What a ride!
I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I expected to like it, though—even if it took me a second to get into it like with The Perfect Find. However, when Ricki greeted her sisters as T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli I was SOLD. I knew I was gonna love Ricki even if she got on my nerves at times—as she did. This book is something I didn’t even think could be a thing outside of say maybe Tananarive Due or Octavia Butler—the blending of the perfectly normal and the paranormal in a way that you make make sense in your brain even if it doesn’t. It happened here, though, and I’d have loved to read more of it. This book was thoughtful, riotously funny, historical and romantic—in all of the perfect amounts. It was wild ride I’m glad I took, and will usher others to hop on it as well.

Overall, I found this to be a good read. The main storyline was nice, but something was missing in terms of the development of the characters, their relationship and this world of “Perennials.” It’s like all the pieces are there but they aren’t fully connected. A big issue for me was with the pacing. It took longer to get into the story than I would have liked and then it seemed to speed by very quickly. I like the details about the time period but there were so many, and it seemed to slow things down. Things felt rushed once the lead characters were introduced. I almost DNF, but the premise was interesting to me, so I pushed through. I had trouble connecting with the characters. Except for the main characters, they seemed to be inserted here and there to keep things moving along, no real connection to the story or each other. I wasn’t a fan of the chapter headings with the dates, possibly because I’m not used to seeing them that way. I enjoyed the moving back and forth through the time period the connection with Ms. Della and her mother. I would try other works by the author, but in terms of lasting impact the book was just ok for me.

This book was right on time. Tia Williams is officially an auto buy author for me. What a pleasant surprise this book was. I flew through this read.

This book made me believe in magic and myself. Not just because of the themes, but because somehow, mysteriously, this novel includes all the obscure, niche things that interest me most - Hoodoo, Black music across time, plants, Stevie Wonder, jasmine flowers, generational healing, honestly the list could go on but I won't as to not give too much away. But I just so appreciate how the themes of death and self-discovery were explored. A quote that hit especially hard for me at this stage in my life - "She wondered if she'd ever move past the need to prove to the world (and herself) that she was good enough." I also appreciate how mental health was discussed.

I loved every character we met in this novel, side characters included. The story was woven together so beautifully. It was rich with humor and personality to balance so much heaviness, especially considering Ezra's origin story. I definitely shed a few tears. My only tongue-in-cheek critique for the MCs, is what was y'all doing at that Wi****'s house? Y'all was just asking for it at that point. This was another beautiful work of art from Williams and I can't wait for my hardcover.

Full disclosure, as soon as I saw Tia Williams had a new book coming, it was automatically on my TBR list. When I was offered the opportunity to read the ARC (thanks to NetGalley), I immediately downloaded the title. This book….let me take a moment to sigh with my hand on my heart…was pure enjoyment from start to finish. It is chocked full of witty humor, 1920s Harlem references, mysticism, and romance (with some spicy sexual encounters of course). I love when books make you feel all the “feels” and this title did just that. The only thing missing is being able to hear the actual Love Song for Ricki Wilde. 💔

Tia Williams' "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" is an absolute delight, a harmonious blend of romance, music, and self-discovery that hits all the right notes. The story follows Ricki Wilde, a brilliant music journalist with a sharp wit and a love for classic R&B, as she navigates the complexities of her career and her heart. Williams infuses the narrative with a refreshing authenticity, making Ricki a relatable and fiercely independent protagonist whose journey to finding love and rekindling her passion for music is both inspiring and heartwarming. The chemistry between Ricki and her swoon-worthy love interest is electric, and their banter is a joy to behold. Beyond the romance, the novel explores themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and the healing power of music, all while paying homage to the timeless melodies that make the heart sing. Williams' prose is as smooth as a soulful ballad, making "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" a soul-stirring and unforgettable read for anyone who believes in the transformative magic of love and music.

This was a very different and engrossing read for me. I loved learning about the history of the Harlem Renaissance and the magical realism was great in here too.

5/5⭐️. This book was everything and more. It was my most anticipated book of 2024 and it did not disappoint. There was such depth in these characters. Ricki Wilde is like no other. Ezra Walker is the man in any era. I will give more thoughts when it’s closer to the release data.

Arc provided by the publisher for an honest review.

This book was beautiful. It’s a romance, but it’s also a love letter to Black Excellence. The author works in pop culture references and real-world issues without it coming across as preachy or corny. The prose is beautiful, and I loved reading about the Harlem Renaissance. 10 stars. Fantastic book.

I love this book. Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central for the opportunity to read Tia Williams' A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. I adore Ricki and Ezra, and Della, and Tuesday.. Loved the Harlem history. Loved the magic. I was sad when I finished the book.

I am so glad I snagged this while it was “read now” on NetGalley - thanks NG, Tia Williams, and Grand Central for this gem in exchange for my honest review.

I hail from a family that owns a funeral home (kind of weird, I know), so I was drawn in from the start just by the pure thrilling detail that Ricki is a member of an elite funerary family. Things move on quickly from the family biz and I was drawn even deeper into the magic realism and richly interwoven characters.

As a history major, I also loved learning more about the Harlem Renaissance. Even before Ricki learns about her connection to Ezra, she goes on her own historical journey and pays tribute to landmarks long forgotten. I don’t think Ezra could have ended up with someone who didn’t appreciate and understand the world that helped form him.

CW/TW: toxic relationships, gaslighting, racism, lynching, mass murder, fire, addiction, suicide, terminal illness, infidelity, infertility

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy in return for an honest review.
I loved Seven Days in June so I was so excited to read this book and it didn’t disappoint! The concept is a little bizarre but I loved the Harlem renaissance aspect of it. Obviously it is an amazing love story because Tia Williams can do no wrong. I also loved that she wrote Eva and Shane into it! 🥹

Tia Williams never lets me down!! This was a such a gripping story that Thad me through and through. It was enthralling, emotional, intense and at times relatable. I laughed. I cried. I read it all in one day. I could not have written a book that I more wanted to read. Absolutely adored it.

I am so glad I snagged this while it was “read now” on NetGalley - thanks NG, Tia Williams, and Grand Central for this gem in exchange for my honest review.

I hail from a family that owns a funeral home (kind of weird, I know), so I was drawn in from the start just by the pure thrilling detail that Ricki is a member of an elite funerary fam. Things move on quickly from the family biz and I was drawn even deeper into the magic realism and richly interwoven characters.

As a history major, I also loved learning more about the Harlem Renaissance. Even before Ricki learns about her connection to Ezra, she goes on her own historical journey and pays tribute to landmarks long forgotten. I don’t think Ezra could have ended up with someone who didn’t appreciate and understand the world that helped form him.

CW/TW: toxic relationships, gaslighting, racism, lynching, mass murder, fire, addiction, suicide, terminal illness, infidelity, infertility

Fanciful tale filled with very likable characters.
Unexpected element of magical realism added a whole other layer to the story.
Have been a fan of the author's--so enjoy her writing style.
Luv the Harlem setting/history.
Not a fan of the cover--could be much more in keeping with the story.

With thanks to NetGalley & Grand Central Publishing for this e-ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The descriptions were so vivid that it felt like I was a part of the story. It was like these things were happening to me. The way she described this gravitational pull and intense connection resonated with me. I’m a romantic through and through but this book put into words why I am that way. I just felt a lot of things reading this book. I’m inspired to live a bit bolder, brighter, and on my own terms. I came out of this book with a better appreciation for flowers, history, intuition, and soulmates. I plan on reading it again.

This was so fun. And fresh. And unexpected.
Tia Williams’ words are like water flowing down a river. I went into it expecting a love story, but I came out of it with so much more!

I loved this book by Tia Williams! I hadn't read any of her work before and I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the prose and everything that went into it. I definitely would recommend this book to friends and family members!

I loved The Perfect Find and Seven Days in June by Tia Williams so I was so excited that she had a new book out. All I can say is wow!!! A love story with a twist I was definitely not expecting. A man who has been waiting for the love of his life for years but there is one catch that has him avoiding this woman which he fails at because he is so drawn to her. This is a story of about love, loss, pain, grief and sacrifice. The story of Ezra and Ricki was beautifully written and I also loved that Eva Mercy made an appearance from Seven Days in June.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde was a very beautiful and unique read. I appreciated that African American spiritual practices were in included a way that addressed the stigmas associated with them, while also explaining the history of why, and debunking common misconceptions. As a lover of Seven Days in June I also enjoyed the Easter egg references and cameo. Ezra and Ricki's sorry is one that I will come back to for comfort. Tia has a way of writing characters so beautifully flawed and lovable. I enjoyed the character development of not only the main characters, but the supporting ones as well. An overall good read.

This novel evokes the essence of Tia Williams' romance novels while adding a unique twist with its integration of immortality and the Harlem Renaissance. It captivates readers with suspense and, although initially puzzling, the seamless integration of stories makes it impossible to set aside. The book delivers beautiful messages, with a central theme of love breathing life into its narrative. Notably, the inclusion of characters from "Seven Days in June" adds depth to the story. Overall, this book is a captivating blend of romance, adventure, creativity, and science fiction with a distinct black cultural perspective.