Evening, book nerds!
So I haven’t started the year off like I hoped/wanted to, but I have had a wonderful start to 2019 by allowing this week-long break.
As I sit here watching the Golden Globes tonight feeling inspired by the speeches (Here’s looking at you Glenn Close), I finally felt like it was time to get back to the blog.
But before I bring a lot of the content I’ve been prepping for 2019, I owe it to the 5 incredible creators on my advent calendar series that escaped me during the hectic holiday season.
Since I haven’t posted since last year 😉, here’s a quick recap of my holiday-themed series:
From Dec. 1 to Dec. 25(ish), I’ll be highlighting one content creator that has made an impact in my bookish life. Each post will feature a mini bio on the day’s selected star, all of the links to their fabulous content, and a special holiday-themed glimpse into their lives.
Let’s dive back in to my Holiday ADVENTure and open door #20!! 
*Shh…let’s just pretend that’s still accurate! Christmas cheer is needed year round, right?
It’s…
Kristine from Hall Ways Blog!
One of the biggest blessings of my 2018 blogging journey was being introduced to Kristine!
At the time of our first email exchange (back in Jan.), this coffee-loving librarian was the coordinator for Lone Star Book Blog Tours, an organization that highlights Texas books, authors, and bloggers.
As we’ve already established in these posts, I’m thrilled to partake in anything that will show of my #TexasPride so I was beyond excited when I was asked to join the team and become a member of this amazing organization. 
And by doing so, not only have I been introduced to a wonderful group of peers, but I’ve also been able to read, review, and promote books that I’d probably never encounter if I was left to my own devices. And that would have been a shame because I’ve been able to explore genres I’ve never picked up before, uncover characters I’ve grown to love, and even learned a handful of new facts and places to explore in my beloved state.
And throughout the entire journey, Kristine has been there to provide kind — and most importantly — honest feedback, answer an absurd amount of my “silly” questions, and make me laugh with her daily memes of grammar humor.
Exposing yourself to new opportunities can be scary, but it can also introduce you to talented people. People that are eager to teach you and inspire you. And whether it’s via her ability to cross promote like the best of them (seriously look at all those platforms!) or her ability to straight-up hustle, Kristine is one busy lady that definitely inspires.
In fact, it was recently brought to my attention that her hard work and ambition came with a title change:
Kristine has just been announced as the new owner and publisher of Lone Star Literary Life, an online newspaper that covers all things literary in Texas. She’s a Texas native and has served as coordinator for Lone Star Book Blog Tours for nearly three years, working with nearly 200 authors and publishers to promote Texas books and authors. A professional reviewer for numerous publicity services, authors, and publishers, Hall is a graduate of Texas A&M University and earned her master’s degree in library science from Sam Houston State University. She is an active member of the Texas Library Association and a proud member of the Grammar Police. Her book reviews can be found on Hall Ways Blog.
See what I mean? She’s a total badass. And she’s someone I can’t wait to learn more from in 2019! Check out her pages below, and continue on to see how she spends the holidays:
* BLOG * TWITTER * INSTAGRAM * GOODREADS * FACEBOOK * PINTEREST * GOOGLE PLUS * LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE *
1) What is your favorite thing to do around the holidays/favorite holiday tradition?
This has evolved a lot over the years, and it’s going to make me sound ancient (I’m only semi-ancient) and boring, but I’ll be honest. After growing five kids, we’re now empty-nesters, so we enjoy new traditions as a couple instead of as parents. Yeah, there’s still the annual viewing of our favorite holiday shows (The Grinch, A Christmas Story), but now we’re all about making the holidays simple and quiet.
2) What is your favorite holiday scent? Or favorite holiday movie if you don’t have a fave scent?
Nothing like Frosted Cranberry candles from Bath & Body Works!
3) What is your favorite holiday drink or dish?
Anything anyone else cooks or mixes and hands to me!
4) What is your favorite holiday jam?
I’m a sucker for the Christmas Albums by Nat King Cole, James Taylor, and The Carpenters!
5) What is the number 1 book you hope Santa/family friend brings you?
The Colors of All the Cattle by Andrew McCall Smith.
It’s the latest in the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series.
Love that series.
6) What is something you’re thankful for in 2018?
Holy cow. I can’t think of anything I am NOT thankful for. Even on the hardest days, I know that I live a charmed life and every day I get to live it is a gift.
7) What’s one of your goals for 2019?
Since I’ll be the new publisher of Lone Star Literary Life in January, what’s on my mind right now is to stay true to the goals originally set forth by LSLL nearly four years ago: to help readers in Texas (and the world beyond) discover Texas books, Texas authors, and all things literary in Texas. But I want to take it to the next level (whatever that may be)!
Dec. 1: Kaleena🎄Dec. 2: Meeghan🎄Dec. 3: Heather🎄Dec. 4: Mia🎄Dec. 5: Spencer🎄Dec. 6: Nicole🎄Dec. 7: Destiny🎄Dec. 8: Michaela🎄Dec. 9: Siobhan🎄Dec. 10: Emma🎄Dec. 11: Kayla🎄Dec. 12: Sol🎄Dec. 13: Scrill🎄Dec. 14: KJo🎄Dec. 15: Bee🎄Dec. 16: Melanie🎄Dec. 17: J.W.🎄Dec. 18: Shanah🎄Dec. 19: Chandler🎄Dec. 20: Kristine
It’s been a year 😉 (are we tired of this joke yet??), but I truly hope these delayed #HolidayADVENTure posts still make you smile! I am so fortunate to have met Kristine in 2018 and I’m glad that many of you will meet her now in 2019! Enjoy her links and content! Happy Reading, loves!
nerdnarrationblog.wordpress.com 
Awww YAY, how exciting that Kristine gets to begin the new adventure this year as publisher and thanks for highlighting her! Definitely relate to treats I didn’t have to cook as well!
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This just makes my week. Thank you so much for featuring me. It is a much needed feel-good boost and reminder that what I am doing makes a difference! (for some people, anyhow!) I appreciate YOU and all your contributions to the LSBBT team. You rock! Merry Christmas in January!
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