The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel.

Wow! After reading The Matchmaker's Gift and enjoying it thoroughly, I was excited to receive a copy of The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. I started it immediately after downloading it to kindle, and I'm so glad I did. This did not disappoint.

Once again, Loigman successfully combined culture, research, and an enchanting fiction tale into one book. Augusta Stern moved to Florida upon retirement, and is visited by characters of her past. The story flipped between the 1920s and the 1980s, with elements from each time period connected to the other. The reader learns about Augusta's past working with her pharmacist father, as well as with her great aunt, a healer. I was mesmerized by the passages describing the herbs and magical elements employed by her great aunt, along with the medical and scientific pharmaceutical options of the early twentieth century. Throw in a 'missed connections' past love story, and it all comes together in an intriguing manner.

I definitely recommend this to fans of historical fiction, romance, and magical realism. 5 stars!

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Loigman

"Because you can't have the highs without the lows. That's how love works."

Lynda Loigman is one of my favorite authors—and humans. And she's done it again! Remember her captivating, beautiful The Matchmaker's Gift? In her latest novel, Lynda also crafts a heartwarming story with characters readers will cheer across the finish line.

Pushing 80, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern moves from NYC to a Florida retirement community. She never expects to run into Irving, the man who broke her heart sixty years ago. August thought Irving loved her back then, but she had been horribly mistaken.

Based on the adage, "You're never too old, and it's never too late," this novel weaves stories set in 1980s Florida and 1920s Brooklyn. It is an enchanting read.

Lynda Cohen Loigman's 'The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern' is a captivating novel that weaves together elements of romance, magic, and self-discovery in a way that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.

The characters are beautifully crafted, each with their own complexities and vulnerabilities that make them incredibly relatable. From the first page to the last, I found myself completely immersed in this magical tale, unable to put it down.

What a unique book with multiple layers and complexities that add such dimension and depth to the characters and story. It pulled on my emotions - joy, regret, sadness, hope - to experience Augusta's journey from the beginning when it all went wrong, to the end when there is new hope for old wounds.

This one really got me in my feelings. It was so incredibly sad but also managed to put me back together? The plot will have you bawling but by the ending the heart might be mended.

A 62 year love story in the making. What a beautiful story of enduring love, forgiveness, second chances, medicine and magical healing. Well developed, likable characters that you can relate to. This book will stay with you long after you turn the last page. My first time reading Lynda Cohen Loigman, but hopefully not my last.

Big-hearted and whimsical! A story of “it’s never too late for love.” Readers will adore this book set in the 1920s and 1980s about two star-crossed young loves who find their way back to one another—with a little help! —Dianna Rostad USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of You Belong Here Now

Lynda’s books are such a pleasure to read. Great story with great characters and unputdownable. This was no different. I loved this new one and it was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024. I was pulled in from the very first page and now I’m sad it’s over. You do not want to miss this one!

This was one of the best books I have read for a while. This was Augusta's story, switching between her eighties and her growing up years. She was one of the few women in her time to attend college and earn a degree in pharmacy. While she devoted her life to her career, she always regretted missing out on love and her own family. There's so many layers to this story, you will have to trust me when I say do NOT miss this book. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read it. Definitely recommend!!

This was such a fantastic book! The old world healing. The family entanglements. Love finding its way again after 60 years. It just was such a wonderful book of all could have beens and all there is to come if we let it. This was just such a great story of all the people in the "old neighborhood".

This was a love story unlike any that I have read before. Augusta Stern is probably the first main character that I have ever read about in her eighties. The book does have a dual timeline so we learn about Augusta in 1987, but also about her life growing up in the 1920s. There was so much to enjoy.

The background of what Augusta's life was like growing up Jewish in New York City during the 1920s was really interesting. Seeing how she handled the loss of her mother as well as the struggle to become a pharmacist when women were still expected to just marry and have babies. The best part though was her relationship with her Aunt Esther and the magic/mystery surrounding her. The reader also learns about Irving and what his life entailed. However, hands down, the best part of the book was Augusta and Irving's life in their Florida retirement village. This was a fantastic novel about second chances with a dash of magic. This was a great read and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

Hands down my favorite book I’ve read in a long time. I genuinely could not put it down. I loved the dual timelines equally and the growth and arc of Augusta and Irving were both completely believable. The questions of what happened in the past kept me reading for hours on end. All in all this book was a beautiful and engrossing love story that felt tender, light, and impactful.

Another heartwarming gem by Lynda Cohen Loigman! I absolutely adored this book! Plucky and intelligent Augusta Stern is such a delightful, well drawn character, and her tale - which follows Augusta from her teen years in 1920s Brooklyn to her 80s at a Florida retirement village - is utterly charming and endearing. Simply put, it sparks joy. The story is also beautifully crafted - well researched and well plotted, with an excellent sense of place at every turn.

Highly recommended! (And if you’re new to Loigman’s novels, I also strongly recommend The Matchmaker’s Gift, which was among my favorite reads of 2022,)

Many thanks to NetGalley and to St. Martin’s Press for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

I love all of Lynda's books and Love Elixir is no exception. She beautifully balances past and present, and Augusta Stern practically leaps off the page. It's smart, funny, and surprising yet ultimately so satisfying. Another winner that I will be sharing with everyone I know.

This was …. One of the sweetest, emotional books I’ve ever read. I loved the back and forth between past and present, the characters were real- real, flawed, humans and so, so bittersweet.


Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this in exchange for my review!

Fantastic. This novel blends elements of romance, magic, and self discovery in a way that is both enchanting and thought provoking. I loved the richly developed characters and the themes of healing and second chances.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Loved this book! Chock full of lovable characters, rich with historical details and sprinkled with a dash of magic, THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN has it all. Toggling between Brooklyn in the 1920s and a Florida retirement community in the 1980s, AUGUSTA STERN is beautifully written, fast-paced, thoroughly entertaining novel about family, medicine, love, second changes and, one of my favorite topics: making your way as a strong woman in a man's world. Dare I say this is Loigman's best yet?

The Love Elixer of Augusta Stern is definitely one of my favorite books this year--I absolutely devoured it. It's quiet and beautiful and I was completely drawn into Augusta's story in both her past and present narratives. This will be one I'll be recommending for sure.

Thank you to the publisher for making this book available to read and review through NetGalley.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman is a heartwarming story of strength and second chances.

At almost eighty and recently retired, Augusta Stern moves to Rallentando Springs, Florida, where she unexpectedly reunites with Irving Rivkin, the man who broke her heart six decades ago.
This meeting sparks memories of Brooklyn in the 1920’s, where Augusta has to navigate between her pharmacist Dad and her Great Aunt Esther’s unconventional remedies.
When an error occurs with one of Esther's potions which leads to heartache and a decision to change her methods forever.

This book is truly a treasure. The author writes of resilience, second chances, and reconciling with past mistakes.
This book is beautifully crafted and profoundly relatable, and Augusta’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that it’s never too late to forge new connections, seek love, and embrace happiness.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is a touching, poignant, and hopeful read that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the opportunity to experience this inspiring novel.

What a wonderfully lovely story written in a magical way. The author intertwined two stories as a brilliant weaver, past and present. A strong female lead, warm and well developed characters …. I felt like I was there with them. A story of love, friendship, family, redemption, and a touch of magic.

Thank you net galley for the opportunity to have read this book in exchange for an honest review. My heart is full after reading this one.

Such a great story about a retired pharmacist who runs into an old flame. I loved jumping back in time and the world building for the 20’s was great. I loved Augusta and her story.

Imagine retiring and moving to a retirement community only to run into your ex flame! Such a cute story that will make you laugh and cheer for Augusta.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel for review purposes.

This is such a poignant, sweet novel written in two timelines. The switch between the timelines is smooth and intuitive.

I enjoyed the touch of mysticism combined with the sharp scientific mind that make up the two sides of Augusta. The historical aspects of the story are written in such a way that make it easy to picture the time and events.

The tension between the characters is well managed and keeps the level of interest engaged.

While not my usual sort of read I absolutely loved this book! A reflective account that firmly showed that age is but a number. The blending of past and present was well done and always in a way to help further the development of the present. Characters were lovable with some absolutely stealing my heart. The metaphors and imagery was flawless. Groaning and laughing out loud this book was a delight

Thank you St Martin’s Free Press via NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review

wonderful read! loigman doesn't disappoint ! love the characters. fun read and interesting. felt like i was right there with them!!! great book club selection. lots to discuss here. a must read!!!

I am so glad I got to read this novel by Lynda Cohen Loigman thru NetGalley. It’s a wonderful dual timeline story of a strong young woman growing up in Brooklyn along with her as she begins hers retired life at 80. Loved all the characters, the timeline and the writing,

I really loved this book! Lynda Cohen Loigman has a knack for infusing just the right amount of magic into the everyday. Both the worlds created in the 1920s and the 1980s felt real, grounded, and whole. I especially appreciated the thoughtful treatment of romance in our sunset years. Fabulous! 4 Stars.

What an extraordinary, beautiful piece of work.

In this book, we follow Augusta Stern through dual timelines—one in the 1920s in Brooklyn, and one in the 1980s in Florida. Tying together themes from both eras, we watch a tale unfold that involves family, love, second chances, female empowerment, and so much more.

The author is immensely talented at weaving compelling characters with a poignant storyline. And there were several scenes where I had to stop and take a moment to appreciate her absolutely beautiful writing. With this book, she has created a world that's enchanting and full of heart and humor.

Augusta and her story will stay with me for a long time.

This book was, plain and simple, a gift.

It was a wonderful story of resilience, second chances at love, mistakes, and finding peace with those mistakes.

Anytime I read a book where the main character is much older than I am, I always worry I won't be able to connect or resonate with the character and their struggles and goals, since I haven't reached where they are in life yet. With this book, however, all I could think of was how important it was to never give up and to always remember that as long as you're alive, it's never too late. To make new friends, find new love, to be happy. It's never too late. Live your life. And you can start over again at any time.

This book was beautiful and heart wrenching and touching and hopeful and I love every character.

"You can't give up something that brings you joy just because it is difficult."
What a wonderful, magical, touching story that is told via dual timelines about second chances no matter how old one is.
I loved Augusta Stern and I especially adored her mysterious Aunt Esther who taught about life and living during the 1920's when things were not easy.
The life lessons are never forgotten even as Augusta herself ages and finds herself in a senior retirement community.
Will Augusta find her niche here? Can she be happy?

The characters are people I would love to know and now I do!
I highly recommend that everyone should get to meet these folks.

Thank you to @Netgalley and to @St, Martin's Press for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.

What a wonderful story of love, loss and miscommunication. I enjoyed that this was a romance between older characters as the story flips between the 1920s and 1980s. The characters were well written and the idea of how tough it has always been for women to choose between career and love resonated with me. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of modern medicine and a holistic natural approach. I really enjoyed this book and appreciate the opportunity to have read it. I will for sure suggest this one!

Lynda Cohen Loigman has done it again!

This is truly a book about 2nd chances on love and friendship! Reminds us that open communication is often the best way to prevent years of hurt, misunderstanding and often years of love, happiness and joy.

Augusta's story is told through flashbacks throughout the book. Augusta is now 80, forced into retirement as a pharmacist. Her love for healing started many years prior working as a teen alongside her father. She witnessed the power of medicine and the importance of privacy. Her aunt Esther shares her ways of healing too, which makes Augusta an absolute delight!

Pre-order your copy today as this book is set to be released later this year! In the meantime, go back and pick up her 3 previous titles, all different and all magical in their own way!

I think this was one of my favorite reads of 2024 so far.

If you like UpLit you will absolutely love this story of the old pharmacist, Augusta, who moves into an elderly home where she ends up seeing two people from her childhood, one of whom is her teenage boyfriend (love of her life) who left her and married someone else.

This story has so much heart, so much love, so much pain. The characters are layered, funny, sweet, and so real. The way the story slowly unfolds builds your empathy, love and connection to the characters and before you know it, you are rooting for them and aching for them.

I loved the magical realism. Usually in stories like this I tend to like one character's storytelling more than the other one. Or I like one timeline more. In this case, I loved all of it. Every moment.

Wonderful story, a perfect balm for these tough days.

with gratitude to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

What a sweet story that straddles historical fiction and modern day, late in life romance…. With a little bit of magic mixed in. A fun second-chance-at love that will tug at your heart strings. For lovers of Don’t Forget to Write or Cohen Loigman’s other books.

This is a sweet story about second chances. I really enjoyed the magical realism aspect. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.