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GraceTown #5
The Youth Elixir
If life in GraceTown has taught Matilda Beemis anything, it’s that incredible doesn’t mean impossible…
At ninety-two, Matilda knows she has reached a time when there are more days behind her than ahead. And that’s okay. Surrounded by beloved friends, she’s grateful for every day. Still, listening to others plan their futures, Til can’t help but imagine, what if?
What if she had left GraceTown? What if she had married and had children? What if she had pursued her passions, rather than focusing on bettering the lives of those around her?
An encounter with a mysterious stranger offers Til a once-in-a-lifetime a chance to start over and begin anew as a young woman.
Til has been many things in life, but never a risk-taker…until now.
This absolutely gripping story will keep you turning the page way too late at night.
At ninety-two, Matilda knows she has reached a time when there are more days behind her than ahead. And that’s okay. Surrounded by beloved friends, she’s grateful for every day. Still, listening to others plan their futures, Til can’t help but imagine, what if?
What if she had left GraceTown? What if she had married and had children? What if she had pursued her passions, rather than focusing on bettering the lives of those around her?
An encounter with a mysterious stranger offers Til a once-in-a-lifetime a chance to start over and begin anew as a young woman.
Til has been many things in life, but never a risk-taker…until now.
This absolutely gripping story will keep you turning the page way too late at night.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2024
200 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Kirk
221 books1,612 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 2, 2024
We are back in GraceTown. You never know what you are going to get. This one was very different. Matilda "Til" Beemis is an active 92-year-old that never married. After a day of playing cards with her friends, she meets a woman in the park that offers her a chance of a lifetime. A chance to redo her life with all of the wisdom she currently held. She would start her life with nothing and no one but she could change things. Matilda surprisingly did not wait long to make a decision. This book definitely gives readers something to think about. What you do if presented with this decision so close to the end of your life? To be able to fix any regrets. Ms. Kirk navigates this conundrum with a ease that comes naturally.
Emily Curtis is a concert violinist. Thankfully, though she can't jump back into Matilda's life, she remembered that she always kept cash in a safe place. This money would give her a good start in her new life. Emily soon starts to realize that though she knows these people, they don't know her. It is lonely trying to find a way to fit into such a close-knit town. Emily finds her way, though. Will it get better? These are things she did not consider when taking this risk. After a few weeks as Emily Curtis, she is faced with the question of accepting her life as it is now or going back to her life as Matilda. What?!?!? This book will take readers through a life and a redo. What will our main character choose?
Ya'll know I love these books. They merge the magical with the real world in a way that most books can't. Gracetown is used to unexpected things happening. It is good to see how they interact with someone they know but don't know they know. Ms. Kirk does a good job keeping up with everything going on. This book is not only understandable but also enjoyable. I can't wait to see what this magical town gives us next.
Emily Curtis is a concert violinist. Thankfully, though she can't jump back into Matilda's life, she remembered that she always kept cash in a safe place. This money would give her a good start in her new life. Emily soon starts to realize that though she knows these people, they don't know her. It is lonely trying to find a way to fit into such a close-knit town. Emily finds her way, though. Will it get better? These are things she did not consider when taking this risk. After a few weeks as Emily Curtis, she is faced with the question of accepting her life as it is now or going back to her life as Matilda. What?!?!? This book will take readers through a life and a redo. What will our main character choose?
Ya'll know I love these books. They merge the magical with the real world in a way that most books can't. Gracetown is used to unexpected things happening. It is good to see how they interact with someone they know but don't know they know. Ms. Kirk does a good job keeping up with everything going on. This book is not only understandable but also enjoyable. I can't wait to see what this magical town gives us next.
June 5, 2024
At ninety-two, Matilda knows she has reached a time when there are more days behind her than ahead. And that’s okay. Surrounded by beloved friends, she’s grateful for every day. Still, listening to others plan their futures, Til can’t help but imagine, what if? What if she had left GraceTown? What if she had married and had children? What if she had pursued her passions, rather than focusing on bettering the lives of those around her? An encounter with a mysterious stranger offers Til a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a chance to start over and begin anew as a young woman. Til has been many things in life, but never a risk-taker…until now.
There are certain people in this world who have a gift, a gift of showing people the true meaning of life and love through the words they speak or the words they write. Mrs. Cindy Kirk Is one of those people with this gift. Reading her work will make you think, make you feel, and make you experience what is truly wonderful about life. Whenever I feel low, stressed or overwhelmed, I pick up one of her books and I feel better by the end.
The characters in this book are fun to read about. The plot of this book is wondrous, as the town it's set in. Strange things happen in Grace Town, and I can't wait until the next installment to this wonderful series.
There are certain people in this world who have a gift, a gift of showing people the true meaning of life and love through the words they speak or the words they write. Mrs. Cindy Kirk Is one of those people with this gift. Reading her work will make you think, make you feel, and make you experience what is truly wonderful about life. Whenever I feel low, stressed or overwhelmed, I pick up one of her books and I feel better by the end.
The characters in this book are fun to read about. The plot of this book is wondrous, as the town it's set in. Strange things happen in Grace Town, and I can't wait until the next installment to this wonderful series.
May 26, 2024
What would you do if you could change the trajectory of you life and start all over again? So begins this story of ninety two year old Matilda or Till as they call her in GraceTown meets a stranger who proposes just that. Matilda gets a chance from a stranger to relive her youth. How would that even work and is that even possible. These questions and many more are answered as we go along this new journey with Matilda. A beautiful weave story that ask the question what if we could do this and possible make our life better than it is. A heartwarming story where we get to catch up with past couples from previous books. Ms. Kirk is able to weave an enchanting tale to realistic heights in this new addition to her series.
June 4, 2024
What would you do if you could get another chance at life, while remembering all you have experienced? That is the premise of this book, and Cindy Kirk did an excellent job with it. Second chances are complicated!
I liked the character of Til/Emily - and I especially loved her discoveries about herself. As always, GraceTown is interesting too, and while this book stands alone, it's fun to see past characters.
I liked the character of Til/Emily - and I especially loved her discoveries about herself. As always, GraceTown is interesting too, and while this book stands alone, it's fun to see past characters.
June 3, 2024
The GraceTown series is one of my favorite by Cindy Kirk. The Youth Elixir introduces us to Matilda Beemis, better known to her friends as Til. She is 92 and living her best life. She has friends and purpose. She loves her life, but also knows that she missed out on things and she is nearing the end of her time. After a day of cards with her friends Til heads to the park to read when she meets a mysterious woman who offerers her a chance to keep all her knowledge, but be reborn as someone in their 20's. Til thinks about it, but decides very quickly she has to take this chance. She drinks the liquid and wakes up as Emily Curtis.
Emily is a concert violinist. Emily has no friends or family and no money. Thankfully Til always had an emergency Reserve of cash and Emily is able to get to it before any of Til's friends are the wiser.
Emily has run in with her old friends and has to find a way to interact with them, not as their friend as some who doesn't know them. She watches her friends grieve for her. She questions her decision, and is even offered a redo. After thinking about knows in her heart this was the right choice.
This story is not a love story (though we do get to see some old friends get married and see where other couple are in GraceTown), which is nice to see Emily become her own person and find her own purpose. This story makes you think about choices we make and the path less followed. Emily finds herself at one point falling into old habits, but after a new friends helps her see that comfort isn't always the best option, Emily makes different harder choices and watches a new world open.
Til/Emily is a great fun character. This is story can definitely be read as a stand alone. There are a few fun references to other characters and if you have read them it's fun, but as I said not needed.
GraceTown is so much fun and the supernatural in this story is light, but so much fun.
Emily is a concert violinist. Emily has no friends or family and no money. Thankfully Til always had an emergency Reserve of cash and Emily is able to get to it before any of Til's friends are the wiser.
Emily has run in with her old friends and has to find a way to interact with them, not as their friend as some who doesn't know them. She watches her friends grieve for her. She questions her decision, and is even offered a redo. After thinking about knows in her heart this was the right choice.
This story is not a love story (though we do get to see some old friends get married and see where other couple are in GraceTown), which is nice to see Emily become her own person and find her own purpose. This story makes you think about choices we make and the path less followed. Emily finds herself at one point falling into old habits, but after a new friends helps her see that comfort isn't always the best option, Emily makes different harder choices and watches a new world open.
Til/Emily is a great fun character. This is story can definitely be read as a stand alone. There are a few fun references to other characters and if you have read them it's fun, but as I said not needed.
GraceTown is so much fun and the supernatural in this story is light, but so much fun.
June 8, 2024
The Youth Elixir, takes us back to GraceTown with a new and wonderful story of a town that has mysterious events that goes on. This story focuses on 92 year old Matilda “Til” Beemis who has spent her life taking care of everyone but herself before she thought of her needs. Thus, staying single throughout her life.
After spending a morning playing cards with her group of good friends, Til, heads to her favorite park to read some of the afternoon away. She finds a young woman there on the bench she usually sits at and after visiting with her for a bit, Til was presented with the opportunity to take a dose of a potion where she will once again become a young woman and have the opportunity to create a different life then she did as “Til”.
This opportunity will come with consequences if she decides to go through with it. A new identity and look as Emily Curtis and a new career as a violinist. The offer was so very tempting that Til could not turn down the opportunity. So many questions as the story goes on. Is Emily going to adjust to a new life and making all new friends within the town of GraceTown? How is she going to deal with seeing her old friends mourning the death of their good friend “Til” and going through the motions of living their life without her. Will she create a different life as Emily than she had as Til which includes someone romantic in her life? These questions and several more will be answered as you get sucked into this story.
I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. This book, as all the other books in this series is a stand-alone book. It was nice to see a couple of characters in the other books to be in the background of this story.
After spending a morning playing cards with her group of good friends, Til, heads to her favorite park to read some of the afternoon away. She finds a young woman there on the bench she usually sits at and after visiting with her for a bit, Til was presented with the opportunity to take a dose of a potion where she will once again become a young woman and have the opportunity to create a different life then she did as “Til”.
This opportunity will come with consequences if she decides to go through with it. A new identity and look as Emily Curtis and a new career as a violinist. The offer was so very tempting that Til could not turn down the opportunity. So many questions as the story goes on. Is Emily going to adjust to a new life and making all new friends within the town of GraceTown? How is she going to deal with seeing her old friends mourning the death of their good friend “Til” and going through the motions of living their life without her. Will she create a different life as Emily than she had as Til which includes someone romantic in her life? These questions and several more will be answered as you get sucked into this story.
I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. This book, as all the other books in this series is a stand-alone book. It was nice to see a couple of characters in the other books to be in the background of this story.
June 5, 2024
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the 5th book of the GraceTown series by Cindy Kirk. Grace town is a place where unexplained things happen. It’s not your typical town.
Matilda or Til as she likes to be called is 92 years old. She is feeling her age. She understands that her life is coming to an end. She can still get around and play cards with her friends and walk to the park to read her books. She can still manage to live life on her own in her home. She is content with the life that she has.
She arrives at her park where she always goes to read she notices a woman sitting on the bench where she normally reads. She sits beside her about to open her book when the woman asks her a question. If she had a the chance to be young again, would she do it? Til didn’t need to think about it very long- she agreed she would do it. The woman pulled out a vile of liquid for Til to take. Briefly explained what would happen if she drank it.
After Til drank the vile- she became Emily a young adult who is a concert pianist who is now homeless, jobless and alone. Her name is now Emily. She looks different, feels different and has a lot to figure out. Emily has a lot of struggles with building new friendships, trying to determine what she wants to do with her new life and learn how to make it on the little money Til had for a “rainy day”.
This story is about redos but also about perseverance. Emily took her chance and had to overcome a lot dealing with both her past as Til and her new life as Emily. If you had the chance for a do over- would you do it?
Matilda or Til as she likes to be called is 92 years old. She is feeling her age. She understands that her life is coming to an end. She can still get around and play cards with her friends and walk to the park to read her books. She can still manage to live life on her own in her home. She is content with the life that she has.
She arrives at her park where she always goes to read she notices a woman sitting on the bench where she normally reads. She sits beside her about to open her book when the woman asks her a question. If she had a the chance to be young again, would she do it? Til didn’t need to think about it very long- she agreed she would do it. The woman pulled out a vile of liquid for Til to take. Briefly explained what would happen if she drank it.
After Til drank the vile- she became Emily a young adult who is a concert pianist who is now homeless, jobless and alone. Her name is now Emily. She looks different, feels different and has a lot to figure out. Emily has a lot of struggles with building new friendships, trying to determine what she wants to do with her new life and learn how to make it on the little money Til had for a “rainy day”.
This story is about redos but also about perseverance. Emily took her chance and had to overcome a lot dealing with both her past as Til and her new life as Emily. If you had the chance for a do over- would you do it?
June 6, 2024
Visiting GraceTown in this 5th book in the GraceTown Series is like an enchanted daydream come to life. As in the previous stories in this series, GraceTown is known for unexplainable happenings and this story is no exception. This book can be read as a standalone but I would recommend the whole series.
Matilda Beemis, also known as Til, is 92 years old. She knows her days are numbered. She has lived a good life and has been a difference maker in her community. She is well loved and respected. As she listens to her young friends share their plans for the future, she realizes that she does not have time to realize some of the dreams of her youth. What if she could go back and change things in her life. What if she could have a redo.
While sitting in a park reading a book, Til is approached by Serena Nordine who offers her a chance to live her life over. If she drinks the Elixir, her aged body will die and she will start over completely on her own. Wow, can you imagine? She chooses to take that chance and begin over as Emily Curtis who is an accomplished Concert Violinist. What an interesting premise and as the story unfolds, we see the challenges and successes of her new life.
This was a thought-provoking book. How many times in our lives do we wish there was a delete button to erase bad decisions or disappointments. Sometimes we miss the fact that it isn’t always about us and when we help other people, it actually makes our lives better. Emily realized that and I enjoyed how this story spoke to me and reminded me of what is really important in our lives. I recommend this enchanting, feel-good story.
Matilda Beemis, also known as Til, is 92 years old. She knows her days are numbered. She has lived a good life and has been a difference maker in her community. She is well loved and respected. As she listens to her young friends share their plans for the future, she realizes that she does not have time to realize some of the dreams of her youth. What if she could go back and change things in her life. What if she could have a redo.
While sitting in a park reading a book, Til is approached by Serena Nordine who offers her a chance to live her life over. If she drinks the Elixir, her aged body will die and she will start over completely on her own. Wow, can you imagine? She chooses to take that chance and begin over as Emily Curtis who is an accomplished Concert Violinist. What an interesting premise and as the story unfolds, we see the challenges and successes of her new life.
This was a thought-provoking book. How many times in our lives do we wish there was a delete button to erase bad decisions or disappointments. Sometimes we miss the fact that it isn’t always about us and when we help other people, it actually makes our lives better. Emily realized that and I enjoyed how this story spoke to me and reminded me of what is really important in our lives. I recommend this enchanting, feel-good story.
June 11, 2024
I LOVE the premise of this book!! What would it be like to live your life again with the wisdom, knowledge, and memories (the most important) intact but a physical body that has the energy to do the things we did when we were young. I have often wanted to do things that my 35 year old brain would chomp at the bit to do but my 63 year old body says “Yeah, right! In your dreams!” Emily/Til took a chance to relive her life to see if she could have now what she missed out on when she was younger, namely, the love of a man and sharing her life with him. Because of her caring heart, she put the needs of others before her own wants and subsequently missed out on having a love of her own. On the surface, what Emily was offered with the Youth Elixir was a dream come true, however, early into her new life, Emily realized that retaining her memories and seeing the effect Til’s death had on her friends made things so much harder than she ever thought possible because she was not able to comfort them like she wanted. She knew them inside and out and had experienced so much with them through the years, but they didn’t know her, so it wasn’t the same. As she tried to establish friendships with the younger crowd (Chloe, Jaclyn, etc.), she felt like an outsider because she didn’t have the time with them at the age she was now, either. What a conundrum! When Serena reappears and offers her the chance to go back to her old life, but without the changes she affected as her younger self intact, Emily had a decision to make. I hope you like the decision she made as much as I did. Thank you, Cindy Kirk, for your wonderful imagination! I’ve really enjoyed the Gracetown series immensely.
June 5, 2024
Matilda is 92 years old. She is a single lady who is surrounded by good friends. In her small town, she is admired for being a leader of the community. Her volunteer work is an inspiration to everyone who knows her
Every now and then, Matilda thinks of what might have been.
A stranger in the park offers her a way to return to her youth. It will not be exactly her youth, but she will be young again. Most of all she will have everything in life in front of her. All her choices will be her choices. She will be a new person with a wonderful future.
Matilda says yes.
She awakens as a young woman in her twenties. Her name is Emily.. She is lovely, very physically fit and has a musical talent she never had in her former life.
She also still has the memories and knowledge she had as Matilda.
Her decision leads her to evaluate a great deal of her past life as well as the opportunities which lie ahead of her.
The new life contains joy along with a realization that in some ways she has lost a great deal. But, she also realizes her personaltiy is very similar to Matilda.
I liked this book a great deal. It certainly provides food for thought.
Every now and then, Matilda thinks of what might have been.
A stranger in the park offers her a way to return to her youth. It will not be exactly her youth, but she will be young again. Most of all she will have everything in life in front of her. All her choices will be her choices. She will be a new person with a wonderful future.
Matilda says yes.
She awakens as a young woman in her twenties. Her name is Emily.. She is lovely, very physically fit and has a musical talent she never had in her former life.
She also still has the memories and knowledge she had as Matilda.
Her decision leads her to evaluate a great deal of her past life as well as the opportunities which lie ahead of her.
The new life contains joy along with a realization that in some ways she has lost a great deal. But, she also realizes her personaltiy is very similar to Matilda.
I liked this book a great deal. It certainly provides food for thought.
June 28, 2024
Matilda Beemis has lived a long life. At over 90 years old, she is still an active woman. Going for a walk in the park she meets Serena. Serena gives her a potion that will change her entire life. She gets to become young again but she will remember everything she learned as Matilda. Matilda dies in the park, and Emily Curtis is born as a 30 year old concert violinist. Emily spends her time learning to be a young woman again. Biking, walking, learning to paddle board and climb a rock wall in a gym. She gets a job helping Myra, an older lady who has heart issues. Emily also spends some time with Dalton. She spends time with Chloe who was like a granddaughter when she was Matilda. She sees Serena again, who offers her another potion. This time she will go back like the last month didn't happen and she will be Til again. The epilogue is Emily moving into Til's house, and Til's former bedroom with Chloe, who will be staying in her old bedroom.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Up next is The Notekeeper. Taylor Higgs looses her Father, and goes back home to Gracetown. She meets his partner in their PI business, and their secretary. She starts to find notes in the pocket of her favorite coat.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Up next is The Notekeeper. Taylor Higgs looses her Father, and goes back home to Gracetown. She meets his partner in their PI business, and their secretary. She starts to find notes in the pocket of her favorite coat.
June 2, 2024
This is the fourth book in the Grace Town series, though it can be read as a standalone. Throughout this series, Grace Town is the center of otherworldly events. The first book was a ghost story, the second was time travel, the third a story of divine intervention, and this book a do-over of a life well lived. Matilda “Til” Beemis is 92 years old and after a game of cards with her friends, she walks home and stops to read her book in her favorite park. There she meets the mysterious Serena Nordine, who offers her an elixir that with allow her to start over in life. Her current body will pass, but she will retain her knowledge and memories and be in a young body. Til chooses to take the elixir, and wakes up the next morning with a package containing her new identification, resume, and other necessary paperwork. She is now a twenty-something concert violinist named Emily Curtis. Emily is able to get the money that Til hid away in her shed for a rainy day and start her new life. This is a delightful story that most people can relate to, as we all wonder if we could get a do-over, what would we do differently. While this series is a bit of a departure from the author’s usual genre, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I think that this is my favorite of the series so far. I received an arc of this book from the author for my honest review.
June 5, 2024
The Youth Elixir by Cindy Kirk takes us back to GraceTown - a place where magical & unexplainable things happen. It's the fifth book in Ms Kirk's GraceTown series. It can be read as a standalone novel but definitely a better read after reading the other four books.
This book introduces us to Matilda Beemis or Til as she is known around town. She is a 92 yr old that has never married & knows she is nearing the end of her life.
One afternoon in the park after playing cards with her friends she meets Selena, who gives her the chance for a do-over in life & retain her memories. By taking the Youth Elixir, she will become young again but remember the life that she once had. Would you take the chance for a do-over if you could? Definitely something to think about...
Til becomes Emily Curtis is who a concert violinist & in the prime of her life. Emily finds it hard to adjust to her new life without any friends but that soon changes.
A very enjoyable read & one that needs to be kept reading as you need to know what happens next.
Ms Kirk has done it again & makes you want to live in this magical town!
This book introduces us to Matilda Beemis or Til as she is known around town. She is a 92 yr old that has never married & knows she is nearing the end of her life.
One afternoon in the park after playing cards with her friends she meets Selena, who gives her the chance for a do-over in life & retain her memories. By taking the Youth Elixir, she will become young again but remember the life that she once had. Would you take the chance for a do-over if you could? Definitely something to think about...
Til becomes Emily Curtis is who a concert violinist & in the prime of her life. Emily finds it hard to adjust to her new life without any friends but that soon changes.
A very enjoyable read & one that needs to be kept reading as you need to know what happens next.
Ms Kirk has done it again & makes you want to live in this magical town!
June 2, 2024
I found the concept of the Youth Elixir to be completely intriguing. I thought it would be a great book to read if you were part of a book club, especially one consisting of different age groups.
Some of the feelings Til experienced were not surprising, yet they were thought provoking. The book also did not take the direction I expected. Specifically regarding a romance aspect and a discovery aspect. I wondered if there was some suspicions about Emily from certain residents who had already experienced the magic of GraceTown?
I could see the decisions being impossible for some, but I imagine that would depend of where a person was in life's journey. I did enjoy the book and was captivated by considering wht possibilities.
I have to say that I was never able to warm up to Jaclyn's character. She came off to me as a bit selfish, jealous, arrogant, and condescending. Not only to her so called "friends", but to the more mature population of GraceTown.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Some of the feelings Til experienced were not surprising, yet they were thought provoking. The book also did not take the direction I expected. Specifically regarding a romance aspect and a discovery aspect. I wondered if there was some suspicions about Emily from certain residents who had already experienced the magic of GraceTown?
I could see the decisions being impossible for some, but I imagine that would depend of where a person was in life's journey. I did enjoy the book and was captivated by considering wht possibilities.
I have to say that I was never able to warm up to Jaclyn's character. She came off to me as a bit selfish, jealous, arrogant, and condescending. Not only to her so called "friends", but to the more mature population of GraceTown.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 3, 2024
Another beautifully written book by Cindy Kirk & an excellent addition to the GraceTown series.
Matilda Beemis, is a 92 year old vibrant lady, known as Til to her friends. After a meet up with friends for card party, Til decides it’s time to go home. On her way home, her sanctuary as she calls it, Til decides to take a detour to Maplewood Park, to sit on her favourite bench to read a book. When she arrives, a lady whom she doesn’t know, is already sitting on the bench. After a pleasant chat the lady offers Til a little bottle of youth elixir. Drinking the youth elixir means Til will be young again, however it also means she would leave behind all of her friends & her life as she knows it. She would have a completely new name & identity. Til decides she is going to do it, she will become Emily Curtis. Read how the story I finds, for Emily & get new life.
This a a beautiful & heartwarming book, part of the GraceTown series. Every book in this series is amazing, packed with unworldly goings on & mystery. I would highly recommend reading this book & all the other books in this series.
Matilda Beemis, is a 92 year old vibrant lady, known as Til to her friends. After a meet up with friends for card party, Til decides it’s time to go home. On her way home, her sanctuary as she calls it, Til decides to take a detour to Maplewood Park, to sit on her favourite bench to read a book. When she arrives, a lady whom she doesn’t know, is already sitting on the bench. After a pleasant chat the lady offers Til a little bottle of youth elixir. Drinking the youth elixir means Til will be young again, however it also means she would leave behind all of her friends & her life as she knows it. She would have a completely new name & identity. Til decides she is going to do it, she will become Emily Curtis. Read how the story I finds, for Emily & get new life.
This a a beautiful & heartwarming book, part of the GraceTown series. Every book in this series is amazing, packed with unworldly goings on & mystery. I would highly recommend reading this book & all the other books in this series.
June 10, 2024
Another fascinating paranormal, stand-alone GraceTown story. Fun to meet new characters and reunite with characters we have met in the other books. But if you haven’t read the others, you will still get to know the previous characters, as well as new characters.
An older character and icon in the community is given a second chance at a new and youthful life. Now a young adult, she has much to learn and experience, and goes after both with gusto. She meets new friends, is reacquainted with older friends, finds a new career, and discovers the possibilities of new love. All the while she discovers the wonders of her town through new eyes. It was fun to see her growth as a character, now in a new body with a different mindset, as she traverses both the unknown and the known.
As with the first four books in this series, all stand-alones, Kirk kept me guessing on how the story would resolve itself until the very end. Another winner in a great series.
An older character and icon in the community is given a second chance at a new and youthful life. Now a young adult, she has much to learn and experience, and goes after both with gusto. She meets new friends, is reacquainted with older friends, finds a new career, and discovers the possibilities of new love. All the while she discovers the wonders of her town through new eyes. It was fun to see her growth as a character, now in a new body with a different mindset, as she traverses both the unknown and the known.
As with the first four books in this series, all stand-alones, Kirk kept me guessing on how the story would resolve itself until the very end. Another winner in a great series.
June 2, 2024
What would you do if you got a second chance at life? What would you change? Could you leave your friends? This is what happens to Matilda "Til" Beemis. She has lived a long and happy life but is given the opportunity to start her life over. Til has good friends but has never met the one, the one person to share her life with. So Til decides to take a chance and is recreated as Emily. We read about how Emily meets her friends as Emily and how she builds a new life.
This is a heart warming story full of love and friendship. Cindy Kirk never disappoints and has once again, woven a story around Gracetown. I loved seeing some of the previous characters and how their lives are progressing.
This is a delightful series, full of charm and warmth. A definite 5 stars from me.
A was given an ARC in return for an honest review.
This is a heart warming story full of love and friendship. Cindy Kirk never disappoints and has once again, woven a story around Gracetown. I loved seeing some of the previous characters and how their lives are progressing.
This is a delightful series, full of charm and warmth. A definite 5 stars from me.
A was given an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 5, 2024
This was an amazing read! Often stories that pertain to do overs focus on heart wrenching decisions that might have played out differently had a different choice been made but this is not the focus of this tale. Instead we meet Til and the end of her life, she’s lived an instrumental and noteworthy life but a chance encounter with a stranger gives her an opportunity to be young once again. However to make this choice she has to do it under a completely new identity. She still has all her experiences and knowledge of the former Til but none of the friends or assets. It was very engaging to see both the hopes and struggles she experienced in this paradox. The romance is light but sweet and the love and compassion that this character has is about the sweetest and most heartwarming thing I’ve read all year.
May 31, 2024
I have to admit when Cindy Kirk started this series I was a bit hesitant. I am not really into fantasy. However, Ms. Kirk proved me wrong and has done a fantastic job with this series. I am a believer!
This story takes a 90 year old woman and gives her a chance to be young once again. Til has a great life with lots of friends and activities, but she wonders if she missed out on something. Til becomes a young Emily Curtis. She gets to experience her young life once again. She finds out that it is not as easy to make friends as it once was.
This story is uplifting and a great read. I highly recommended this book and this series!
This story takes a 90 year old woman and gives her a chance to be young once again. Til has a great life with lots of friends and activities, but she wonders if she missed out on something. Til becomes a young Emily Curtis. She gets to experience her young life once again. She finds out that it is not as easy to make friends as it once was.
This story is uplifting and a great read. I highly recommended this book and this series!
June 4, 2024
GraceTown is back! It always amazes me how Cindy Kirk is able to take a town and tell multiple stories that lead you on a beautiful journey. The Youth Elixir is no exception.
Til is an older lady who has a life she loves. She’s very active in her community and has friends who mean the world to her. But she’s never married, and she wonders how different life would be if she had. One day, she meets a mysterious woman who gives her a chance at a re-do! This is a beautiful story that takes us through the adventure of figuring out who you are, and if given the chance to re-do life, would you want to change who you are?
Til is an older lady who has a life she loves. She’s very active in her community and has friends who mean the world to her. But she’s never married, and she wonders how different life would be if she had. One day, she meets a mysterious woman who gives her a chance at a re-do! This is a beautiful story that takes us through the adventure of figuring out who you are, and if given the chance to re-do life, would you want to change who you are?
June 23, 2024
The Youth Elixir is about a 92-year-old woman who was given a chance to start her life again as a 20-something. It had a very positive message about caring for other people. Most of the book involved the main character enjoying rock climbing, water sports, cycling, etc. without the hindrance of old age. The only drawback was that she was able to slide right into activities -- a 92-year-old would probably find the mechanics of these sports puzzling. The author could have had more "fish out of water" scenarios for humor.
This was mainly written for a female audience, but it is appealing to men as well. She also kept it G rated, which I find to be a welcome relief.
All in all, I loved the book, and I'm looking forward to reading her next one.
This was mainly written for a female audience, but it is appealing to men as well. She also kept it G rated, which I find to be a welcome relief.
All in all, I loved the book, and I'm looking forward to reading her next one.
May 13, 2024
Matilda "Til" Beemis is given an elixir we have all wished for at one time or another.
To be young with all we know now. The is a great story of how Til lived and show herself as a giving person. Not of money but time and literacy.
How is Emily going to live now as a young person but also craving the friends she had as Til?
What are the challenges of taking this elixir and the joys to do things over...You have to read this for yourself. It is one of those books you can't put down until you finish. Have kleenex available.
To be young with all we know now. The is a great story of how Til lived and show herself as a giving person. Not of money but time and literacy.
How is Emily going to live now as a young person but also craving the friends she had as Til?
What are the challenges of taking this elixir and the joys to do things over...You have to read this for yourself. It is one of those books you can't put down until you finish. Have kleenex available.
June 2, 2024
A thought provoking story that has you wondering what you'd do if you were given the chance to start over. Til is given the chance to start over as Emily and takes it. She is thrilled at all the new experiences she is able to try and the ability to enjoy the little things in life that she took for granted in her previous life. The new life brings challenges in finding friends and figuring out a path forward. A magical journey that has you wondering what you'd do differently if given a chance like Til was.
June 3, 2024
I really, really loved the Youth Elixir! The Love Token was my favorite in the series before I read this one, and I felt like this had a similar thought-provoking feel. It really makes you think and wonder what you'd do if you had a chance to start anew, but still knowing all you know now. Would you leave your identity and all of your belongings and friends behind? I feel like this book would be an excellent book club book as it brings up so many wonderful discussion points. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
June 3, 2024
This was a very thought provoking addition to this wonderful series.
What would I do if I had the same decision ?
On the one hand it’s a wonderful opportunity but Emily soon finds out that it’s not so easy to start again without access to her home, friends and money.
My heart went out to Emily on more than one occasion when she encounters her friends and they have no idea who she really is.
I’m so glad she made the right decision for her in the end. The twist at the end was wonderful
I highly recommend this book
What would I do if I had the same decision ?
On the one hand it’s a wonderful opportunity but Emily soon finds out that it’s not so easy to start again without access to her home, friends and money.
My heart went out to Emily on more than one occasion when she encounters her friends and they have no idea who she really is.
I’m so glad she made the right decision for her in the end. The twist at the end was wonderful
I highly recommend this book
June 5, 2024
I have really appreciated the entire GraceTown series because each story is a sweet story like each of Cindy Kirk’s books but the stories are different from anything I’ve read before. You don’t know what the magical twist will be and each one has been unique. The Youth Elixir did not disappoint. I loved how the story came together at the end to help Til see how much her life really meant and all the impressive things she did. Also, all the possibilities for Emily!! I highly recommend not only this book but the rest of the series as well.
June 5, 2024
Welcome back to GraceTown. Matilda Beemis is in her 90’s. She has never married or had children. Instead, she has spent most of her life in service to others as a teacher with a focus on literacy. A part of her wishes she had made different decisions in life but she is content nonetheless. One day, she meets Serena & is given a bottle of youth elixir. Drinking the elixir will allow her to go back in time as a young adult. How many of us have regrets and wish we could have done things differently?
I received an ARC of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it for the author.
June 6, 2024
Touching
Til (Emily) gets to not only start over but be witness to the life after Til that those around her have.
This book really hit a cord in my life currently. Although im not in my 40s yet its been a starting over year for me. Reading Til not only reflecting on her life but Chloe remembering through her grief the impact Til had makes me wonder now if theres a Chloe in my life.
Thanks for the lovely read Cindy Kirk.
-I received an Advanced reader copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it-
Til (Emily) gets to not only start over but be witness to the life after Til that those around her have.
This book really hit a cord in my life currently. Although im not in my 40s yet its been a starting over year for me. Reading Til not only reflecting on her life but Chloe remembering through her grief the impact Til had makes me wonder now if theres a Chloe in my life.
Thanks for the lovely read Cindy Kirk.
-I received an Advanced reader copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it-
May 9, 2024
Matilda “Til” Beemis is given a chance at a new life with all the knowledge she acquired during her 92 years. This is Til’s story as she starts over as Emily Curtis - her struggles to figure out how to support herself and to establish friendships. When Til has started to think that she made a mistake accepting the youth elixir, she is offered another elixir to undo the changes made when she drank the youth elixir. Will she undo it all or continue as Emily?
June 2, 2024
Anyone that knows me knows I always say "next time in life I'm doing.....". This book shows you what it is like for one resident of GraceTown to basically start over. It's always nice to catch a glimpse of past characters in the series even though this is a standalone. A sweet story about starting over in a way and the knowledge we gain along the way.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
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