Author Spotlight: Hailey Gardiner

Her Light & Her Legacy

Feb 13, 2025

Honoring Hailey

When I dreamed up the idea for this newsletter a couple of months ago, I knew I wanted to start doing author spotlights to highlight closed-door authors. I never imagined my first one would be under such heartbreaking circumstances.

On Tuesday, I opened Instagram to a tragic post about the passing of one of my favorite authors, Hailey Gardiner.

She was so young. Just days before, she had been posting on Instagram, sharing her light and hope with the world. I loved following her because she radiated positivity, joy, and faith. Her kindness and creativity shone through in everything she did, and her books brought that same warmth to so many readers.

Highlighting Hailey in my first author spotlight feels like a small, but hopefully meaningful, way to honor her legacy, share her work with others, and support her family in this unbelievably difficult season.

Hailey once said she hoped her books would “sweep you out of any hardships you might be experiencing” and “add a little light to your life as you read them.”

I believe they will do just that.

Hailey’s Books

Falling for Franklin Series

This was her first series. I haven’t read this one yet, but it is on my list! I feel like The Duet will be one of my new favorite books!

The Holiduel - A second chance, holiday prequel to the rest of the series that follows a romance between previous pastry school rivals.
The Retreat - An enemies to lovers, neighbors romance that takes place in Asheville, NC!
The Make Up - A friends to lovers romance set against a fall backdrop.
The Duet - A brother’s best friend romance between two songwriters.

Kitt’s Harbor Series

I read both of these books shortly after they were released last year, and I absolutely loved both of them! This small town and these characters feel incredibly cozy and homey.

Girl Meets Grump - A slow burn, opposites attract, small town romance set in the Pacific Northwest.
Home Run Heart - A second chance sports romance between a single mom and a baseball player.

In Closing…

If you haven’t read Hailey’s books yet, I hope you’ll consider picking one up and letting her words bring a little extra light into your life.

I am so grateful for the stories she shared, the joy she spread, and the no spice community she helped cultivate. And I believe her books will continue to brighten the lives of so many readers - like you!