Recipe for an enjoyable read: lovable characters, dual timelines, and a little bit of magic…

🍵 REVIEW: THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN 🍵

By Lynda Cohen Loigman

📖 SUMMARY: In the present day, Augusta Stern is fine with her solitude. After the love of her life broke her heart and left town when she was a young adult, she’s dedicated her life to her career as a pharmacist, which is what her father did. Well, imagine her surprise when, upon her retirement, she moves into a senior living complex and runs into Irving Rivkin, the very same man who broke her heart six decades ago. In the 1920s, young Augusta’s estranged aunt moves in with her family, still mourning the loss of Augusta’s mother. While Augusta’s father is a strait-laced pharmacist, Aunt Esther prefers a more non-traditional approach when concocting her remedies… What happened with the botched potion that Augusta used on Irving? And can they mend their relationship sixty years later?

💭 THOUGHTS: I’m a huge fan of books that feature broken-up couples that find each other after multiple decades. Most of these are centered around WWII or other conflicts, so I liked reading something with lower stakes for a change! You can’t help but root for young Augusta and Irving back in the 20s, and I felt the same about them in the present day timeline (which yes, is not technically OUR modern day but you know what I mean) if only these older characters could stop being so stubborn! Readers who stick around are rewarded with a sweet resolution once the old miscommunication is cleared up.

✨ MADE ME FEEL: like I’m ready to see a The Notebook-esque movie adaptation!

🥰 YOU’LL ENJOY IF: you love star-crossed lovers reuniting after decades

Lynda Cohen Loigman’s The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern offers a charming premise, blending magical realism with family drama. The story of Augusta and her mysterious love elixir has moments of wit and heart, but the pacing feels uneven, and some characters lack depth. While Loigman’s writing shines in its humor and vivid descriptions, the magic surrounding the elixir could have been more fully explored. It’s an enjoyable, light read, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of her earlier works. A solid 3-star story for fans of whimsical tales.

I generally enjoy dual timelines, as long as both timelines are interesting and move the story along well. That was not the case here. The 1920's timeline was way more enjoyable that the 1980's timeline; so much so that I would occasionally skim the contemporary timeline to get back to the past. That isn't how a story should go.

The story in the 1920's was more gripping. The characters had more personality and the story was more interesting. The only problem I had with it was it didn't always feel like the 1920's. There would be times that I would be reading and forget that it was supposed to take place in the past, as there wasn't always a very good description of the time. However, it was a much more enjoyable read in general as that was the only issue. The characters were a lot more mature in this timeline versus the 1980's, which was surprising, as it should have been the other way around. I also enjoyed the setting more - 1920's New York versus 1980's Florida. It didn't help that the parts in Florida almost all took place in a retirement community, so there was very little of Florida actually described.

When the story goes to the 1980's, it immediately loses all its warmth and character. The people in that timeline are all supposed to be in their 80's, but act as though they're teenagers. Either the retirement community only lets in the absolute most fit 80 year olds on the planet, or the author wasn't sure how to write 80 year olds. There were times when it almost felt like reading a YA novel. We deal with characters who can't communicate, are jealous and catty, and even have a small love triangle at one point. Yes, really. I hate love triangles, so when that showed up I was less than thrilled. Luckily it resolves itself pretty quickly, though it really took me out of the story when I got to it. Honestly, if it hadn't been for mentions of the retirement community and such, I would have thought I was actually reading about teenagers. None of the characters seemed to have had any growth in the 60 plus years between the timelines. In fact, it almost feels like they regressed. It wasn't too hard to figure out what happened between Augusta and Irving either once the story introduced other people.

I think I would have enjoyed this much more if the story had taken place entirely in the 1920's, or if the 1980's timeline had been reworked. The past sections I would rate 4 stars while the contemporary timeline I'd give 2, therefore I went with the middle ground at 3.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed the humor and irony in this novel. The magical bits were great too.

While I think many people will enjoy this book, the writing style was not for me. I do think it will especially connect with Jewish readers!

I wasn’t able to read and review this book before it’s publishing date. However, now that I have read it I gave it 4 stars.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is a beautifully crafted tale that truly swept me away. The seamless jump between timelines brings Augusta’s journey to life, weaving her youthful passions and struggles with her later-life reflections in a way that’s both poignant and captivating.

I loved how the story explored love, loss, and redemption, all against the rich backdrop of 1920s Brooklyn, NY and the senior community in Florida. Augusta’s journey of self-discovery is heartwarming, and the blend of family secrets, old romance, and second chances kept me turning the pages. The contrast between her father’s traditional pharmacy practices and her aunt’s folk medicine adds a fascinating layer to the narrative, subtly exploring the intersection of old and new approaches to healing.

This book is a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late to confront the past and rediscover your magic. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a touch of magic and a dash of second-chance romance, you’ll absolutely adore this book. The story is rich, warm, and so real—it’s one I can’t recommend enough!

This cute novel, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Coen Loigman could be shelved in the Romance section of the library. It is a fun lighthearted novel about losing love and finding it again a a senior citizen.

Augusta Stern is turning eighty years old and is relocating to a senior housing development in Florida at the suggestion of her daughter. Surprisingly one morning as se goes out to swim her laps, she runs into someone from her past.

Irving Rivkin was the delivery boy for her father's pharmacy so many years ago, and he was the boy woh broke her heart. Of course old feelings reemerge and Augusta finds herself trying to figure out what went wrong so many years ago. Did she make a mistake or did she just read the situation wrong?

During the intervening years, Augusta followed in her father's footsteps becoming a pharmacist. But back in her twenties, she was intrigued by her Great Aunt Esther, who was a healer. When customers were healed by thhe pharmacist's medications, they would secretly visit Aunt Esther for a different kind of healing. Augusta secretly tried to find out what unorthodox methods her aunt was using to help people. When she tries to use one of Esther's powerful elixirs herself disastrous results, she promises never to use them again.

Now she and Irving are elderly and Augusta wonders if it is too late to find love and happiness. You must suspend your need for realistic storytelling and give into thhe possibility of fantasy and magical realisim.

4.5 ⭐ Rounded Down

"But because I was born a women, they called me witch instead. To ignorant men, every gifted women is a witch."

I absolutely loved The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern! The characters, the setting, the pettiness in Rallentando Springs were all so fun! There was something special about the magic of folklore and "old wife tales" and the ways in which the history of women is naturally weaved into the story. What really kept this novel back form a five star for me was the reason for the main conflict (iykyk). I'd hope that, for a love as strong as that which Irving had for Goldie, he would have asked around Brooklyn to she how she was doing (and if she was married) at some point in the sixty years since they'd been apart.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Netgalley, and Lynda Cohen Loigman for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.75 ⭐️

Thank you St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the gifted digital copy.

The Love Elixer of Augusta Stern
Lynda Cohen Loigman
Publishing Date: October 8, 2024

🎧 Narrator: Gabra Zackman & Lynda Cohen Loigman 🎧

What an absolute delight this book was. A love story centering around characters in their 80’s with a dash of historical fiction, a pinch of magical realism, and the flavor of a coming of age story, results in a soul-stirring elixir. This book honestly was the most enjoyable, cozy, feel good read and I am so happy that I finally read it!

I absolutely love a good authors note, and this one was *chefs kiss* perfection. Learning how this book tied in to the authors real life elevated it for me in such a special way. In hearing about the research she did and the places she visited, I also learned that we live very close to each other! We got to exchange a couple of messages and when an author connects like that it just makes it all the more special. I can’t wait to see Lynda at an event nearby to obtain a physical copy of this gem for my shelf 💛

🎧 Despite having an electronic copy of this one, I did read it with my ears and have zero regrets. The narration was so lovely and hearing the authors note in the authors voice is always extra special.

A lighthearted emotional debut that leaves you feeling cozy and invested. The dual timeline narrative is typical for historical fiction and pulls you into the storyline. The focus on women in stem is so important

Augusta Sterna,retires to a senior community where she meets the man who broke her heart 60 years ago. This book jumps between the timelines and shows her enduring spirit and love. It was an enjoyable book.

This story focusing on the life of Augusta Stern is split between the 1920s and the 1980s, from when she was a youngish girl trying to establish herself as a pharmacist/healer in her father's pharmacy in Brooklyn, to what is meant to be current times after she has been forced into retirement from her successful career as a pharmacist. She found love, lost it, and possibly found it again - with the same guy no less! - but nothing is as easy as it seems, and her bitterness and resentment are well-established and hard to uproot. I loved the parts of the story that didn't revolve around the elderly men (and some women) behaving badly, and wish I could've enjoyed the current day portion more, but there was just too much immaturity and bad behavior to overcome. Still, overall this was an excellent story, and I will go back and find Loigman's other stories to see what else she has to offer.

My thanks to St Martin's Press, the author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an e-ARC and a galley copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.

As her 80th birthday approaches, Augusta Stern faces a major turning point in her life. Single, newly retired from her lifelong career as a pharmacist and moving to a retirement community in Florida, she finds herself a bit adrift, longing to continue her career and reflecting on the “what-ifs” in her life. When she unexpectedly runs into Irving Rifkin during her morning swim at her new residence, she is transported back to her biggest “what-if”, what if she had gotten to pursue a future with Irving? Alternating between 1920s Brooklyn and 1980s Florida, we are taken on a journey of how Augusta’s passion for pharmacy was fostered, how the paths of Augusta and Irving crossed and how perhaps it’s never too late for a second chance at love.

🫖 Loved the theme of second chance romance no matter your age!
🫖 I loved all of the history of 1920s Brooklyn. The author painted a very vivid portrait of what life was like and I felt like I was transported there. I also enjoyed the history surrounding gender roles at the time and all of the different characters that were woven into both the 1920s and 1980s portions of the book.
🫖 Read this if you like dual timeline historical fiction with a touch of magical realism

I loved this book! Full of humor and heart, and I loved Augusta! It just goes to show no matter how old you are, you make mistakes, but you can also learn from them. Magically uplifting and heartbreaking, Read this ONE!!

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for providing an free copy in exchange for an honest review!

A dual timeline book that goes between 1920’s Brooklyn and the present day. Augusta Steam has been forced to retire and moves to a retirement community where by chance she meets up with the man who was the love of her life, but left her when she was youn. This has her reminiscing about her early days growing up and learning the pharmacy trade that her father showed her. I absolutely loved this book! Highly recommend.

When Augusta Stern retires as pharmacist at age 80, the New York native moves to a retirement community in Rollentando Springs. She gets up, goes to the pool to swim laps, and is met with Irving, a face that she hasn't seen in over sixty years.

Set in dual time lines in 1920s Prohibition era Brooklyn and in 1987, we see Augusta, smitten with her father's pharmacy career and Irving. Augusta though, never marries. Irving seems to be still smitten with our Augusta, but there is so much cloud and secrecy about what happened in their youth to separate the two.

This one was so fun. The 1920s pharmacy setting was dreamy, the retirement community gossip is top tier drama, and there is just a sprinkle of magical realism at play as well. I did a dual read with the audio as well. The narrator does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life!

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advanced copy.

I absolutely adored The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. Lynda Cohen Loigman's books are magical and have such heart. I will read whatever she writes and eagerly anticipate whatever comes next.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is a charming, bittersweet story of a second chance at a (very) long lost love. Augusta is a pharmacist’s daughter in the 20s in New York: she wants to follow in her father’s footsteps (with a dash of a her aunt’s mystical healing thrown in) and marry Irving, the shop boy. But things go horribly awry and Irving disappears, Augusta throws herself into her career. More than 60 years later, forced into retirement, who does she run into but Irving, who seemingly wants to pick up where they left off. But can she ever trust the man who broke her heart?

Told in two timelines, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is sweet and sad, full of warm humor and hope. Augusta is prickly, strong-willed, and incredibly sympathetic; Irving is jocular, kind and (in Augusta’s opinion) annoyingly persistent. They’re a marvelously unusual couple for a romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I really really liked this dual timeline possibly magical realism historical fiction novel. We meet our main character Augusta who is forced into retirement after years as single successful pharmacist. She moves to a retirement community in Florida where she runs into her first and last lost love, Irving. Shenanigans ensue as we learn what happened to their doomed (until now) romance. Along the way we meet Augusta’s family and friends, including her possibly magical great aunt Esther who teaches Augusta there might be more to healing than the pills you buy in a shop. Augusta becomes a healer herself and ultimately heals her broken heart.