"Beyond the Flats" is an exciting rollercoaster ride through the lives of Michael Stephanic, his mother Julia, and sister Turtle. After Julia's frantic flight from The Flats and her abusive marriage, she finds herself in another small coal-mining town. Michael and Turtle quickly learn the difference between a dysfunctional family and a broken family. As Julia strives to rebuild their lives, Michael and Turtle struggle with the many changes they face. Seen through the eyes of a young boy in the 1950s, the twists and turns on this coaster are filled with danger and adventure, murder and mystery, sadness and joy – but most of all... love. The Stephanic saga continues in this second book of the trilogy.