Sunday, August 11, 2019

Gators, Guts, & Glory by Lauralee "Blissful" Bliss


About the Book



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 Review

Whew! Let me catch my breath after reading this book! Lol I am so like the absolute non-hiker type, I really didn't know what to expect from Gator, Guts, & Glory. I was really pleasantly surprised! I felt our author's storytelling abilities in first person made the experience real and raw. I felt like I had accompanied our author on her hike by the time I finished the book! I enjoyed that it wasn't a super long read, and I enjoyed all the faith elements, and how the author learned more about God as a result of her hike. I was really scared for our author a lot of times too (I wanted to close my eyes until it was over lol), but I really enjoyed the journey even though in reality I am just not a hiker. I think I would like to know this adventurous, determined woman as a friend, because I felt like I knew her really well by the end of the book. I found faith, inspiration, and an exciting journey with a well-described backdrop, and this book honestly was just unexpected and fun. I recommend this book for the outdoors person, but also someone looking for an adventurous, inspiring story!


I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own. 




About the Author



 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. Btu 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



Giveaway


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
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