#BOOKS: TIFA ANNOUNCE “EVER AFTER” ROMANCE FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY RAKUTEN KOBO

Media are invited to turn up the heat as the temperatures dip, with Ever After presented by Rakuten Kobo, the Toronto International Festival of Authors’ (TIFA) inaugural romance festival taking place in Toronto November 21-23, 2025 at the Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel.

Escape for a weekend filled with romance, high tea, engaging panel discussions, intimate book signings, inspiring interactive workshops and a themed costume ball. From steamy contemporary love affairs to queer romance and romantasy, Ever After offers something to quicken every heartbeat.

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

The Ever After Ball: Guests are invited to don their finest Romantasy or Regency fashion and dance the night away. Expect live performances, dance lessons, magical corners, a touch of mystery, and well-deserved recognition for debut authors.

High Tea: Sit down with beloved authors Cecelia Ahern (PS I Love You, Paper Hearts), Bailey Hannah (Wells Ranch series) and Marissa Stapley (pen name Julia McKay, bestselling author of Lucky, the first Canadian Reese’s Book Club Pick) for an afternoon of engaging storytelling. Guests can expect a banquet-style set-up, and will be served classic High Tea fixings such as scones, cream & preserves, finger sandwiches, fruit tartlets, coffee & tea.

Blind Date with a Book: Guests are invited to discover their next great love story – shrouded in mystery. Sponsored by Harlequin, this playful experience sets readers up on the perfect blind date with a complimentary (secret!) book. Guests will peruse wrapped books tagged with romance tropes such as Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Second Chance Romance & More!

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

Meet the brilliant storytellers who capture every heartbeat, heartbreak, and happily-ever-after:

Cecellia Ahern, explores the tender fragility of love in Paper Heart and the timeless classic PS I Love You.

Kelley Armstrong, turns desire and danger into irresistible tension in Writing Mr. Wrong.

Bailey Hannah, brings rugged charm and second chances to life in the Wells Ranch Series.

Briar Boleyn, ignites fantasy and passion in The Bond That Burns from her Bloodwing Academy Series.

Jenny Colgan, wraps romance in cozy magic with The Secret Christmas Library.

Nisha J. Tuli, blends heat and high stakes in Not Safe for Work.

Amy James, explores love in motion in Crash Test.

Uzma Jalaluddin, spins modern wit and heart into Much Ado About Nada.

Event Information:

Ever After Ball:

Sat. Nov 22 • 7:00pm-11:00PM • The Yorkville Royal Sonesta • 2nd Floor

Blind Date with a Book:

Sat. Nov 22 • 4:30pm • The Yorkville Royal Sonesta • 2nd Floor

High Tea & Paper Hearts with Cecelia Ahern

Fri. Nov 21 • 4:30pm • The Yorkville Royal Sonesta • 2nd Floor

High Tea at the Ranch with Bailey Hannah and Julia McKay

Sun. Nov 23 • 5:30pm • The Yorkville Royal Sonesta • 2nd Floor

Follow along on social:

Facebook: facebook.com/FestofAuthors/

Instagram: instagram.com/festofauthors/

YouTube: youtube.com/user/AuthorsatHC

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, the TIFA 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.

#BOOKS: TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

The Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) celebrated an inspiring year in the world of literature and publishing with its 46th Annual Festival which took place October 29-November 2, 2025. The Festival’s new 5-day format featured more than 100 events, including engaging author conversations, thought-provoking panels, masterclasses, interactive workshops and book signings. Since its inception TIFA has established Toronto as a global leader in uniting authors and audiences.

2025 marked TIFA’s inaugural year as an independent organization, offering audiences new and exciting ways to engage with its authors and events. The change represents the next chapter in TIFA’s storied history of championing literary excellence in a city that has produced so many world-renowned writers.

Held at the historic Victoria University in the University of Toronto, the Festival transformed the heart of the city into a vibrant hub for literary exchange and creative exploration.

The Festival kicked-off with a captivating conversation with the PEN Canada Graeme Gibson Talk 2025: Notes on the New America with Rachel Maddow and Rebecca Solnit, a powerful opening that set the tone for a week of insightful conversations and vibrant celebration of the written word.

“With thousands of book lovers flocking to events throughout the Festival, this has been our busiest and best-attended festival in many years,” said Roland Gulliver, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Festival of Authors. “We’ve been delighted with the audience response to our new venue, Victoria University at the University of Toronto, which was alive with storytelling and conversation over the five days of our fantastic programme. The Festival’s growth is a testament to the passionate readers of Toronto and beyond, and to the talented writers who travelled here from far and wide to share their ideas and stories.”

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED:

Kōtarō Isaka had his first North American appearance promoting his new novel, Hotel Lucky Seven

Kiran Desai: The 2006 Man Booker Prize Winner presents her new novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny (Booker longlisted for 2025) in her only Canadian appearance

Richard Armitage: TV star of The Hobbit and many Harlan Coben adaptations on his new novel, The Cut (photo above)

Alka Joshi New York Times and Toronto Star Best Selling Author discussed her newest historical novel Six Days in Bombay

CANADIAN VOICES

A spotlight on Canada’s most acclaimed authors:

Giller Prize winners Ian Williams, Michael Redhill, and Souvankham Thammavongsa launched their new novels

Much loved Canadian authors Thomas King, Madeleine Thien, Emma Donoghue, and Guy Gavriel Kay presented their new books

Andrew Coyne, Globe & Mail columnist, spoke on Canada’s democratic institutions

Brian Stewart on his life as a foreign correspondent with the CBC

Joy Fielding took audiences on a ride with her newest thriller Jenny Cooper Has a Secret

FESTIVAL OF INDIGENOUS STORIES, CO-CURATED WITH NIIGAAN SINCLAIR:

A spotlight on Canada’s Indigenous Voices:

Brian Thomas Isaac

David A Robertson

Katherena Vermette

Kyle Edwards

Tracey Lindberg

Follow along on social:

Facebook: facebook.com/FestofAuthors/

Instagram: instagram.com/festofauthors/

YouTube: youtube.com/user/AuthorsatHC

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, the TIFA 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; our Global Authors Club, for providing additional philanthropic support; 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.

(Photo credit: Shawn Goldberg)

#BOOKS: 46TH ANNUAL TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL BEGINS TODAY

Media are invited to celebrate the art of storytelling at the 46th Annual Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA). This year’s Festival showcases more than 100 events, including engaging author conversations, insightful panels, masterclasses, interactive workshops, book signings, and unique experiences. Running today until November 2, 2025 at the historic Victoria University in the University of Toronto in the heart of the city, the Festival offers something for everyone.

Notable Events:

October 29
Kiran Desai: Love Lost & Found – Isabel Bader Theatre 5:30pm
Natalie MacMaster: Family & Fiddles – Isabel Bader Theatre 7:30pm

October 30
Richard Armitage: Cutting Room Floor – Isabel Bader Theatre 6:00pm
Chris Pavone: Class Clash – Isabel Bader Theatre 8:00pm

October 31
Toronto Poetry Slam: Janice Jo Lee, Tahira Rajwani & Ian Keteku – Isabel Bader Theatre 7:30pm

November 1
Fiction Across Worlds: André Alexis & Susan Choi – 1:30pm Isabel Bader Theatre
Kōtarō Isaka: Hotel Lucky Seven & Seesaw Monster – 3:30pm Isabel Bader Theatre Supported by The Japan Foundation, Toronto

November 2
David Shribman: The Future of History in America – 2pm Isabel Bader Theatre
Thomas King: Aliens on the Moon – 4:30pm Isabel Bader Theatre

Follow along on social:

Facebook: facebook.com/FestofAuthors/

Instagram: instagram.com/festofauthors/

YouTube: youtube.com/user/AuthorsatHC/

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, the TIFA 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; our Global Authors Club, for providing additional philanthropic support; 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.

#BOOKS: TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS 2025 PRESENT STAR-STUDDED LINEUP

The 46th Annual Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA) festival features more than 100 events, including author talks, panel discussions, masterclasses, workshops, book signings, and special performances. Taking place October 29 – November 2, 2025 at the historic Victoria University at the University of Toronto, the Festival debuts its new 5-day format. Interview and media opportunities are now available with attending authors, and TIFA leadership.

FEATURED GUESTS & HIGHLIGHTS

Rachel Maddow (MSNBC) & Rebecca Solnit, in conversation with Nahlah Ayad (CBC) and introduced by Margaret Atwood (October 28 at Koerner Hall)

Kiran Desai (Booker Prize winner) – Only Canadian appearance

Richard Armitage – TV star of The Hobbit and Harlan Coben adaptations on his new novel, The Cut

Chris Pavone (The Doorman) – In conversation with Nita Prose (Oct 30 at Isabel Bader Theatre)

Kōtarō Isaka (Bullet Train) – Makes his first-ever North American appearance

André Aciman, Nathan Harris, Serhii Plokhy, Susan Choi, Chris Pavone, Eimear McBride, Cho-Nam Joo among those attending

CELEBRATING CANADIAN VOICES

Giller Prize winners André Alexis, Ian Williams, Michael Redhill, Souvankham Thammavongsa in conversation

Emma Donoghue, Thomas King, Madeleine Thien, Guy Gavriel Kay and Joy Fielding discuss their new books

Festival of Indigenous Stories, including Susan Aglukark & David A. Robertson

NOTABLE EVENTS

Kiran Desai: Love Lost & Found
October 29, 5:30PM, Isabel Bader Theatre

Internationally acclaimed author Kiran Desai makes her only Canadian appearance at the Toronto International Festival of Authors. The winner of the 2006 Man Booker Prize, Desai worked on her highly anticipated new book, The Loneliness of Sona and Sunny for over a decade. Her appearance is expected to be the hottest ticket at the Festival.

Chris Pavone in Conversation with Nita Prose
October 30, 8PM, Isabel Bader Theatre

Tipped as one of the best books of 2025, Chris Pavone’s The Doorman is a laser-sharp satire and literary thriller. Hear Pavone discuss how he crafted this ‘21st century Bonfire of the Vanities’ with fellow bestselling mystery author Nita Prose.

“Chris Pavone has always been good, but this novel is way better than good”
-Stephen King

Fiction Across Worlds: André Alexis & Susan Choi
November 1, 1:30PM, Isabel Bader Theatre

Award-winning authors André Alexis (winner of the Giller Prize for Fifteen Dogs) and Susan Choi (recently shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Flashlight) as they discuss their latest works of fiction, books that grapple with memory, family, and forces beyond characters’ control.

2025 Ivy Award & Conversation with Keynote Speaker Louisa Joyner, Associate Publisher, Faber
October 29, 2:00 PM, Isabel Bader Theatre

Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, founder of Kegedonce Press, is named the 2025 Ivy Award Recipient by the International Visitors (IV) Programme, in association with the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA)

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, the TIFA 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; our Global Authors Club, for providing additional philanthropic support; 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.

#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.