It hadn’t been a bad winter, but the townsfolk of Idaho City were anxious for spring to arrive. Like everyone else, Joe would appreciate the warmer weather and longer days. But he and Sheriff Fulmer both dreaded the influx of gold hunters and the trouble they would bring. They needed more good men, but after losing two deputies, not a single acceptable candidate had applied.
As Joe rode toward Centreville on a frigid February morning, he knew the possibility of an ambush was almost nil, but he still searched the landscape. Now more than ever before, he couldn’t afford to be surprised. In five or six weeks, he and Faith would welcome their first child into the world.
Yet even as Duke carried him away from Idaho City, he couldn’t imagine the many surprises spring held in store.
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.
Joe and Faith Beck are now solidly a part of Idaho City. Joe does exemplary work as a deputy as he takes care of everything from petty theft to murder. Most importantly, he always gets his guy.
Faith is pregnant with Kathleen Maureen (or so Joe thinks) while she is nervous about pregnancy. Just like the title says, there are three surprises at the end of the book. Once again, the author has written a very heartwarming account of the Beck's and Idaho City.
The editing is okay but not great. I noticed a couple errors which was surprising because the books are usually well edited. The characters are once again well drawn, and their aspirations come through clear.
Another great book. Joe and Faith are settled in Idaho City as they await the birth of their first child. Joe continues in his adult life as a deputy sheriff although is only 17 years old and Faith is much younger. Joe demonstrates his maturity in a variety of challenging situations. He finds a precious stone in a nearby canyon. Joe demonstrates a maturity and affection for Faith that is much beyond their than youth could be expected. The title leads us to look for spring surprises and there are several. It is easy to love and admire both Joe and Faith as she struggles with fear of dying during childbirth. Two families from the wagon train arrive and soon find themselves as part of the city and work with Joe as deputies. This is a tender story and one in which we are left with the feeling that this surprise is not the end of the Joe Beck series. Thank you C. J. for your inspiring and captivating stories. I would recommend this book to any reader.
Joe and Faith continuously fulfill their objective, and expand their family as well!
Definitely another five star statement by this realistically motivated couple, as they continuously fulfill your desired reading expectations to the fullest extent of unending heartwarming episodes. This compassionately motivated series of one exciting episode after the other will definitely appease your innermost expectations! Joe, as a local Deputy Sheriff, proves himself farther advanced than his age of 17 years, and has the uncanny ability to maintain control of every situation he is faced with! The Author's superbly descriptive storylines will appease anyone's desired expectations cover to cover! Too, the character selections are unsurpassed in their commanding assignments especially the good guys! Having read all of these outstanding stories, I assure you to be completely entertained immediately, and your undivided attention will never wane! Certainly recommend this compassionately, and definitely heartwarming, series of unending excitement to all readers, but you non-western enthusiasts will find yourselves unable to put this compelling series of realistic events aside until the final paragraph has been absorbed! You western folklore fanatics don't need my encouragement!!!😃
I have read all 88 of Mr Petit's books over the past few years. This is the first one that I won't give a positive review although for the most part I enjoyed the book. However two things specifically that leads me to give a lower rating of this book ---- the lowest rating by far that I've given any of this author's books. First, it is filled with errors..... not only misspelled words but many many wrong words in wrong places. That is probably not the author's fault but in reality the buck stops with him. Although I've had quite a lot of books with loads of grammatical errors, this is the first time I've read one of Mr Petit's books that was so badly filled with errors. Again, I feel like it's probably Amazon's fault or whoever transposes the books. The second thing is that I feel like Joe Beck had played out. Joe has this "enhanced mode" that is beyond reason and this is the only book of Petit's that I recall such unrealistic behavior in a character. Looking forward to your next book with a new character.
This is my favorite novel in this series so far. There was so much weight to this novel through Faith’s pregnancy. This is the first novel where there have been real consequences to the characters that we’ve grown to know throughout this series. The death of Marigold through childbirth built up an immense tension with Faith’s own birth. That being said, I never felt like C.J. Petit would do us the disservice of taking Faith away from Joe. Their love is such a pillar of both of their characters that it would ruin the story to remove either one of them from it. Mr. Petit’s world building continues to impress me with each installment. I do dread the day that I finish this series. It has very quickly become my favorite series and I do not wish for the journey to end. Beyond that, keep on writing Mr. Petit. I will gladly be reading!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have loved everyone of the books in the Joe Beck series, maybe this last one even note so. I have babbled on in each of my reviews to the point of being unusefully repetitive. I can only add this time that these, and most other of Mister Petit's books I've read, are encouraging, life affirming, values deepening reader experiences. I actually do revel in the reading, the familiarity of the author's style, his wording, and both subtle and not so subtle wisdom sharing.
I guess this is the last in the Joe Beck series, even though we leave him at only turning 17. I wouldn't at all mind if Petit eventually finds himself adding to the series. There could certainly be much more to this amazing life!
I have read many of Mr. Petit's books. The stories are good but, the more I have read, the more I have become dissatisfied with the many errors. Spring Surprises is a perfect example of what I am writing about. It appears obvious to me now, that there is very little to no proofreading OR the proofreader is incompetent. I realize, after many years of reading, that there will always be some errors. That's why many authors use proofreaders but, Mr. Petit's books have reached the point that errors have become irritatingly distractng.
Such a happy event to get another book in the series. These books are so enjoyable to read. I was in the process of rereading his books so I had to finish book five before I could read book six. You won't be disappointed in buying and reading any of his books. I will take a break from his books till his next book is done. It will be a step down to read other books.
Joe is a special young man with a very special young wife. Honestly, I was getting a bit worried about Faith and the birthing. But all is well and on Easter Sunday of all days.
Thank you for a very surprising experience from your books. Absolutely not what I would normally read, christian and romance, scoff scoff.
However, I have faithfully completed all of them, enjoying them much more than expected. Thank you sir and God Bless you!
I've been read8ng Mr. Petit's books for awhile now and I'm amazed, and jealous, at the pace which he writes. The other thing to note is that each book is truly a different story. Yes, there is a theme, but each of his characters is his/her own person.
Mr. Petit admits to his shortcomings as an editor and that's the only reason this book has a four star rating.
Joe and Faith continue to learn about the complexities of life as they mature and become parents.
Still good writing by Mister C. J. Petit, but it some how lacked the power and suspense of the books before. Don't get me wrong, still a fun and interesting read, and such a surprise to read in the end the two youngsters are parents to a set of twins, one boy and one girl. I just know a whole new adventure awaits!
Petit couldn't write a bad story if he tried. The return of Joe and faith was especially welcome as the characters are so engaging that not knowing how their story evolved was like being in labor. The wait was forever but the offspring was worth the wait. The so, do I club has another great Beck serial.
As always C.j. Has given so much of a great book to his readers. With all the duties of a deputy sheriff Joe fulfills his duties but is still a man of faith. His compassion for the prisoners is way beyond what one would expect. So happy for Faith and Joes surprise!
This series has been awesome as only this author can do. Main character does great things for friends family and work. The balance in all of it makes you want to keep reading more. Everything is settled and not leaving you wanting for more. Great author and can’t get enough of his books
The story was the best one yet. Joe and Faith have really made a wonderful life. All the trials and rough times have given them a blessed family. I have read all your books, and you have never disappointed me. I will read and reread them all again and again. Thank you for giving me hours of enjoyment. God bless you!!
This is my first review of Mr Petits books even tho I'm not aware of any I haven't read. Book #6 is good but in order to really enjoy it you need to start with #1 . Mr Petit writes feel good books where the hero wins and bad guys loose. That what I enjoy. First time readers should start with Dylan's journey.
Lots of great adventures befall Joe as he awaits the birth of Kathleen Maureen. Surprised like his friends from wagon train show up with their families to start new life in Joe's town. Another surprise finding precious stones on canyon he just purchased. Wonderful story of Joe and life as a Deputy Sheriff.
My favorite stories are the ones that continue from book to book. As soon as I completed one book I hurried to read the next. I was not disappointed. This series is definitely one I would recommend to everyone. A story that is written that includes history is my favorite.
I have read all of C J Petit books and I am never disappointed. Book six of the Joe Beck series can stand alone but it is so much better if you have followed the previous five books to learn the complete story of two young kids, Joe and Faith now 17 & 16, and their journey together. A fun clean read.
This is another easy read in the Joe & Faith Beck saga. I think what attracts me to this author is that his charactors seem smart and think before acting. That comment really applies to the other Petit novels I've read. That's about 8-10 books so far. So, he seems to be very consistent in developing strong characters.
C. J.Petit s a GREAT Author!!! A Great Storyteller!!! Ever since I read your very first book, you have been my VERY Favorite!!! I love to read!!! And I especially love to read your books!!! Thank you for ALL the JOY you've given to me AND to all of your other FANS!! God Bless You!!!
As all five books before, this one kept me reading later than usual at night and I was never disappointed. It has been my favorite so far. I recommend it to everyone who loves early American settleings of our country. I have to give it a five star review because of the in-depth historical lessons mr. Petit gives. He is one of the best. Thanks sir.
Joe Beck and Faith’s journeys reminds us how much slower paced the world use to be. Their values, moral and the way we as people treated each other by helping one another without asking or didn’t need to worry if something was owned for that help. They survived with each others kindness, friendships love.
Another great read by C. J. Petit with a real spring surprise, that's doubled down as well. Nothing like a set of twins to add spice to ones life! I just wonder what's in store for Joe and Faith now as they continue forth on new adventures and tragedies that life can bring in the west!!!
I feel this can't be the end of this story. It was wonderfully written and a fitting end to the series. Thank you Mr. Petit, I look forward to more of your wonderful stories
I have every book written by Mr Petit and have enjoyed every one but this book was so boring I finally skipped to the end just to find out if the baby was a boy or girl. I look forward to the next book because I know it will be back up to Mr Petits standards!
What a wonderful ending! I love Joe's story and this one was awesome! Loved the canyon as well as all the many things that happened in the story! Excited for the book!
This book did nothing for me and I couldn't justify the time to finish it. I think it's time to retire the Joe Beck series and move on. Wish I could be more positive as I do not like to post poor reviews. However, this writing is seriously lacking substance.
Joe and Faith have settled in Idaho. Joe is a deputy sheriff. An ex idol died is added to deputy roster. Rocky is a terrific character. Also, No and Will return with their families. Finally, Joe and Faith have twins. Love this series. Hope for more.
I have read all of Petit's books. I especially enjoy Joe Beck and Faith. I forget, while reading, that Joe is only 17. While Joe has great instincts, he is also a role model to older deputies. I certainly hope that CJ can continue more stories about Joe and Faith.