The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern

A Novel

By: Lynda Cohen Loigman

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman, Lynda Cohen Loigman

"Gabra Zackman gloriously performs this charming dual-timeline audiobook." —AudioFile on The Matchmaker's Gift

This program features an author's note read by the author.

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?

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Lynda Cohen Loigman (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Loigman presents two fully realized time lines, each full of Jewish cultural touchstones, in this charming love story that proves it's never too late for a second chance." —Booklist

"In this poignant tale of late-in-life love, Loigman showcases her talent for transporting readers into recent history through lovingly researched details and a touch of magical whimsy...This is a charmer." —Publishers Weekly

"Mix equal parts humor, heart, and hope and you’ll get The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, a sparkling ode to second chances. I adored Augusta on both of the book’s timelines, delighting in both her razor-sharp wit as a present-day Floridian retiree and her unrelenting curiosity as a grieving motherless child, in Brooklyn, whose life is upended by an aunt who appears to have spiritual healing powers. Lynda Cohen Loigman’s latest is a must-read that will leave you believing in the power of believing." —Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures

character development

What a lovely story!I enjoyed every bit of it! Thank you for your time and creativity!

Excellent story!

I am glad I heard this story! It was emmensly enjoyable and certainly held my attention!

Heartwarming

This book was a pleasure to read and reminded me of some of my childhood and Jewish food and upbringing. I loved Esther‘s accent which sounded like my parents. It is heartwarming to realize that it’s never too late to find love for those who never found it. Age is just a number and not who you really are inside.

Excellent read/listen to

I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. The characters are well developed and interesting.

Captivating!

Interesting story with realistic characters and fascinating Jewish culture. I love learning new words, and concepts.
I found myself googling terms and/or phrases to learn more about them. I always enjoy when a book captures the imagination the way this one did. I have listened to her previous book, 'The Matchmaker's gift,' many times, and I think I will be reading this one again as well. Bravo!

Sweet Second Chances

Sweet second chances journey from Brooklyn to Florida retirement home. A magical pharmacy in an old NYC neighborhood.

Perfection!!!!!

I loved the entire book and Lynda’s previous ones. They are a treasure and helps keep Jewish culture alive.

Love these characters

I really liked that the story was about two older people in their 80’s. A lovely story.

Boring characters

Story overall is predictable but a “feel good” story. The characters were not “deep” and quite boring. Very “childish” dialogues.