A Love Song for Ricki Wilde
Ratings11
Average rating4.2
In this sexy modern-day fairytale from the New York Times bestselling author of Seven Days in June, a free-spirited florist and an enigmatic musician share a soul mate connection told through the history, art, and magic of Harlem.
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.
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read for seasonal roulette readathon: spring 2024
this was beautiful and poetic and lyrical. i adore tia williams writing so much but i just wasn't attatched to the characters or their romance. but i appreciate the story so much and had such a good time reading this.
3.5 - I liked this story, but it didn't connect with me on a deeper level. I found the ending predictable, which took away most of its impact.
Tia has a great talent for writing good love interests, portraying their chemistry, and describing compelling love scenes. However, many of the side characters felt one dimensional.
The magical realism elements were fine. I liked it more than I thought I would, but at the same time I was conflicted. I both wanted to know more about people with “the diagnosis” and was annoyed by the magical element.
I did enjoy reading it towards the end of February on a leap year. It felt right.
Tia Williams, what am I supposed to say about this?
This book starts as a 5 stars read to me because it just speaks to my Lindy Hopper soul. While everyone raves about Taylor Swift references on books, I just can't resist to jazz, swing and Harlem in the 20's.
A love song to Ricki Wilde has a bit of everything: magic, found family, mental health representation and a beautiful love story of 2 star crossed lovers.
I loved Ricki's personality, her perseverance and how she was able to overcome her insecurities and perceived/ imprinted flaws.
Ezra was a great character as well. I loved every bit of the story where he appears, but particularly his background.
The first half of the story was brilliantly executed. I was captivated by both characters, I was engaged in their story-line and I was very curious about how everything was going to be connected. The second part though... I felt the romance lacked some tension and I ended up not loving how the story was tied up. It felt a bit rushed and silly.
My pet peeve with Tia's books is the excessive amount of clothes descriptions. This was ok on the past bits, because it helps you picture everything, and it's actually not overdone on that part... but in the present? Please save me from this. I understand she was/ is a style editor but if I wanted to read about fashion I would just buy fashion magazines. I really don't think this adds anything to the plot and it actually hurts my perception of the characters personality.
This book deserved a playlist. I'll assume this role for Tia and leave here some suggestions:
1 – In a sentimental mood - Duke Ellington
2 – Take the “A” train - Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington
3 - Caroline Shout - James P. Johnson
4 – Honeysuckle Rose – Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie
5 - Stompin at the Savoy – Benny Goodman
6 – It don't mean A Thing (if it ain-t got that swing) - Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington
7 – Ev'ry time we say goodbye – Ella Fitzgerald
8 – I'm beginning to see the light - Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington
9 – Sing, Sing, Sing – Benny Goodman
10 – Two Sleepy people – Fats Waller
11 – Exactly like you – Martha Tilton, The Carl Kresstette
I'm well aware most of this songs are from the late 30's. I love the instrumental versions from the 20's but I'm very partial to the wonder that is Ella's voice.
