I remember when I first reached out to a girl named Kristine about blogging on books and getting paid for it back in March 2016. Not much mind you – but money was part of the offer. She kept emailing. She sent me a friend request on Facebook. She kept emailing me. I truly thought she was a weirdo. Finally, I thought okay you stupid girl (meaning me) take a chance on this one.
Eight years later it is all history. What a journey it has been. I have read and reviewed 198 books for Lone Star Literary Life. 198! I have helped promote just as many. I’ve been exposed to memorable stories by authors who put their hearts and souls into their craft. I have met beautiful authors with genuine souls. Like, Linda Broday, Teddy Jones, Grace Blair, KJ Waters, James Stoddard, and Ben English, just to name a few.
The stories I have read have filled my bookshelves. Yes, there were some disasters. Quite thankful it was not too many. Overall, the books have been gems. Gems I would never have picked up if it were not for Kristine and being part of Lone Star.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Kristine for giving me stories that took my breath away, stories that made me cry, stories that made me smile, and stories that simply made me feel good after the last page was turned. Most importantly, thank you for your patience through hiccups and for giving me feedback on reviews to make them stronger.
Kristine has given her all to Lone Star Literary Life. Now a new chapter begins for her and Lone Star. Bestest wishes to the new owner, Amy.
Thank you, thank you, Kristine, for all the stories. I am thankful I took a chance on you and Lone Star.
Forgotten Winds 
Love love love this post…I remember Kristine reaching out to me. I still don’t remember how she found me (but she probably does!), but it was the best decision to work with LSLL. One era ends but another begins.
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Thank you! 💕💕💕
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And looking at your post some more — your book cover montage takes me down memory lane. We truly have had some remarkable books come across LSLL, and yeah, a few stinkers for sure. (I have learned to ask better questions regarding editing! ha!). Just love this post.
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Fantabulous stories and beautiful books! These were just the bestest of my photos.
💕💕💕
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I’m not crying, YOU ARE. Christena, this touches me more than you can ever imagine. I am so glad that we became connected those years ago (even if I did have to bribe you with CASH. HA!). You have been indispensable as a member of the blogger team, but better than your LSLL posts, is the friendship we have that’s not going anywhere. Love ya to the moon and back.
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Tears of gratitude are the bestest. Love our friendship. Wish lived closer to each other. Love ya! 💕💕
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What a terrific tribute to our fearless leader and wonderful transition to the new fearless leader. Thanks for sharing this, Christena.
I met Kristine in 2018, or 19, I forget – and she has been a wonderful friend as well as wonderful person to work for/with. She has shown incredible patience with me, too, for things that I may forget, or catching a typo in my post.
I really appreciate Kristine and look forward to forming a strong bond with Amy. As my Spanish neighbor just told me over lunch Avanza, no retrocede – Go forward not back.
Happy retirement, Kristine.
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Thanks for sharing your story, Maryann! 💕💕
Yes, bestest wishes to Kristine. Bestest wishes to Amy!
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I love this post SO much! A great tribute to Kristine.
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💕💕💕💕💯💯
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