This book has lots of great themes, but it fell flat for me. Despite it being a character-driven story, we don't get to know many of the characters well. There is a whiff of mystery about why Augusta and Irving were separated, but it soon became apparent, and the intrigue felt forced.
There are a few memorable characters, but they are all secondary and include Augusta's firecracker friend Shirley and her great-aunt Esther who was the most intriguing character but got very little page time. They were both a hoot!
The story begins with an interesting start, followed by a lull in the middle and a final 'ta-da' not being surprising as it was delightfully anticipated. I love the message of the book that is full of hope and how the author shows that being older doesn't mean you stop living, loving and experiencing life.
This is a simple character-driven read that features two timelines, long-held secrets, family dysfunction, sexism in medicine (women healers known as witches, while men are considered doctors) and not what I'd call magical realism, more like homeopathy versus modern medicine.
Note: I wish Augusta's sister Bess and her husband George were given different names - I immediately thought of Bess and George, Nancy Drew's two BFFs from the popular mystery series
Disclaimer: Thanks to St Martin's Press for the complimentary digital copy of this book which was given in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 3 stars
Author: Lynda Cohen Loigman
Genre: Historical Fiction
Type and Source: eBook from publisher via NetGalley
Publisher: St Martin's Press
First Published: October 8, 2024
Read: Sept 4 - Sept 8, 2024
Book Description from GoodReads: 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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