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Here To Stay

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Madison Toussaint has spent most of her life existing rather than truly living. On paper, she has everything — stability, success, and a carefully structured life — but behind it all is a quiet longing for more.

More freedom.

More purpose.

More life.

So when she takes the biggest leap she’s ever dared and opens the art gallery she’s always dreamed of, she never expects it to come with reopening a chapter she thought was long closed.

Because walking back into her world is the one man she never truly let go of.

Isaiah Davenport.

Back in Houston, a city marked by grief and regret, Isaiah never planned to stay long. His life and the future he built are waiting elsewhere. But the moment he sees Madison again, one truth becomes impossible to

What they had was never as finished as they believed.

Drawn together by history and something deeper they can’t quite name, they find themselves navigating the fragile space between who they were and who they’ve become. As old feelings resurface, so do the truths they once avoided and the wounds they never fully healed.

Now, standing at the intersection of past and present, they must face the question neither of them can

Can love be rebuilt on broken ground… or will the weight of what they’ve lost keep them apart for good?

A heartfelt, dual-POV romance about forgiveness, grace, and the courage to choose love again.

Perfect for readers who

Second chance romanceEmotional, character driven storytellingAll the feels with low spiceLove stories rooted in grace

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2026

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About the author

Krystle Barrington

4 books4 followers

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5 stars
14 (48%)
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11 (37%)
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4 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Shawn M..
980 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2026
This was a beautiful second chance romance.
Profile Image for KM Howard.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 21, 2026
This is the author’s debut novel, and I think she did a phenomenal job. It’s a story that’s sweet and relatable. The characters carry their scars in quiet ways. Watching Madison and Isaiah slowly let each other in was the best part for me. Their chemistry felt organic and not rushed, which I can appreciate.

I enjoyed the balance between vulnerability with hope. It’s a story about choosing love but also the characters are on their own personal healing journey at the same time.

What stayed with me the most is the connection between Madison and Isaiah. There are so many scenes in the book that reminded me that love can be a bit messy sometimes, but beautiful nonetheless. I was literally rooting for two people who you’d swear I’ve actually met!

Here to Stay gave me all the feels. At one point I even cried because I was rooting for the characters so hard. If you like second chance romance, I highly recommend this book.

Lastly, I would love to read Paige and Drew’s story next! I’m excited to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Whitney West.
Author 1 book2 followers
May 2, 2026
I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy, and Here to Stay is exactly what it promises: steady, sincere, and deeply felt.

What a beautiful love story. I truly enjoyed getting to know Madison and Isaiah, and found pieces of myself reflected in both of them in ways that felt honest and grounding.

Krystle’s debut novel is a refreshing take on second-chance love; one that doesn’t rely on fantasy or perfection, but instead leans into what’s real. It’s tender without being naïve, and hopeful without ignoring the complexity of relationships. The story explores growth, faith, and community in a way that feels natural, not forced.

What stood out most is how it gently reminds us that people aren’t as perfect as they may appear on the outside. Everyone is carrying something, and this story honors that truth with care and compassion.

From beginning to end, I was fully engaged, rooting for Madison and Isaiah every step of the way.

Cheers to you, Krystle! This is a strong debut, and I’d absolutely love to see where this story goes next. Part II, maybe??
Profile Image for Carolyn Vinyard Brown.
1 review
August 17, 2026
This was such a sweet, fun, and genuinely enjoyable romance! 💕

What I loved most was how the characters honored the difficult feelings they had while still giving us a romance that was actually healthy. Madison and Isaiah communicate, respect each other, support one another, and genuinely seem to like each other—and honestly, it was refreshing to read a love story that didn’t need unnecessary drama or toxicity to keep things interesting.

It’s the kind of book you can pick up when you want something charming, entertaining, and easy to get lost in. There’s plenty of sweetness, plenty of fun, and just enough romance to leave you smiling.

This was such a lovely debut novel and a wonderful accomplishment. I’m so excited to see what this author writes next! 💕
1 review
May 1, 2026
I've really enjoyed reading this book so far (I'm not finished yet)! I've really enjoyed getting to know the characters and being introduced to their worlds. Nothing has been predictable or too drawn out. Krystle does storytelling in a way that feels honest, unafraid, and real. As a writer, she doesn't shy away from the complexities of her characters' lives or the stories they live. I really have enjoyed this book so far. I'll be back to finish this review once I've finished the book, but well done Krystle!!
Profile Image for Sharhonda Exantus.
Author 4 books34 followers
September 12, 2026
A beautiful romance story! I knew from the first chapter that I would connect with the FMC, Madison. Her decision to chase her dreams resonated with me, and her bond with Isaiah was something you could feel through the pages. This is a beautifully written book that makes you believe in love again!
Profile Image for Emilda J.
Author 2 books9 followers
September 14, 2026
Really enjoyed this book and following Madison and Isaiah's journey. I think this is the perfect book if you're looking for a feel good second chance romance that highlights black love. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Ke’.
259 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2026
Very well written Christian romance! This is the first novel I’ve read in a long time that had ZERO errors and it’s indie published!
Profile Image for Kiya Jordan.
60 reviews
August 5, 2026
Such a cute and beautiful story. My first by the author but not my last can’t wait to see what else she writes!
1 review
June 1, 2026
Loved this read! While it is a romance, in many ways, it is a coming of age story for the protagonist. From start to finish, you see her grow and mature. I also love that this love story is not picture perfect. The characters are navigating real life issues while trying to figure how to love.

Here to Stay is proof that a romance novel can be well written and passionate without spice.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews