Review – The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Synopsis
It’s never too late for new beginnings.
On the cusp of turning eighty, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is adrift. When she relocates to Rallentando Springs—an active senior community in southern Florida—she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy—and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.
As a teenager growing up in 1920’s Brooklyn, Augusta’s role model was her father, Solomon Stern, the trusted owner of the local pharmacy and the neighborhood expert on every ailment. But when Augusta’s mother dies and Great Aunt Esther moves in, Augusta can’t help but be drawn to Esther’s curious methods. As a healer herself, Esther offers Solomon’s customers her own advice—unconventional remedies ranging from homemade chicken soup to a mysterious array of powders and potions.
As Augusta prepares for pharmacy college, she is torn between loyalty to her father and fascination with her great aunt, all while navigating a budding but complicated relationship with Irving. Desperate for clarity, she impulsively uses Esther’s most potent elixir with disastrous consequences. Disillusioned and alone, Augusta vows to reject Esther’s enchantments forever.
Sixty years later, confronted with Irving, Augusta is still haunted by the mistakes of her past. What happened all those years ago and how did her plan go so spectacularly wrong? Did Irving ever truly love her or was he simply playing a part? And can Augusta reclaim the magic of her youth before it’s too late?
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Review
You are never too old to find love.
This novel follows the life of Augusta (nickname Goldie) in her youth and 80s. I enjoyed the alternate timelines because we learned so much about Augusta, her family, her lost love, and those who are important to her. We also see her disappointment, struggles, and triumphs in the past and the present. Because this book is set in the 1920s and the 1980s, the author doesn’t have to worry about introducing too much technology. We do see the addition of computers at the beginning of the book, which leads to her retirement. I had to chuckle when she retired, and they thought she was 70, but then we learned quickly that she was really 80. We learn the reason behind it later in the book, and I must admit it is a little ingenious, but you can’t get away with it these days.
While not a romance per se, I loved the romance that blooms between Augusta and Irving. It wasn’t smooth sailing for these two when they were younger or even in the present. There are so many things to work out between the two, and it takes a fair amount of conversation to get to the truth.
I also loved the mystical aspect of it with Aunt Eleanor and her herbal concoctions that helped the women of the town. Women were not taken seriously regarding their health at this time, but Eleanor listened to them and did what she could to assist them with their fears, worries, and medical issues.
This is a delightful story, and if the other books by this author are like this, I know I am in for a treat!
We give this book 5 paws up.
About the Author
Lynda Cohen Loigman graduated from Harvard College and Columbia Law School. Her debut novel, The Two-Family House, was a USA Today bestseller and a nominee for the Goodreads 2016 Choice Awards in Historical Fiction. Her second novel, The Wartime Sisters, was selected as a Woman’s World Book Club pick and a Best Book of 2019 by Real Simple Magazine.
Her most recent book, The Matchmaker’s Gift, was named a Best New Book by People Magazine and a Best Book of Fall by the New York Post, Parade Magazine, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America.com. The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is her fourth novel.
