Overview

Full of sweetness and charm.” —People

“The happiest I have felt in years inside the world of a book.” —Natalie Jenner, #1 nationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society

“A sparkling ode to second chances.” —Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures

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?

Review

Augusta has just moved to an active senior community in southern Florida. It doesn’t take her long to run into her old boyfriend, Irving Rivkin. He was a delivery boy for her dad’s pharmacy in Brooklyn. He broke her heart 60 years ago and she is not letting him get close now!

Augusta is definitely a character you will not forget. She is tough as nails. Almost too tough. She just might let her stubbornness get in the way.

This story captivated me from the very start. I enjoyed the dual timelines. And the old world charm from Augusta’s aunt just added a bit of flavor! Oh! And the old pharmacy was a joy for me to read about. Add all this together with gangsters, great characters and you have a pretty dang good read!

I have read another book by this author, The Matchmaker’s Gift. I also gave it five stars. So, I think this author has become a favorite!

Need a heartwarming tale with a kick…THIS IS It! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.