A Love Song for Ricki Wilde

By: Tia Williams

Narrated by: Mela Lee, Preston Butler

Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

In this enchanting love story from the New York Times bestselling author of Seven Days in June, a free-spirited florist and an enigmatic musician are irreversibly linked through the history, art, and magic of Harlem.

“The book’s calculus of love and loss is brutal, and grounds the dazzling prose and light magical element.”–The New York Times

“With humor, soulful prose and a touch of magical realism, Williams takes a creative chance with RICKI WILDE that’ll make it one of your most memorable reads of 2024.”–People

Leap years are a strange, enchanted time. And for some, even a single February can be life-changing.

Ricki Wilde has many talents, but being a Wilde isn’t one of them. As the impulsive artistic daughter of a powerful Atlanta dynasty, she’s the opposite of her famous socialite sisters. Where they’re long-stemmed roses, she’s a dandelion: an adorable bloom that’s actually a weed, born to float wherever the wind blows. In her bones, Ricki knows that somewhere, a different, more exciting life awaits her.

When regal nonagenarian Ms. Della invites her to rent the bottom floor of her Harlem brownstone, Ricki jumps at the chance for a fresh beginning. She leaves behind her family, wealth, and chaotic romantic decisions to realize her dream of opening a flower shop. And just beneath the surface of her new neighborhood, the music, stories and dazzling drama of the Harlem Renaissance still simmers.

One evening in February as the heady, curiously off-season scent of night-blooming jasmine fills the air, Ricki encounters a handsome, deeply mysterious stranger who knocks her world off balance in the most unexpected way.

Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is a swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance, and opportunity of New York, and whose lives are uniquely and irreversibly linked.

©2024 Tia Williams (P)2024 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

“Tia Williams brilliantly captures the magic and romance of Harlem—past and present—while giving us a heroine we can all root for. I adore Ricki Wilde and was utterly enchanted by this epic love story. Prepare to be transported!” —Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author of "Meant to Be"

“This book reads like the best kind of love song: tender, smart and undeniably sexy. Tia Williams simply doesn’t miss.” —Leah Johnson, bestselling author of "You Should See Me in a Crown"

"Tia Williams writes instant classics, and A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is the perfect vehicle to demonstrate the rare range and insight that make her writing so special. At turns punchy and poignant, sweeping and yet so intimate, this story will steal your heart and surprise you. Make you ache. Make you laugh and cry and yearn. As Williams' most ambitious work to date with layers of romance and heartache and history and magic tucked between these pages, it is your next book of the year.” —Kennedy Ryan, bestselling author of "Before I Let Go"

New age fairytale

This story was truly magical!

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde was a truly beautiful, romantic and heartfelt story, an ode to Harlem and its rich history with a touch of magic.

Tia Williams showcased the many ways to love and find love. Ricki went on an amazing journey of finding herself and letting go of all the negative falsehoods that her family had attached to her. She found a friend for life in Tuesday. She received the love and support from a “family member” that she thought she would never receive from Ms. Della. She found an inner love and contentment from being true to herself. Then she found a man that’s been dreaming of her for an eternity, her soulmate.

It was a journey, one I was happy to partake in. I laughed and I cried, best of all I fell in love with Ricki and Ezra’s story. This is another phenomenal release from Tia Williams. I absolutely adore her ability to tell a story that just captures you and doesn’t let you go until that final moment. The epilogue was perfect and I couldn’t have imagined a better ending.

Such a special book!

Tia is a new author to me, but after listening to this book, I’ll be reading/listening to all of her others. The characters were so incredible. So fun and witty. I didn’t know what to expect, but I loved the Renaissance aspect of the book. I’m not a history lover, but I couldn’t get through this book fast enough. The love story was so unique, not like anything I’ve ever read. The friendships were so fun and Ricki was just the best character I’ve read in a long time. I just really loved this book. I’ll be buying a copy of it to add to my collection because I think it’s so special. ❤️

Such a Beautiful read

What a beautifully well-written story, Ms. Tia Williams is a wonderful author. I am so happy I started and finished this book, I loved the interweaving of her past works in this one. The combining of historical events and fictional context was Chef’s Kiss. There were moments when I felt like I was standing right in the middle of the Harlem Renaissance. Go get this book! (Side note: it felt so special to have finished reading this on Leap Day 2024 ifykyk).

Who doesn't love a love story?

A book ture to the wonders of being able to choose a family other than the one you were born into and the magic of black love. 🖤

Magic!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Like another reviewer said this read/listen felt like a warm embrace.

Phenomenal story!!

This book was fantastic. Great story and characters, beautifully written. Everyone should read it! And the narration was excellent.

music, flowers, harlem

Tia Williams continues to write romance I. ways that I didn't know I needed. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde takes readers through Harlem across time.This novel is a lush, fragrant, delicious hug that you should definitely treat yourself to.

Couldn’t stop listening!

I adore Tia Williams style and how she makes you fall in love with the characters! The story had me hooked and going from my car Bluetooth to my AirPods! A must read/listen 🙌🏾

A must listen

I enjoyed every minute of this book. It keeps your attention and is a lovely love story.

Beautiful!! Just Beautiful!

I loved everything about this book! Such a wonderful story of love and life! I’m a sap so this was right up my alley! Loved it!!!