Book Review + Giveaway - Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth by Jim Halveron
Category:  Adult Fiction 18+, 164 pages
Genre: Satire / Historical Fiction
Publisher: Gail Force Publishing
Release Date: November 2021

 

Book Description: Two Florida State geology students found the pages written by Ponce de Leon’s chronicler in a dry limestone cave in the northwest panhandle. The original Spanish papers, five hundred years old, were found in relatively good shape, protected from time and moisture in a heavy triple-walled leather case. They chronicle Ponce de Leon’s second expedition to Florida in search of the fountain of youth.

My Thoughts: Based on incredible historic records, the story of Ponce de Leon and his search for the fountain of youth is retold for a contemporary audience. The one-time darling of the Spanish court and seducer of the Queen of Spain is sent to the New World to bring back gold. But there is something seemingly more alluring than money for Ponce. Is the Fountain of Youth his ticket to power?

From the glamour of elegant Spanish palaces to the stifling humidity of Florida swampland, Ponce whisks readers around the world on the tails of the infamous Ponce de Leon. Ponce and his entourage face an array of challenges as they try to trade with the locals for gold. Through (not-always-helpful) interactions with the native people of Florida, the Spanish soldiers stumble their way toward what they hope is the purest of waters. Erroneously believing the water can cure illness and save people from poisonous snake bites (thanks to tricks played on them by the tribe leader), Ponce is driven to find this Fountain of Youth by visions of grandeur. With modern language and contemporary dialogue, Ponce is a story from the past reimagined for today's generation of historical fiction fans. 

BUY THE BOOK:
AMAZON

 

Meet the Author:  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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Connect with the Author:  Website ~ Goodreads

 

Tour Schedule:

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

Enter the Giveaway: Click on the link below to enter the giveaway for a chance to WIN a signed copy of Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth. Good luck!

PONCE Book Tour Giveaway 

 

Top 5 Coffee Shops around the World

After a grueling search and many taste tests, here is a list of some of my favorite cafes around the world.

Updated March 2013

Call it what you will “addicted”, “obsessed”, a “vice” perhaps, but whatever it is, I have to have a coffee to start my day.  And not just any coffee, a double latte, or in a bind, a cafe noisette (in France, a shot of espresso with a dash of milk).  I cannot/will not drink drip coffee.  And I’d rather go without coffee than drink a bad one, although that makes for a tense day for both me and my husband who has to deal with me.


But on a positive note, some of my favorite travel moments are drinking coffee – on a hillside in the Amalfi coast at an unknown cafe having the perfect latte on a sunny morning overlooking the stunning coastline.  Or visiting the same coffee shop each morning to have a latte and green tea muffin in Tokyo.  And then there are the famous cafes of Argentina where the history that surrounds you as you sip your cafe con leche in Buenos Aires is what makes it so memorable.

So, to help fellow connoisseurs find the best coffee shops around the world, here is my first list (of many, I hope) of the best places around the world to find a good coffee.

Joe The Art of Coffee, New York
On our last trip to New York, we did some research on coffee spots and found that there is a sort of resurgence of quality espresso shops in Manhattan, probably in response to the inexplicable Dunkin’ Donuts coffee craze (sorry, but that just isn’t going to work for me).  Joe’s is one, if not the best, example of a serious coffee shop with talented baristas that serve every latte with a perfectly designed leaf or heart in the expertly steamed milk.  If you like coffee like I do, the pictures on their website will make your mouth water. Seriously.



Tie: Caffe Ladro and Zeitgeist Coffee, Seattle
I may be a bit biased because I am from the area, but I believe Seattle deserves its reputation as having the best coffee in the world.  There is a reason Starbuck’s started here, the city is addicted to coffee and there are many, excellent choices for quality, handcrafted espresso.  Caffe Ladro is the one place that gets me up early to drive 15 minutes out of my way to get the perfect double latte before work.
 

But on my last trip, I revisited Zeitgeist Coffee, an institution in Seattle since 1997.  They serve incredibly strong (i.e. dark roast) coffee…a perfect cure for jetlag.  Plus, the atmosphere is casual and relaxed and at the same time a place you could get some work done. Case in point, a press interview was being conducted at the table next to me.  Drop in for a coffee and stay awhile and you’ll see why this remains a top spot for coffee in the capital of coffee.

Cappuccino, Mallorca

Coffee aside (for just a second, don’t worry) the atmosphere at Cappuccino near the cathedral of Palma is hard to beat – an open terrace at the foot of a huge church in the shopping district. The perfect place for a cappuccino italiano with an ensaimada - a giant, but light, powdered sugar covered donut - while sightseeing and people watching.  (Find more details on Cappuccino from our last visit to Mallorca.)

Peet’s Coffee and Tea, San Francisco
It is mind-boggling, no not the coffee, the number of parking tickets that I talked my way out of for double-parking in front of Peet’s in the Marina in San Francisco to get a strong, dark latte to sip on my hour-long commute to the South Bay each morning.  Maybe the cops are coffee-addicts too and took pity on me.  Thankfully Peet’s expanded to Seattle and the East Coast so I now search them out whenever I can – including a 45-minute trek into the financial district in Boston on a 6-hour layover only to find they were closed on Sundays.  I almost cried.

See our latest coffee finds on two new posts: Best Coffee Shops in the World and Back to the Grind.

If you happen to be in the US, looking for a great cup of coffee, check out http://www.espressomap.com/.  A wonderful resource for great espresso, including one of our favorites…Joe The Art of Coffee. See, I’m not alone in my quest for the best coffee!

P.S.  For making coffee yourself, try these espresso makers and coffee...

How to make Padrón Peppers

Recipe for Padrón Peppers

(Pimento de Padrón, named after the region in Spain where they are grown)

Plate full of peppers
Spanish Olive Oil
Sea salt in flakes
Heat the olive oil (about a 1/2 cup per pound) until hot and toss in the peppers until the skins just start to separate from the pepper, but do not turn brown, about 2 minutes. Quickly drain them and pat them dry with paper towels, then sprinkle sea salt over them and serve.

Warning: There is a peculiarity of these peppers, called the Russian Roulette Effect. Every once in a while (some say one in 50, others one in 100+, I seem to get three in every plate!), you get a spicy one, and they can be very hot. Keep a cold glass of Sangria nearby.

City Guide - Mallorca

Mallorca, less than an hour flight off the coast of Spain, is not as much a quaint island (at three times the size of Maui) as a collection of cities, cafes and cultures offering scenic drives, inexpensive shopping, dozens hidden beaches.

Things to do
Palma – The capital city provides a huge choice of things to do. Great shopping, excellent restaurants, a web of narrow streets and cafes. Be sure to tour the immense Catedral de Palma Mallorca.

Alcúdia - On the northeastern coast of Mallorca, Alcúdia is not only a popular beach but a haven for sailing. The Port of Alcúdia, with its many restaurants and shops, comes alive after dark.

Pollença - At the most northwestern tip of Mallorca, on a peninsula almost due North of Pollença, offers a beautiful scenic drive as well as some great beaches. The views on both sides are spectacular and the water an unearthly color of blue. The final stop on the drive is the Formentor lighthouse.



Beaches – Mallorca may be best known for its beaches and it doesn’t disappoint. There are dozens to choose from in a range from giant, family-friendly beaches to secluded plots of sand.

• Cala Formentor, just outside of Pollença, is a long, narrow stretch of white sand with shady spots under the trees that encroach upon the beach. On the weekends during the summer, there are tons of kids, a restaurant and small shops to stock up on water and snacks. 
• Cala Gran is a lovely, but small, beach in a resort area of the island. One of five beaches in the area, the entire place is well-equipped for a day trip or multi-night stay. Looking out from the beach, you can see houses built on the cliffs overlooking the inlets with ladders built into the sides of rocks to climb into the water for a dip. 
• Es Calo d’Es Moro in Santanyi is one of the best-known and most naturally beautiful beaches in Mallorca. Crystal clear water and white sand nestled between tree-covered cliffs.
• Cala Varques, Manacor – Remote, rustic and adventurous as it is difficult to find and involves a hike to the beach.
• Cala Pi, Llucmajor (near Palma) – Beautiful white sand cove and crystal clear water.

Where to Eat
A late lunch at Bistro Mar (Puerto de Alcúdia, Passeig Marítim, 1, Alcúdia (Port D´Alcúdia), Islas Baleares 07410) in the marina, ended up an early dinner as well. Bistro Mar -- a great recommendation from a local -- is found in the marina with a view of sail boats. Huge seafood paella (sold for two, but easily enough for three) was a filling meal along with a plate of Padrón peppers – quickly deep fried green peppers tossed with sea salt. So good, we tried to get a second order, but the waiter wouldn’t oblige as he thought we would have too much food.

Cocktails at the stylish, Aqua Restaurant and Sushi Lounge (Club Nautico Alcidiamar, Puerto de Alcudia) for sunset couldn’t have been more relaxing as we watched the sunset and the party crowd arrive for a light meal and drinks.

Dinner at la llonja in the Port de Pollença (Moll Vell, tel. 971 868 430). On a pier bordering the marina you’ll find this modern restaurant known for fresh fish and local dishes. Not only did everything (Padrón peppers, caprese salad, local fish, regional-style garlic lamb chops) taste good, but the prix-fix menu was an incredible deal including starter, main, dessert and half a bottle of wine for 38 Euros.


Cappuccino, a Mallorcan chain of cafés, is perfect for a cappuccino italiano. Cappuccino serves Illy coffee and the location by the cathedral is both beautiful and convenient.


What to buy
The Camper Factory Outlet (PG INDUSTRIAL S/N, 07300,INCA, T: 971888233) in Inca is certainly not easy to find, but the shoes here (often current styles) for men, women and children are all discounted, plus an extra amount 25%, 40% and 50% is taken off your purchase depending on the number of pairs you buy.

Flor de Sal, local sea salt, is available in natural or flavored varieties including black olive, lemon and Mediterranean. I found some at Les Illes d’Or in a square bordered by the streets of Saint Domingo, Calle Pisa, Brossa and Calle Imprenta/Quint. (Find out more about the founder of Flor de Sal, Katja Wöhr, at ABC Mallorca.)

Unfiltered Spanish olive oil, my favorite olive oil, is available in specialty food stores in Mallorca. Stock up, it is nearly impossible to find outside of Spain, but well worth the search.

The sandals by Nagore, made in Menorca, have not left my feet since I bought them. Soft and comfortable, these are worn by men, women and children in the Balearic Islands and cost around 30 Euros.