The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, A Novel By Lynda Cohen Loigman

In The Secrets of Rallentando Springs, newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern finds herself adrift at the cusp of her eightieth birthday. Relocating to the vibrant senior community of Rallentando Springs in southern Florida, she unexpectedly reunites with Irving Rivkin—the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy and the man who broke her heart sixty years ago.

Set against the backdrop of 1920s Brooklyn, Augusta’s youth was shaped by her father, Solomon Stern, a respected pharmacist. After her mother’s death, Great Aunt Esther moves in, introducing unconventional healing methods that both intrigue and confuse Augusta. As she prepares for pharmacy college, Augusta grapples with her loyalty to her father and her fascination with Esther’s mystical remedies. In a moment of impulsiveness, she tries one of Esther’s powerful elixirs, leading to disastrous consequences that leave her disillusioned and alone.

Now, decades later, the ghosts of Augusta’s past resurface with Irving’s arrival. Haunted by her choices and the enigmatic nature of their relationship, she reflects on her youthful mistakes and whether Irving ever truly loved her. As she navigates this second chance at love, Augusta must confront her past, reclaim the magic she once knew, and determine if it’s possible to find joy in life once more before it’s too late. With themes of love, healing, and self-discovery, this poignant tale celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of second chances. 📚❤️