Written with humor and grace by Tolar Miles, ‘Mud Marbles’ depicts two affluent sorority sisters revisiting their innocent youth amid a charm that only the south provides. Nostalgic and chock-full of humor, the book also exposes long-hidden secrets; the kind that could only come to light while talking after a few cocktails out on that perfect summer porch. Speaking of cocktails, the novel’s official endorsement from Tito’s Handmade Vodka affords readers the exact recipe for Mud Marbles, at the end of the book. Pull up a deckchair, turn off that cellphone and immerse in an adventure hailed “an amazing journey through the south and southern hospitality” by critics.

Panama City Beach, FL -- (SBWire) -- 02/02/2015 --Time spent with friends is seldom wasted, especially times sat out on the porch in the summer heat, sipping cocktails and talking about how great things used to be. It's something everyone craves and, while rarely the subject of fiction, forms the premise for a charming and nostalgic new book by Tolar Miles.

At its core, 'Mud Marbles' wraps readers up in the charm of the south, oozing with the carefree culture that is synonymous with the region. But there's secrets at play, too….secrets that have been long hidden until now.

Synopsis:

Meet Marilyn and Kathryn, sisters and neighbors whose favorite pastime is sipping martinis from mason jars on Marilyn's front porch in the gulf front town of Orange Beach, Alabama, as they reminisce about family and the times they visited Cotton Tree.

Miss Mincy is the girls' source of stability and has given the entire family advice and inspiration throughout the years. While some could misconstrue Mincy's presence, she is not a maid. She is a member of the Chandler-Drake household in Cotton Tree.

Then there's Delta, a distant cousin of the Drake family who comes to visit Cotton Tree from Savannah, Georgia for most family gatherings. Cousin Delta does not shy away from confrontation and will speak her mind even to the pastor of the First Baptist Church. She loves her bourbon and cola and livens up the atmosphere of every social event she attends.

In all, Mud Marbles revisits a web of memories from sorority sisters shelling peas, to charity bake sales, and finding confederate gold in a hidden ballroom, while invoking the charm of the south and exposing long-buried secrets.

"Many have described the novel as a cross between 'The Help' and 'The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya- Sisterhood'," explains the author. "One of those stories about times gone by that invokes southern charm and provides a certain kind of warmth to the reader. It's a light feel-good story with a gripping undercurrent."

Continuing, "Cocktails form a central theme…who doesn't love a cocktail?! Our two leading ladies have an affinity with Tito's Handmade Vodka, so we took the trouble to get their permission to print the official Mud Marbles recipe. This takes things to a whole new level; you can now sip the same drink and join in the conversation with Marilyn and Kathryn. That's Saturday afternoon sorted!"

Since its release, the book has garnered a string of rave reviews. One reader comments, "Mud Marbles is a delightful novel of growing up in the south. A story of family and friends, and of southern hospitality and traditions. The author brings each character to life making you feel like you are right there with them in Cotton Tree, Alabama sipping cocktails and listening to one of Miss Mincy's many stories or words of wisdom. Add a long kept family secret and buried treasures and you have a book that is hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mud Marbles and look forward to more from Tolar Miles."

Amazon user 'EOD Rich' adds, "I just finished reading Mud Marbles. This book will take you on an amazing journey through the South and southern hospitality. The characters come alive and you find yourself transported into their world. A world of secrets, laughter, and family relationships. The author pulls you into this wonderful book in the first paragraph. The main character, Miss Mincy will steal your heart and make you wish you had a Miss Mincy in your life. She is an amazing character that shares such amazing and relevant advice. This book is a must read. I give it 5 stars!"

'Mud Marbles', from TouchPoint Press, is available now: http://amzn.to/15GCQ8D

Also available at Barnes and Noble and Books –A- Million.

About Tolar Miles
Tolar Miles is a freelance writer who grew up in the south on Florida's gulf coast. She studied creative writing at Florida State University. Tolar is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She has written many short stories and has a published children's book. Tolar's upbringing and love for everything about the south inspired her to write the southern novel "Mud Marbles".