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.

This was the perfect fall read! I absolutely loved the narrator and hope to find more audiobooks by her. The story was interesting, cozy, and I loved the dual timeline. It was slightly predictable but I still loved all of the characters and the background of of a women growing up in the 20's in a pharmacy.

Senior stories are having a moment and this one was absolutely lovely. I adored it as an audiobook, super easy to follow with just the right amount of characters in the book. Definitely recommend it if you're looking to get into audiobooks.

This is such a cute book and the audio was very entertaining. The characters, their story and spunk were so great! I enjoy reading about older characters, their life and love. This is a character driven story and I am more drawn toward plot driven stories, so sometimes it seemed to drag or lose my attention. The end and the authors note were SO great! I think this is a perfect book for some.
3.75 rounded up.

What worked for me:
- lovable characters
- dual timeline
- great side characters
- a great second chance romance
- a little bit of magic

What didn't work for me:
- maybe a tad bit slow and drawn out but it still worked

I love when I’m surprised by how much I love a book. Don’t get me wrong— I read the premise of THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN by Lynda Cohen Loigman months ago and thought it sounded good. I didn’t expect it to be one of my favorites this year.

Augusta Stern, soon to be 80 years old, finally retires her pharmacy career and moves to Florida. In her retirement community, she reconnects with friends and an old flame from her teenage years. A past timeline set in Brooklyn in the 1920s uncovers what truly went wrong in the relationships between Augusta and her friends, and it provides the background for why Augusta had a love for healing as a pharmacist. There’s history, magic, and second chances and I couldn’t get enough of it. The backdrops and timelines of 1920s Brooklyn and 1980s Boca Raton were perfect for this read. I absolutely adored this book! Adding all of her books to my TBR.

Many thanks to @stmartinspress for this #gifted copy (with signed book plate!) and thank you to @macmillan.audio for offering the audiobook to allow me to read and listen. The narrator was fantastic! I won’t forget this book.

👉🏻 For my friends who enjoy strong, intelligent, mature female characters, historical fiction, second-chance romance, and a wee smidge of magical realism.

THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN by Lynda Cohen Loigman (Gabra Zackman, Narrator) @lloigman @gabracadabranyc

🎧Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the gifted audiobook. #macaudio24 (Available now) 10 hrs, 18 min

Selfishly, I enjoy reading stories with characters my age or older, but this is becoming increasingly difficult. Give me a 20-something being stubborn, miscommunicating, and making poor choices, and I will roll my eyes and think, “Doesn’t she know better?” Give me the same behavior in an 80-something, and I think, “I can see that. Poor dear. No wonder she’s frustrated.”

We shift back and forth between two timelines as we follow Augusta’s life, first as a teenager working in her father’s drugstore (and falling in love with the delivery boy, Irving) in 1920s Brooklyn, and later as she settles into a retirement community as an 80-year-old. At 18, curious and intelligent, Augusta wants to attend pharmacy college. Still, she’s also fascinated by the “homeopathic” medicine her great-aunt practices in their apartment after midnight with mysterious herbs and chants. At 80, she is retired from a successful career in pharmacy but has been alone for 60 years, bitter over Irving’s betrayal.

The story moves along at a perfect pace as we learn more about Augusta, her mysterious aunt, and Irving. There is much to unpack about being female in a male-dominated profession, choosing a career instead of family, redemption, loyalty, and second chances. This would make an excellent book club selection (of course, you’d need to serve chicken soup!).

The audio narration is top-notch, with completely different voices for each character and the narrator. Gabra delivers a full-cast performance without resorting to stereotypes. I especially liked how Augusta's “young” and “older” voices were different yet similar.

P/S - Always read the author’s note! Lynda offers terrific insight into her process and the inspiration for the story.

I so enjoyed this book. The magic, the hope, the story all of it sucked me in.
The audiobook was well done. Highly recommend. May even be a reread for me.

I was gifted an audio version of The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Net Galley (thank you!) and loved it so very much I bought a hard copy and immediately read it! It is a book about love, family, second chances, secrets and a little magic. The story timeline is the 1920's and the 1980's weaving Augusta's life story perfectly from being a "local healer" to going to pharmacy school in a male dominated field to finally "retiring" and started her life over again. I found the author notes so profound... "It is a reminder that age doesn't change who we are, that 2nd chances are always possible, and that it is never to late to find love again. Five Stars well deserved for this wonderful read! I am now going to read her backlist books also looking forward to reading them all!

I loved this one! I loved the dual timeline where we followed Augusta and Irving in the present in their retirement home and as we slowly learned about their history in Brooklyn. The pacing of the story kept me intrigued and I really wanted to know what happened in the past timeline and how things went "wrong." I thought this story had lots of layers but nothing seemed irrelevant or less important. I thought the pharmacy vs apothecary discussion was extremely well done. There is so much to love about this one!