I read “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams in 2021, and from that point on, I was certain that anything she writes would be a must-read for me. So, when I stumbled upon the promo for her latest book, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Fortunately, the publishers (Hachette book group) kindly offered me a gifted copy, and I eagerly accepted. I received the finished copy just a few days before its official publication day. Although I couldn’t finish it before PUB day, I managed to finish it in about a week. “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” turned out to be a strangely beautiful experience. Opting to go into it completely blind was definitely the right decision.
The story revolves around Ricki Wilde, the youngest member of the Wilde family. While her older sisters have embraced the family business, Ricki feels a profound sense of disconnection. She knows deep down that world isn’t where her true passion lies. Instead, she yearns to pursue her dream of opening a floral shop. As fate meet luck, Ricki stumbles upon an opportunity to make her dream a reality in New York, specifically in Harlem.
The story alternates between two timelines – present day & the 1920’s. It’s a leap year and apparently that comes with some strange occurrences, adding an element of magical realism to the narrative. Ricki had an encounter with a strange man, Ezra and they fell in love at first sight. The connection between them was instant and intense. They can’t seem to avoid each other or get their minds off each other. Yet, beneath Ezra’s charming exterior lies a web of secrets, injecting an intriguing mystery into the storyline.
Reading the past timeline was the highlight of the book for me. It exuded a vibrant energy, reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance, and offered a rich tapestry of characters and stories. It was equal parts amazing to read and also gut wrenching. While the notion of love at first sight didn’t quite sweep me off my feet, I found myself deeply invested in the characters and their journeys.
One of the most captivating aspects of the book was the portrayal of the flower shop. Despite my limited knowledge of flowers and plants, I found myself drawn to the enchanting world the author crafted. The delulu in me definitely pictured myself owning a flower shop that’s also somehow a book store.
As the story progresses, the intricate connections between the characters gradually unfold, offering a sense of closure to their respective arcs.
“A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” is quite different from Tia Williams’ previous work, “Seven Days in June,” yet it is wonderful in its own way. (I hate to compare but it is inevitable). I applaud the author for venturing into new territory. It takes courage for authors to explore different genres and themes, and Williams does so with finesse. This willingness to push boundaries and experiment with storytelling is truly commendable, and it’s what makes “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” a remarkable read.
A quote that resonates with me:
“Identity changes all the time, I’ve found. There’s a few more ‘yous’ you haven’t met yet.”
A love song for ricki wilde
If you like books that feature the following, then you will likely enjoy this.
- Love at first sight
- Age gap romance (technically)
- Magical realism
- Black love
- Harlem Renaissance
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