Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth by Jim Halverson | Giveaway, Interview, Spotlight
A book blog tour from iRead Book Tours.
Thank you to the author, publisher, & Lauren at iRead for providing me with the information for this tour. 
Book Details
Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth by Jim Halverson Published by Gail Force Publishing on 11/02/2021
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Myths & Legends, Satire
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 157
What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth?
For the most part, history is written by the winners. That includes most accounts depicting the conquests of the New World. Most records and artifacts of Native Americans were destroyed by the conquistadors to complete their total dominance in the new lands. Occasionally, historians working with native populations piece together some lost archives, but those examples are few and far between.
Until students found the original handwritten notes by Ponce De Leon’s chronicler, the world could only piece together unfounded summaries of the events at the Fountain of Youth. The only documented facts of the second foray into Florida detailed Ponce’s death upon his return.
Now we can relive one of the short-lived victories of Native Americans over the Spanish conquistadors. Catch a glimpse into the culture and lives of Florida’s native population; how they lived in a land of plenty, how they adopted horses into their lives, and how they outfoxed the mighty Spaniards.
Not all history was written by the winners.
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Purchase Links for Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth
Waterstones The Book Depository
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Author Interview
Ponce de Leon was a real-life character. Did he always chase fantasies such as the Fountain of Youth?
That can never be ascertained. However, it is unlikely. Ponce de Leon spent his youth in the Spanish court and was educated there. He fought the Moors in Grenada and accompanied Columbus on his second voyage. We don’t even know with certainty that he ever sought the Fountain of Youth.
What motivated the Natives, particularly Manchun and Gurefin, to mislead the Spaniards regarding the qualities of the water?
At first, the deception emanated from a need for an equal footing, something like – we’ve got something you don’t have. It was almost accidental, but the Spaniards fell for it. After that, their deception continued with a sense of humor fueled by the Spaniards’ gullibility.
Did the Spaniards ever find gold in Florida?
No. In fact, ironically, Florida and Hawaii are the only states without confirmed gold deposits. The only gold found in Florida is gold lost by the Spaniards and pirates.
Why did the Spaniards bring horses to Florida?
Horses are versatile as beasts of burden. From providing power to till the soil to carrying supplies, horses are indispensable. More importantly, a warriors’ effectiveness is multiplied exponentially when aboard a horse.
Did you accurately portray Ponce de Leon’s marital status?
No. References to Lenora are completely conjured from literary license. The same is true of references to his association with Queen Isabella.
Why didn’t you write about Ponce de Leon’s enslavement and violence towards the Native Americans?
There is scant historical data available about Ponce de Leon’s second foray into Florida. Therefore, we can’t validate that possibility. We know that the Native Americans drove Ponce de Leon’s forces out of Florida. For that bit of history, it is possible to conclude that the Natives remained in control from the moment Ponce de Leon landed on a pristine white sand beach.
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About Jim Halverson
Jim Halverson grew up in the rural, gold-mining town of Mokelumne Hill, CA, and received his MBA from Golden Gate University.
He spent part of his life on a ranch and is an avid student of psychology.
He recognizes the struggles of all men and women seeking equality and respect.
Jim and his wife, Gail, spend their time traveling from their small farm in Forestville, CA
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Giveaway!
Enter to win a signed copy of Jim Halverson’s Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth! (USA only) (ends Nov 26)
Please visit more stops on the tour for extra chances to win!
Nov 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight/author interview/giveaway
Nov 2 – fundinmental – book spotlight/giveaway
Nov 4 –Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway
Nov 4 – Westveil Publishing – book review/giveaway
Nov 5 –Kam’s Place – book review
Nov 8 – Splashes of Joy – book review/giveaway
Nov 9 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review/giveaway
Nov 9 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight/giveaway
Nov 10 – Olio by Marilyn – book spotlight/author interview
Nov 10 –Olio by Marilyn – book review/giveaway
Nov 12 – The Lost Review Of Odd Books – book review/author interview
Nov 12 –Book Corner News and Reviews – book review/giveaway
Nov 15 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book spotlight/giveaway
Nov 15 – Books for Books – book review
Nov 16 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight/author interview/giveaway
Nov 16 – She Just Loves Books – book review/giveaway
Nov 17 – Literary Flits – book spotlight/giveaway
Nov 17 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway
Nov 17 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review/guest post/giveaway
Nov 18 – I’d Rather Be At The Beach – book review/guest post
Nov 19 – 30-something Travel – book review/giveaway
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Purchase Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth online from a local book store.
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Easy Amazon Links
For International buyers, the US link should open to your home country’s Amazon page. Please let me know if it doesn’t.
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Book Title: Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth by Jim Halverson
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 164 pages
Genre: Satire / Historical Fiction
Publisher: Gail Force Publishing
Release Date: November 2021
Content Rating: G – Mentions of violence, but nothing specific. No language.
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