It's 1987 and Augusta Stern is about to celebrate her 80th birthday. After running her family's pharmacy and working as a pharmacist in several hospitals, Augusta is gently informed that it's time for her to retire. She leaves Brooklyn and moves to a retirement community in Boca Raton, Florida. One of the first people she sees is Irving Rifkin, her first love. When this charming story shifts to 1922, Augusta has recently lost her mother, and her great-aunt Esther has come to help out the family. Teenaged Augusta helps out at her father Solomon's pharmacy. With the skills learned in Russia, Esther uses non-conventional ways of helping people including servings of her chicken soup and other herbal remedies. Augusta and Irving, the pharmacy's delivery boy develop a close friendship that evolves into something more. Through all their years apart, Augusta never understood why Irving broke her heart. Is it too late for forgiveness?
This is Lynda Cohen Loigman's fourth book, and I have adored them all. The Matchmaker's Gift was one of my favorites of 2022. And now The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern has captured my heart. I loved Augusta (or "Goldie" as Irving called her) and her wonderful Aunt Esther. The novel provides a perfect blend of poignancy and wit. Do Esther's potions and remedies process a touch of magic?
As a child of Brooklyn who now lives in the Boca area, I find it remarkable how much Loigman's books resonate with me. Be sure to check out this delightful novel. Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read it in advance.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Contemporary & Historical Fiction.
Publication Date: October 8, 2024.
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