A native of the Northwest, Kristina McMorris resides in Oregon with her husband Daniel and the "munchkins," their two beloved sons, Tristan and Kiernan. Due to her Japanese-Irish descent, this "hapa" (half Asian and Caucasian) strives to live her life with an equal amount of humor and passion.

Though considered a "jack" of many artistic trades, McMorris's deepest passions lie in writing and performing. Her composition background includes being a contributing writer for Portland Bride & Groom magazine, working in the Communications Department for former Oregon Governor John A. Kitzhaber, and ten years of speech writing and directing public relations for her family's 18-company conglomerate, the Yoshida Group (perhaps most recognized for its line of Mr. Yoshida's Gourmet Sauces).

In fall of 2000, Kristina caught her first glimpse of the literary world when she self-published Grandma Jean's Rainy Day Recipes, a project originally intended as a holiday gift for her grandmother. The cookbook was soon carried in such retail stores as Borders Books, and was featured in numerous network television programs and national publications. While gathering information for the book's biographical section, Kristina happened across a letter her grandfather mailed to his "sweetheart" during his World War II naval service - a letter that inspired McMorris to write her first novel in 2005.

Kristina has more than twenty years of experience as a professional actress in television and film, both independent and major motion pictures. She began to hone her skills as an on-camera personality at the age of nine when she embarked on a five-year stint as the host of an Emmy and Ollie award-winning kids' weekly television program (ABC network-affiliate KATU), and now hosts the WB's weekly TV show Weddings Portland Style (2001-present).

Named one of Portland's "Forty Under 40" by The Business Journal, McMorris earned her B.S. in International Marketing at Pepperdine University. She is a professional event planner and emcee, and advocate of many charitable causes for children. She is also a proud member of Willamette Writers, RWA, PRO, The Golden Network, Rose City Romance Writers, and Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.