A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams – Many thanks to Grand Central for the gifted copy of this stunning book (out in paperback in February 2025). I cannot believe I waited so long to read it – I’m fully obsessed!
Ricki Wilde is nothing like her wealthy, glamorous, and self-absorbed family. While they thrive in their lucrative funeral home empire, she dreams of something different: a flower shop. She has a vision, a plan, and some initial capital – but finding the perfect location proves challenging. That is, until she meets Ms. Della, a fiercely independent woman in her late 90s who offers Ricki a space in her Harlem brownstone. Neither of them could have imagined just how life-changing this decision would be.
As Ricki immerses herself in Harlem’s vibrant history, she’s drawn to a community garden by the intoxicating scent of night-blooming jasmine. There, she encounters a mysterious stranger whose presence lingers in her mind. The more their paths intertwine, the more Ricki begins to suspect that their meetings are anything but coincidence. What she never could have expected is that the truth would reach nearly a hundred years into the past – deep into the heart of the Harlem Renaissance, where music, art, and love burned brightly.
Tia Williams crafts a story as rich and immersive as Harlem itself. Ricki, Ms. Della, Ezra, and Tuesday are unforgettable, their stories weaving together beautifully across time. The setting isn’t just a backdrop – it’s a living, breathing character, capturing both the magic of the Renaissance era and the heartbeat of modern Harlem. Told in a dual timeline, this novel is a mesmerizing blend of history, love, found family, and self-discovery. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after the final page. I absolutely loved it.
🎧 About the Audiobook 🎧 Mela Lee and Preston Butler bring this story to life with a dual narration that perfectly captures its emotional depth. Butler’s portrayal of Ezra is especially compelling, highlighting the shifts between his quiet vulnerability and self-assured charm. Lee infuses Ricki with both determination and warmth, making her character all the more vivid. At 11 hours and 42 minutes, this is an audiobook worth experiencing.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Audiobook performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 