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A Literary High Tea: Romance at the Rose

May 3, 2026
In-Person
The Rose Theatre

Session Description

Don your favourite fit, gather your friends, and join us for a delightful high tea with romance writers Jackie KhaliliehElle DouglasJoss Richard, in conversation with Lavanya Lakshmi. This charming specialty event blends lively conversation, themed trivia with fabulous prizes, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments.

Session Speakers

Joss Richard

Author

Joss Richard (she/her) is the international bestselling romance author of It’s Different This Time. She has been formally recognized with a Daytime Emmy Award and resides in Los Angeles, California.

It’s Different This Time

Elle Douglas

Author

Toronto-based Elle Douglas (she/her) is the author of ten small-town romances for Harlequin and Tule Publishing.

Serving Up A Second Chance

Jackie Khalilieh (she/her) is a Palestinian Canadian author who writes funny, hope filled young adult coming of age and romance novels featuring autistic heroines, like herself.

You Started It

Moderator

Lavanya Lakshmi

Lavanya Lakshmi

Lavanya (she/her) was born in New Delhi, India and grew up in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong before coming to the US for her undergrad. She has a master’s degree from NYU and lived in New York for nine years. Lavanya has worked in the publishing industry for thirteen years and is on the board of directors for the Festival of Literary Diversity. Her debut novel, LEAVE AND COME BACK, will be published in June 2026 by Doubleday Books in Canada, PRH in the US, and HarperFiction in the UK. Both she and her perpetually cold feet currently reside in Toronto.