Picture a storyteller who turned personal trials into tales of triumph—meet C.J. Petit! This American author, born in 1950, crafted over 70 western novels, captivating readers with his vivid historical settings and heartfelt family sagas. Best known for the Evans Family Saga, Petit’s journey from Air Force veteran to bestselling author is a testament to resilience and the power of a good story.
What makes Petit special? He didn’t just write westerns; he redefined them, blending action, romance, and rich character development to create stories that feel like a warm campfire chat. His work, born from a desire to improve the genre, has earned him a loyal following and a lasting place in western literature.
The Making of C.J. Petit
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Christopher J. Petit grew up in nearby Warwick, living a quiet life until he enlisted in the Air Force in 1968. Serving for 25 years, including as a medic and later a major, Petit’s military career took him to Offutt AFB in Nebraska. After retiring in 1993, he worked as a computer specialist in Bellevue, Nebraska, but life took a dramatic turn in 1995 when he was diagnosed with stage IV head and neck cancer. The intense radiation therapy that saved his life left him unable to eat, drink, or speak, forcing him onto disability in 2011. Yet, Petit’s spirit remained unbroken. Inspired by his love for westerns and frustrated by their shortcomings, he began writing in 2016 to keep his mind sharp, never expecting his stories to reach the world.
C.J. Petit’s Unforgettable Stories
Petit’s novels are a love letter to the American West, blending gritty action with tender romance and deep family ties. His Evans Family Saga, a seven-book series starting with Dylan’s Journey (2019), follows the Evans family across generations, tackling coal mine disasters, gold rushes, and personal triumphs. Readers praise its vivid characters and emotional depth, with epilogues that often leave them teary-eyed. Bryn’s War (2019), the second book, captures the tension of a mine collapse, while Bethan’s Choice (2020) showcases a strong female lead, a hallmark of Petit’s inclusive storytelling.
Beyond the saga, Petit’s standalone novels like The Saloon Lawyer (2021) and Riding Shotgun (2021) highlight his knack for crafting relatable heroes who face moral dilemmas. His Joe Beck series, starting with Unwanted (2021), follows a young scout navigating love and loss on the Laramie Plains. Petit’s style is accessible yet rich, with historically accurate details that transport readers to the rugged frontier. He wrote for joy, not fame, publishing 96 novels by 2024 without heavy promotion, a feat that underscores his passion and discipline.
Why C.J. Petit Matters
C.J. Petit’s impact goes beyond his prolific output. His stories resonate because they reflect his own resilience—facing cancer, disability, and loss, he found solace in storytelling, inspiring readers to persevere. Fans compare him to Louis L’Amour, praising his ability to make characters feel like old friends. Petit’s choice to self-publish on Amazon democratized his work, reaching readers who crave authentic westerns. His legacy, cemented by his 29-year cancer survival and literary contributions, reminds us that second acts can be extraordinary.
- Born: February 8, 1950, Providence, Rhode Island
- Key Works: Evans Family Saga, Joe Beck series, The Saloon Lawyer
- Military Service: 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, retired as a major
- Notable: Wrote 96 novels despite severe health challenges
Sadly, Petit passed away on October 7, 2024, in Bellevue, Nebraska, but his stories live on. Grab Dylan’s Journey and dive into C.J. Petit’s heartfelt western world—you’ll be hooked!