What a book! Plague, Witches, Religion...what could go wrong? This is a phenomenal book written very well. The author really takes you into the heart of living in the time of the plague. The specific descriptions of the places, times and smells...yes, smells.

This story was woven with such care and intensity it was impossible to put down.

#TheStoneWitchofFlorence #NetGalley

The very interesting story about this woman named.G I n e v r a. This woman had a very hard upbringing, but she possessed powers through these stones.She carried with her. She helped people during the plague in in florence. At first she was sent away to a The nuns but this did not go well for her either. She became.
Romantically involved with one of the richest men's there. And this led to a disaster's. Decision to let her go from the C o n v e n t. She struggled a lot and things just seemed to get worse for her The stones were there to help her but sometimes they did not help her at all. People expect i Or to cure them. They considered her a witch which was really hard because the church was really afraid of these people. This was a really interesting story.They have a lot of different twists and turns in it.

Wonderful debut novel by Anna Rasche! Ginevra di Gasparo is a healer who has been branded as a witch and exiled from her community. She has a special affinity for stones, and with the expert tutelage of her mentor, they are an integral part of her healing process. When the Black Plague is in full swing, Ginevra is called upon by her ex-lover to come from which she was previously exiled, to heal the sick. Ginevra is reluctant, but unable to leave the sick to their own, she and a young boy she meets make their way to the city. What she discovers is that her lover isn't there, and its the same clergy who branded her a witch are now calling her to come back. As Ginevra helps the infected, she discovers that those who called her back have much more in mind that simply healing people, and her very skills with gems put her at tremendous risk.
The Stone Witch is a very interesting and entertaining read. The characters, especially Ginevra herself, are well defined and relatable. The integration of magic with healing, the malignancy of those in power, the courage of Ginevra all blend together to make The Stone Witch of Florence a compelling read, one which you won't want to put down until you've read every page!

This book sounded SO GOOD to me and while I am very very grateful for the ARC, I really struggled to focus on what was happening sometimes. I definitely did like it for the most part, I love all things witchy and whatnot, but maybe it's the timeline thing that didn't work for me?? I would still recommend it to someone if I thought it would be their vibe

I did not enjoy this book at all. It just was not what I thought it was going to be.

Thank you NetGalley but I won’t be leaving more thoughts.

3 stars up from 2.5

This was such an interesting and unique story and played into so many of my personal interests, i.e. Florence, the plague, witchcraft & the occult, secretive & shady church stuff, the Late Middle Ages time period, and the power stones have or we perceive they have. We also have a wonderful main character in our “stone witch” Ginevra. This book did a great job at balancing historical facts while weaving in fantasy elements that somehow still felt like they legitimately could have happened. I’ve never been to Florence even though I’ve been obsessed with that city since elementary school. The world building in this book make it so vivid in my head and I’m able to go down a rabbit hole googling certain places or events or items mentioned throughout the story. This book sort of gives a mix of A Discovery of Witches vibes mixed with The DaVinci Code vibes (or, at least the very little I remember from that book, which I read 20ish years ago). Others might disagree with me, but the magic/occult stuff and churchiness rolled into the legit historical realism reminds me of those two books off the top of my head. I think this is a really great, atmospheric read or a great way to dip your toes into the fantasy genre if you’re hesitant to dive right in. I liked this book so much I bought it in hardcover and an additional kindle version. I hope we get many more books like this from Anne Rasche in the future!

I absolutely love this book!! Witchy books are always a go to comfort world for me so I was very excited to delve into this world. Especially with the setting in Florence during the Black Death, one of the worst hit areas by the plague. It's interesting how after the 2020 lockdowns, we are actually able to connect to events like that in real time now. So everything about this book sank its claws into me before I even read a page. The blending of magical realism and historical fiction was so beautifully done and so engrossing, I didn't want it to end.

This story is told in third person and dual timelines. In the former timeline we are introduced to main character Ginevra, a ten-year-old girl living in 1330 Genoa apprenticed to the local healer learning about her magical abilities quietly to avoid notice by the powerful religious leaders who would prosecute for witchcraft. Ginevra dreamed of being a doctor, an impossible feat at the time for a woman and is later sent to a convent in Florence to continue her healing education. The latter timeline finds Ginevra back home in 1348 where she has been exiled from Florence for her healing practices. A thief has been stealing religious relics from the churches of Florence, leaving plague in their wake. Ginevra is promised a pardon in return for finding the thief and returning the relics.

As a geologist, I’m always fascinated by stories that involve rocks and I loved reading about the various gemstones and their purported healing properties. I really enjoyed Ginevra’s journey to finding the thief and the revelations of her youth and how she came to be exiled. As she investigates the missing relics, Ginevra attempts to heal many people of the Plague along the way, some hopeful and some suspicious of her practices. She touches many lives with kindness, making new friends and even turning old enemies into friends. The story shines with the light of hope amid devastating loss.

Recommended to historical mystery fans who enjoy witchy healing stories.

Thank you to Netgalley, The Hive, and Park Row Books for a copy provided for an honest review.

A mystery in Florence during the Middle Ages amidst the Black Plague.

Ginevra has the special ability to use magical gemstones to aid in healing. She also can’t get sick thanks to her ancient, magical necklace.
She’s been banished for the past 10 years after having been publicly disfigured for using magic. Then she is summoned back to Florence to help solve the mystery of the disappearance of religious relics.

Florence is being ravaged by the plague and now the religious relics that people believe have miracle properties are going missing. Ginevra returns and immediately begins sleuthing.

This was a fun read and I enjoyed that it was a standalone. A historical fantasy mystery. You get dual POVs and dual timelines in the chapters as you follow the characters through solving the mystery.

I absolutely loved all the interesting information on the plague and the use of different gemstones. The magical system was simple, but unique. I would absolutely have loved it if there was a little glossary in the back that listed each stone, what it looks like and what its fictional magical abilities are. I just think that would have been a nice touch to further bring this book to life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the free early access read in exchange for an honest review.

The Stone Witch of Florence is a vividly imaged tale that blends magical realism with historical fiction. The subject matter deals with the arrival and aftermath of a plague, the corruption of the Church, and the persecution of "witches" and "heretics." Ginevra is a compelling FMC, who starts off as a sensitive and big-hearted teenager and slowly navigates her way to the wisdom of adulthood. I really enjoyed the magic system in this book that was tied to divine aspects of gemstones. I did have some trouble with the pacing, which could get rocky at times and disrupt the reading experience. That being said, there was so much about this book that did work well, and that I enjoyed. I would recommend it to those who enjoy a historical fiction with a dash of magic, a Western European setting, and the exploration of deeper and darker societal themes.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Anna Rasche for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishigg by for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall I enjoyed the book but there were a couple of overall choices made that just brought down the entire book a couple of notches for me. First is that the vibes were much more cozy and comedic the second half of the book compared to the first half, and that mood change was very unexpected and threw me off. Similarly, the first part of the book is told in a dual timeline that switches back and forth between chapters which I found very confusing, but then that ended abruptly in chapter two. Both of these just made the book feel disjointed and a bit non-cohesive for my tastes. The premise was interesting though and entertaining for sure.

I felt this one was a good take on the witch genre set during a time period we don’t hear a lot about. I loved the gem aspect of the story and felt it was well researched.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review the book

"The Stone Witch of Florence" by Anna Rasche is an immersive mix of historical fiction and fantasy, where 14th-century Florence is brought to life with Rasche's meticulous attention to detail. The protagonist, Ginevra di Gasparo, is both relatable and enigmatic, her struggle with her gift of gemstone sorcery adding depth to the tale. Rasche's portrayal of Florence during the Black Plague is hauntingly vivid, effectively transporting readers to a time of turmoil and resilience.
The book stands out for its unique blend of magical realism and historical accuracy. Rasche's narrative is rich with historical authenticity yet doesn't shy away from weaving a compelling fantasy. The author's ability to balance these elements while keeping the plot engaging is commendable. The magical elements are seamlessly integrated, enhancing rather than overpowering the historical setting.
One potential drawback is that the pacing may feel slow at times, especially for readers seeking a more action-driven plot. However, the character development and atmospheric world-building make up for these lulls, rewarding patient readers with a deeply satisfying story.
In essence, "The Stone Witch of Florence" is a well-crafted tale that will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and fantasy, offering a fresh perspective on a well-trodden period of history. Anna Rasche's debut novel is a promising start to what could be an exciting series or future works

The Stone Witch of Florence is an excellent debut novel by Anna Rasche. I am easily giving it 5 stars and adding Anna to my list of authors to watch.

I love when books pique my curiosity with interesting facts that seem like they couldn't possibly be true and this one is full of them.
Let's just say I went down the rabbit hole more than once while reading this one.

Thanks to the magical elements, the black plague, and the many references to relics, also known as the body parts of saints, this book will do nicely for a spooky season read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Stone Witch of Florence tells the story of Ginevra di Gasparo, a woman born with the gift of healing in the early 14th century. Told through two different timelines, we follow Ginevra as a young girl learning to harness her gift using magical gemstones and finding her place in the world, and as an adult returning to the place of her demise on orders from a Cardinal to help solve a mystery. The holy relics of Florence are disappearing one and one, each time condemning a part of the city and its inhabitants to die of the Plague.

I was very excited by the premise of this book, but found the execution lacking. Although I really enjoyed the flashbacks, I wasn't invested in the main storyline about the mystery of the relics. The book was very episodic and the pace of the investigation was repetitive. Despite the fact that there were very few characters, they felt very surface-level. Finally, the resolution was too quick and out of left field.

The Stone Witch of Florence is a well-researched book for fans of historical fantasy.
3.5 stars rounded up.

1348. As the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. But upon arrival, she is tasked with a much different mission: she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics.

This story started really strong and I was enjoying it. But then it sort of went off the rails. It started dragging. And the ending…it just did not fit.

That being said, there are quite a few things that I did enjoy. I loved Ginerva and the time period. Ginerva has a backstory that is very intriguing. I also loved the religion aspect of this novel. I always learn something new when relics and healing are involved and this story led me down a rabbit hole. The stones used for healing are fascinating. I just hate the story died down for me. As I always say…read the book yourself and form your own opinion.

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

I remember when this book passed my FYP on TikTok and I was interested in it. I left a comment and the publisher said do you want to review this book. I was Like yes please so I started a little bit apprehensive because sometimes you hype a book in your mind and it can let you down. And it didn't let me down which is always amazing.

This book combines all the things that are amazing in a book witches, gems and medieval Florence. all wrapped up in detective like story.
The thing what really got me out of the story was the weird switches of pov and time jumps but that is often more a me. problem because it's something that happens often to me.

But I loved it and definitely would recommended.

My bookshelves are filled with fantasy, historical fiction, and books centered on witches, witchcraft, or magic. So I was obviously excited to get my hands on The Stone Witch of Florence. It’s fair to say I squarely met the “target audience.”

What I loved most about this book was how transportive it was. The author paints a truly rich historic landscape. The author’s background as a jewelry historian and gemologist is evident and adds depth and legitimacy to the story. Blending in folklore, medicine, religion, mystery, redemption, and multiple pressing stakes, this story kept my interest.

There are multiple timelines and the switches could be a bit jarring, but the characters were all fascinating.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that whisks you off to a different place in time. I would most definitely read more from this author.

Thank you to @By_AnneRasche, @ParkRowBooks, and @NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Title:  The Stone Witch of Florence  
Author:   Anna Rasche       
Genre:  Fantasy, historical fiction   
Rating: 4 out of 5

Ancient sorcery. Magic gemstones. Only one woman can save a city in ruins…

1348. As the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. But when word spread of her unusual abilities, she was condemned as a witch and banished. Now the same men who expelled Ginevra are begging for her return. Ginevra obliges, assuming the city’s leaders are finally ready to accept her unorthodox cures amid a pandemic. But upon arrival, she is tasked with a much different she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics—the city’s only hope for protection. If she succeeds, she’ll be a recognized physician and never accused of witchcraft again. But as her investigation progresses, Ginevra discovers she’s merely a pawn in a much larger scheme than the one she’s been hired to solve. And the dangerous men behind this conspiracy won’t think twice about killing a stone witch to get what they want…

This was a tiny bit slow at first, but it grew on me quickly. Pretty depressing setting, unfortunately—I mean everyone is dying horrifically of the plague—but it’s well-done. Ginevra is an interesting character, if a bit naïve, but I enjoyed reading both of her timelines and seeing what made her the way she was. A solid historical fiction read.

Anna Rasche lives in Brooklyn. The Stone Witch of Florence is her debut novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Park Row in exchange for an honest review.)

This one starts out slow, but definitely gets really good in the second half. I enjoy the magic system involving gems and different stones having different potential abilities if used by those capable of accessing the power. And I really loved where the story went once the two time lines converged. I thought there was really good progression of both the story arc and of Ginevra’s character. However, it took a good amount of trudging through the first third to half of the book for the reward of the second half of the book.

I did consider DNFing at one point but was listening to it while cleaning and could not stop it at the time. I’m glad I stuck with it but wish the first part had a bit more going on.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to Park Row and @netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.