Romance author celebrates release of new novel at Barnes and Noble

COLUMBIA—Synithia Williams has a knack for creating beautifully messy romances set in small towns. A native of Newberry, Williams has written critically acclaimed novels and was nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA award in 2017. The RITA is considered the industry’s Academy Award for romance industry.

She released two new novels in May, A Little Bit of Love and Waiting For Friday Night. Both are set in small towns.

A Little Bit of Love tells the story of Sheri “Li’l Bit” Thomas and Police Lieutenant Deandre King. Thomas will do anything to help revitalize the community she loves—even work with King, the cop who once arrested her after a stupid breakup stunt. Opening her new restaurant is a great first step. Partnering with the handsome widowed dad on an outreach event for at-risk youth and businesses is an even better one. But neither counts on the attraction simmering between them—or the potential problems with Deandre’s teen son. Is Sheri’s past a bad example for him, indicative of drama to come? Or is she the mom—and wife—they never knew they needed?

Waiting For Friday Night tells the story of Halle Parker and Quinton Evans.

Friday nights in Peachtree Cove are all about football. But this season, the drama isn’t just on the field…

In the wake of losing both of her parents, Halle Parker was certain of one thing: she wanted a family of her own. And she wasn’t going to let a little thing like being single stand in her way. So, she used an anonymous donor and kept every last detail a secret—from everyone. But now, fourteen years later, Halle’s daughter, Shania, is determined to unravel the identity of her biological dad. And what she learns blindsides everyone…

When Quinton Evans’s pro-football days came to an end, he was eager to begin coaching and teaching, and he’s never looked back. But when Shania, a wide receiver on his team, reveals that she’s his daughter, he’s blown away. The one thing he refuses to do is walk away, even if Shania’s strong-willed and gorgeous mother wants nothing to do with him.

Halle knows that once you let the cat out of the bag in a small town like Peachtree Cove, you’re gonna have to do some damage control. But with Quinton suddenly popping up everywhere she turns, it’s all Halle can do to fight for the future she envisioned and the family she created. If only fate—and the undeniable heat sparking between her and Quinton—didn’t have other plans…

Williams has received praise for her work from Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Library Journal.

Readers bought all of her new releases Sunday afternoon at Barnes and Noble in Columbia.

Visit www.synithiawilliams.com to check out more of her books.