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Fort Selden
After twenty years of fighting; first the rebels and then the Apaches, Jonas was tired of it all and decided to return to his unfinished cabin to find the solace and peace that he craved. Yet once he’d returned the place to a livable condition, he realized that life wasn’t just about existing. He missed the camaraderie of the soldiers and he really wasn’t cut out for the life of a hermit. So, Jonas decided to return to his duties as an army scout at Fort Selden. The cabin would still be waiting for him when he was ready.But by the time he reached the fort, he discovered that in the brief time he’d been gone, there had been changes, and some of them would almost make him regret his decision to leave his cabin.
- GenresWesterns
326 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2019
About the author
C.J. Petit
107 books225 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)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 6, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed the books of C. J. Petit. As a master storyteller, Petit delivers once again with “Fort Selden,” a meticulously crafted historical novel that transports readers to the rugged frontier of New Mexico after the American Civil War. Petit brings to life the complexities of existence in a military fort.
The narrative revolves around a diverse cast of characters, each battling their own demons and desires while contending with the harsh realities of life in a remote, desert outpost. Many military personnel struggles with lingering memories of the Civil War. Petit’s skill in intertwining personal and historical narratives transforms the novel into an exhilarating adventure. His engaging writing style, coupled with vivid descriptions, paints a clear picture of the dusty landscapes and the vibrant, often tense relationships that unfold at the fort.
"Fort Selden" is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, especially those with an interest in westerns and military history.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and thirteen minutes. Michael Alan White does a good job narrating the book.
The narrative revolves around a diverse cast of characters, each battling their own demons and desires while contending with the harsh realities of life in a remote, desert outpost. Many military personnel struggles with lingering memories of the Civil War. Petit’s skill in intertwining personal and historical narratives transforms the novel into an exhilarating adventure. His engaging writing style, coupled with vivid descriptions, paints a clear picture of the dusty landscapes and the vibrant, often tense relationships that unfold at the fort.
"Fort Selden" is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, especially those with an interest in westerns and military history.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and thirteen minutes. Michael Alan White does a good job narrating the book.
June 13, 2017
DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER"
Lots of intrigue and action. The plot is interesting and you think it's going to end like all love stories. But this adventurous love story is done western style. You have sadness, evil wicked Indian agents, Napoleonic fort commanders whose only achievements is to slaughter as many Apaches, so that can receive a high commission in the Army. This adventure brings two people together who were actually lived on fringes of society, some cases couldn't be helped, unhappy home life which resulted becoming an orphan. The young man who lost his mother because of the moral attitudes of bestowed upon women. This author hits those mortar walls but he knocks them down
with "acceptance"not everyone will find their soul mate, or what you expect the woman or man of your"dreams"will look like, their inner qualities that society said is acceptable. These characters are living the real deal. I like this author outlook on life it isn't all jellybeans.....
Lots of intrigue and action. The plot is interesting and you think it's going to end like all love stories. But this adventurous love story is done western style. You have sadness, evil wicked Indian agents, Napoleonic fort commanders whose only achievements is to slaughter as many Apaches, so that can receive a high commission in the Army. This adventure brings two people together who were actually lived on fringes of society, some cases couldn't be helped, unhappy home life which resulted becoming an orphan. The young man who lost his mother because of the moral attitudes of bestowed upon women. This author hits those mortar walls but he knocks them down
with "acceptance"not everyone will find their soul mate, or what you expect the woman or man of your"dreams"will look like, their inner qualities that society said is acceptable. These characters are living the real deal. I like this author outlook on life it isn't all jellybeans.....
May 15, 2017
Great read
Awesome well written story about a man with great knowledge and understanding of people. Definitely a page turner and more. Would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Awesome well written story about a man with great knowledge and understanding of people. Definitely a page turner and more. Would highly recommend this book to everyone.
June 4, 2018
Great book
This is another fine example of C.J. Petit's writing as always it was very interesting and riveting as I have come to expect.
This is another fine example of C.J. Petit's writing as always it was very interesting and riveting as I have come to expect.
October 5, 2017
Review for Fort Seldon
If by enjoy reading westerns, anything C J Petit writes is a must read. I have read most of his books and think they are great. Fort Seldom was well written and one of those you can't put don.
If by enjoy reading westerns, anything C J Petit writes is a must read. I have read most of his books and think they are great. Fort Seldom was well written and one of those you can't put don.
February 6, 2018
Jonas Smith was a scout for the Army. He had decided to build himself a home in the canyon. He left the Army and had the land recorded in his name and proceeded to build a cabin. He was pleased with his work but after a few months he realized he missed the company of other people. Returning to the fort, he to up his scout duties again. One of the people he met when he returned to the fort was a woman who worked in the laundry. She had originally come West to be a mail order bride but when her very short husband to be met the six foot woman, he threw her out with no place to go. On as was over six feet tall so he had not noticed Annie's height but he had noticed that she could be very scary to men. Annie's only friend was Beth, the Lt.s wife. Beth had helped Annie get the job in the laundry and her husband was Jonas's best friend. Lots of information on the book about the personal life of an Army Scout and the hardships of women out West.
February 22, 2019
It was well written. It kept moving with believable characters. I have trouble remembering names, so don't like a book with too many names. This one was perfect for memorable names. All of Mr. Petits books have a soft side written into them that appeal to some men. I wouldn't get caught reading a romance novel, but I will read a rowdy western with a romantic side to it. These are good reads for men and women with a rowdy side.
It was well written. It kept moving with believable characters. I have trouble remembering names, so don't like a book with too many names. This one was perfect. All of Mr. Petit's books have a soft side written into them that appeal to some men. I wouldn't get caught dead reading a romance novel, but I will read a rowdy western with a romantic side to it. These are good reads for men, and women with a rowdy side.
It was well written. It kept moving with believable characters. I have trouble remembering names, so don't like a book with too many names. This one was perfect. All of Mr. Petit's books have a soft side written into them that appeal to some men. I wouldn't get caught dead reading a romance novel, but I will read a rowdy western with a romantic side to it. These are good reads for men, and women with a rowdy side.
December 3, 2019
CALVARY, FORTS, SCOUTS, ROMANCE
4 STARS for this Western Era Interesting drama about life of Army Veteran now an Army Scout in New Mexico. The details of military life on the frontier is described & it is almost as if you are riding along with the detail. However, you get the bad along with the good that our ethical Jonas deals with as he deals with Apaches, idiot Officers, store owners, and Annie. Like Jonas, Annie had never been in a relationship before & didn't believe she ever was but maybe.
4 STARS for this Western Era Interesting drama about life of Army Veteran now an Army Scout in New Mexico. The details of military life on the frontier is described & it is almost as if you are riding along with the detail. However, you get the bad along with the good that our ethical Jonas deals with as he deals with Apaches, idiot Officers, store owners, and Annie. Like Jonas, Annie had never been in a relationship before & didn't believe she ever was but maybe.
March 9, 2021
Another Petit master piece.
Annie sought a better life by being a mail-order bride, but being 6' tall she was discarded upon arriving at Ft Selden, NM. With no help or hope she was resigned to do the only thing she could do, work in the Fort's laundry. Jonas was X-Army and now a contract Army scout. He lived a lonely solitary life, with only one family to call true friends. When he met the unfriendly lady in the laundry he avoided to meet her again. But, fate has a way to put two lonely people together in the most unusual way. This is a super great book.
Annie sought a better life by being a mail-order bride, but being 6' tall she was discarded upon arriving at Ft Selden, NM. With no help or hope she was resigned to do the only thing she could do, work in the Fort's laundry. Jonas was X-Army and now a contract Army scout. He lived a lonely solitary life, with only one family to call true friends. When he met the unfriendly lady in the laundry he avoided to meet her again. But, fate has a way to put two lonely people together in the most unusual way. This is a super great book.
April 12, 2022
Lost Souls
A good story of discovery and peacemaking with a little glitter thrown in for good measure. When Jonas finds that what he's looking for is not what he needs his new quest brings some good surprises. As for Annie, being unloved doesn't mean that you're not lovable or capable of loving in return. Then there's dealing with pomposity which really can make life miserable. A good variety read.
A good story of discovery and peacemaking with a little glitter thrown in for good measure. When Jonas finds that what he's looking for is not what he needs his new quest brings some good surprises. As for Annie, being unloved doesn't mean that you're not lovable or capable of loving in return. Then there's dealing with pomposity which really can make life miserable. A good variety read.
June 12, 2019
Another Action Packed Book
Although this is not my typical kind of book I have enjoyed several of C.L. Petits books. This book brought out the greed and corruption of the wrong kind of people with authority. I do skip over a lot of the weapon detail tho. And as the other books the story lines keep you glued to the book . And happy endings.
Although this is not my typical kind of book I have enjoyed several of C.L. Petits books. This book brought out the greed and corruption of the wrong kind of people with authority. I do skip over a lot of the weapon detail tho. And as the other books the story lines keep you glued to the book . And happy endings.
April 23, 2020
Fort Selden
This book by far is one of my favorite books that I have read in some time. Great action pact Western full with great romance of several couples in this storyline. I could hardly put it down to sleep at night which I read until 1:30 in the morning. This Author is one of my all time greatest of many great Western Authors.
This book by far is one of my favorite books that I have read in some time. Great action pact Western full with great romance of several couples in this storyline. I could hardly put it down to sleep at night which I read until 1:30 in the morning. This Author is one of my all time greatest of many great Western Authors.
June 20, 2022
Excellent
I'm not sure what set this story apart because I have enjoyed every book written by C.J. Petit so far and I've read a lot of them! I think the characters themselves took over and I felt like I was sharing their story instead of reading it. There was a little bit of everything and not too much of anything leaving you feeling good when you finished. Loved it.
I'm not sure what set this story apart because I have enjoyed every book written by C.J. Petit so far and I've read a lot of them! I think the characters themselves took over and I felt like I was sharing their story instead of reading it. There was a little bit of everything and not too much of anything leaving you feeling good when you finished. Loved it.
January 29, 2018
Love comes in all sizes
A wonderful story needed in today's time of bullies and class feuds. Good story with positive message. Author shows great understanding of issues that need thoughtful discussion.
A wonderful story needed in today's time of bullies and class feuds. Good story with positive message. Author shows great understanding of issues that need thoughtful discussion.
January 29, 2018
Fantastic
Another fantastic book by C. J. Petit. Jonas is a scout who has nothing to live for. Annie is an orphan who came west as,a mail order bride, only to be rejected by her beau. They find each other and true love blossoms.
Another fantastic book by C. J. Petit. Jonas is a scout who has nothing to live for. Annie is an orphan who came west as,a mail order bride, only to be rejected by her beau. They find each other and true love blossoms.
April 5, 2018
c. J.Petit gets better with each of his books I read!
This story has Indians, mail order brides, bad Indian agents, just plain mean guys , and ladies in distress. Then we have our hero who mixes it up and adds excitement.
This story has Indians, mail order brides, bad Indian agents, just plain mean guys , and ladies in distress. Then we have our hero who mixes it up and adds excitement.
April 15, 2018
Leadership Problems
Another fine Western from Petit. Command leadership problems plague Fort Selden. However a previous army officer who is now a scout for the fort is determined to make a difference. Fast moving with plenty of action. I highly recommend this author.
Another fine Western from Petit. Command leadership problems plague Fort Selden. However a previous army officer who is now a scout for the fort is determined to make a difference. Fast moving with plenty of action. I highly recommend this author.
May 1, 2018
5 Stars
I've liked all of C. J. Petit's books this was one of the better ones. Jonas an army scout at Fort Selden fights Indians, bad commanders, and corrupt Indian agents. Plus there is romance on the horizon for him two. 5 stars all the way.
I've liked all of C. J. Petit's books this was one of the better ones. Jonas an army scout at Fort Selden fights Indians, bad commanders, and corrupt Indian agents. Plus there is romance on the horizon for him two. 5 stars all the way.
May 23, 2018
Very good story and writing.
I don’t know who does the proof reading, but my fifth grade granddaughter would do a better job. I have loved all the books that I have read, but the proof reading is the pits😞
I don’t know who does the proof reading, but my fifth grade granddaughter would do a better job. I have loved all the books that I have read, but the proof reading is the pits😞
September 15, 2018
Fort Selden
Another great book by C. J. Petit, about men with honor, women with "sand", and frontier justice! I cannot get enough of this author's novels! He has a brilliant mastery of writing that is equal to Margaret Coel, Louis L'Amour, and Tony Hillerman!
Another great book by C. J. Petit, about men with honor, women with "sand", and frontier justice! I cannot get enough of this author's novels! He has a brilliant mastery of writing that is equal to Margaret Coel, Louis L'Amour, and Tony Hillerman!
March 1, 2019
Great story for the western readers.
Loved the story line of the army scout who was experienced in the warfare used by the Indians. The help he was able to give to the troubled woman was excellent. The happy ending fit in with the rest of the story .
Loved the story line of the army scout who was experienced in the warfare used by the Indians. The help he was able to give to the troubled woman was excellent. The happy ending fit in with the rest of the story .
June 7, 2019
Can not review what I have not read!
Why does this stupid Kindle expect me to review books before I have read them? I do not particularly enjoy writing reviews. I do not pay any attention to them and do not believe they have any value.
Why does this stupid Kindle expect me to review books before I have read them? I do not particularly enjoy writing reviews. I do not pay any attention to them and do not believe they have any value.
October 4, 2019
Another good read
I admit this wasn't my favorite book but still a good read. It didn't get really good in my opinion until halfway through, but I kept on and kept reading, a lovely ending.
I admit this wasn't my favorite book but still a good read. It didn't get really good in my opinion until halfway through, but I kept on and kept reading, a lovely ending.
Currently Reading
November 2, 2019Western Romance at its Best
What a great imagination Petit has! His descriptions bring to life each character and the reader is drawn in and fully engaged in the events as they unfold. Give star rating for sure!
What a great imagination Petit has! His descriptions bring to life each character and the reader is drawn in and fully engaged in the events as they unfold. Give star rating for sure!
April 21, 2020
Good read, lots of action.good story line . Kind of an unusual start to the story with a happy ending.
Easily identified villains and Good guys. Hero of the can't do anything wrong. Strong women are featured in the story
Easily identified villains and Good guys. Hero of the can't do anything wrong. Strong women are featured in the story
September 23, 2020
A good variety of a story y this author
Really good story deviating some from this author's stories. Hero still triumphs and manages his way out of his dilemmas. Exciting to read and not as predictable. I still enjoy the author and plan on reading more of his works.
Really good story deviating some from this author's stories. Hero still triumphs and manages his way out of his dilemmas. Exciting to read and not as predictable. I still enjoy the author and plan on reading more of his works.
July 31, 2021
They should rely put rape tags
I want like the stories but a lot of them have rape and that just bothers the hell out of me for various personal reasons. So yeah 1 star. Tag your books man there is a description box use it.
I want like the stories but a lot of them have rape and that just bothers the hell out of me for various personal reasons. So yeah 1 star. Tag your books man there is a description box use it.
August 21, 2021
I really loved this book!
This author is amazing, I keep thinking that at least one of his books will turn out to just be a good read, nope they are all awesome! I loved the storyline in this one, along with the mule! Once again there was a perfect ending too!
This author is amazing, I keep thinking that at least one of his books will turn out to just be a good read, nope they are all awesome! I loved the storyline in this one, along with the mule! Once again there was a perfect ending too!
August 31, 2021
A story of great adventure.
The author has written a story of the West that has a great deal of action and suspense that will keep you entertained and guessing. A story duty, dedication and love.
The author has written a story of the West that has a great deal of action and suspense that will keep you entertained and guessing. A story duty, dedication and love.
October 23, 2021
A very fantastic author
I'm now going on to book four and am totally blown away by the author's skills. Each book is completely different in it's own way yet he captivates you by putting you into his stories. Not an easy skill to master.
I'm now going on to book four and am totally blown away by the author's skills. Each book is completely different in it's own way yet he captivates you by putting you into his stories. Not an easy skill to master.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews