I loved this!! I recommend this to anyone who loved Sarah Penner's The Lost Apothecary. I love how she is able to weave in multiple timelines and POVs. In the current timeline we follow Haven Ambrose, a nautical archeologist, who arrives in Positano to search for a treasure once spotted by her late father. In the second timeline, we follow Mari, a sea witch from the early 1800s. For fans of historical fantasy and adventure, with a dash of romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row for an advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review. These thoughts are my own.

Sarah Penner has a gift for writing that makes you not want to put the book down. There's just something about the way she pulls the story along that I really enjoy. This one had intersecting dual timelines and made me want to go to Positano immediately!! I will say tho - I couldn't help by think of Strega Nona the whole time!

The Amalfi Curse is an enchanting, atmospheric novel that swept me away with its vivid setting, layered storytelling, and blend of magic, mystery, and history. From the sun-drenched cliffs of modern-day Positano to the shadowy secrets of a 17th-century coastal village, Sarah Penner masterfully intertwines two timelines in a way that feels seamless and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dual narrative where both stories are equally compelling, there’s no skimming, and no wishing to get back to one POV over another. That’s rare for me, and Penner pulls it off beautifully.

This book has everything, a lush Italian backdrop, forbidden romance, magical realism (spells, curses, and whispers of witchcraft!!), archaeological adventure, themes of sisterhood, friendship, and feminine power, all layered under a captivating treasure-hunt style mystery. The setting in particular is an absolutely amazing in my opinion, you can practically taste the limoncello and feel the salt in the air. It’s effortlessly immersive.

Haven Ambrose, the modern-day protagonist and an archaeologist, made the book especially engaging. I also studied archaeology and the ocean so I loved reading a book about it as well. Her work and the way it tied into the mystery added a fascinating and grounded angle to the more fantastical elements. I also really appreciated how Penner explored the relationship between women and power, subtly threading this theme through both timelines.

My only (minor) critique, and the reason I didn’t give it a full five stars, is that with so many characters and plot threads, I didn’t form a deep emotional connection with any one in particular. But honestly, that didn’t take away much from the reading experience because the entire story was so rich and layered. It’s worth noting the writing style is fluid and evocative without ever feeling overly ornate. Penner strikes a great balance between lyrical descriptions and snappy pacing.

If you enjoy books that balance historical intrigue with modern drama, magical realism, and a touch of romance, The Amalfi Curse absolutely delivers. It's perfect for fans of atmospheric, multi-POV fiction with a heart of gold and a bit of sea-swept magic.

I ended up liking the story overall, but it took a long while for me to get invested & I’m honestly not sure if it was the dual timeline aspect or something else. The ending also felt slightly unfinished to me.

The setting though? Immaculate. Felt like I was on the Amalfi Coast, soaking in the sun & sea of Italy, one of my favorite places ever.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Sarah Penner’s “The Amalfi Curse” is a dual timeline story where Haven Ambrose is an underwater archaeologist searching for lost treasure and Mari DeLuca is trying to protect her village on the Amalfi coast from marauding pirates and evil businessmen. As Haven prepares her expedition, danger lurks in rumblings from Vesuvius and hints at a dark secret protecting the area she hopes to dive.

I find dual timeline stories difficult, but once the rhythm was established in “The Amalfi Curse” I found that it worked for me (much like the ebb and flow of the tides). The character’s motives were pretty clear from the outset. I liked that Haven used an archive and actual documents rather than just searching things up on her laptop.

Overall, this was an enjoyable story that would be great for a summer read at the beach.

This story is great for readers who enjoy dual timelines, history/archaeology, a touch of magic, and the like.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing|Park Row, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book. I was so enchanted by the synopsis when I first saw the book was coming out and was thrilled to get a copy to review. I read the Lost Apothecary which had some good storytelling (although it was not my favorite) and was hoping this book wouldn’t fall into some of the other problem areas that book had.

This book is a tale of two romances set apart by 200 years, both featuring the mystery and mystique of the Amalfi Coast and women who harness the power of water to protect themselves and their loved ones.

And oh this love stories are quite interesting and well written. I loved all the POVs even seeing the same little repetitive bits from another character was charming!

Beyond that, the sea witchcraft was pretty well done (albeit a little sparse) the history and how the plot unfolds to understand everything from both timelines was a fun little twisty journey.

And the sea archeology was so fascinating. I wanted more and more of that which was a bit of a letdown when the science-y aspects were lost to historical research and more of the past story unfolding outside of what our one MC Haven uncovers. This made me think of the lost apothecary where the setup of the apothecary is so interesting and then we never really get to see any of it! Unfortunately Penner seems to struggle with delivering such a promising start with so much effort setting up women in unique careers but then fails to keep that momentum going and actually use it for the plot.

I really loved both Mari and Haven and their stories of loss and love and the characters surrounding them. It was a big character development plot.

I recently read the Sirens by Emilia Hart and I wish it had more of the journey and magic Penner delivers. If you read only one sea magic, duel timeline books pick this one!

Overall rating 4/5

+ character development
+ wholesome love story (aka well written Male characters)
+ well researched
+ strong main and minor characters

- lacks some of witchcraft elements ( especially with such a strong opening scene of it)
- lacks the science and diving scenes that were great in the beginning
- lackluster antagonist

Along the Amalfi Coast, the pirates never came ashore in Positano thanks the powerful water witches who could affect ocean and it's currents, albeit for a limited time in a specific location. In the 1820s, dangerously one fell in love with a sailor. The harrowing adventures of their love story is counterbalanced by a present day nautical archeologist coming to there to ostensibly map the numerous shipwrecks in the area but she is secretly searching for a trove of gemstones. Intertwined, the stories make for a very interesting and fun book. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Amalfi Coast by Sarah Penner
Mystery, magic, and Mediterranean drama? Sign me UP.

This book had me hooked from page one and fully held hostage until the last. Told across multiple timelines and POVs, The Amalfi Coast is an immersive blend of atmospheric mystery, historical secrets, and double-dose romance, all set against the backdrop of one of the dreamiest places on earth.

It's giving:
Dual timelines that actually work
Two romances, both equally delicious
Magic laced with mystery
Sun-drenched secrets and betrayals
Women on the edge of reinvention

I loved the high stakes, the emotion, and the quiet ways deceit creeps into every corner of the plot. It was immersive, bingeable (yes, I devoured it in a single sitting), and had the perfect touch of Sarah Penner's magic.

Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely. This is a one-sitting, sun-soaked, summer-beach-read dream. If you like your historical fiction with a pinch of magic and a dash of heartbreak, you’ll eat this one up.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review.

Powerful witchcraft. A hunt for sunken treasure. Forbidden love on the high seas. Beware the Amalfi Curse…

The Almafi Curse follows two timelines; the sea witches in the 1820s who protect the coast of their village with magic which allows them to control the water and its tides, and Haven Ambrose in present day who came to Positano to investigate mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast.

These two timelines weave together a tale of forbidden romance, the lengths we will go to for the ones we love, grief, and forgiveness breathtakingly. I loved both Mari and Haven's stories. The little pieces of the story unfolded and connections were made between their timelines at an exciting and satisfying pace.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced e-reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Let’s chat about the Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner ⬇️ 🌊 🌞 🍋

If you like:
✨Italy and the amalfi coast
✨Scuba diving
✨Treasure hunting
✨Love stories
✨Sea witches and magic
Then you would like this book!

This book alternates POVs between Haven, a nautical archaeologist who has traveled to positano to explore shipwrecks and search for treasure, and Mari, a Positano local in the 1800s who was a streghe (sea witch) navigating a beautiful yet dangerous romance. Haven finds her story mingled with Mari’s and is captivated by discovering her truth.

This book sucked me in so quickly! It’s full of adventure: of scuba diving and searching for treasure, and of sea magic and shady businessmen and kidnapping and steamy love stories.. I could go on!!

While I loved hearing the POV from both women, in the end, Mari’s story touched me the most. My poor girl WENT THROUGH IT. The sea took so much from her, and yet she couldn’t escape it. I just wanted her to be happy. I loved Haven’s storyline too, and her’s was much more gripping and exciting, but I don’t know if I connected with her in quite the same way I did Mari.

The magic in this book was so cool, and was part of the reason I liked this story so much. It was so witchy and mystical, and I really loved that it was a secret amongst the women and that they were the ones protecting their village. It had siren energy, which I think was the point, and it hooked me!

The scuba/diving and treasure hunting plot was reminiscent of the Outer Banks TV show, and it was just as gripping and exciting! I think that, even though Mari’s story left me feeling emotionally wrecked, Haven’s treasure hunting adventure kept me turning pages. And in the end, what I loved most about this part of the plot? Karma, baby!!

All in all, this story was such a pleasant surprise for me! I knew it would be good, but it ended up being my favorite Sarah Penner book yet! 5/5⭐️s!

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner gracefully intertwined mystery, magic, and history, set on the Amalfi Coast. The story flipped between Mari, a sea witch in the 1800s trying to protect her village, and Haven, a modern-day archaeologist chasing her dad’s dream. Both timelines followed strong women, unveiling years worth of secrets, and witch tales. Both main characters explored themes of love and sacrifice. I was incredibly intrigued by the vivid setting on the italian coast and the magical elements in the story. The incorporation of stregheria and ancestral magic added such depth to the motives of the characters. I was able to keep up with the story as the timeline went back and forth and was thoroughly interested in each characters storyline. If you are a fan of historical fiction with magical realism and mystery, I would definitely recommend The Amalfi Curse!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for early access to the ebook in exchange for my honest opinions!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
💎 slowwwww burn
💎 dual timelines
💎 dual POV
💎 1st person POV

I think the premise of this one was a lot more interesting than the actual story.
There were a lot of words in a different language in here and although there was a glossary at the beginning of the book, I read this as an e-book so I wasn’t flipping back and forth all the time; and I was more than a little confused.
This was a very, very slowwwww burn, with really nothing happening until the last 25%. If I wasn’t given an ARC I think I would have DNF this one 👎🏻
I had just read The Sirens before this book and I think this was the reason why I didn’t really like this one. They have very similar vibes.
I did very much enjoy that it took place in Italy. The author did a really good job painting a picture in my mind, and I really felt like I was there!
Thank you so much to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Sarah Penner for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 💕

This is Sarah Penner's third book. I really loved her first, The Lost Apothecary, and I enjoyed her second, The London Seance Society, but this novel didn't work for me. The Amalfi Curse is duo timeline. In present day, Haven is preparing to dive for shipwrecks and possibly lost treasure. There is a lot of backstory gets in the way of the plot. There was too much telling and not enough action. Moving into the past, we meet Mari, one of a group of witches who keep their village safe. I never got that interested in Mari, her relationship to her village and family didn't seem believable to me. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for my honest opinion.

Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars

The Amalfi Curse weaves together a modern-day mystery with a centuries-old legend of magic and forbidden love.

Perfect for fans of Weyward by Emilia Hart!

Told through dual timelines, we follow Haven Ambrose in the present day, and Mari DeLuca in the 19th century.

Haven Ambrose was raised in the water - she now works as a nautical archaeologist, and has been officially assigned to investigate the numerous shipwrecks along the coastline of Positano. Unofficially, though, she hopes to locate priceless gemstones that her deceased father, a fellow diver, had spotted during his last and final excursion.

As Haven delves into her search for the sunken treasure, she unearths a story from the 19th century. In 1821, Mari DeLuca and the women of Positano practiced stregheria, an ancient magic that allowed them to harness the power of the ocean. When Mari’s friends are kidnapped, Mari steps up as the leader of the coven to facilitate their safe return.

The misfortunes plaguing Positano, both in the past and the present, might be linked to this centuries-old tale of the "Amalfi Curse", and Haven must figure out how to right things before the region is destroyed forever.

If you enjoy books that blend historical settings, mystery, a touch of magic or the supernatural, and strong female characters, please pick this one up!

This was delightful - the setting provided all the vibes of Mamma Mia or anything by Elena Ferrante.

Thank you to the team at The Hive for proving an early copy for review - all opinions are my own.

Such a fun read! I loved the setting, plot, and characters! The dual timeline worked really well and kept the mystery intriguing and the romance building. Loved the ending!

"Sometimes, the greatest treasure to be found is... love."

When I saw The Amalfi Curse on NetGalley, I did not hesitate to sign up! I love The Lost Apothecary, so I knew this book would be just as good! It definitely did not disappoint.

This story has dual timelines, which I love! Haven Ambrose is a nautical archeologist and is on a mission to investigate a mysterious recurrence of shipwrecks at a specific location, the Amalfi Coast. She is also on a secret mission to find a trove of gemstones her late father discovered. There is definitely something mysterious, dark, and unnatural happening in Positano.

We also follow the story of Mari & Holmes from the early 1800s. Mari and her family come from a rare lineage, and she will do anything to protect that and also protect those she loves. She is in the dilemma of being bethrothed to a wealthy man who she does not love and wants to leave it all to be with her lover, Holmes.

These two timelines perfectly intertwine throughout the story, making this read exciting. I love the dual POV from the 1820s as it goes back and forth from Mari and Holmes. The present POV of Haven gives us a clearer perspective of the history of the Positano and the talks of a mysterious curse upon its coast. Haven discovers so much, and I enjoyed every minute following her adventure.

Sarah Penner creates these wonderful historical fiction stories with a twist of witchcraft/magically essence. I love how I feel a part of this story and how it has an ambiance of reality and fantasy. Such a wonderful read, with mystery, magic, romance, and page turning plot twists. I highly recommend it!

The queen of weaving a compelling, dual-timeline tale strikes again! Five BIG Stars!
☑️Italy
☑️☑️Sunken Treasure
☑️☑️☑️Sea Witchcraft
☑️☑️☑️☑️Romance
☑️☑️☑️☑️☑️Adventure
This ticked so many boxes for me! It's a beach read SUPREME! Warning: Sunburn Alert! You will be too captivated by this story to remember to reapply sunscreen. Better sit in the shade!

Penner weaves the emotional story of Mari, a young woman with special powers over the sea who lives in Positano, Italy in 1820 as she falls in love and saves her town from evil smugglers with the adventure tale of Haven, a present-day American diver in Italy to complete her father's last request - a treasure hunt and maybe also find love. This was heartwarming gem of novel about sacrifice, family legacy, and creating your own happy ending. Karma does its job here, I loved it!

Rating - 4.5 stars rounded off to 5

“Sometimes the greatest treasure to be found is love”

Another enchanting piece by Sarah Penner I have read all her books (except the novella) and this is my favourite!

Thanks Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Synopsis-
Haven Ambrose, an ambitious nautical archeologist is on the brink of a career take-off. She is in the little town of Positano, Italy to research the shipwrecks that dot around the Amalfi coast, hoping to find more than just old artefacts as hinted by her father. But strange things start occurring around the town and she knows something more and big is at play that what meets the eye. During her quest for the sunken treasure, she stumbles upon Positano’s dark past and it’s folklore of “Stregheria” (sea witchcraft).

Review-
What makes #TheAmalfiCurse such a compelling and absorbing read are setting and in this case the darling of Italy - Positano, the gorgeous cover (like all her books!), the Penner trademark magical elements, a strong mystery thread that propels the story, the beautiful writing and imagination and finally the incredible research that has gone in.

Introducing us to the world of nautical archaeology and shipwrecks under the sea, Penner takes us on a mystical treasure hunt that intertwines timelines spanning two centuries bound by a powerful witchcraft unique to the area and a fairytale like love story.

The storytelling is top-notch and as it unfolds, I felt like a child - mesmerized, curious and hungry for what happens next. The twists hit at the right time to break the trance and I could only gobble it all up. Despite my logical and scientific outlook, I believed every bit of it, gaping at how the modern technology, state of the art diving gear and Haven’s heavily funded research project, seamlessly blend with ancient folklore, dark magic and centuries old sea wreckage.

The ending was tricky but Penner effortlessly pulls it off by harnessing the power of love, sacrifice and resilience in the story. I loved the underlying message that it is not the destination that matters, but the journey itself and all the adventure it entails.

There’s something for everyone in this novel. Can’t wait to get be’witch’ed again!

Penner has come a long way. This book will be great for summer reading; it's vivid and romantic, a little predictable but the historical plotline strengthens the overall charm. A sweet and sexy adventure.

Not my typical read, but this is my third Sarah Penner book and she’s the real deal. If historical fantasy is not your thing — it’s not mine — I would encourage you to give this book a try. Multiple POVs and two story lines that I was genuinely interested in and captivated by.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC (even though I’m reading this a couple days after the pub date 😅).