Poverty Flat

by Major Mitchell

Chris came to California to forget about the war. What he found was a pregnant woman and her nine year old son abandoned on a place called Poverty Flat. When he offered to find her missing husband, people started shooting at him. Mary Ellen Shafer was more trouble than he had bargained for, but he couldn't just ride off and leave her. Worst of all, she was a Yankee, and he hadn't forgotten what they had done to his beloved South.

"Written with a flowing pace and steady eye to the hero's voice and point of view. A pleasant read." - Janet Bly

"Written with Major's humorous western style ... Poverty Flat reveals how one man's compassion for a woman will influence him to say things, endure hardships, and act in ways foreign to him. I especially enjoyed the ending!" - Vanessa Jackson

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Major is a Southern California native who currently lives in Northern California with his wife and editor, Judy. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys writing fiction based on actual history, as well as children's books and contemporary romance.
Best described as a “nice guy,” Major Mitchell is a former pastor, and credits his writing abilities to eight years of writing sermons three times a week. (In truth, he actually began by writing and illustrating comic books as a child). His conversational style immediately engages the reader. He has developed an uncanny eye for detail, while creating characters believable enough for the reader to feel that they know them. His ability to create tension will have you turning page after page.
A member of Western Writers of America and a frequent guest speaker at historical meetings and schools on the West Coast, he has also written several songs, recorded a CD of traditional country/folk music, and occasionally takes the stage as a singer. He lives with his wife Judy and their dog Molly in Northern California.
lives with his wife Judy and their dog Molly in Northern California.
Major Mitchell is the author of thirteen novels, including Canyon Wind, an epic novel of life in the South Dakota Badlands circa 1880, and the Dusty Boots in Texas series, among others. He has also written three children’s books.
You may visit his website at www.majormitchell.net.

Reviews

[Kathryn Spurgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical

Clearly a historical western story. Characters are well developed even if the prickly, aggressive heroine doesn’t seem like typical ladylike Yankee . 🙂

[Jackie Wolfe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lite read

This was a lite read, and the story was one catastrophe after another. The story became downright frustrating. Not recommended for serious readers.

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian, Mary Ellen, William and Edith

This is one of the best, most interesting tales I’ve read in a long time. It is very well written and I love the playful use of their language. Chris appears to be a saddle bum drifter when he wanders upon a dilapidated cabin on a piece of land with only one milk cow present and. O water yo be found. He enters to find a young boy William, and his heavily pregnant woman, Mary Ellen. She is in in labor and he assists in delivering a baby girl that she names Edith. Their trials and tribulations are more than adventurous and exciting. You will absolutely enjoy discovering how or if they find their happily ever after. I encourage you to read this story and feel you will not be disappointed.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good story of gun-toting, small town with nearby ranches, newcomers from the East, and, after the Civil War cut-throats, that can be read by anyone who enjoys this genre’. Wet with rain, a guy enters a small cabin, calling out he was there, to be met with a shotgun pointed at him. This starts the story of Chris Baker and Mrs. Shafer, along with her son and newborn infant. There are times that I dislike the attitude of Mary Ellen Shafer, a Yankee woman, who was down on her luck, as they say. I enjoyed the fact the story was about a historical area of California and parts of the book are based on facts. The best character in the entire book is a nine-year-old boy, William.

[Thomas Clagett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Major Mitchell weaves an engaging Western tale. Set in California after the Civil War, it features an ex-rebel looking to start over who encounters a pregnant woman with her young son. He offers to help and trouble starts. There are surprises, humor and plenty of gumption, like a Saturday matinee at the movies. Recommended!

[jan turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of the west at its best!

I loved this book! As a historical novel it was wonderful. The writing was so descriptive you felt like you were there, and the story was wonderful! It was reminiscent of a good louie lamour, or Zane gray book. I will be reading his other books. I recommend this book highly.

[Marian Gerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

Being an avid reader of historical fiction, I occasionally enjoy a good Western. This book and the history behind it kept me entertained and I will be reading more of Major Mitchell's writings. I enjoyed the actual historical summary of actual events included at the end of the book.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. To me, it seemed , there were the characters and as the story flowed, it seemed to be a third person telling the story. Maybe, it was just a mind thing, but, nevertheless. It was most enjoyable.

[David Wayne Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poverty Flats

I absolutely loved this book. No cursing or vulgar sex scenes. Just a good Christian western. I have found me another outstanding author and I intend to spread the word through friends at church and on social media.

Wayne Sutton
Greenwood, Fl.

[kathi Driskell · Rating 4 out of 5]

after war story

This plot moved so fast in just days it was all caught up in love and guns and cattle.
I will say this for the author the southern slang slowed my speed reading and sounded just like some of my georgia cousins

[Conchita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read.

[Patricia Braddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast and fun read

I really enjoyed this book anf and looking for more books by this Author. Hope others find this Authors too

[Marie Barnard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stupid

The most stupid boring book I've ever read kept thinking it would get better but the main characters are so stupid its sicking.

[Mary Smothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a simple good book, which I enjoyed!

Three rating. It seems it is set to rate it already. I am finished rating!!!!!! You should not require x number of words!

[Tom Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Ok good book well written good plot. Enjoyed reading it.
Would be glad to read somemore of this a author work.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

This is a wonderful story and a great read. Post civil war feelings arise in all of their glory as a Southern officer tries to help a firry yankee woman.

[Joseph A. Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Great and well written and thought out. Baker is stubborn but than so is she. Really enjoyed this one. Thanks

[Diane F Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Different kind of western. Good storyline, great character development. Nails Baker is the kind of man that most women hope to find.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, kept my interest so that I didn't want to put it down.