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Joe Beck #2
Reunion
The days of unrelenting rain had kept the wagon train from moving for almost a week and the folks were getting frustrated and angry. So, rather than try to cross the swollen Platte River, the wagon master had them rolling southwest hoping to cross when its level dropped.
As Joe and Faith led their tent-cart ahead of the lead wagon, they didn’t allow the foul weather to affect their good mood. But it wasn’t Mother Nature who would soon cause them grief.
A few days’ ride behind them, two men were following the deep ruts left behind by the wagons. Ed and Jeremy Quimby had abandoned their older brother’s farm to avoid being conscripted and had no idea that their tall, younger cousin was with the wagon train.
When they finally reached the wagons, the unexpected family reunion wasn’t going to be a joyous affair.
As Joe and Faith led their tent-cart ahead of the lead wagon, they didn’t allow the foul weather to affect their good mood. But it wasn’t Mother Nature who would soon cause them grief.
A few days’ ride behind them, two men were following the deep ruts left behind by the wagons. Ed and Jeremy Quimby had abandoned their older brother’s farm to avoid being conscripted and had no idea that their tall, younger cousin was with the wagon train.
When they finally reached the wagons, the unexpected family reunion wasn’t going to be a joyous affair.
534 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2021
1026 people are currently reading
67 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 82 reviews
December 2, 2021
Classic c j petit
A sweet story with many action highlights! Joe and Faith are a wonderful couple, doing the right things for themselves and others. I am hoping their adventures continue. Mr. Petit is my favorite western writer. Personal note: when going thru and recovering from cancer and it's treatment C J was a author I always looked forward to reading. Thank you for many great reads.
A sweet story with many action highlights! Joe and Faith are a wonderful couple, doing the right things for themselves and others. I am hoping their adventures continue. Mr. Petit is my favorite western writer. Personal note: when going thru and recovering from cancer and it's treatment C J was a author I always looked forward to reading. Thank you for many great reads.
February 17, 2023
Now we're on book two of the Unwanted series. Joe and Faith are married now, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any problems. The reunion isn't a happy one. Joe's cousins (the Quimby's, including the one that stole his father's rifle) show up for reasons unknown.
The plot flows easily. A wagon train doesn't move very fast, which means we have a lot of days where nothing happens before all of sudden getting hit with action scenes. Faith has problems of her own, and this is once again a warm story that blends action adventure with more touching scenes. I've been a LitRPG fan for a long time now and I still am, but I appreciate these western interludes before diving back into RPG books.
I agree with a number of other reviewers that this book moves faster than book one. The editing is excellent, and the characters are clear, and we know what they want. The antagonists are obvious but so far haven't been over the top.
The only odd thing I'll mention that I noticed in both books is that it moves from time to time into the author's point of view. We receive information that doesn't come from a character, such as how far away the Quimby brothers are from Joe and Faith. It always leaves an odd taste in my mouth when I read these sections.
5/5*
The plot flows easily. A wagon train doesn't move very fast, which means we have a lot of days where nothing happens before all of sudden getting hit with action scenes. Faith has problems of her own, and this is once again a warm story that blends action adventure with more touching scenes. I've been a LitRPG fan for a long time now and I still am, but I appreciate these western interludes before diving back into RPG books.
I agree with a number of other reviewers that this book moves faster than book one. The editing is excellent, and the characters are clear, and we know what they want. The antagonists are obvious but so far haven't been over the top.
The only odd thing I'll mention that I noticed in both books is that it moves from time to time into the author's point of view. We receive information that doesn't come from a character, such as how far away the Quimby brothers are from Joe and Faith. It always leaves an odd taste in my mouth when I read these sections.
5/5*
December 26, 2021
As most Petit books this one is especially endearing, as this group works well together!
Definitely five stars worthy, as these compassionately motivated group works very well together, and pulls no punches in their quest to protect themselves, and others, during their journey West! Great camaraderie throughout the entire series of unending excitement and adventures!
Perfectly selection of characters, as they continuously fulfilled their assignments with outstanding enthusiasm and successful descriptiveness of unending encounters! Great morale between the entire group of people on this wagon train series of events!
Certainly recommend this compassionately heartwarming story to all readers, but you old western folklore groups will certainly be appeased following these dedicated individuals as they continuously fulfilled their assignments with enthusiasm! Even you non-western fanatics will enjoy following these happy go lucky group, as they continuously fulfilled their assigned roles to perfection throughout the entire series of unending adventures!!!😃
Definitely five stars worthy, as these compassionately motivated group works very well together, and pulls no punches in their quest to protect themselves, and others, during their journey West! Great camaraderie throughout the entire series of unending excitement and adventures!
Perfectly selection of characters, as they continuously fulfilled their assignments with outstanding enthusiasm and successful descriptiveness of unending encounters! Great morale between the entire group of people on this wagon train series of events!
Certainly recommend this compassionately heartwarming story to all readers, but you old western folklore groups will certainly be appeased following these dedicated individuals as they continuously fulfilled their assignments with enthusiasm! Even you non-western fanatics will enjoy following these happy go lucky group, as they continuously fulfilled their assigned roles to perfection throughout the entire series of unending adventures!!!😃
December 18, 2021
Joe Beck becomes the only scout after Chuck is injured
Joe continues to provide meats for the wagon train and being a
constant wonder. He made friends with an Arapaho Indian Chief
when he killed six buffalo for them and is granted safe passage across their land. He finds an an Indian girl who had been stolen from her tribe. He saves a little four year old girl who falls out of the wagon while crossing the river and is being swept down stream. His evil Cousins join the wagon train. I can’t wait for book three. This story has to continue until Joe and Faith find their home. Love this story.
Joe continues to provide meats for the wagon train and being a
constant wonder. He made friends with an Arapaho Indian Chief
when he killed six buffalo for them and is granted safe passage across their land. He finds an an Indian girl who had been stolen from her tribe. He saves a little four year old girl who falls out of the wagon while crossing the river and is being swept down stream. His evil Cousins join the wagon train. I can’t wait for book three. This story has to continue until Joe and Faith find their home. Love this story.
March 4, 2022
This is my first Petit book and enjoyed very much. The writing and the story did not move along as fast as I would have liked and was slow and redundent in some places. It is a story about a wagon train headed west to Oregon and the families traveling with the group. There is one particular person by the name of Joe Beck which is the focus of the book and his exploits while being only 15 and his newley married younger lady. The dialogue about pregnancy was a little over the top for me but the exploits of Joe and especially his family dynamic was very interesting as was the introduction of life and strife withing the wagon train.
March 30, 2022
Just a few more words to add to my comments on “Unwanted”, the first in the Joe Beck series, I love how Petit brings a sense of presence to his writing. His characters all seem to live in their present. They are highly focused on what is happening to them and around them right now, Maybe this is a feature of the people who travelled long distances through an uncertain future on wagon trains in the mid to late 1800s. Or maybe it is how Petit chooses to write these stories. His character development is excellent, with a minimal of repeated backstory. This makes makes for a very alive read. Very highly recommend.
November 30, 2021
Joe Beck was an outcast ever since h had to live with his Quimby cousins
5 years later Joe left with his things except his rifle that his cousin stole and walking as far as he could he camped next to a river in order to catch fish to eat.. Then a Union Captain fell near him from a shot from 8 Confederates shooting at him. Joe picked up his Henry and shot all 8 with only one shot each then bandaged the Captains wound as his fellow soldiers approached and struck Joe on the head before hurting their Captain away to the medic.
5 years later Joe left with his things except his rifle that his cousin stole and walking as far as he could he camped next to a river in order to catch fish to eat.. Then a Union Captain fell near him from a shot from 8 Confederates shooting at him. Joe picked up his Henry and shot all 8 with only one shot each then bandaged the Captains wound as his fellow soldiers approached and struck Joe on the head before hurting their Captain away to the medic.
January 5, 2022
Young and strong
The story was great. Age does not make a difference in most of life. It is how that life is used and loved. Joe and F with were so mature above their age. The discription lot all the hard work and danger on the wagon train was good to read.
We are so spoiled with all the easy gadgets we have today. Thank you again for a wonderful story. Peace be with you.
The story was great. Age does not make a difference in most of life. It is how that life is used and loved. Joe and F with were so mature above their age. The discription lot all the hard work and danger on the wagon train was good to read.
We are so spoiled with all the easy gadgets we have today. Thank you again for a wonderful story. Peace be with you.
January 30, 2022
Warm Western
A soft story of a young farm boy leaving a horrible youth to become a much needed and loved wagon train scout and man. The author must be a horseman as his references to each of the horses and mules are warm and educational. The descriptions of the individuals making up the train leave no doubt of the genuine fear and difficulty of head out west and the unkown
A soft story of a young farm boy leaving a horrible youth to become a much needed and loved wagon train scout and man. The author must be a horseman as his references to each of the horses and mules are warm and educational. The descriptions of the individuals making up the train leave no doubt of the genuine fear and difficulty of head out west and the unkown
December 4, 2021
Joe's cousins, Ed and Jeremy, stole mules from their brother and left Missouri to avoid conscription in the Confederate army. They sold mules and Ed kept the money. They traveled across Missouri and in Kansas City they began following the tracks of a wagon train. Joe was very unhappy when they began following his wagon train. Joe warned the travelers about Ed and Jeremy. During the journey, Joe was well liked by most of the members of the wagon train and treated him like an adult. Joe and Faith continued to lead their in advance of the train. They were both aware that they were teenagers in a very hazardous journey. Eventually, Jeremy killed Ed and took his money. He tried to reach the closest town but Joe was searching for him and killed him. Faith and Joe had continued to grow together and in maturity as she began to overcome her fears of pregnancy. At the end of this story, they were unsure if they would continue with the wagon train or set off on their won.
This was an excellent story and captured the human experiences of two young people facing overwhelming odds.
This was an excellent story and captured the human experiences of two young people facing overwhelming odds.
November 30, 2021
Oregon Trail
Excellent second book in this series. I'm hoping that there will be conflict within the wagon train itself in the next book. I can see a fourth book in the series. A book that would see Joe and Faith returning to the Colorado Territory for Joe to work as a lawman.
Excellent second book in this series. I'm hoping that there will be conflict within the wagon train itself in the next book. I can see a fourth book in the series. A book that would see Joe and Faith returning to the Colorado Territory for Joe to work as a lawman.
December 5, 2021
Reunion by C.J. Petit
Another great read from my favorite Author. How mr. Petit can crank out so many novels is a mystery. The characters are real and interesting . The only problem I have with
author is he doesn't write fast enough. All you Cowboys and Cowgirls Will surely enjoy this book. So, "Giddy Up.
Another great read from my favorite Author. How mr. Petit can crank out so many novels is a mystery. The characters are real and interesting . The only problem I have with
author is he doesn't write fast enough. All you Cowboys and Cowgirls Will surely enjoy this book. So, "Giddy Up.
December 12, 2021
Wow What a Story
This book is so good you couldn't stop reading It is always a reminder of how life was back then and the hardships they endured. I feel like CJ could continue this story So many things still not completed It was also very heartwarming Just maybe CJ will finish it I will be waiting!
This book is so good you couldn't stop reading It is always a reminder of how life was back then and the hardships they endured. I feel like CJ could continue this story So many things still not completed It was also very heartwarming Just maybe CJ will finish it I will be waiting!
January 3, 2022
Loved this second book so much!
What a incredibly amazing storyline! I was hoping to find out what happened back in the farm with John after his horrible brothers stole the mules! The twists and turns in this one were so good, I had to keep reading during the commercials on Yellowstone! Even passed up 1886 for this story!
What a incredibly amazing storyline! I was hoping to find out what happened back in the farm with John after his horrible brothers stole the mules! The twists and turns in this one were so good, I had to keep reading during the commercials on Yellowstone! Even passed up 1886 for this story!
January 6, 2022
Reunion
Joe had a surprise when his cousin's Ed and Jeremy showed up at wagon train. Joe did not trust them and kept Faith close by and had her wear her gun and knife. It seems Joe is always rescuing someone or thing. He rescued a young Indian girl and also a baby fox. Both had happy endings.
Can't wait the next book about Joe and Faith and the wagon train.
Joe had a surprise when his cousin's Ed and Jeremy showed up at wagon train. Joe did not trust them and kept Faith close by and had her wear her gun and knife. It seems Joe is always rescuing someone or thing. He rescued a young Indian girl and also a baby fox. Both had happy endings.
Can't wait the next book about Joe and Faith and the wagon train.
January 25, 2022
Great Writing, Poor Editing
The only thing that keeps me from giving this book a 5 star rating is constantly being pulled out of the story by typos, duplicate text and even one plot error. Otherwise, it is an enjoyable excursion to another time and place with characters that become like friends.
The only thing that keeps me from giving this book a 5 star rating is constantly being pulled out of the story by typos, duplicate text and even one plot error. Otherwise, it is an enjoyable excursion to another time and place with characters that become like friends.
February 18, 2022
Great Western read. Book 2 of Joe Beck series.
Joe Beck was an Amazing young man. He had great skill with a gun, and common sense. He is an unpaid Scout for a wagon train. He remains calm and level headed in bad situations. The Love of his life is his young wife Faith. I am looking forward to book 3,The Divide.
Joe Beck was an Amazing young man. He had great skill with a gun, and common sense. He is an unpaid Scout for a wagon train. He remains calm and level headed in bad situations. The Love of his life is his young wife Faith. I am looking forward to book 3,The Divide.
July 6, 2022
Good tale
Interesting story of the early western migration, well developed plot. Some predictability but a good yarn nonetheless. Some internal character conflict simplistic and over emphasized.. Odd amount of dwelling on body dimensions that don't add to the story but instead could have been used to develop the characters and story. Still, a good read.
Interesting story of the early western migration, well developed plot. Some predictability but a good yarn nonetheless. Some internal character conflict simplistic and over emphasized.. Odd amount of dwelling on body dimensions that don't add to the story but instead could have been used to develop the characters and story. Still, a good read.
November 26, 2021
Retribution
The Cowboy does it again in his own unique style as the wagons roll across the plains through floods, tornados, mud and more mud as a couple of dirty characters return to plague our hero.
The Cowboy does it again in his own unique style as the wagons roll across the plains through floods, tornados, mud and more mud as a couple of dirty characters return to plague our hero.
December 1, 2021
Excellent Details
I have enjoyed reading these western stories and have learned a lot .
I'm not a big fan of western stories, but Mr. Petit stories are never boring. Can't wait for his next story.
I would recommend his stories to other readers and on goodreads
I have enjoyed reading these western stories and have learned a lot .
I'm not a big fan of western stories, but Mr. Petit stories are never boring. Can't wait for his next story.
I would recommend his stories to other readers and on goodreads
December 4, 2021
They just keep getting better and better
I am so enjoying Mr, Petits book. What a terrific story teller. I wonder how much of the real Mr. Petit is in our books Joe Beck. Please give us more?
I am so enjoying Mr, Petits book. What a terrific story teller. I wonder how much of the real Mr. Petit is in our books Joe Beck. Please give us more?
December 4, 2021
The cousins appear
The wagon train continues with Joe as a scout. His two cousins decide to head to the gold fields instead of the infantry. There is always suspense and action in C.J.Petite books. Hoping there are more books in this series!
The wagon train continues with Joe as a scout. His two cousins decide to head to the gold fields instead of the infantry. There is always suspense and action in C.J.Petite books. Hoping there are more books in this series!
December 8, 2021
Adventure abounds
Great characters and lessons on life. Great series. I hope the author continues. Highly recommended for all readers. This is about a very unique young couple currently on a wagon train who goes through many trials and overcomes.
Great characters and lessons on life. Great series. I hope the author continues. Highly recommended for all readers. This is about a very unique young couple currently on a wagon train who goes through many trials and overcomes.
December 11, 2021
Another Great Read
You did it again! Thanks for the sequel. Very good, as usual.
Thanks for the autobiography. You have led a very interesting life.
Don't die on us. You have many more books inside that marvelous brain!
You did it again! Thanks for the sequel. Very good, as usual.
Thanks for the autobiography. You have led a very interesting life.
Don't die on us. You have many more books inside that marvelous brain!
December 13, 2021
I have read every western book that C.J. Petit has written and have just finished Reunion. I am looking forward to his next book.
I have noticed that his stories have changed a bit but I still enjoy C.J. Petit’s western stories.
I have noticed that his stories have changed a bit but I still enjoy C.J. Petit’s western stories.
December 14, 2021
Can't wait for book 3
The best western author has created another great plot that can't do anything but get better. If you like a great story were the details are never overlooked, you will enjoy every book written by C. J. Petit.
The best western author has created another great plot that can't do anything but get better. If you like a great story were the details are never overlooked, you will enjoy every book written by C. J. Petit.
December 16, 2021
Joe and Faith
Great book. Hard to put down. When Joe's cousins showed up , he
Worried about what would happen as he didn't trust them. This book followed the first book that started his search for his future.
Great book. Hard to put down. When Joe's cousins showed up , he
Worried about what would happen as he didn't trust them. This book followed the first book that started his search for his future.
December 20, 2021
Joe beck
I think your stories are getting to be too too cutie with the shallow conversations as between Joe and Faith. Enjoyed most of your books moment but these two seemed to ramble on and on over very little.
I think your stories are getting to be too too cutie with the shallow conversations as between Joe and Faith. Enjoyed most of your books moment but these two seemed to ramble on and on over very little.
December 22, 2021
Guessing
Thanks, CJ, for another book. It kept Mr guessing as to what was going to happen with those boys. And the actual outcome was different than any scenario that I had imagined!
Thanks, CJ, for another book. It kept Mr guessing as to what was going to happen with those boys. And the actual outcome was different than any scenario that I had imagined!
December 23, 2021
Reality and western romance
Can't wait for Petit to continue the Joe Beck series. These first two books have really dealt with many of the hardships of life, both domestic and in the wilds of the frontier. Amazing what dealing with adversity can teach you.
Can't wait for Petit to continue the Joe Beck series. These first two books have really dealt with many of the hardships of life, both domestic and in the wilds of the frontier. Amazing what dealing with adversity can teach you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews