#FIRSTLOOK: THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS PRESENT “EVER AFTER”

The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) is delighted to announce the launch of Ever After presented by Rakuten Kobo, the organization’s inaugural romance festival. Following a sold-out autumn line-up of events featuring celebrated literary luminaries Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, Rachel Maddow, and R.F. Kuang, TIFA’s enchanting new romance festival will take place in Toronto November 21-23 at the Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel.

“Our first annual Ever After Romance Festival is a celebration of beginnings, in books, in love, and in life,” says Festival Artistic Director Roland Gulliver. “From first crushes to first novels, from stumbling into a new genre to recognizing The One, you never forget your first. This festival is a love letter to those pivotal, unforgettable experiences, refracted through the lens of romance literature.”

Readers and authors alike are invited to indulge in a weekend of engaging panel discussions, intimate book signings, and inspiring interactive workshops. From grand historical love affairs to sizzling modern-day encounters Ever After offers something to stir every heart.

“Following the success of MOTIVE, TIFA’s Crime and Mystery Festival, it seemed a natural fit to welcome romance readers and fans into the TIFA fold and celebrate the passionate writing community who have redefined the publishing landscape in recent years,” continues Festival Artistic Director Roland Gulliver. “Like they did for the first edition of MOTIVE, we are thrilled that Rakuten Kobo has stepped up to make the first edition of Ever After possible.”

“At Kobo, we’ve always championed the power of storytelling, and nowhere is that passion more evident than within the romance community,” says Michael Tamblyn, CEO of Rakuten Kobo. “Romance readers are, without a doubt, some of our most voracious and passionate customers, devouring stories with an incredible enthusiasm that inspires us every day. We are delighted to support a festival that celebrates this vibrant genre and its dedicated readership.”

The inaugural festival will feature a wide range of events with signature experiences including:

The Ever After Ball: Authors, readers, and romantics come together for a magical evening of candlelight, dance, and storytelling. Dance cards will be filled, secrets whispered, fortunes told and debut authors honoured in a dazzling spotlight.

High Tea: Two elegant afternoons with authors featuring classic cakes, tea, sandwiches, stories, and conversation.

Blind Date with a Book: Sponsored by Harlequin, this playful experience lets readers discover their next great love story wrapped in mystery.

Tarot Workshops: Led by author Lori Dyan, these sessions explore intuition, inspiration, and the intersection of destiny and storytelling.

The festival will also shine a spotlight on acclaimed and emerging romance authors.

Programme highlights include:

Cecelia Ahern Paper Heart, PS I Love You

Kelley Armstrong Writing Mr. Wrong, Bitten

Bailey Hannah Change of Heart, Wells Ranch Series

Briar Boleyn The Bond That Burns, Bloodwing Academy Series

Jenny Colgan The Secret Christmas Library, The Christmas Bookshop

Nisha J. Tulli Not Safe for Work, The Nightfire Quartet Series

Amy James Crash Test, A Five Letter Word for Love

Uzma Jalaluddin Much Ado About Nada, Detective Aunty

For aspiring novelists, Ever After will offer practical and inspiring professional development opportunities, including TIFA’s renowned Masterclasses, a Romance Editor Q&A, and a Self-Publishing Session presented by Kobo Writing Life.

Whether a lifelong romance reader or newly curious, readers will find themselves in excellent company with bestselling authors, passionate fans, and unforgettable stories waiting to be discovered. At Ever After, the next great love story might just begin with the turning of the page.

Tickets and festival passes are available now at FestivalofAuthors.ca.

About TIFA:

The Toronto International Festival of Authors has been inspiring readers and celebrating books and storytelling for 50 years. The charitable organization presents its flagship literary Festival each fall, while offering year-round programming including the MOTIVE Crime & Mystery Festival, Ever After, TIFA’s Romance Festival, the TIFA Presents series of high-profile author talks, Toronto Lit Up book launches, and the International Visitors Program. Since 1974, TIFA has welcomed thousands of authors from more than 100 countries, including 22 Nobel Laureates and countless award winners. The organization is a proud member of the Canadian Association of Literary Festivals (CALF) and the Global Alliance of Literary Festivals (GaoLF).

TIFA gratefully acknowledges our Season Supporter, the Weston Foundations; Presenting Sponsor, Rakuten Kobo; Supporting Sponsor, Harlequin; and our Global Authors Club, for providing additional philanthropic support. We’d also like to thank the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Ontario, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, the Toronto Arts Council, the Work In Culture Catalyst and Transformation Fund, the Centre for Creativity at Victoria University, and TIFA’s generous donors and supporters who understand that great literature is worth investing in.