Debut author Lavanya Lakshmi will read from her romance novel inspired by the Bollywood film, DDLJ, followed by a moderated conversation, audience Q&A, and a book signing.
About Leave and Come Back
You’re invited to the most romantic, chaotic wedding of the season
For the first time, Simran Gopal is living out her own swoon-worthy romance to rival the beloved Bollywood films of her childhood… until she receives her cousin’s wedding invitation. Now, Simran finds herself returning to the family home she’s been avoiding for the last seven years to take part in a two-week long Indian wedding.
Family drama is already at a high when Leo Bridgers, Simran’s new boyfriend, accidentally crashes the engagement party. To avoid full crisis mode and provoking the ire of Veena perima, Simran’s aunt and judgmental family matriarch, the cousins need to rally. Operation DDLJ.
Following the lead of their favorite Bollywood movie, they need to trick Veena into adoring Leo. In a mess of misdirection and chaotic hijinks, Leo must prove himself to be the most charming, helpful wedding guest imaginable, and he certainly can’t give away that he’s ever met—let alone is currently in love with—Simran.
For Simran, being back with her family also brings memories of the difficult years after her parents died. As old grievances and new secrets arise—along with nosy aunties—will Simran be able to finally have her own love story, and find the closure she’s been looking for on her past?
Author
Lavanya was born in New Delhi, India and grew up in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong before coming to the US for her undergrad and master’s degrees. She lived in New York for nine years before moving to Toronto, which she currently calls home. Lavanya has worked in the publishing industry for thirteen years and is on the board of directors for the Festival of Literary Diversity.
Her novel, LEAVE AND COME BACK, was named an Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best Romance, An Indigo’s Best 100 Books of the Year So Far, and was the June 2026 pick for Lilly Singh’s Lilly’s Library Book Club.
Leave and Come Back is her first novel. Prior to this, she has written for such prestigious spaces as the fifteen half-used notebooks in her desk drawer, over a hundred separate notes on her iPhone, and briefly during when she was four, on the walls of her house.
Moderator
Hudson Lin (she/her) writes heartfelt, gritty romances featuring queer people of color. The New York Times has called Lin’s writing “splashy and dazzling and high-intensity,” and Book Riot has said that her dramatic plot lines “would make Shonda Rhimes proud.”
Her latest book, Dragon Boats & Doctor’s Notes is a sapphic Asian romance featuring an overworked obstetrician and a non-binary dragon boat team captain. Her duology featuring queer Asian finance bros, Hard Sell and Going Public, was published by Carina Press.
Based in Toronto, Lin currently serves as the Program Coordinator at the Festival of Literary Diversity and is the co-host of the Into the FOLD podcast.
Vivek Shraya
Musician, writer, and visual artist, Vivek Shraya, will share about her new dystopia novel, The Hystericals.