Porch Dreams & Sweet Tea

by Marilyn Evans (Miss M), Pamela-Faith Jackson

Overview

Porch Dreams & Sweet Tea blends historical fiction with real events, names, and places, reflecting a time when opportunities within the African American community were limited due to unfair laws. Despite these challenges, young girls still dreamed of moments filled with joy and elegance. Inspired by stories of life "across the tracks," they envisioned something special--a tea party where they too could dress up, socialize, and feel proud of themselves.
As an educator and owner of a charm school, I've seen how gatherings like Afternoon Tea foster good manners, confidence, and a strong sense of community. The girls in this story turned their dreams into reality, creating a special occasion from almost nothing. What started as a simple tea party on a porch, grew into something much larger. Tea parties started popping up all over Athens, Georgia opening minds and even leading to greater aspirations for education and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798218585389
Publisher:	Marilyn Evans
Publication date:	08/06/2025
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.08(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Marilyn J. Evans, better known as Miss M in social circles, is a nationally respected etiquette expert, educator, and author of the historical fiction work Porch Dreams & Sweet Tea, and Tidbits of Afternoon Tea. She has spent over three decades helping youth and adults embrace the power of proper manners, social graces, and afternoon tea etiquette. She founded Finishing Touches Etiquette Consultancy, where she taught etiquette to thousands over the span of her career. After 27 years of service in Detroit, she returned to her family roots in Georgia to continue her mission of cultivating civility and confidence in the next generation.

As an experienced educator and transformational leader, Miss M holds degrees and advanced certifications in education and educational leadership Her consulting clients include prestigious universities, colleges, non-profit organizations, international sororities and fraternities. Her global perspective has been shaped by cultural and academic experiences in West Africa, Cuernavaca, Mexico, and her Harvard University seminar. Miss M has been featured in The Detroit News, and on national and local television programs.
With grace, wisdom, and warmth, Miss M, a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., continues to inspire others to live with dignity and distinction. Her signature message remains clear: give youth the “extra” over the “ordinary” to make them EXTRAORDINARY.

Pamela-Faith Jackson, a retired educator specializing in gifted and talented development, brings a wealth of experience from her careers in theatre and education. A proud alum of Spelman College, Georgia State University, and Columbia University, Pamela-Faith has dedicated her life to nurturing young minds. An accomplished author, her published books include two delightful picture books Lil' O Wants To Know, and A-Z Animal Clues, and two insightful play anthologies, Plays By Youth, About Youth, For You: A Critical Anthology With Essays and Enrichment and Black Comedy–9 Plays: A Critical Anthology With Interviews and Essays. Collaborating with her cousin Miss M on Porch Dreams & Sweet Tea, a historical fiction inspired by generations of women in their family who are rooted in the fabric of Athens, GA, has been a labor of love.