《 ARC REVIEW 》

"It is a matter of humanity, to show compassion for those who suffer…"

☆☆☆☆.5

I just finished reading The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche, and it's an absolutely incredible debut!

This is a standalone novel about Ginevra di Gasparo, who is living in Florence during the 1300s. She is a stone witch and can use the power of certain gemstones to help cure ailments and diseases, but her path to greatness was not always so linear.

Despite the Black Plague raging on across Italy, she is exiled from Florence, and her face was brutally mutilated for being a witch. She was trying to make ends meet for years until she received a letter that her magic and knowledge were desperately needed back in Florence. The holy relics of saints are being stolen, and small bottles of unknown substances are put in their place. People are terrified, and Ginevra might be their only hope.

She returns to Florence, and says that she'll help them to find the relic thief if the church will rescind her exile and allow her to become a doctor in the Florentine Guild of Doctors, Apothecaries, and Grocers. As a woman in that time, it is completely unheard of, but they reluctantly agree, and she sets off to find out who, or what, is stealing these holy relics.

In this epic story of magic, religion, and mysteries, it is clear how much knowledge Rasche has about gemstones and their meanings, as well as Florence in the Middle Ages. I loved the factual tidbits thrown into this historical fantasy novel! Ginevra's personal growth and found family is so perfect as well!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Unfortunately this story was not for me. More than once I had to stop reading and go back a few pages to get my characters right. So many characters and storylines. A bit much that felt uneven and forced. Sorry, just not for me.

This book was extremely difficult for me to read. The way it was written made the story seem choppy. None of the characters seemed very interesting. Honestly it has to have been the hardest book I’ve tried to read in a very long time.
Hopefully there is a group of people who find this to be a good story. It’s just not the one for me.
I recorded a ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Stone Witch of Florence
By Anna Rasche


Ginevra di Gasparo, is an alchemist who possesses an old magic, the ability to harness the power of gemstones. As a very young woman, she embarrasses a physician with powerful connections by healing a sick child he has failed to cure. Ginevra finds herself accused of witchcraft, found guilty, and exiled from Florence. Years later, as the devastation caused by the Black Death spreads, she is summoned by the very men who banished her. Ginevra is presented with an opportunity to redeem herself, claim the protected prize of physician, and return to Florence. In exchange, they ask that she use her talents to catch the thief who is stealing the holy relics believed to protect the city. Can Ginevra find the thief and retrieve what he has stolen before all is lost? It is a race against time as the great pestilence creeps on, and more relics disappear. Danger and betrayal are an ever present threat, and things may not seem as they appear.

Rasche renders Medieval Florence with skill and is truly transportive, providing a glimpse into a dark time in history. The author is a jewelry historian and gemologist, and I loved how she married folklore, magic, medieval medicine and religion. I highly recommend The Stone Witch of Florence to anyone who is looking for an immersive dark historical mystery, stories with strong and resilient women, or their next book club pick.

Many thanks to the author @By_AnnaRasche, @ParkRowBooks and @NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Stone Witch of Florence is a richly woven fantasy that immerses readers in a beautifully depicted historical setting, brimming with magic, mythology, and a cast of compelling characters. The story follows Ginevra, a stone witch charged with catching a thief and retrieving stolen relics in return for her return from exile, though the journey she embarks on becomes far more complex than a simple chase. Ginevra manages to unite a group of unlikely companions, each of whom finds a greater purpose through their shared quest, a testament to the depth of character development that enriches this novel.

One of the standout aspects of The Stone Witch of Florence is the Anna Rasche's ability to bring the world to life with vivid detail. The setting is rendered with such care that I felt transported back in time. The blend of historical atmosphere and magical realism is particularly well done; the mythology integrated into both Ginevra’s backstory and the relics she seeks creates a layer of intrigue that keeps the reader deeply engaged. This infusion of myth, in fact, adds a sense of timelessness to the narrative, as though we are truly delving into an ancient legend.

Though the novel focuses on Ginevra’s pursuit of the thief, it often shifts into an exploration of her past. At first, I found myself questioning this decision, as it seems to momentarily detract from the primary objective of catching the thief. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that understanding Ginevra’s history is essential to the emotional depth of the tale and connection to her as a character. The author skillfully builds this backstory to make the present narrative more immersive and the stakes much higher. This decision ultimately enhances the story’s complexity, making it all worthwhile.

Ginevra’s role in uniting the disparate characters makes this book stand out. The group’s dynamic feels authentic, and each character’s arc is given attention, allowing them to grow and find meaning in the midst of a devastating time. This ability to weave multiple character threads into the main plot adds richness and emotional resonance to the narrative.

From start to finish, I was fully absorbed by The Stone Witch of Florence—so much so that any interruption felt like a jarring return to reality. The book’s pacing and character-driven focus kept me hooked throughout, even during moments of introspection that might have seemed slow in other contexts. Here, they work to deepen the reader’s connection to the characters and their journeys.

The Stone Witch of Florence is a masterfully crafted novel that combines strong world-building, layered characters, and a thoughtful exploration of mythology and history. It balances action and reflection, drawing readers into an enchanting and unforgettable world. For those that enjoy books full of magical realism, historical settings and characters that will tug at your heartstrings, this is a must read.

Great historical fiction meets fantasy! I enjoyed this story so much! You can tell how much research and knowledge the author has and I felt like I was immersed in this time period. Enjoyable read!

This book follows Ginevra di Gasparo who discovers as a child that she has an affinity for magic using gemstones. She lives an interesting life as she apprentices under a neighbor before being sent to a nunnery. After an incident using her gemstone magic, she is banished from Florence. However, she is recalled years later during the Black Plague by the bishop to hunt down the person responsible for stealing the holy relics as she is immune to the plague. I found Ginevra a flawed, but compelling character that I was hoping would achieve her dream of joining the doctor's guild. Along the way, she heals people with her stones and makes friends. I liked the way the story was written and the mystery. I think The Lost Apothecary is a good comp title, but I preferred this one as we stick mostly in the same time frame rather than flipping between characters in different time periods. If you like a historical story with a bit of magic and a mystery, this would be a good fit!

At its core this is a story of hope and perseverance. Despite being exiled for her witchcraft Genevra defies odds to return and help the people of Florence recover from plague and the city solve a mystery. This story has really unique magic, a brace FMC, and is an important story. I think it was really well done and while it did feel a bit slow at times I liked the characters, history, and overall story.

Happy Publication Day!!!!! ✨♥
Thank you so much, Harlequin Trade Publishing & Park Row, for providing me with this ARC.

The Stone Witch of Florence is an exemplary work of storytelling. Its vivid imagery and intricate characters create a rich tapestry that seamlessly blends magical realism with historical fiction, pulling you in from the get-go. The narrative skillfully explores the devastation of a plague, the corruption festering within the Church of Rome's elite, and the persecution of so-called heretics and witches. It's a captivating journey that charts Ginevra's transformation from a compassionate teenager to a wise adult, deftly weaving her past and present.

The story is a feast for the imagination, adorned with Ginevra's stoicism, selflessness, and mystical abilities, making you feel like an invisible observer in her world. The hermetic and divine aspects of gemstones add an extra layer of intrigue, exploring the intricate dance between light and dark, the sacred and the supernatural, thus enriching the heretical and magical dimensions of the narrative.

The supporting characters bring additional depth to Ginevra's journey, playing pivotal roles in her quest to confront her past and aid the citizens of Florence. Rasche's nuanced antagonist defies the typical villain trope, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to the story. Strength, corruption, magic, power, and death converge flawlessly, making for an enthralling read.

However, let's talk pacing. Sometimes, the narrative seemed to hit a speed bump, disrupting an otherwise immersive experience. It's almost like the book, and I were momentarily out of sync. On the surface, this novel has all the essential elements of an extraordinary story, but there were moments when it felt like it lost a bit of its mojo.

Despite these hiccups, I'm giving this a 3.5 but rounding up—because even with its pacing issues, it's still a gem worth exploring. Maybe I'll revisit it later, and who knows? It might just hit differently next time around.

Give this one a shot if you enjoy historical fantasy!!

Historical Fiction isn't usually my cup of tea, but this was so good. Even though Ginevra was screwed over left and right, she still loved Florence and wanted to return after being banned. I loved her bravery and her desire to do what is right. I can't wait to share this book with fellow HF lovers.

In The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche , 14th century Italy comes alive as the Black Plague sweeps through Florence.

The narrative centers on Ginevra di Gasparo, an exiled heretic healer with a mysterious connection to gemstones , who is summoned back to the city to help combat the plague1. However, upon arriving in Florence she learns from Inquisitor Arnolfi that the city’s sacred relics have been stolen . Immune to the plague , Genivra is assigned by the authorities to catch the thief and recover the relics. Seeing an opportunity Genivra agrees to this dangerous mission, but only if her exile is lifted and she is accepted into the exclusive guild of doctors.

To begin with the plot is a compelling blend of mystery and intrigue including plenty of twists in the story to keep the reader engaged. The hunt for the thief acts as a creative way to explore the complex politics and religious zealotry of the era. Also, the author’s meticulous research is evident with vivid descriptions of medieval Florence , religious beliefs, and the horror of the Black Plague. She uses her knowledge as a gem historian to describe the stones and their presumed magical powers. Strong character development adds suspense and depth, enhancing the story.

The pacing is a bit slow, however, it builds to a satisfying and dramatic ending.

Rasche’s debut novel is a magical combination of history, adventure, and conspiracy that offers readers a historical and thought provoking story.

4 ⭐
0 🌶️

I enjoyed this historical fantasy. I found the writing very easy to read, and although there were jumps between the past and present for the main character, it was not jarring and did not take you out of the flow of the story. I felt it was handled very well. This is not a high-stakes, big-excitement fantasy read; it is much more subdued and low-key. Although there are relatively high stakes amid the bubonic plague for the book's population, there is no high tension. I found this book enjoyable, filled with interesting facts and likable characters (the ones you were supposed to like). I loved the magic system that kept this book from being purely historical. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Park Row Books for the eArc. These opinions are mine.

In The Stone Witch of Florence, the harrowing backdrop of the Black Plague sets the stage for Ginevra di Gasparo's captivating return to a city that once cast her out as a witch. With her extraordinary ability to heal using gemstones, Ginevra’s journey is both a quest for redemption and a race against time as she seeks to recover stolen relics that hold the key to Florence’s survival. The writing is lush and evocative, perfectly capturing the tension and intrigue of the era, while Ginevra’s complex character shines through her determination and vulnerability. The intertwining of historical elements with a gripping narrative keeps readers enthralled, making this tale not just a story of survival, but also a profound exploration of acceptance and power. Overall, it’s a beautifully crafted work that resonates long after the final page.

Thank you HTP, Park Row, & The Hive for the gifted copy!

I love books set in Italy and I love witchy books so this historical fantasy was a lovely combo. Ginevra is an exiled witch who has been called to help when a plague rages through the city and relics start going missing from churches. If she can solve the mystery of the relics she will be viewed as a physician and past charges of witchcraft excused. I mean why would these guys use a stone witch with healing powers to help with the plague that is also killing their people?

I thought the character development was well done. There are several side characters that come into play along the way, some of which added a delightful bit of humor. Some of the banter and snark was so funny. I always love strong female representation and this book has several powerful strong female characters. I found the end to be satisfying and I loved the epilogue 💛💎 I think it’s so cool that the author is a gemologist by trade. The authors note was really interesting!

Sad I couldn’t get my act together to read along with The Hive but happy that I read it regardless! Also now I want to go to Italy so badly 😍

The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche transports readers to plague-ridden Florence in 1348, where faith and superstition are at an all-time high. But when sacred relics begin to disappear, the fragile hope of the city is threatened.

Ginevra, the protagonist, is far from perfect, but that’s what makes her so compelling. In a time when women were forbidden to practice medicine and anything unfamiliar was deemed suspicious, she courageously risks banishment by healing the sick. Her flaws make her relatable, while her determination and heart make her admirable.

The side characters truly elevate this story, adding depth and richness to the narrative. Ginevra’s journey would feel incomplete without their contributions. I was particularly fascinated by the properties of the gems she uses, as well as the relics of the period—it added an intriguing layer of historical detail to the plot.

In a world that constrained women, Ginevra and her friends find ingenious ways to solve a compelling mystery, making this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Park Row for providing this book.

This plot is intriguing, with magic, religion, folklore, medicine in the late Middle Ages, and a mystery. The world-building is excellent. This was well-written and engaging, with a lot of historical detail and vivid imagery. The author is a gemologist and jewelry historian, and this shines through, as does all the research the author did on Florence during the plague. The gemstone lore is super interesting, and I enjoyed how the magic system used gemstones.

The magic was sprinkled throughout in an organic way, and Ginvera had to rely on her perseverance and wits as much as her magic. Ginerva was a strong FMC, and I rooted for her as she faced an uphill battle on many fronts. The supporting characters were interesting and compelling, with a few that pleasantly surprised me. There were some pacing issues, but overall, I enjoyed this and thought it was a solid debut. I will keep this author on my radar. And I love this stunning cover!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing Park Row Books, The Hive and Netgalley for the gifted ARC!

While I enjoyed this book for its rich historical portrayal of Florence and its significance within the Italian states during that period, I felt the plot was a bit convoluted. There were so many intertwining storylines and characters that it sometimes made it challenging to follow the main thread. I think a more focused approach might have enhanced the overall experience, allowing the historical elements to shine through more clearly. The author clearly did a lot of research for this novel, and it really shines through in the detail. However, I felt that this depth sometimes muddied the trajectory of the plot and hindered character development. A more streamlined approach could have made the story more engaging and allowed the characters to resonate more deeply. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC.

This is a debut novel by Anna Rasche. I picked it up because I enjoy reading about witches and I don't think I've ever read one about a stone witch.

Description:
A woman's secret. A deadly Plague. Unleash the hidden magic…

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…

My Thoughts:
This one held my attention throughout with a strong main character and an interesting plot. The gemstone magic was fascinating to me and I loved the way gemstones were used to heal. The mix of historical fiction and fantasy worked well to produce a great story. There are church politics and relics here as well, and the church brought danger to Ginevra. I found Ginevra's life story totally captivating. The history was obviously well=researched, and I'm sure the author's background as a gemologist and jewelry historian was helpful to her. Loved the writing - very well done.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing - Park Row through Netgalley for an advance copy.

This is medieval mystery filled with magical stones and magical healers during the black plague in Florence Italy around 1348. The Stone Witch, Ginerva, must unravel the mystery of the missing church relics to save Italy from the plague. I was absorbed from page 1 – read it in 3 days. This is an engrossing story with a satisfying ending. My favorite kind of book. I highly recommend this book and hope Ginerva has more adventures in the future!

I highly recommend this book for historical fiction with a touch of magic lovers or just those who like a good book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row for an early read in exchange for a fair review. The privilege was mine!

Thank you, Park Row and NetGalley, for my free E-book for review.

Magic and religion intertwine seamlessly in this captivating historical fantasy adventure, weaving a tapestry of enchantment and intrigue. While the rich historical elements and the mystical power of the stones create a vivid backdrop, it is the protagonist Ginevra's journey that truly anchored me in this mesmerizing medieval world.

Ginevra, a woman driven by an altruistic desire to help others, finds herself forced to operate in the shadows of society. Her unorthodox methods, misunderstood and feared by many, brand her a heretic in the eyes of a superstitious populace. As I read, I couldn't help but champion her cause, my heart stirring with indignation at the men who exploit her talents for their own gain.

Set against the backdrop of a plague-ravaged landscape, Ginevra's tale of resilience and friendship is particularly poignant. Having lived in solitude, her gradual formation of bonds with people she meets along the way adds a touching dimension to her character, making her journey all the more compelling to me.

The author's prose is nothing short of enchanting, infused with a delightful blend of humor and wit. The narrative flows with a natural rhythm, effortlessly carrying me through the twists and turns of Ginevra's adventures.

In conclusion, I found this novel to be a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience, culminating in a satisfying denouement where the intrepid heroine finally attains her long-held dreams. To me, it's a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring nature of hope, even in the darkest of times.