I write PG-rated coming-of-age stories that act as a 'safe haven' for readers. My books are all about the journey of growing up & focusing on self-esteem, true friendships, & healthy, respectful romances. Whether you’re reading my YA series, my New Adult titles, or my younger teen stories, you’re always going to find an uplifting story that helps you 'find your voice & find your way.'" - KLH
About Krysten Lindsay Hager
Welcome! I write heartfelt, PG-rated coming-of-age stories designed to feel like a warm hug. My books are for readers who want to explore the journey of growing up from the high school experiences in my Cecily Taylor series to the higher-stakes world of college, celebrity, and athletics in my Stars in the City series.
Regardless of the age of my protagonists, every story I write is anchored in the same core values: championing self-esteem, strong friendships, and healthy romances.
My goal is to help readers find their voice and find their way through stories that are uplifting, hopeful, and engaging.
Cecily in the City won the 2023 Readers Favorite Award for best young adult romance. Her debut novel, True Colors, won the Readers Favorite award for best preteen book as well as the Dayton Book Expo Bestseller Award for children/teens. Competing with the Star is a Readers' Favorite Book Award Finalist. Best Friends...Forever? is a 2019 Readers' Favorite Silver Medal Winner. Landry in Like is a Literary Classics Gold Medal recipient and a 2020 Readers' Favorite Bronze Medal Winner. Can Dreams Come True and True Colors were both Wishing Book Shelf Finalists. She received her BA in English and master's degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.
Krysten's work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Bellbrook Times, Springfield News-Sun, Grand Blanc View, Dayton Daily News and on Living Dayton. She is a frequent guest host on the Michigan Avenue Media podcast with Marsha Casper Cook.
"I’m a big fan of characters who are working to find their place in the world, & I LOVE writing 'cinnamon roll' heroes who support them along the way. I write clean, PG-rated coming-of-age novels that celebrate healthy relationships & the power of friendship. I have YA books & a New Adult series, but they share the same heart as they’re stories about growing up, finding your voice, & choosing yourself."- KLH
Why I Write
I write novels about friendships, dating, hope, love, dealing with self-esteem, & appreciating what makes you unique.
My books have always been about helping readers feel less alone in what they're dealing with & giving hope, comfort, & a happily ever after.
The world always makes us feel like we have to conform to fit in and who we are isn’t enough and my goal is to make my readers feel that what makes you different is what makes you special. I wasted too many years of my life trying to be who the world told me I should be and I want to stop others from having to go through that.
My books deal with self-doubt, romance, and finding where you belong, as well as finding your person. My sister jokes my books are an airing of my grievances, but I like to think I’m just working through issues via my characters to help my readers work through theirs. Either way, the bumps along the road gave me a lot of material.