I really enjoyed this work. Ginevra's stoicism and self-assurance throughout the challenges of dealing with an inquisitor created a backbone for me to lean on while the magic of the stones produced a fantasy-like whirlwind. Anything set in plague years draws me immediately, so it is no wonder that I found this magical re-telling of Florence under plague devastation so enchanting. The mix of the fantastic with realism rendered the story near-believable. Rasche's elevated writing style echoes those of historical scholars such that the addition of a fantasy element did not feel out of place. I never found myself questioning the plot, the magic system, or the motives of the Inquisitor. The entire storyline felt well-woven. This novel presents a spellbinding middle ground where fans of fantasy and historical fiction can meet.

4.0. An enjoyable historical fiction novel about a young woman who has certain healing powers using stones and remedies in medieval Italy during the floods in Florence and later the plague, in Genoa and Florence, but who also was deemed a heretic by the religious authorities. A tale about her quest to redeem herself by looking for stolen relics from churches in Florence. The novel has a bit of Alice Hoffmans magical side with a strong woman as the protagonist. A very engaging tale. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an advance copy in exchange for a candid and unbiased review.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Our story begins as a cautionary tale about the woes and burdens of being a witch hiding in plain site in the 1300s. However, quickly evolves into a story of intrigue, faith and friendship as we follow Ginevra di Gasparo and her journey to regain her reputation, thwart a scheming bishop and reclaim Florence as her home. The way I flew through this book. Not only is the story exceptionally interesting and historically functional, but it is heartfelt and kind and full of humanity. Rasche's writing has a beautiful way of making you see all sides of every character so even the bad guys seemed like lost children. I cared about each and every one, good and bad. The pacing was fantastic, I never hit a dreaded lull. The mystery was everything I'd want it to be. I had no idea what was happening right until the very end. The details given were just the right amount, not too overly done, but enough to really allow the reader to immerse into the landscape of the setting. I'm honestly very impressed with this book and am in awe to find out it's Rasche's maiden novel. Brava. I will read whatever she releases next without hesitation.

This book captivated me from the first page--the vivid imagery, the subtle-but-effective use of magic, the mystery. So well-researched. I felt like I was transported back in time, and man, am I glad I don't live in the 1300s. This book is slightly triggering if you're still not ready to read about widespread viruses, but I found the enchanting storyline overrode my triggers, and I enjoyed it through to the end.

I'd like to thank Netgalley for the this fantastic advance copy of The Stone Witch of Florence.

This was a fun read. My actual favorite part was all the descriptions and lore around the usage of gems. I looked it up and apparently the author is an actual gemologist and jewelry historian according to her bio. So thats cool, and that passion really shined and enriched the story. There were a few pacing issues for me and some down right silly plot points that were hard to "stay in" the the story, but overall I enjoyed.

Wow, this certainly was different from what I’ve been reading recently and I found that very refreshing! I love a good historical fiction book but this had an air of mystery that even when pacing was a little slow it kept me curious.

Set during the mid 1300’s Italy- Ginevra is a healer who finds herself being summoned back to Florence where she was formally exiled. After spending years away, alone in exile, she answers the city’s cry for help despite all the unknown ahead. Unbeknownst to her she is not there to cure the people but to help solve the thefts that have taken place. Many have succumbed to the Black Plague and the city needs her help with finding the local churches’ stolen relics, which are found to hold significant value in keeping people safe.

The writing was very readable, clear and descriptive. I enjoyed following Ginevra on her quest to find the stolen relics, manage the relationships she’s made and the overall theme of helping one another through difficult times.

I enjoyed this book. I love the history in this book and it drew me in from the beginning. I also really enjoyed the magic system and felt it was different than so many of the books I've read.

The story is sound and has been clearly thought out. I loved the progression. I did feel like the pacing is slow in the first half of the book and sometimes struggled to continue reading. The second half of the book really picked up and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I love the FMC, Ginevra, is so strong. I love her arc and felt very connected to her. I also loved how she never ever gives up despite the time period she lives in. She really makes this story as great as it is. Without her, all would be lost. Such a great character.

The ending was great. I loved seeing everything come together but in a way that was surprising and also thrilling. I think so many readers will enjoy reading this book!

Highly recommend!


Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Rasche, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

A deadly Plague hits Florence Italy, killing all but a few. Ginevra, immune from the Plague has a hidden gift, she can heal the sick with various colored gem stones. She has to keep her powers hidden or she maybe labeled a witch and face death. Ginevra is commissioned by a powerful in commissioner to find a thief who is stealing precious artifacts from church’s in the surrounding areas. Can Ginevra solve the thefts or will it be cause her to lose her powers and be put to death?

Was excited about the premise of the story as I collect stones and crystals myself. The storyline was a bit slow in places and there were a few places where the author stepped out of the time period with comments appropriate to present day. Overall, a good read, and historically informative.

Thoroughly enjoyed this enthralling debut novel! It embodies so many aspects that historical or fantasy readers absolutely love and ties them together beautifully! To do this, the author takes a horrific time in world history, sets the story in 14th century Florence, Italy, one of the most intriguing and rich cities of that era (or any, really), weaves a bit of ancient folklore and adds a touch of fantasy to create a riveting story. The history is spot on, the folklore is factual, but it is that little bit of fantasy that gives the book the magic that makes it resonate and keeps it enjoyable where others may become tedious.

Ginevra is a young lady who has been tortured, disfigured and banished for using "witchcraft" to help heal. Yet, when the Black Plague ravages Italy, the bishop of Florence remembers her and calls her back to help save the city. Admittedly, Ginevra is a gifted healer who uses the old legends that precede Christianity, to manipulate stones and gems in her work. This is made especially interesting as the author herself is a noted gemologist, making the plot ring real and bringing a depth and richness to the narrative. Then, the added and documented folklore is woven in to make the entire fantasy aspect shine, as it wraps the reader completely up in both the era and the intrigue.

Yes, there are a points that stretch believability and others that tip into the slightly confusing and somewhat silly, as Genevra races to the climax of the conflict. But, even with those small blips, the overall adventure twists and turns its way to a very happy and satisfied smile as the last page is turned.

The enchanting tale of a folk healer tasked with trying to catch a relic thief during the Black Death. I understand Genevra’s past was important to telling her story and that the structure of the story had to do it through flash backs, but it made it hard to understand what the story was - of the folk healer or the hunt for the relic thief.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is about a woman named Ginevra who uses stones to cure people, hence the Stone Witch. She is taught from a young age how to use her natural abilities and help people. Unfortunately, she uses her powers for good and is condemned by the Catholic Church. She is the lover of the son of a powerful family and instead of being killed, she is disfigured. She leaves the convent and keeps a small, quiet shop. Soon though a plague is rampaging the city of Florence and her former lover begs her to come back and save the city. She is told by the Inquisitor that if she can stop the plague, she will have her name cleared and be able to become a doctor. Evidently the plague is happening because holy relics are being stolen from the churches. Ginevra starts out to find the thief. This is a great premise but it goes downhill from here. The dialog is not quite believable. Ginevra is not afraid of anything because she has her stones. It would be better, in my opinion, for there to be some doubt. The author seems to know her subject but I was hoping for more facts woven in the story (Think Alison Weir or Phillippa Gregory). This book didn’t do it for me but it is a fast read. If you have something else on your TBR pile, pick that. Thank me later

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my review. I thought Anna Rasche's love of the earthly connections with herbs and stones were creatively shown in this story. When I requested this book, I was so ready for a supernatural journey. It did take me for a loop at times, but I did feel it lagged in some areas. It took me longer than usual to get through, but really wanted to see to the end. The story involving a "witch" trying to cure the plague from people who are worshipping saintly bones was not exactly my idea of supernatural. I had no idea The Stone Witch would be about religion and false profits. Sad to say that's where I lost interest. However, I did appreciate this tale as it read as a historian briefing and the author seemed to have a love of gem stones and their possible healing abilities.

This book took a bit to get into, however it does pick up. The authors knowledge and research really shines through in the amount of detail provided - it was excellently executed in that regard.

However, I found myself not being a huge fan of the constant back and forth of years. I would get a bit lost on when we were, and would have to go back and check. There was also a lot more religion than I anticipated, however considering the setting it does make sense. It does incorporate the witchy aspect in an appropriate way as well…even if the religion can clash with it.

The Stone Witch of Florence is the perfect book for a rainy, stay-at-home day or even a long travel day. It releases on October 8, 2024.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC!

It was an amazingly interesting book with the story in the 12th century. I read it so quickly because it was so captivating. A total different genre that will have readers wanting to explore more .

Yes! Yes! Yes! If you love all things witchy and historical this book is for you! Fromt the first chapter, I could not tear myself away. Pick this up immediatly!

DNF - I read about 20% before stopping. The world building is great, the story line/plot is unique, however, I'm not a fan of 2nd person POV and too much mention of religion. I know that it is an important part of the storyline in the persecution portion of being a witch in that era, however, I don't think that much is necessary. I wish I could h gotten into it more because the plot seems interesting but this one's not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row., for this amazing book.

Wow! What a great read. Anna did a super fantastic job. The history, the characters, the storyline, and the magical system were all amazingly done.

I loved this read. I absolutely could not put it down. Had me reading page after page into the wee hous of the morning. I completely lost all track of time.

Highly recommend.

Ginevra lives in 13th century Italy. She wants desperately to be a member of the doctors guild as she brings the ability to work magic with gemstones. Said to be a witch, she is exiled from her town. The plague brings her back and she hunts for a
Someone who is stealing holy relics to clear her name.

Anna Rasche's "The Stone Witch of Florence" merges historical fiction and fantasy, immersing readers in the plague-stricken Italy of 1348. Ginevra di Gasparo, an exiled healer with the magical ability to harness the power of gemstones, returns to Florence to assist her beleaguered hometown. Rasche's narrative prowess breathes life into the medieval city, crafting an intricate tapestry of mystery, magic, and human tenacity. With its richly developed characters and gripping plot, this novel is an absorbing expedition from the first page to the last. If you love history, fantasy and Italy, this is a must-read.