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The Debt
Mattie Foster had made a terrible mistake. She had left Missouri and come to Green River, Wyoming to find her father; a father was not the man that she even knew. Now, she was being held by two men against her will. The man who was determined to find her was a rancher. A rancher with a debt to repay.
- GenresWesterns
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2017
1107 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
104 books221 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 74 reviews
January 7, 2022
Another Happy Ever After from cj petit!
Saving the kidnapped school marm, shooting the dasterterly varmints, and stopping a robbery are all in a day's work for John Chase. Cj petit served up another shoot -em up western.
Saving the kidnapped school marm, shooting the dasterterly varmints, and stopping a robbery are all in a day's work for John Chase. Cj petit served up another shoot -em up western.
August 24, 2021
Mattie gets to Green River and finds out nobody knows where her father is
Nobody's heard of his ranch and Matty is dismayed and doesn't know what to do. She goes into the library and ask the librarian if there's any jobs available and he says look at the posted board. She does and finds out they need a teacher and burnt Springs so she gets a ticket on the stagecoach and heads over there. Only to be kidnapped and taken miles away to an undisclosed decrepit ranch. Well the men are talking that kidnapped her she learns that it's part of a plot to overthrow her father and perhaps hurt him. In the meantime John the past sheriff of burnt Springs is asked to go find her as there's no one else to go find her. He stalks up on supplies and goes to the schoolhouse and finds where the riders have rode up and waited for Mattie to get off school and rode away. This book is full of his and her adventures suspense facing danger teaching her to shoot and romance.
Nobody's heard of his ranch and Matty is dismayed and doesn't know what to do. She goes into the library and ask the librarian if there's any jobs available and he says look at the posted board. She does and finds out they need a teacher and burnt Springs so she gets a ticket on the stagecoach and heads over there. Only to be kidnapped and taken miles away to an undisclosed decrepit ranch. Well the men are talking that kidnapped her she learns that it's part of a plot to overthrow her father and perhaps hurt him. In the meantime John the past sheriff of burnt Springs is asked to go find her as there's no one else to go find her. He stalks up on supplies and goes to the schoolhouse and finds where the riders have rode up and waited for Mattie to get off school and rode away. This book is full of his and her adventures suspense facing danger teaching her to shoot and romance.
July 18, 2017
ALL IS HAPPY IN LOVE AND WAR
Another great western story. A young two year old born to a prostitute without any future as life unfolds on the frontier. Unknown father and the woman who was taking care of her murdered by her father. Sent to a Catholic boarding school and followed by college.
Mattie graduates college and writes her father that she's coming to visit him. Now her father is an outlaw, but Mattie doesn't know this.
This author writes about losses, and how the involved lives solve the problems. They are beautiful western style love stories. Shucks, they make you teary eyed. Some of the situations you see still played out in modern day scenarios.
Great reading, it adds value to how fast situations occur and hopefully settled happily. Everyone deserves to have some happiness in their lives no matter how gloomy it may look.
Another great western story. A young two year old born to a prostitute without any future as life unfolds on the frontier. Unknown father and the woman who was taking care of her murdered by her father. Sent to a Catholic boarding school and followed by college.
Mattie graduates college and writes her father that she's coming to visit him. Now her father is an outlaw, but Mattie doesn't know this.
This author writes about losses, and how the involved lives solve the problems. They are beautiful western style love stories. Shucks, they make you teary eyed. Some of the situations you see still played out in modern day scenarios.
Great reading, it adds value to how fast situations occur and hopefully settled happily. Everyone deserves to have some happiness in their lives no matter how gloomy it may look.
March 21, 2022
Bad Sheriff, school teacher kidnapped, enter in former sheriff
Each of Petit’s stories are different and unique. A lot of good sheriffs and a lot of bad sheriffs. Then there are good deputies and bad deputies. Wow it is the same in today’s government and law enforcement. Is it ever goin to change? Robber has daughter but pretends he is a rancher. He sends her away to a convent and school and sends money to cover her expenses. Daughter, Mattie at 23 tries to find her father. Father’s gang turns on him and kidnaps his daughter to make him leave the gang. Much more to the story. Advise reading the book.
Each of Petit’s stories are different and unique. A lot of good sheriffs and a lot of bad sheriffs. Then there are good deputies and bad deputies. Wow it is the same in today’s government and law enforcement. Is it ever goin to change? Robber has daughter but pretends he is a rancher. He sends her away to a convent and school and sends money to cover her expenses. Daughter, Mattie at 23 tries to find her father. Father’s gang turns on him and kidnaps his daughter to make him leave the gang. Much more to the story. Advise reading the book.
February 10, 2020
OUTLAWS,DEBTS OF ALL KIND, LAW, LOVE
5 STARS for this Old West Era Drama that is an Extraordinary show of how we can entangle emotions up in our lives in many areas & ways that affect situations in basic living. Also, this Amazing story is full of Action, Gunplay just seems to shoot right out Exciting & Entertaining! Kidnapping, Stagecoach Hold-ups, Gun Battles in the Streets all seem to just surround the outlaws & law in this book. Great Read. Oh yeah, their is love story in here somewhere!
5 STARS for this Old West Era Drama that is an Extraordinary show of how we can entangle emotions up in our lives in many areas & ways that affect situations in basic living. Also, this Amazing story is full of Action, Gunplay just seems to shoot right out Exciting & Entertaining! Kidnapping, Stagecoach Hold-ups, Gun Battles in the Streets all seem to just surround the outlaws & law in this book. Great Read. Oh yeah, their is love story in here somewhere!
April 10, 2023
WOW!!!!!
This book was sooooooo good. I went from reading fantasy to reading westerns about ten or twelve years ago. All these years, I've read only serieses. This being my first real story caused me to think I need to reading single stories now. I'll still continue with my serieses, but I'm going to throw in single stories every now and then.
I was so impressed with this story. It was like adventure, mystery, drama and a love story all wrapped up in one. I totally recommend this book to everyone!!!!
This book was sooooooo good. I went from reading fantasy to reading westerns about ten or twelve years ago. All these years, I've read only serieses. This being my first real story caused me to think I need to reading single stories now. I'll still continue with my serieses, but I'm going to throw in single stories every now and then.
I was so impressed with this story. It was like adventure, mystery, drama and a love story all wrapped up in one. I totally recommend this book to everyone!!!!
July 10, 2017
The debt has several meanings
All characters involved in this man's life has a debt to resolve in past actions. Fast read, exciting western romance, chivalry, heroism displayed, picturesque scenery and a happy ending. Editing is needed but easily figured out when reading this story.
All characters involved in this man's life has a debt to resolve in past actions. Fast read, exciting western romance, chivalry, heroism displayed, picturesque scenery and a happy ending. Editing is needed but easily figured out when reading this story.
November 5, 2017
A reflection of reality
C.J. is very good at describing thought processes of both good people and bad people. You can just "see things through their eyes".
Plus I can always count on C.J. for one belly laugh misspelling or grammar goof. And it is hung, not hanged unless someone is being executed.
C.J. is very good at describing thought processes of both good people and bad people. You can just "see things through their eyes".
Plus I can always count on C.J. for one belly laugh misspelling or grammar goof. And it is hung, not hanged unless someone is being executed.
April 2, 2018
Great law enforcement Western.
The story was done man doing right in a greedy West . He got the bad guys, killed a few and helped due process in a hanging. The character was a rough retouch law man, but he was tender. I liked this story. Because a lot of forgiveness was written in the characters.
The story was done man doing right in a greedy West . He got the bad guys, killed a few and helped due process in a hanging. The character was a rough retouch law man, but he was tender. I liked this story. Because a lot of forgiveness was written in the characters.
September 22, 2018
The Debt
A great story about love, goodness, hardships, triumphs over evil, and fulfilling destinies! I love these books by C. J. Petit and wonder how he keeps coming up with these different tales! I hope he does continue writing them, though, as both me and my husband have enjoyed each and every book!
A great story about love, goodness, hardships, triumphs over evil, and fulfilling destinies! I love these books by C. J. Petit and wonder how he keeps coming up with these different tales! I hope he does continue writing them, though, as both me and my husband have enjoyed each and every book!
November 12, 2018
When I thought you couldn't write a story that I liked better you did.
C.J. Petit, just when I thought you couldn't write a story that I liked better than any you had written before, you did. I simply loved this book. One of your best ones yet. What will you do for an encore? This book has everything I love in a story. Life. Isn't it wonderful? Read it you will love it.
C.J. Petit, just when I thought you couldn't write a story that I liked better than any you had written before, you did. I simply loved this book. One of your best ones yet. What will you do for an encore? This book has everything I love in a story. Life. Isn't it wonderful? Read it you will love it.
January 29, 2019
The debt
Took me to near the end of the book to figure out the title. Good book, well written. A tad more proofreading would help. But for a free book, I’m not fussing. Really enjoy the use of less popular firearms in these books. Great quality period arms but not the same old colt and Winchester’s in every other Western novel.
Took me to near the end of the book to figure out the title. Good book, well written. A tad more proofreading would help. But for a free book, I’m not fussing. Really enjoy the use of less popular firearms in these books. Great quality period arms but not the same old colt and Winchester’s in every other Western novel.
August 25, 2019
Reality
I like Petit stories. They seem to be written in time honored accuracy. I really like classic western stories. But I have to admit that the over use of the word trot is annoying. People trot or jog. Horses trot or jog. People do it up the stairs, across the room. Mr Petit really needs to add some new verbs to describe people moving from place to place.
I like Petit stories. They seem to be written in time honored accuracy. I really like classic western stories. But I have to admit that the over use of the word trot is annoying. People trot or jog. Horses trot or jog. People do it up the stairs, across the room. Mr Petit really needs to add some new verbs to describe people moving from place to place.
February 15, 2020
The Debt is a very enjoyable western romance novel.
I have all of C.J.Petit's novels through the Evans Family Series and almost half of them twice.They are just as enjoyable the second time as the first time and the Debt was no exception.Keep up the great work and write more great novels👍
I have all of C.J.Petit's novels through the Evans Family Series and almost half of them twice.They are just as enjoyable the second time as the first time and the Debt was no exception.Keep up the great work and write more great novels👍
December 2, 2020
Another good C J Petit book
Mattie took a trip for discovery that turned out completely opposite of her dreams and desires, ending up being kidnapped. All she wanted was to find her father, only to find the man wasn't who she thought he was and being kidnapped buy the gang of which her father was boss. And he eventually shoots her.
Mattie took a trip for discovery that turned out completely opposite of her dreams and desires, ending up being kidnapped. All she wanted was to find her father, only to find the man wasn't who she thought he was and being kidnapped buy the gang of which her father was boss. And he eventually shoots her.
September 4, 2021
Once again this book is awesome!
I loved this story, was so glad that Mattie wasn't raped even if her father did her dirty! John reminded me of my dad, who could stop grown men with a look and lowering his voice to a deep rumble. Once again the action was spectacular, along with the romance!
I loved this story, was so glad that Mattie wasn't raped even if her father did her dirty! John reminded me of my dad, who could stop grown men with a look and lowering his voice to a deep rumble. Once again the action was spectacular, along with the romance!
October 27, 2022
good book
This was a good story with a great main character and lots of intrigue and good characters. The only concern is that the author evidently couldn’t remember one of the characters last name cause he kept changing it. Possibly need a new proof reader. Mistakes like that break up a reading flow. But this author has great books so I overlook that issue this time.
This was a good story with a great main character and lots of intrigue and good characters. The only concern is that the author evidently couldn’t remember one of the characters last name cause he kept changing it. Possibly need a new proof reader. Mistakes like that break up a reading flow. But this author has great books so I overlook that issue this time.
February 4, 2023
Very Satisfactory Debt Relief
I loved this book. I loved Mattie, and found her life story interesting. Her background was rough through no fault of her own. I loved John and Jamey, and how they interacted together. I think if you're the type to believe in miracles, true love, trust, and family you'll love this book too.
I loved this book. I loved Mattie, and found her life story interesting. Her background was rough through no fault of her own. I loved John and Jamey, and how they interacted together. I think if you're the type to believe in miracles, true love, trust, and family you'll love this book too.
October 9, 2017
Payment
Another great book by C. J. Petit. I love the way God's word is introduced into each storyline. How do you repay a debt, when you don't know the terms? You'll find the answer at the end of the book.
Another great book by C. J. Petit. I love the way God's word is introduced into each storyline. How do you repay a debt, when you don't know the terms? You'll find the answer at the end of the book.
December 24, 2017
The Debt
Not a bad book. The author did a good job of setting the story, following his thread and ending on a positive note. Note to author: what happened to the brush and mirror set?
Not a bad book. The author did a good job of setting the story, following his thread and ending on a positive note. Note to author: what happened to the brush and mirror set?
March 10, 2018
A good story
The book consisted of a good story. I really enjoyed the total line from start to finish. The con is that it was written in a very "juvinile" manner. Too much repetition on names and phrases.
The book consisted of a good story. I really enjoyed the total line from start to finish. The con is that it was written in a very "juvinile" manner. Too much repetition on names and phrases.
March 29, 2018
Another Good Western
When Mattie Foster arrives in Green River Wyoming looking for her father and his ranch. She is shocked to find no one has heard of him or the ranch. After she's kidnapped she finds he's not who he said he was. Good story keeps your interest.
When Mattie Foster arrives in Green River Wyoming looking for her father and his ranch. She is shocked to find no one has heard of him or the ranch. After she's kidnapped she finds he's not who he said he was. Good story keeps your interest.
July 10, 2018
Very good read. Interesting from the beginning.. Great ending. I would recommend this book to anyone .
Hope to read all of these books. From this auther. Full of action and suspence, love western books as does my uncle.
Hope to read all of these books. From this auther. Full of action and suspence, love western books as does my uncle.
May 6, 2019
Wonderful Story
Great characters, good story, as always. I highly recommend this author and stories to any and all lovers of clean western romances. There were a few proofreading errors ,but they didn't detract too much.
Great characters, good story, as always. I highly recommend this author and stories to any and all lovers of clean western romances. There were a few proofreading errors ,but they didn't detract too much.
May 31, 2019
Great story loved it !!!
Having read quite a number of westerns I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was not disappointed in the least . The story was well told exciting and romantic with of course a great hero . If you love westerns this is a Best Buy .
Having read quite a number of westerns I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was not disappointed in the least . The story was well told exciting and romantic with of course a great hero . If you love westerns this is a Best Buy .
June 8, 2019
Again what can i.say but wonderful
This.book helps me to not only understand ranch life but also i like how it describes damages that done when the body has been hit by bullets .but not in a morbid way
This.book helps me to not only understand ranch life but also i like how it describes damages that done when the body has been hit by bullets .but not in a morbid way
June 9, 2019
Shallow reading
I am glad it only cost .99 cents. I've tried this author before but this book especially was filled with shallow filler conversation between the characters throughout the book. Will be my last.
I am glad it only cost .99 cents. I've tried this author before but this book especially was filled with shallow filler conversation between the characters throughout the book. Will be my last.
July 7, 2019
Another one that has the potential of being GREAT.
Again... Good read, good characters, and a good story. Next, please. I am starting the Next story right now right after Cougar gets off my lap.
Again... Good read, good characters, and a good story. Next, please. I am starting the Next story right now right after Cougar gets off my lap.
August 23, 2019
Beautiful story
Story about kidnapping a school teacher who was the daughter of a outlaw. John rescue Mattie and the adventure starts with them chasing the rest of the outlaw gang. Romance blossoms.
Story about kidnapping a school teacher who was the daughter of a outlaw. John rescue Mattie and the adventure starts with them chasing the rest of the outlaw gang. Romance blossoms.
August 28, 2019
Heartwarming journey
I loved this book. You brought your characters to life and they gave us twists and turns and good and evil. Justice and forgiveness and a wonderful ending. Can't wait to read another of your books. This one was good the I couldn't put it down.
I loved this book. You brought your characters to life and they gave us twists and turns and good and evil. Justice and forgiveness and a wonderful ending. Can't wait to read another of your books. This one was good the I couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews