I loved being in the world of Augusta Stern and all her friends/foes. Told in the form of two timelines, the reader learns more about the life of Augusta. When we meet her, she is just about to retire from her job as a pharmacist and to move to a community in Florida, and we alternate between her retirement life and her life as a young girl growing up in New York. When Augusta gets to Florida, she suddenly finds herself in the presence of someone she has forced herself not to think about in 62 years- Irving Rivkin. The listener learns their history, and how they were brought back together after being ripped apart so long ago.

I thought the dual timelines were a fantastic way to tell the story, which flowed seamlessly throughout. The characters were so fully developed that I felt like I knew them myself after reading the book. Some of the side characters were such bright lights in the story- Augusta’s Great Aunt Ester being one of them. She was a fascinating character and I loved all the scenes in which she was in the book. I’m not sure which timeline was my favorite. I immensely enjoyed learning about her background, but also had a lot of fun with the retirement community periods. The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing all the characters to life, and I highly recommend listening on audio as it flowed so well. Nevertheless, I thought this book was very charming, easily readable, and is one that I will likely remember for a long time. 4.5/5 stars!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listening copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

What a beautiful love story. I really enjoyed this story and the characters. It was a fun setting to picture all this occurring. Something special and unique.

The dual timeline was an excellent way to weave everything together. Also I enjoyed the authors note and the basis of the story. What a wonderful way to honor a loved one.

Audio was excellent.

I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I enjoyed the dual timelines which included both Augusta as a young woman and as an older one. Even though I am no longer a woman in college and I’m not a woman in my 80’s, I still easily connected with Augusta. She struggled in a time when women weren’t likely to go to college but she persevered anyway. She continued to work years after most felt she was ‘supposed to’. I loved her strong personality and ambition.

Augusta doesn’t know what to do with herself when she is forced to retire. She doesn’t know anything else beyond being a pharmacist and treating people in both conventional and unconventional ways. She moves to a retirement community where she runs into Irving, a man from her past.

I primarily listened to the audio of this one and I enjoyed Gabra’s portrayal of both the young and old Augusta.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press for my copies of this book.

Augusta Stern is on the threshold of turning eighty, newly retired, and relocated to Southern Florida. And now she's feeling out-of-s0rts emotionally.

First of all, she's unhappy about being forced to retire. Secondly, she's unsure about living in a senior community far from where she's always lived. But mostly, she's shocked and perplexed at running into Irving Rivkin, who broke her heart sixty years ago...

"The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern" has alternating timelines of 1920s Brooklyn and 1980s Florida that kept me reading.

* In the 1920s timeline, we are introduced to the two important influences in Augusta's early life in Brooklyn, her father and mentor, Solomon, and the magic of her relationship with her Great Aunt Esther. These chapters are my favorite.

* In the 1980s timeline, we learn how Augusta transitions to her new lifestyle in Florida. I did enjoy the depiction of healthy, active, fun, and intelligent over seventy central characters through these chapters. It was a refreshing perspective of this age group.

An immersion read, the audiobook was narrated by Gabra Zackman, who brought life to the many characters. I found both formats equally enjoyable.

I read the debut novel "The Two Family House" and fell in love with this author’s simple, uncomplicated, and readable storytelling. Loigman writes evocative stories with heart and soul that are well-researched for historical and character authenticity. Her author's note gives the details of why she wrote this story and it adds to the reasons why I will be here for her next novel.

I recommend "The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern" to readers who enjoy Historical and Women's Fiction with a sprinkle of magic through the pages!

4.5⭐

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Lynda Cohen Loigman for a DRC and an ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this charming book. The dual timeline is handled well, with no real issues keeping up with which time period we were in. I loved the characters, 80-year-old Augusta is a little cranky, but with her history (which is told in a series of flashbacks throughout the book) I figured she's entitled. Her friends and family are nicely drawn characters. Both timelines feel "right", I wasn't around in the 1920s, but I could picture things as described (movies and TV help!). I was around in the 80s though, and that timeline did feel right as well. Overall it was a lovely story about life and love and the gift of second chances at the most unexpected times. The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Gabra Zackman; the voices she gave the different characters felt just right.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing copies for an unbiased review.

4.5 stars rounded up!

I was enthralled by this heartwarming story spanning six decades blending elements of historical fiction, magical realism, and romance. The novel vacillates between dual timelines: Florida in the 1980s and New York in the 1920s.

As a child, Augusta lives a fairly privileged life as the daughter of a Jewish pharmacy owner. However, things change when she loses her mother to illness, and her great aunt Ester moves in to help care for Augusta and her sister. Ester does not believe modern medicine, teaching Augusta about the traditional methods of healing. As she grows up, Augusta experiences her first love and heartbreak when Irving, who works at her father's pharmacy, suddenly marries another girl and moves away. Eschewing romantic love for a career, Augusta combines her interest in the old methods of healing and the new, to forge a path as one of the first female pharmacists, eventually inheriting her father's business.

When we flash forward to the future, Augusta is now an octogenarian who has retired from her successful career to a senior living community in Florida. Imagine her surprise when she runs into Irving, who is now widowed and living in the same neighborhood! What ensues is a humorous, touching, and satisfying tale of these characters and the paths they have chosen in life.

This book will particularly appeal to those who enjoy:
*Strong, non-traditional female main characters
*Second chance romance
*Jewish culture
*Complex supporting characters

I particularly enjoyed the narrator to this audiobook, and I loved the story so much I gifted my hard copy of the book to a family member for Christmas. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for ARCs in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoyed this book so much! It was different than anything that I've read before! The characters were well developed and I loved the dual timeline! Loved the narrator! The audiobook was well done!

This was such an intriguing dual-timeline read.

The audiobook narrator made it a tab difficult to listen to due to cadence, but I liked the story overall.

I love this story! I love the story of Esther! I loved Goldie and Irving. I liked how the author did back and forth chapters (past and present). This might be one of my favorite books I’ve read so far in 2025!

I really loved and enjoyed this book! It's a heartwarming dual timeline story that's set in 1920's Brooklyn and 1980's Florida. This story encompasses first love, family, romance, loss, magic, self discovery and that it is never too late for new beginnings! I found that this story beautifully illustrated the devastation of abuse and the strength survivors! I found myself rooting for Augusta because the story wrapped itself around my heart and refused to let go! I admit that I laughed and cried while reading this book. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was absolutely fantastic.

Master storyteller (favorite author) Lynda Cohen Loigman returns following The Two-Family House, The Wartime Sisters, and The Matchmaker's Gift with her latest magical and timeless journey, THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN —it is never too late for love and second chances.

Captivating. Exhilarating. Magical. Heartwarming. Charming. Uplifting!

About...

Brilliantly told in dual timelines, this story features a cast of memorable, well-developed characters full of heart and wit, whom you will root for until the end.

1987: Augusta Stern has been a pharmacist for many years and is retiring. She is nearing her 80th birthday, even though her paperwork says she is much younger.

Jackie, her niece, has found a wonderful new retirement community in South Florida, Rallentando Springs. Upon arrival, she is shocked to see her first love, Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy at her dad's pharmacy who broke her heart sixty years earlier. He called her Goldie and has not forgotten her.

1920s: Brooklyn, NY. Augusta was working in her father’s pharmacy. He was all about medicine. Her mom died, and her quirky, fun great aunt, Esther, moves in with them. She brought unconventional potions for spiritual healing powers, remedies, hope, love potions, and more. Augusta finds herself caught in the middle of both medicine and miracles.

While Augusta attempts to find her place between her father and her mysterious aunt, she falls in love with Irving, the delivery boy.

But when she gets involved in the elixir, a mysterious concoction with the power to change lives, things take a turn. Here she is sixty years later, face to face with the love she wanted back then. What happened long ago to tear them apart?

Will Irving and Augusta have a second chance at love?

My thoughts...

I loved this book! I have read all of Lynda's books, and this is my absolute favorite.

With dual timelines (equally as engaging) and well-developed characters, you will be enchanted by this charming, magical, and delightful love story of second chances! It's a narrative that will captivate you, proving that it's never too late for new beginnings. No matter your age or time. Top Books of 2024!

Fully immersive and engaging, a mix of lyrical, romance, nostalgia, and mystery! I fell in love with Augusta and Esther, who grew up when it was a man's world. Augusta is tenacious and witty, full of hope, heart, and soul, and finally opens her heart to second chances.

As always, I love Lynda's storytelling and the power of words. I enjoyed the South Florida setting. (Part of the inspiration was Lynda helping her dad move from Boynton Beach- in my backyard.)

THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN is not just a novel; it's an experience. It's an ideal pick for book clubs and further discussions. Check out the author's letter, inspiration, and book club discussion questions. From the stunning front cover, the story, the characters, the setting, and the superb writing—a first-class novel that will warm your heart.

Audiobook...

The audiobook was outstanding, narrated by Lynda Cohen Loigman (author) and Gabra Zackman, making the characters come alive with dual timelines for an engaging listening experience. I highly recommend the audiobook!

Recs...

This book is a must-read for fans of the author and Sarah Addison Allen, Patti Callahan Henry, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Kristin Hannah, Nicholas Sparks, Rochelle Weinstein, and Kimberly Brock.

It's a story that understands your love for fiction, literature, storytelling, romance, historical novels, and the power of love. It's a perfect addition to your reading list. I am a massive fan of the author; everything she writes is enchanting!

Interview...

Be sure to check out my featured #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A with Lynda, where we go behind the book & the author!.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the honor of reading a digital advanced reading copy via NetGalley for an honest opinion and an ALC by Macmillan Audio.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Oct 8, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars +
October 2024 Must-Read Books
Featured #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern follows Augusta Stern, a retired former pharmacist who has a complicated past and A LOT of regrets. She absolutely loved her long career as a pharmacist but she’s finally ready to retire at 79 years old. But when she arrives at her new retirement community she finds that her ex, the man who deeply hurt her when they were young also lives there. And she’s forced to face all the regrets and pain, both related and unrelated to her ex, of her past.

First of all I was TRICKED into reading what’s 75% a romance novel!!! I can call it a historical fiction because about half of it takes place decades and decades ago and the past is the biggest impact on this entire book, but oh my goodness is the romance a huge focus. What made it fun and unique for me is that the characters are much older than the characters I’ve typically seen in romance. Augusta gets a second chance with the love of her life at 80 years old! In general I never really read books about elderly people. I love when books, TV, and movies cover the idea that it’s never too late to chase what you want in life. Augusta was an endearing character to me and I thought the people she met in her nursing home and her niece were also fun characters.

Augusta’s great aunt Esther, a woman who heavily inspired her journey to becoming a pharmacist, is a huge character in this book. And my main problem with this book… is that I HATED her. I absolutely hated her. Whenever she showed up in this book (which was so so much. I cannot emphasize enough how big of a character she is) I was so irritated. She’s the main thing that dropped this book from a 5 star to a 4 star for me, but it’s also just a fun book more than it is an impressive book.

I loved this story of Augusta (Goldie)! So fun to find it it was based on a true person! Goldie is the youngest 80yr old with such a passion for her life's work as a pharmacist. The dual timeline unfolded the story perfectly. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this audio book in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely adored this book! From the moment I pressed play, I was entranced by the historical backdrop of the 1920s and 1980s dual timeline set in a family pharmacy in New York's Brownsville and a lively retirement home in Florida. I would call it a love story, not a romance, even though it followed one of the typical genre tropes. The characters were incredibly lovable and the author's story weaving really tugged at my heartstrings. So happy I picked this one up!

A cozy and sweet historical fiction love story; I really liked the Jewish history and New York references peppered throughout. I was not surprised when the author acknowledged afterward that this was inspired by a real person in her family. A lovable MC carving out space in a male dominated field to root for to boot.

Dear The Love Elixer of Augusta Stern,
You were such a life affirming and heartwarming story. I love Augusta. Her story was so layered and interesting. She was such a spunky lady and I want to be like her when I am in my 80's. Her and Irving had an interesting past, and I loved the window you gave me into 1920's Brooklyn. You were a perfect blend of sentimentality and cheek and I just loved reading you.

I think I have a new favorite genre of novel--old, cranky people who find a new lease on life. Augusta Stern was cantankerous but compelling!

In dual timelines, we learn about Augusta Stern as a girl, working in her father's pharmacy in 1920s Brooklyn. We also see her living in a present-day Florida retirement community--after being forced to retire from her pharmacist job at the age of 80. These two narratives paint the portrait of a cranky-yet-vibrant woman who suffered through heartache and tragedy to get to the life she has today. Her wish to be a loner is upended by the people she meets at her retirement community, particularly Irving, the "one who got away" from her young life in Brooklyn.

Augusta's life in the 1920s, especially her bond with her aunt, is funny and fascinating. Her aunt is known for a mysterious elixir that does everything from curing Irving's flu to helping a young woman get pregnant. One day, Augusta, out of desperation, uses the elixir and things take a dramatic turn.

I adored the character of Augusta, the lively secondary characters (both in Brooklyn and Florida), and this heartwarming overall narrative. A charming mix of emotional moments, humor, romance, and humanity, this novel was a surprising delight. It's the whole package and I highly recommend it.

I loved the audio. Gabra Zackman brings Augusta to life with one of those older voices that just scream wisdom, experience, and strength. She was the perfect choice to bring August and her stories to life!

Nominee for my favorite book do the year!! Perfection! I loved this book with my whole heart. The narrator did a fantastic job in making me feel so connected to the story and instantly attached to these characters. This story was exactly what I needed in my life. I can’t wait to re-read it every single fall.

This novel was so charming on audio! The narrator did a great job with the voices and making the characters' personalities come to life. I am certain this story would be equally engaging on the written page. This was a cozy, intelligent, deep but also fun story about second-chance love, missed opportunities, family lore, inter-generational bonds, and aging - all with the perfect dashes of magic and mystery mixed in.

I definitely want to go back into Loigman's catalog and pick up The Matchmaker's Gift soon, and I look forward to recommending this book to my audience over on Bookstagram.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest feedback.

This book was a wonderfully sweet and heartfelt read. A second-chance romance, a hint of magic, and a found family dynamic make it a light, lovable choice—perfect for breaking up darker thrillers. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I really enjoyed it!
Augusta Stern, nearing 80 and recently retired, moves to Rallentando Springs, FL, a retirement community, where she unexpectedly runs into Irving Rivkin. Irving, who once worked as a delivery boy at her father’s pharmacy and broke her heart 60 years ago. In 1920, Augusta’s father, Solomon Stern, was a well-known pharmacist and store owner, while Augusta’s great aunt Ester, a healer in her own right, moved in after Augusta’s mother passed, offering advice and homemade chicken soup to Augusta and the town.
After all, what can’t a little chicken soup fix, right? The story alternates between two timelines, which are easy to follow. We get to experience the characters both in their youth and in their older years, allowing us to see their individual growth and how they evolve together. The magical elements are light and whimsical, adding a unique touch to the plot. I loved Augusta both as a young girl and as an older woman. The setting of the retirement community in Florida was delightful, and the banter with the other residents was a real highlight. If you’re looking for cozy, magical vibes this fall, this is definitely one to pick up. Also, the author’s note at the end is a must-read—I thoroughly enjoyed learning how this story came to be!