Gators, Guts, and Glory

Celebrate Lit Book Tour

About the Book Gators Guts and Glory

Book: Gators, Guts, & Glory

Author: Lauralee “Blissful” Bliss

Genre: Non-Fiction, Hiking, Adventure

Release date: July 15, 2019

Wander on the wild and humorous side of adventure with long-distance hiker Lauralee Bliss (trail name Blissful), hiking the 1,100-mile Florida Trail from Big Cypress National Preserve to Gulf Islands National Seashore. From alligators and cottonmouths to tenting among the palmettos and walking on water, from forests of cypress knees and lofty pine to the help of trail angels along the way, “Blissful” uncovers the hidden gems of glory in this National Scenic Trail with a unique journey unlike any other.

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts on Gators Guts and Glory:

I now want to go hike in Florida because I want to see for myself all the things that were visited.   But also I don’t because of snakes and alligators.  No thank you.  I’m not so keen on those.  

This book was well written.  It was a quick read.  Definitely different from my normal reading books.  I love me some murder mystery type books and this is definitely as far from them as it can get. There is a bit of suspense though because you never know if maybe she’ll get bitten by a snake or chased by an alligator. 

Ever thought of hiking?  I love hiking but I don’t do it on a professional scale.  We like to hike up and down our bluff and that’s about the most we ever do.  This book makes me want to go find some trails around us to hike.  See some new sights and visit some new places.

I think you’ll like this book.  It’s one I’m going to recommend.  Even if it’s not your normal type of book still give it a go.  You might be surprised how much you like it.  

While it doesn’t read like a fiction book the author does have a nice style of writing that keeps you engrossed.  My mind was not wandering as it does with some non-fiction type books when I just can’t seem to engage.  I was engaged with this book and definitely was introduced to some new places and spaces. 

But though I love the thought of visiting these places I am just gonna look them up on my computer okay?  Because I do have a knowledge of cottonmouths and I’d rather avoid them.  We have them around here as well as rattlesnakes and copperheads and I really don’t want to visit somewhere else on a bit of vacation that also has poisonous snakes.  No thanks.  I’m just not a snake kinda person.  Shudder.  We have a mutual understanding of you leave me alone and I’ll leave you alone. 

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations. 

About the Author of Gators Guts and Glory

Lauralee Bliss is an avid adventurer, one of only a few women to hike the entire Appalachian Trail both north and south. She is also the published author of over 25 romance novels and novellas. Lauralee’s desire is that readers will come away with both an entertaining story and a lesson that ministers to the heart. She makes her home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

More from Lauralee

Why hike the Florida Trail of all things?

L – I’ve had several adventures under my belt, like completing the Appalachian Trail twice (see book one in the Hiking Adventure Series – Mountains, Madness and Miracles – 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail)! We used to vacation in Florida as many do come winter, and once we came upon the Florida Trail sign. I couldn’t imagine hiking among the palm trees. After talking to other hikers who had done it, I knew it would be a unique experience unlike any other. After all, why should life be boring?

It all sounds kind of dangerous – the alligators, the swamps. Were you scared?

L – I’ll admit there are facets of hiking that can cause scary situations. Once I got stuck in mud-like quicksand. In Florida, it’s known as sucking mud, and I thought I’d never get out of it. Can you imagine? I also had some rough weather, dangerous water crossings, and an encounter with a cottonmouth. But through it, I learned about God’s peace and His saving hand in situations where you really have no control.

What did you do to prepare?

L – I hiked as much as I could. I talked with other hikers and asked questions. I joined online trail forums to find out about the Florida Trail. I bought the guidebook for it. I believe one should always try to prepare and not venture into something blind. But of course, there’s always the unexpected, which adds to the adventure aspect.

What lessons did you learn?

L – What one can accomplish in life if you keep going and not give up, despite the challenging situations thrust your way. I like to go on these journeys to witness God’s care in my life firsthand and seeing the kindness of others to help a hiker in need. I’ve had people try to give me money. Folks that invited me into their homes or given me rides. The human spirit is amazing and one of the most valuable things I experienced.

What else can you tell us about yourself?

L – I am an avid adventurer covering thousands of trail miles in the US from east to west including two completions of the Appalachian Trail, the Colorado Trail, the Long Trail of Vermont, the Allegheny Trail of West Virginia, and the Foothills Trail of South Carolina. I have also authored of over 25 romance novels and novellas and when not writing or hiking, I love to talk to others about hiking. My motto is – make your dream come true! (and it has, in more ways than one)

Blog Stops for Gators Guts and Glory

Lighthouse Academy, July 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 31

Mary Hake, August 1

Inklings and notions, August 1

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6

Girls in White Dresses, August 7

Texas Book-aholic, August 8

Just the Write Escape, August 9

janicesbookreviews, August 10

A Reader’s Brain, August 11

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 12

Giveaway for Gators Guts and Glory

To celebrate her tour, Lauralee is giving away a grand prize of a $25 REI gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e547/gators-guts