The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman on October 8, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Historical / 20th Century / General, Fiction / Jewish, Fiction / Romance / Later in Life
Pages: 320
Format: Audiobook
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This is a heartwarming story about reconnecting with your first love later in life. I don’t often read this genre, so it felt both sweet and refreshing.
Eighty-year-old Augusta, a trained pharmacist, has finally been forced into retirement after years of lying about her age to avoid it. Adjusting to the culture shock of moving from New York to Florida, she discovers that her first love, Irving, is living in the same assisted living facility. The Boca Raton vibes were so charming, and I genuinely appreciated how Augusta’s niece helped her settle into this new chapter of life.
The story takes us back in time to 1920s Brooklyn, where Augusta recounts her budding romance with her pharmacist father’s delivery boy and her deep bond with the aunt who raised her. Her aunt, with her special knowledge of herbs, potions, teas, and soups not only healed but seemed to work a kind of magic. Inspired by both her aunt’s wisdom and her father’s profession, Augusta forged her own path to become a successful pharmacist.
I adored the quirky characters and the dual timelines in this novel. The blend of genres worked beautifully, weaving together historical fiction, romance, and a touch of magical realism. Augusta was a delight—her feminist spirit and independence made her feel ahead of her time, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. The hints of magic added an extra layer of charm to this already wonderful story.