After reading this book, I am a hardcore Tia Williams fan. This was my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’ve had “Seven Days in June” on my iPad for a year now but haven’t gotten around to it – I’ll definitely be bumping it up on my TBR. “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” is an uplifting and enchanting narrative that takes readers on a journey through the streets of modern Harlem and the glamour of the Harlem Renaissance. I read this in a single sitting – I was captivated from beginning to end.

The story centers around the impulsive and artistic Ricki Wilde, the black sheep of her wealthy Atlanta family. Unlike her socialite sisters, who followed in the family footsteps and invested in their family’s funeral home franchise, Ricki describes herself as a dandelion in a bed of roses, destined to float wherever the wind takes her. She loves flowers and dreams of opening a flower shop. Tired of not being taken seriously, Ricki seizes the opportunity to rent the bottom floor of a charming Harlem brownstone owned by the regal Ms. Della. Ricki leaves behind her family, wealth, and unfulfilling love life to chase her own dreams in Harlem.

It is in this vibrant neighborhood that Ricki encounters a handsome and mysterious stranger one fateful evening in February. Her connection with Ezra (the mysterious stranger) is immediate and undeniable, and it sets in motion a series of events that will irrevocably change both of their lives. As Ricki dives deeper into the world of art, music, and literature inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, she finds herself drawn to not only this enigmatic stranger but also to the magic and romance that permeates the streets of New York.

To help promote her flower shop, Ricki begins making flower arrangements and leaves them around town at essential locations in Black history. She snaps pictures of the bouquets, writes a dedication to the landmark, and then posts it on Instagram. As her business begins to grow, so do her feelings for Ezra, but Ezra has a secret – he’s been waiting for Ricki for many, many years, and their romance could be Ricki’s last unless they can find a way to break the curse he carries.

Williams’ writing is nothing short of poetic, painting a vivid picture of a neighborhood steeped in history and culture. With every page, readers are transported to the jazz-filled clubs and the bustling streets of Harlem. The author expertly weaves the past and the present together, allowing readers to feel both the excitement of the Harlem Renaissance and the modern challenges faced by Ricki and her newfound love. The descriptions are vivid and magical. The author seamlessly blends contemporary fiction, romance, and magical realism, creating a story that I was deeply invested in.

Ricki is a character that I immediately fell in love with. Being the outcast of my own family, her struggles to fit in with her family really resonated with me. I loved her fearlessness and her determination to chase her dreams and be who she wanted to be rather than who her family wanted her to be. I also really liked Ezra and what he brought to the story. I enjoyed learning about his past and the devastating reason he and Ricki couldn’t be together. I desperately wanted them to find a way to reverse the curse so they could both enjoy a happily ever after.

The supporting characters, such as Ms. Della and Ricki’s newfound friend Tuesday, add depth and richness to the narrative. Their stories intertwine with Ricki’s, creating a tapestry of love and found family. Each character is unique and vibrant, bringing their own experiences and perspectives to the table.

Overall, this book is a celebration of love, art, history, and the human spirit. With its captivating narrative and beautifully drawn characters, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a tale of self-discovery and the magic of following one’s dreams. I fell in love with this book and highly recommend it.