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!

Listening to Gabra Zackman's narration really brought the story alive for me and I was completely engrossed. The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern unravels the life of Augusta Stern, a retired pharmacist nearing her 80th birthday, who has just retired to a senior living community in Florida where she crosses paths with someone meaningful from her past. It's told in a dual-timeline, 1920s Brooklyn and 1980s Florida, and highlights Augusta's upbringing in her father's pharmacy where she learns about modern medicine but also of the 'unconventional' healing methods of her Great Aunt Esther. I found Augusta a little bit of a curmudgeon, which I loved, and I thought this was such a unique exploration of science, women in the medical field, and love later in life. Loigman's writing was vivid and she created really great characters and depictions of the settings. Highly recommend and looking forward to future books by Lynda Cohen Loigman!
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is a heartwarming and intricately woven story that spans across decades, blending historical fiction, romance, and magical realism with an enchanting touch. Augusta is on the cusp of turning eighty, is at a crossroads in life and has relocated to an active senior community in Florida which reintroduces her to Irving Rivkin, the man who broke her heart over sixty years ago. Through a dual-timeline narrative, we are transported to 1920s Brooklyn, where Augusta’s coming-of-age journey unfolds amidst the backdrop of her father’s pharmacy and her great aunt Esther’s unconventional healing methods. The magical realism that permeates Augusta’s relationship with Esther adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, blurring the lines between science and mysticism, while Augusta’s personal growth and her complex romance with Irving offer an emotionally resonant exploration of love, regret, and second chances.

The novel’s beauty lies in its deep character development and the skillful blending of themes such as family, identity, and resilience. Augusta’s strength and determination shine through, especially as she navigates the emotional scars of her past, while Esther’s influence serves as both a source of wonder and caution. The portrayal of Jewish culture and traditions adds richness to the narrative, and the focus on older women reclaiming their stories is particularly refreshing. It’s a lovely, charming tale of love and healing that proves it’s never too late to find redemption and new beginnings.

Absolutely adorable story! I loved the alternating timelines, which lent themselves to the narrative drive of the book and slowly unfolding mystery about why Irving & Augusta didn't end up together. I loved that there was a little bit of magic sprinkled throughout (or was there?). The settings were also so perfect - NYC and a Florida retirement community!

I have a thing for curmudgeons - and Augusta is that. She's had to turn her back on a number of promising interests and that has been done with self-punishing flare. Yep. She's one of those, the martyr / spartan / sacrifice who offers herself up in order to please the group at large. Father has a pharmacy, and Augusta mans that post for decades, abandoning chances at love (too trivial) and to bring home comestibles for family. To uphold and defend family reputation broadcasting to the world: No Witchy Behavior Here, No Potions Either, Not a Healer, Never Ever. Not at all like interesting Aunt Esther who embodied and eagerly shared all of that at every opportunity (hand over that recipe book!). . . that's all in Brooklyn, New York, where the family grew up and aged out.

Time passes, and Augusta's forced into retirement, and flies as so many others do to Florida at one of those party palaces for the over 60s set, and that's when this book gets very interesting.

As a woman of a certain age, this story amused and entertained me in a big way. Go Augusta, Go!

*A sincere thank you to Lynda Cohen Loigman, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

Lynda Cohen Loigman’s *The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern* is an audiobook that feels like a magical infusion of heart, humor, and a touch of whimsy. It’s a tale that bubbles with charm, blending lighthearted romance with moments of deeper introspection, all set against the backdrop of a quaint small town where anything—and everything—seems possible. Loigman weaves a story that’s as delightful as the titular elixir, leaving listeners refreshed and utterly enchanted.

At its heart is Augusta Stern, an endearingly quirky protagonist who stumbles upon a family recipe for a so-called "love elixir" that has been passed down through generations. When she decides to test its powers, she sets off a chain of unexpected events that ripple through her life and the lives of those around her. Loigman brings Augusta’s journey to life with warmth and wit, crafting a character who is both relatable and larger than life. The story dances between humor and heartfelt emotion, making it impossible not to root for Augusta as she grapples with questions of love, destiny, and what it means to truly connect with others.

The narration is pure magic. The narrator captures Augusta’s whimsical yet grounded personality with ease, bringing her charm and vulnerability to the forefront. Each character is given a distinct voice, from the skeptical best friend to the unexpected love interest, creating a rich tapestry of personalities that keep the story engaging. The narration’s playful tone perfectly complements the story’s magical realism, enhancing the sense of wonder without veering into the overly fantastical.

What makes *The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern* so special is its seamless blend of lighthearted fun and deeper themes. Beneath the humor and romance lies a poignant exploration of love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and self-love. Loigman asks big questions with a gentle touch: How much of love is fate, and how much is choice? Can we truly capture love in a bottle, or does its magic lie in the unpredictability of human connection? These reflections add depth to a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

The audiobook’s production quality is impeccable, with clear sound and thoughtful pacing that allows listeners to fully savor the narrative. The descriptions of the elixir’s ingredients, the cozy small-town setting, and the vivid personalities of the townsfolk are all brought to life through the narrator’s expressive delivery, making the experience immersive and thoroughly enjoyable.

Loigman’s writing is vibrant and full of heart, laced with moments of laugh-out-loud humor and quiet, resonant truths. The story strikes a perfect balance, offering the comfort of a romantic comedy with the depth of a heartfelt novel. Augusta’s journey is as much about discovering herself as it is about finding love, and that makes her story all the more compelling.

*The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern* is a sparkling audiobook that will appeal to fans of magical realism, romantic comedies, and stories with a touch of quirky charm. It’s a five-star listen, perfect for anyone who believes in the magic of love—or simply wants to spend a few delightful hours with an unforgettable character and a beautifully crafted story. Pour yourself a cup of tea (or maybe an elixir), and settle in for a listen that will leave you smiling and thinking about the mysteries of love long after the final chapter.

One of my favorite books released this year! I immediately fell in love with Augusta and I am always looking for a second chance story! The narration was superb! 4.5⭐️

In The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern we get to meet Augusta in her earlier life as she worked for her father in his pharmacy back in the 1920's. Then we are lucky enough that we get dual timelines in this novel and follow Augusta in her retirement life as she moves to a Florida retirement village and just happens to come across the boy she loved all those years ago.

Oh how I love a second chance romance story.

And I really enjoyed how the story was told by the author with tidbits from each timeline to find out why things ended the way they did and why Augusta is the way she is now with a lot of reflection in-between. Some parts may have been a bit predictable, but it was almost a comfort because you grow to really love and root for the main characters in both timelines.

The narrator also did a fantastic job bringing her to life and I would definitely recommend the audio for audiobook fans.

Lynda Cohen Loigman's "The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern" is a whimsical, slow-paced tale that I enjoyed, though not as much as I’d hoped. The narrator’s voice, while fitting for the characters, felt a bit too mature for me to fully connect with them. This made it harder to immerse myself in the story, even though it had many enjoyable moments.

That said, it’s still a solid read, especially if you’re looking for something reminiscent of "The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner. The magical and atmospheric elements were engaging, even if the pacing wasn’t as gripping as I’d have liked.

Thank you to Lynda Cohen Loigman, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for sending me the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cozy little dream of a book, and packed more of an emotional punch than I was expecting. I ended up buying the BOTM edition as well! Really enjoyed.

A Sweet and Whimsical Second Chance Romance
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is a delightful dual-timeline novel that whisks readers away to the vibrant 1920s Brooklyn and the sun-kissed Florida of the 1980s. At its heart is Augusta Stern, a captivating heroine who, despite the passage of time, retains her youthful spirit and unwavering hope.

This cozy, low-stakes tale is sprinkled with a touch of magical realism, adding a whimsical charm to the narrative. The second chance romance between Augusta and her long-lost love is both heartwarming and inspiring.

Filled with humor, heart, and vivid characters, the story is easy to relate to. You'll find yourself rooting for Augusta and her newfound happiness. The satisfying conclusion leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

If you're looking for a feel-good read that will transport you to another time and place, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is the perfect choice. And if you prefer listening to your stories, the audiobook, narrated by Gabra Zackman, brings the characters to life with their expressive performance.

Thank you to Netgalley, MacMillan Audio, and Lynda Cohen Loigman for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This one was just ok for me. I enjoyed the characters and the dual timeline. A spicy 80 year old woman who has relocated to Florida and has run into her love, 60 years later. I thought this one had high potential and unfortunately it just fell flat.