing and your style.i have been captivated by this Saga and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this saga.
36 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2019
Another great story

Other than a few edits this is one of best novels by C.J.
Following the lives of the Evans clan has been very enjoyable. This installment brings it all together in such a warm fashion.
A must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews

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