Thank you to NetGalley and Parkrow for providing me the ARC. I enjoyed this book, I really loved hearing about all the food and just Hayden getting to vibe in this really nice house with a hot Italian guy??? No, that’s a vibe.

I think my favorite part of this book was Mary’s story. I think honestly I would’ve given this a higher review if I had only been about Mary and Holmes‘s relationship. I feel like there was so much that was discussed and revealed in the backstory that I just needed more information on. I felt like having two running plot lines kind of was good, but also led to the downfall of this book because it just left so much of both of the world severely under developed. I wanted more of Mary and Holmes‘s relationship playing out in real time. Literally she’s scared of the ocean she hates pirates, but oh no hot pirate comes out on the beach and like everything‘s fine like I want I want the enemy lovers. I want the graveling!!! The present day plot line was so interesting and reminded me so much of Carlson’s books. I think I would’ve loved the present day timeline so much more if it was more developed. I cannot believe I’m saying this, but this book definitely could’ve benefited from being at least 100 to 200 more pages.

Like Sabina being a powerful water witch who possibly has connections to like Mary and people the sea witches?!?! Like they just brushed by that so quickly! Also, Enzo and Haven’s relationship moved way too fast for me. It was like listen I get it like hot Italian men love but also, like I want the angst.

Also, Conrad engage. I felt like I wanted more out of their characters it just to me. It didn’t make sense for Conrad to be like a bad guy and just like his his attempt to blackmail Haven didn’t make sense and it was just like why are we putting these things out there and just the ramifications just or not it fam. I think this was an interesting book and if you want a fun Outer Banks meets part of the Caribbean I definitely think that this is your cup of tea, I did really enjoy the book. I thought it was digestible. It was easy. It was fun, but I also wanted more.

**3.5 STARS**

Content Warning: violence, death

+ The setting for this story is perfectly set in beautiful and luscious Positano, Italy. I loved it.

+ The story flashbacks from present day to the past where Positano was home to witches who could control the sea. I thought it was fascinating to see how the search for a shipwreck and treasure coincided with the timeline of the past. Haven not only dives to the shipwreck but she uses resources like the archives. I liked the history and the reveal at the end of what happened to Mari and Holmes.

+ The story moves quickly between the past and the present. In both timelines there is tension – with Mari trying to protect the streghe (witches) and the people in her town in general against the Mazza brothers. And in the present timeline, Haven is racing against the clock because a volcano is supposed to erupt, and it puts a wrench in her job. She’s also trying to put off someone else who is trying to find the treasure of the shipwreck before her.

+ There is some romance, which I’m glad is there because it’s Positano, Italy. Haven meeting Enzo just makes everything more lush.

~ Would have loved more tension and drama between Haven and Conrad (the man who’s trying to go after the treasure) just to make things even more exciting.

Final Thoughts:

This is an entertaining read perfect for the summer! It’s set in Italy, has history, magic, witches, romance, search for a shipwreck and a mystery with an interesting reveal.

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner is the kind of book you start reading and don't want to put down.

This book features two timelines. In the present day timeline we meet Haven, a woman who is on a research team to explore shipwrecks. Her love for diving was passed to her by her late father, who discovered sunken treasure on his last dive that he was never able to collect. Haven desperately wants to find the treasure but runs into several complications along the way. In the past timeline we meet Mari, a woman who inherited powers and is able to control the ocean. She is one of many in her community that are being targeted and kidnapped by pirates. She is on her own quest to protect her hometown and save those who have been captured.

I loved this book! Both timelines are equally as strong and I never felt disappointed when switching from one to the other. I found Haven's dilemma especially interesting because she was balancing passion with personal interest. She shows tremendous resilience and determination to discover the history in the area and uncover the mysteries surrounding the curse. If there was a weak point in her plot line it was the romance which was a nice addition to the plot but definitely took a back burner to everything else.

Witchcraft and strong female main characters are my thing so naturally I LOVED Mari. Despite having suffered heartbreaking losses, Mari doesn't shy away from a challenge and isn't afraid to do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones. Mari is a badass and I loved her all the way through to the end.

I love books that blend multiple genres and this one did it well. There is action, suspense, historical fiction, mystery, and a bit of romance. I will absolutely be recommending this book to my audience.

Wow!! I wish I’d read this one earlier. I love a well done dual time line story that comes together so beautifully & unexpectedly. I had one suspicion that turned out to not be true & I was actually very glad. Can’t wait to buy the trophy!

Sarah Penner's latest spellbinding novel "The Amalfi Curse" offers up everything that you'd want in a summer read - romance, magic, and an Italian setting that will make you want to get into the water and practice magic yourself. It's a smooth read, which flies by once you get through the lengthy exposition, But, in the end, the work is well worth the effort put in, with a conclusion that feels as comforting as it is memorable. This may be my first read from Penner, but it certainly will not be my last.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to @sarahpenner @htpbooks and @htphive #hiveinfluencer for the #gifted audiobook.

Set in 1821, this captivating tale follows Mari, a “streghe del mare” (sea witch), as she fiercely protects her family, friends, and lover. Meanwhile, Haven, a passionate nautical archaeologist, arrives in the breathtaking Positano to uncover shipwrecks and search for gemstones linked to her late father. Her encounter with Enzo and his mother leads her deeper into the enchanting narrative of the Amalfi Curse and the extraordinary story of Mari.

This mesmerizing story unfolds in a dual timeline, masterfully weaving Haven’s research with Mari’s plight. The diary of Mari’s lover not only connects Haven to Mari’s journey but also resonates with emotional depth and heartbreak. The character development is exceptional, and the vivid descriptions of Positano transport you right to its sun-kissed shores. The author brilliantly brings to life not just Positano and the Amalfi Coast but also dives into the rich legends of sea witches and the fascinating world of nautical archaeology.

The blend of magical realism and historical fiction is executed flawlessly, and the book left me utterly captivated. Having read the author's previous works, I can confidently say this one is my absolute favorite.

If you’re a fan of stories rich in history and romance, this book is a must-read. Mark your calendars for April 29, 2025. It's a release you won’t want to miss!

What's not to like? For those of us who prefer a bit of witchcraft and mystery, with a setting that plays an integral part in the story, this book is for you. An underwater search for treasure becomes an adventure in history and mystery. The storytelling is addictive, and the language is mesmerizing. If you liked the book Weyward, this book is also for you. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this book!

This book felt like a love letter to the ocean 💕 the dual timelines were woven together so well, and I loved getting to unravel the mystery of what happened in Positano along with Haven. There were a lot of tense moments throughout the book, with a general theme of “men underestimating women” and I just love to see a man proven wrong 🤷🏼‍♀️

Mari is such a fierce protector, and I loved watching her journey throughout the book, and am so happy with how things ended for her. There were some really great twists within her story that really turned the tides for her, and I just loved it!

I also loved watching Haven’s no BS, scientific mind settle into Italian life and start to open herself to new possibilities. While her motivations for finding the treasure her father spotted was a bit vague aside from “doing it for her father”, I felt that it was resolved nicely at the end and we got to see Haven kind of make some realizations for herself surrounding the entire situation!

Overall, I really enjoyed this breath of fresh ocean air! It felt like sweet sunshine on your face, salt in the air, and gelato on your tongue, while also keeping you on your toes and wondering what was coming next.

I am a big fan of Sarah Penner and thoroughly enjoyed The Lost Apothecary and The London Séance Society! I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to pre-read The Amalfi Curse before publication.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the setting in this book and it brought you into the story in such a rich way that I didn’t want it to end. The cover is absolutely stunning and the author’s ability to bring you into a story with witches, shipwrecks, magic and romance, fascinates me.

This book was beautifully written and so descriptive, and I have to say it may be one of my favourites by Sarah Penner! I love anything to do with the ocean and this did not disappoint.

I highly recommend this book for its beauty and adventure and description to name a few. A definite five stars from me. Pub date is April 29, 2025.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This moves between Mari's story in 1821 and Haven's in the present. The women are connected through Amalfi, a ship wreck, and more than a bit of magical realism. And treasure. It's nicely atmospheric. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Fans of the genre will enjoy this for its characters and Penner's storytelling.

From the cover to the promise of sea witches, The Amalfi Curse immediately hooked me. I’m currently googling Positano. I felt like I was there but I need reference photos. I’m googling shipwrecks. Should I take diving instructions?! Sarah Penner what have you done to me?!

I loved how the storyline followed two timelines: the sea witches of Positano in 1821 and Mari a nautical archaeologist in present day. And I loved reading to find out how they intersect at the end. The ocean itself was basically a character in the story! Two things that are my absolute favorite things to read in a book: Magic and centered around ships and set on the water. This was the perfect combo.

I am also fascinated by all the research the author must have put into this novel…shipwrecks, diving, volcanic activity etc.

Wow. 5 stars. Makes me wanna go find sunken treasure. Or go to Italy.

⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Amalfi Curse
Author: Sarah Penner

Thank you Netgalley and Harelquin Books for this ARC! Brand new release from the author of “The Lost Apothecary” and “the London Seance Society”, this book was breathtaking! The atmosphere and the ocean, the scuba diving, the treasure hunting! I loved it! Our main character, Haven, was sent to the Amalfi coast with a team to explore sunken ships. She has more in mind then the current expedition, as she is also on the hunt for her late fathers treasure he spotted on his last dive. We are transported to the past as well, and the development of how this treasure came to be, and the history of the “cursed” sea. I loved how the magic was woven into the story. It was such a lovely read. I truly felt transported to the ocean. Sarah Penner paints a beautiful picture, and created a wonderful story. I’m eager to read her other books now. This releases on 4/29!

There was a lot happening here and I actually felt this could have been longer. I was really invested in everything and everyone but I felt like I wanted more. The scenery was spectacular and immersive though. That’s a huge selling point for me personally as a reader and reviewer. I felt like I was here. Excited to see what this author does next.

What I loved most about this book was the dreamy Italian setting — the Amalfi Coast, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the sprinkling of Italian words throughout. The writing really captures the atmosphere beautifully, and I thought that the recipes at the very end of the book were neat.

The story jumps between three POVs in alternating timelines between 1821 and present-day. In 1821, Mari is a sea-witch tasked with teaching magic to girls and protecting the waters from pirates — even casting spells that can capsize ships. The other POV is her secret lover, Holmes, whose letters to Mari reveal their plans to escape and start a new life together. In the present day, we follow Haven, an archaeologist sent on a top-secret mission to investigate shipwrecks off the Amalfi Coast. But she’s also chasing something personal: mysterious gemstones captured in the blurry photos from her father’s final dive. Things get complicated with an active volcano, another shipwreck, and a charming Italian man who runs a local dive shop.

As excited as I was to read this book, it didn’t quite work for me. With so much going on and so many characters, I struggled to feel connected to any of them. The pacing felt slow, and despite the magical elements, it all felt a bit far-fetched. I didn’t click with this one, but I can see it appealing to fans of magical realism and atmospheric adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

Aaah what a book! Sarah Penner's books are always incredible and this was no exception. Loved the historical bits, and the magical realism was as always fabulous.

I love historical fiction and Sarah really knocked it out of the park with this one. I never thought I would read and enjoy a book about nautical archaeology. I found myself transported to Italy and Sarah did worldbuilding in the best possible way.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

This was an enjoyable read. I found the scuba diving aspect to be super interesting, and I loved how the main character was an archaeologist. Super unique storyline!
This book was told in a dual timeline: the present and 1821. The POVs in 1821 were not my favorite, if I'm being honest. I was much more intrigued by MC Haven's POV in the present describing her scuba adventures and investigating shipwrecks on the Amalfi coast. The POVs from 1821 dive into witchcraft more, which was interesting, but the entire time I was reading, I kept wondering what that had to do with Haven's POV in the present. (It is eventually revealed, it just takes a long time to get there.)
Overall, I really loved the vibe of this book. Having a main setting of Positano and including scuba diving scenes was super cool. I felt so immersed in the setting, which made this book fun to read. The author's writing style flowed nicely and made for a quick read, too.
If you like historical fiction, witches, and love water settings, this book is perfect for you!

I found The Amalfi Curse a little more difficult to get into compared to Penner's other books, just because it wasn't set in dark, mysterious London. That definitely changed about 30% into the book as I got more acclimated to the coastal Italy setting. I would say that the style of writing is still very similar to her past novels, so if you are drawn to Penner because of her writing style then you will still enjoy this book.

In true Sarah Penner fashion, The Amalfi Curse is told in alternating past and present timelines with female MCs. The past timeline follows Mari, a seawitch, who has experienced her share of devastation and longs to leave home. The present timeline follows Haven, who is in Positano as an archeologist not only to study the multitude of shipwrecks, but also to look for something her father wanted her to find.

Personally, I found Haven's timeline to be more entertaining because she gets pulled from her project early on. She then begins investigating a ship on her own time through the local archives, which is where the story starts to pick up as she makes more connections and discoveries. I do wish Penner had elaborated more on some parts towards the end, but overall, I really enjoyed this book by the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Historical fiction mixed with magical realism mixed with witches? Yes, please! This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint. The Amalfi Curse is told in dual timelines that are beautifully interwoven into a story of courage, love, and female empowerment.

1821, Positano, Italy: Mari is one of a few sea witches (streghe), who use their powers over the sea to help their small Amalfi Coast town prosper and protect it from pirates. When dangerous men (the Mazza Fratelli) discover their secret and kidnap some of their members, it is up to Mari and her fellow streghe to free them, no matter the cost. Present day, Positano, Italy: Haven is a nautical archeologist leading a team of female scientists on an expedition to explore Li Galli, one of Italy’s most dangerous waters, known for its hundreds of shipwrecks due to mysterious forces. What her fellow researchers don’t know is Haven has another reason for her interest in this region: shortly before his death, her father made the groundbreaking discovery of an unexplored shipwreck full of gems. She must find it and get it into reputable hands before this historical finding is pilfered by greedy thieves and lost forever.

I dare say this book topped The Lost Apothecary for me! I love a good female empowerment story, and this one has it in spades. Mari and Haven are both smart, confident, trailblazing women who don’t back down in the face of adversity. We also get two beautiful love stories that I just could not get enough of (and I think we all need an Enzo in our lives). Add to it the rich detailing of the Amalfi Coast setting, and I completely devoured it. I read this book in two sittings, which is unheard of for me as the tired mom of two toddlers.

The pacing of this book is phenomenal, and the dual timelines serve to add suspense and magnify the storyline of the other. The Amalfi Curse solidifies Sarah Penner as an auto-buy author for me, and I’ll be impatiently waiting on the edge of my seat for her next book.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the gifted ARC!

5 stars — Completely obsessed with this book!

I went into The Amalfi Curse totally blind and ended up devouring it in less than a day. If you love dual timelines, sea witches, forbidden love, sunken treasure, and strong women doing badass things—this one’s for you.

The story jumps between present-day Positano, where underwater archaeologist Haven is following in her late father’s footsteps on a secret treasure hunt, and 1821, where sea witch Mari is trying to escape her cursed coastal village and protect her coven from corrupt men hunting their magic. Both timelines had me hooked, and I was just as invested in the past as I was in the present.

I loved the sea magic, the mystery, the slow-burn romance with Enzo, and the way everything tied together in the end. The setting? STUNNING. I could practically feel the salty breeze and wanted to book a trip to the Amalfi Coast immediately.

This book was everything—magical, thrilling, emotional, and beautifully written. One of my favorite reads of the year, no question. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC!