After he and Garth had built the A-G Connected, Al thought that he’d fulfilled his dream by owning a horse ranch. But when Garth announced that he was going to get married, Al knew that he would only be in the way, so he decided to find his own place. It was after he found his new ranch almost a hundred miles south of the A-G that things changed dramatically, and he realized that just starting a ranch and raising horses wasn’t a dream at all, and it would take a nightmare to discover what that dream truly was.
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.
This is number six in the Evans Family Saga. This story is different in many ways from the other family members stories. C. J. Petit is an excellent storyteller and creates interesting and exciting characters. I am thoroughly enjoying this series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and twenty-three minutes. Jim Meskimen does a good job narrating the story.
A very heartwarming compilation of realistic old western American folklore that most definitely pulls at any reader's heartstrings, as you follow Alwen's dreams developing into realistically believable episodes!
Another heartwarming series of unending adventures of the Evans saga that definitely is five stars worthy, once again! This one isolates Al from the rest of the family, but a gunshot wound, and a wife, renews the old family alliance once more. Outstanding storylines by one of the master western folklore adventure writers of all times. Too, the entire character selections could not have been any better portrayed, as they continuously fulfilled their assignments to perfection throughout the entire story! Enough romancing to maintain anyone's undivided attention from beginning to end. Al, who no one expected to ever get married, is double whammied by an upstart young sister of an outlaw gang. So plays a major role in bring Faith's brothers into submission, and all is well as Al becomes a full time U. S. Deputy Marshal under his Father! Definitely recommend this compassionately motivated success story to all readers, but especially to all you western addicted fanatics, as the ongoing excitement and the compassionate storylines will definitely maintain your undivided attention from beginning to end! Just when you think it's slowing down, it is only giving you time to catch your breath for the next sequel of outstanding western adventures! Even you non-western enthusiasts will find yourselves completely engrossed within the first few chapters of this compassionately motivated western suspenseful adventure of ongoing gunfighting and fast action packed episodes! Your loss If you don't follow Al, and his family through, this compassionate storytelling masterpiece of heartwarming entertainment from beginning to end!!!😃
Another well told story is added to the Evans family saga in C.J.Petit’s latest book (6). The supposedly eternal bachelor adopted son of patriarch Dylan Evans, Alwen, is set in his ways. Different from most of the Evans men, he wants to be on his own away from the close knit US Marshals and their wives. Wanting to strike out, Alwen partners with his bachelor brother to build a horse ranch away from the vast family double EE ranch. Things change when his brother marries. Alwen decides to really go on his own and start another horse ranch in the mountains. While searching for the ideal location, he follows up on a promise to his new sister-in-law, Anna, and checks up on her childhood friend. Faith had not responded to Anna’s invitation to her wedding. Concerned for her wellbeing, Anna requested Alwen check on her friend Faith while he was in the area. Everything in Alwen’s life abruptly changes when he meets Faith and is immediately thunderstruck. Be sure to read this instalment for more Western Evans adventure and intrigue by C.J.Petit.
Alwen and his brother Garth had started the A-G horse ranch but when Garth decided to get married, Alwen decided that this would be a good time to find out just what life would hold for himself. He also knew that if he didn't get away from all the matchmaking women who were determined to see that he entered that blessed state of matrimony also, he needed to get gone while the getting was good! What better time to leave than while everybody was busy dancing with the new bride and shaking hands with the groom. Yep, time to ride! CJP, you did it again, a book I just couldn't put down!! 👏👏BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO!!
My apparent nonsense statement above is meant to recognise that this Alwen edition of the Evans Family Saga brings together the inclusion of all the primary first and second generation members of the family. However, it doesn't represent the end of the Saga. All the seeds have been set and each has matured not only individually but also in their ongoing lives as a bigger family. The next, and so far the last, book in the series may show us not only how the bigger family progresses into their longer term future, but also their place as part of the evolution of America as we find it today.
Alwen "Al" had no plans to marry and decided to separate from the horse ranch he shared with his newly wed brother to start his own ranch. Faith was stuck with her two brothers and had no hope of a future. But fate allowed them to meet.... if only Faith's brothers were unsuccessful in killing Al would they have hope of having a life together. Being shot Al was in a fight for his life, then Faith became a target too. A great read of their struggle to overcome obstacles that opposed their dream.
Mr. Petit has an innate ability to make his characters come to life and this just the latest of many. We did not have much of Alwen in previous books but he really took him to a new level here. And Faith, another fantastic women joins the Evans clan. Will this be the last of the Evans saga ? He doesn’t say, so , if that’s all the it has been a grand adventure, if there’s more to come , GREAT !
CJ petit I have taken the time to read every single 1 of your books And I feel it is time that is well spent. I thank you to the bottom of my heart for writing such entertaining
books. They have gotten me through some tough times as an old man, My career in the AF as an enlisted man and an officer was very rewarding. I have read some of your personal story And then very proud of you.
This authors work is appealing to me because his story ideas are excellent. There are typos that I have learned to ignore because I enjoy the books. I do wish at times that every love story didn't start out with an instant romance and that there had to be a bit more time and work to finalize that love relationship. However, having said that I will read the next C J Petit book when released
Another great story ! I love the Evens family. Never a dull moment. As Alwen a confirmed bachelor decides to strike out on his own he finds himself in the middle of corruption. He also finds himself. He discovers he is not against marriage at all. Sometimes there are typos but they are easily overlooked. If you haven't read any of the other books by C.J.Petit I would recommend going at his list and start
FIVE "5" STARS , A's DREAM ADDS TO RICH TAPESTRY OF EVANS SAGA
Long awaited Book 6 is here now the EVANS Family Saga is refreshed, rejoiced and two new limbs have started Garth & Anna, then of course a huge growing limb of Al & Faith. These last 2 met, fell in love, survived shootouts, and got married in about a week or so carrying on that crazy way of love as Dylan, Bryn, and of course Bethan. Leaving someone out sorry. Recommend
Amazing story captures you from the beginning to the end.
I have every book written by CJ Petit, this is one that capture your attention from the very beginning. It has adventure, thrills and of course the situations that making you go OMG!! I hope Mr. Petit continues to write his books. I love every book he has written. I absolutely love series so I hope Mr Pettit continues on with his series.He has turned out to one of my favorite authors.
After a three month layoff I was beginning to descend into CJP withdrawal when this new story appeared...finally. CJP continues the Evans Family Saga following the adventures of Alwen. This story is a typical CJP adventure...over the top action, plot and story arcs surrounding a rapidly evolving love story. Faith Corrigan, at least in the beginning, is a well written character. This is a GOOD story and loyal CJP readers will be satisfied. Like many CJP stories you get a GREAT 350 page story taking 415 pages. Trim it down and it's a five star story. All that being said CJP delivers, as always, a bargain night of entertainment. Until next month.
I have read every book you have written and really enjoyed them all including this series, however when you write the next one,and I hope there is a next one, please could you have a family tree at the front of the book so one can remember who is who.. Thank you for many hours of very pleasant reading. Biii Tunney
You continue to surprise me in your writing. I was hoping in this book to find So breaking away from the Double WE and start his own history at the New Hope Ranch. But maybe that will change. You keep writing and I'll keep reading. Thank You.
Book six is Alwen's story. After Garth's marriage Al decides to leave the A-G Connected and find land to start a new ranch. What he finds is a women with plans of her own. Book was good, although I don't mind a little romance in my westerns this one went a little overboard with it. But still some pretty good shoot outs with outlaws and such.
I enjoyed this book. The plot is better than average but I was distracted by the poor proof reading more than a few errors in spelling and punctuation. The writer has a very good sense of the landscape of the area. His description of the area is almost as good as Mr. L L
I love this book and it's not like a good night of life and it's just a good thing that is awesome👍 I think you should be a great person and have a great experience with your friends who will have a good i
It's amazing how much you have in this book and it doesn't matter what you're doing and have its agreat book
Alvin thought his dream was a horse ranch near Rosita Colorado
But when he got there Faith was waiting on the porch for him puzzling him greatly. He didn't know he was going to have to clean out the town of Rosita of evildoers who were going to come and shoot him. And try to kill him and faith.
I have read all six of the series - some more than once. This drew me.in and I couldn't put it down. I hope there are.more, if not, it was a satisfying read. His books are well written and interesting. I can't wait for the next book.
When you read a good story of should keep you turning the page to find what happen next. This story has twisty and turns to find out what happens next. I really enjoyed it.
Alwen's Dream by C. J. Petit. This is another great story in the saga of the Evans Family. I've enjoyed this series. It has plenty of action to satisfy the western lover in me but also has the romance I enjoy too. Thank you for another great book.
Another great book by the author. The Evans family story continues to expand and each book is fantastic. I'm hoping there will be at least one more addition to this series.
The Corrigans resurface in this novel. Will all of them be eliminated? What happened to the father? Maybe he will resurface in the next Evans novel. I hope there is a shorter interval for the next novel. I'm so hooked on this author's novels.
This was a nice continue to the Evans family. Will there be another? After living and traveled in most the the areas that the author has set his stories. Many short hours of mountains and calories traveled through.
Another great story of the Evan's family. Story of Al becoming a man, finding true love and many adventures. This adventure includes many of the Evan's family.
I have really enjoyed the series , my mother was a Louis Lamar western fan. When she died and left the leather bond books to my dad I read every one. They weren't as expressive and complete as pe. Thanks for sharing your gift with me.tit 'series
I have read six books in the Evens series and enjoyed the all. This last book got into to much romance for me it slowed down the book but I still enjoyed the story.
Well Mr. Petit, you've done it again! Thank you for yet another great book, great characters and a very good book. Hopefully we will hear more of the Evans family! Thank you.