Welcome, Kristine Raymond!

Today, I’d like to introduce everyone to Kristine Raymond, creator of Kangaroo Reads, a website for writers and readers. As she says:

“I know the challenges authors face trying to promote their books, especially if they're just starting out. That's why I created Kangaroo Reads. It's a place for authors to showcase their new releases, discounted titles, and freebies, and a place for readers to discover their next favorite author, not to mention get in on some great deals!”

She graciously put my new release “His Precious Cargo” on Kangaroo Reads, and if you read last Friday’s post about how badly I botched my book release, you’ll understand how priceless it is to have a fellow writer offer to “Help a Sister Out!” I know it's what we do as authors, but that doesn't make it any less appreciated.

Aside from coordinating Kangaroo Reads, Kristine is also an indie author with several titles and even a non-fiction book under her belt. She didn’t figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up until later in life. But, since growing up is about attitude and not years, we're just glad she finally realized she wanted to be an author. She has spent the past two years writing (very prolifically, I might add!), and learning how to navigate the publishing and promotional side of the business. Six books have been released in her Hidden Springs series and she is working on the seventh. When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and furry family.

She is the author of Here to Stay, Hearts on Fire, Abby’s Heart, A Chance on Love, A Will of Her Own, Dancing in the Dark, and a contemporary novella called By Dawn’s Early Light, and a non-fiction book titled ‘write words’ - A Year in the Life of an Indie Author. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. You can also visit her website to keep up with her latest news.

The inspiration behind her Hidden Springs series is the Old West. Kristine says, “I’ve always loved the Old West. The vast frontier. The spirit of the men and women who lived there. The way people banded together in moments of need. I knew I wanted to write a story set in that time period, specifically with an independent woman as the central character, but not so independent that she was resistant to falling in love. And, of course, I needed a main man to win her over.”

A perfect formula for "Here to Stay!"

Sam Mackenzie rode into the town of Hidden Springs looking for a place to belong. He takes a job at Ryan’s Ranch and is immediately attracted to the ranch’s pretty, female, owner.
Kate Ryan is a woman determined to make it on her own. Chafing at the thought of having to hire help, she nonetheless falls for the handsome stranger who answers her ad.

When they meet, sparks fly and they are drawn to each other. But life in 1867 Arizona Territory isn’t easy. When a secret from Kate’s past comes to light, they are each faced with the challenge of making a difficult decision.
Will they turn and run or are they here to stay?