“I love romance because it’s optimistic. You know it’s gong to end happily ever after for the characters. I love going into it and  knowing that. Also, I’m really into character-driven stories — and romance in itself has to be character-driven to understand the characters and their motivations for falling in love. I love exploring those characters as their lives get turned upside down.”

 — Farrah Heron, Rom-Com Romance Author

By now,  if you’re a fan of any YA romance or adult rom-com romances, you’ve probably heard of Farah Heron. To read her is to love her, and there is so much to love! (Fun fact: She didn't start writing novels until she was almost 40!)

 Not only do her characters (and readers) get their happy endings, Heron, too, is having a pretty happy start to her year. She recently signed a three-book deal — meaning a new Heron-Happy-Ending Rom-Com Romance to enjoy in 2023, 2024, and 2025!

Heron’s diverse, memorable characters, witty banter, and off-the-charts chemistry have taken off with incredible speed — like a spontaneous Vegas Wedding — making her the New Canadian Queen of Rom-Com Romances.

Her debut The Chai Factor, published in 2019, is a beautiful and breezy, hilarious read that earned high praise.

Accidentally Engaged and Tahira in Bloom, both published last year, have won numerous accolades across North America, including being featured in USA Today’s “Round-Up of Best Rom Coms.”

Entertainment Weekly named Accidentally Engaged one of the “Best Romances of the Year,” and  Oprah magazine featured it, too, as “One of the Most Anticipated Romance Novels to Renew Your Faith in Love.”

Her latest book Kamila Knows Best comes out in just a couple of weeks, described as a fresh and modern retelling of Jane Austen's Emma but set in Toronto, where the fashionista heroine appears to live a great life. (I’ve already pre-ordered my copy here!) She volunteers to plan a puppy prom for a local shelter, but Kamila’s eye-on-the-prize personality is about to unravel when her nemesis returns and starts crushing on Kamila’s fling, who she realizes may mean more to her than she thought.

Who better to do a Q and A in our Valentine’s Hanover edition than Farah Heron, whose (fictional) characters not only get their happily ever after, but so does Heron herself! And, yes, I did ask her, “What was more exciting: seeing your first book published or getting married?”) Swoon scroll to find out!

Swept away: 5 intimate Q & As with the new Canadian queen of rom-com books, Farah Heron 

RE:BOOKS: What appeals to you about writing rom-coms, and why, in your opinion, do people enjoy reading rom-coms?

FARAH HERON: I could give you a scientific answer about the pleasure sensors in our brain that get stimulated when we laugh or fall in love, but the truth is, rom-coms are fun, escapist, and entertaining! I was drawn to writing this genre because I love reading it. I love comedy and the levity of the genre, but that doesn't mean the stories aren't whip-smart, affirming, emotional, and relatable. Romances, at their heart, are character driven stories. Riding along while a character's lives get turned upside down for love is so addictive, and I love that I get to bring those warm, optimistic feelings to my readers. 

RE:BOOKS: What’s your ‘relationship status?’ If married, for how long now? How did that go down? Where did you meet? First date? Did he ask you out first? How did he propose, when, and how? Spill the details!

FARAH HERON: I've been married for 21 years and, wow, it's been a wild ride. We met in University in Peterborough, Ontario when we were looking at a house together (we were almost roommates), and we got together as a couple when we were building a fence together. 

I have no idea if that fence is still standing, but our marriage is still strong. We got married after being together for only three years when we were 24 and, looking back, I feel like we were babies. We're different races and religions. I'm a city girl and he's from a small town. But we are basically the same person deep down. He's still my best friend. 

RE:BOOKS: You sort of — BOOM! — launched big time very quickly! Fun little question: What was more exciting: getting and seeing your first book published or getting married? Any comparisons? Also, did your husband read your novel? What did he think?

FARAH HERON: Honestly, I think seeing my first (and subsequent) book published felt like more of an accomplishment. I worked my butt off for my career, and it felt so good to see that hard work pay off in a tangible way. And nothing feels better than talking to readers who connect with my work in any way. And yes, my husband is a big fan of my work! I don't give him my books to read until later in the publishing process, but he's genuinely loved them all. Which makes sense, since he loves me and I put a lot of myself in them!

RE:BOOKS: Three pieces of advice for aspiring authors? Three pieces of advice for a happy marriage?

FARAH HERON: My three pieces of advice for aspiring authors would be to be persistent, be willing to redirect if things don't go the way you hope, and remember that behind every success is a whole lot of rejection along with a touch of luck and a lot of determination. 

My advice for a happy marriage? Never stop laughing, find the things you still love to do together, and have fun together!

RE:BOOKS: Best and worst Valentine's Day you have ever had? (Don't we all have these stories?) Do you celebrate? Best/most memorable gift you have received? If you hate this day, that's fine too. Tell us why! 

FARAH HERON: I am not really a Valentine's Day person — I know, strange since I'm a romance author! And I think it's because the sentiments don't feel authentic to me. I believe in romantic gestures, both big and small, all year. 

But I do enjoy it as a fun (rather than romantic) holiday. My most memorable Valentine's memories are having chocolate fondue for dinner with my kids when they were young, and helping them fill out little cards for their classmates. 

I actually think we should bring back those paper valentine cards, but for adults. Nothing felt as good as opening up the envelope at the end of the school day and seeing what cards everyone gave you! 

Isn’t she a gem? To find out more about Farah, her novels, and latest news, check out her website!