The Main Chance

"The Main Chance" by Meredith Nicholson is a story set in the early 1900s, where John Saxton seeks a fresh start in the town of Clarkson. After a misstep in ranching, Saxton is entrusted to oversee complicated investments for investors from the East. The book focuses on Saxton’s journey as he navigates his business role, the expectations from others, and his own effort to make a better life for himself. He meets William Porter, the local bank president, who shares insights about the region's finances. Saxton reflects on his past mistakes as he hopes to overcome the challenge of his clients' tricky investments, all while social relationships begin to develop with characters like Porter and Warrick Raridan.