There aren’t any words to encapsulate the awesomeness of Sarah Penner. I never thought something would replace The Lost Apothecary as my favorite book, but this one has done it. It’s been years since I’ve been so sucked into a book that I stay up through the night to finish it. Currently I’m roughly 85% through the story and I’m dying to know what happens. I can’t figure out which story I’m more eager to learn the end of. I need to know what happens to Mari & I need to know what happens to Haven. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I have so many questions and theories that I feel like the Charlie conspiracy meme from Always Sunny. IYKYK.
I’ve now finished the story & yes, it is as amazing as I thought it’d be. Also, there’s recipes so that was a fun surprise. Grief plays a big role in the motivations of the main characters. I really don’t want to say too much, but both Mari and Haven have dealt with loss. Mari is part of the Streghe; sea witches who have protected their village along the Amalfi Coast in the 1800s. Haven is a present day nautical archeologist who’s traveled to the Amalfi Coast to find the treasure her father spotted on his last dive. Their two stories end up overlapping in beautiful and tragic ways. This book really has it all. You’ve got the ocean, witches, magic, romance, & a sisterhood of friendship. Thank you to NetGalley & Park Row for the advance copy.

I have really enjoyed Penner's books. While I do like the element of the past and present (and how the stories eventually converge), I wanted more of the story in the past. Or, if the present story was included, I wanted it to focus more on the archaeology and less on the budding romance - that just felt off and didn't seem to fit with the story. I did enjoy the different perspectives in the past too. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would love for Penner to write more historical fiction!

Haven Ambrose is a nautical archaeologist looking to investigate a series of mysterious shipwrecks off the coast of Positano. While Haven is officially in Positano to map out the old shipwrecks, her heart is there to look into her father's final dive - and the treasure he thought lay beneath the water's surface. But when her dives are thwarted by mysterious environmental factors, Haven begins to research her father's findings at the local archive, which leads her to uncover the village's history related to the legendary art of stregheria, a type of witchcraft aimed at harnessing the power of the sea. Haven's research reveals the story of Mari and Holmes, which unravels to reveal a tale of greed and magic and love.

Sarah Penner is a master of atmosphere. I found myself lost in the forest in The Lost Apothecary and I found myself lost in the mysterious seaside village of Positano in The Amalfi Curse. The mysticism pours off the pages of this book. (And can we talk about the cover of this book? STUNNING!) I liked the different narratives in the book, between Haven, Mari, and Holmes, the story lines were easy to follow and absolutely captivating on both ends. I found myself torn between the two storylines, trying to decide which I liked more: Haven's present-day conundrum filled with frustration, dilemmas, and a little romance, or Mari's mysterious, magical storyline filled with witches, family, and greed. But really, I loved them both. Plus, I'm a sucker for a strong female lead and this book has two of them. Both Mari and Haven are strong women with strong opinions, beliefs, and backbones. I loved them both and look forward to being transported again in Penner's next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Nautical archaeologist Haven Ambrose is searching through shipwrecks outside the village of Positano. Her late father had seen gemstones on his final dive, and she hopes to find it as she explores. Various misfortunes strike the town, and feels like a curse. This is especially the case when Haven discovers an old story of sorcery as a witch from Positano tried to save her lover and the village with stregheria, the magical ability to harness the ocean.

The story is told with dual timelines. Haven in the present is looking forward to the dive from a professional and personal view, and is yanked off the prospective dive by the cautious board funding it. Instead, her father's colleague and rival is put into place. If she looks for her father's treasures, it's on her own. In the past, we have mostly Mari's point of view, the last witch directly descended from sirens. The pirates plaguing the area are closing in, and the occasional POV of her sailor lover Holmes gives us a look into seafaring life for the period. It's dangerous, especially for witches able to finesse the ocean current.

We move back and forth between the timelines, slowly uncovering the present-day concerns and talk about the curse, and the past when the curse would have been laid down. The dangers in either timeline might be different, but both Haven and Mari are threatened by circumstances beyond their control. It's direct control that escapes them, but once they focus on the things that truly matter to them — family, legacy, and love for others — the way forward falls into place. I loved the novel and how it was woven together. It felt like visiting Italy and seeing the ocean, too.

Hidden treasure, forbidden love and closely guarded secrets. The Amalfi Coast introduces us to two heroines, Haven and Mari, separated by centuries. Mari is a streghe, sea witch, who with her streghe sisters keeps her village of Positano safe from pirates and looters. Until the day things go horribly wrong. Haven is a nautical archeologist on the trail of a buried treasure in Positano. Little does she know her life is about to change. Romantic and hopeful

𝗬𝗢𝗨’𝗟𝗟 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗜𝗙:
• You want mystery, romance & the magic of Positano 🐚💫
• Enchantingly woven dual timelines ⏳👯‍♀️
• You enjoy treasure hunting and life on the sea ⚓ 🏴‍☠️
• Y️ou want something that pairs well with pasta & limoncello 🍋🍝

📚 Haven Ambrose, a nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. She soon begins to unearth a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman’s quest to save her lover and her village. Haven must unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever…

💭 I love Sarah Penner books, and this one was my favorite so far! She writes beautifully and is able to add the perfect element of magic to historical fiction, and still keeps it around 300 pages. I loved the dual narrative from the 1800s to today, and how they connected seamlessly. If you’re craving a summer read with shipwrecks, powerful women, sunken treasure, mysterious magic and forbidden love, set among one of the most exquisite settings - this one is for you! 🫶🏻

⬇️ We went to Positano on our honeymoon last summer, and this book instantly made me want to book a trip back. It truly is a magical slice of the earth 🛵🍷🌊🇮🇹🤿 🐠🍋

I want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of The Amalfi Curse in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah Penner takes us on an Italian adventure in the book The Amalfi Curse. Mix in a little romance, an Italian seaside and some magic and you get a book that is captivating. The dual storyline flips back and forth beautifully. In the present timeline we are introduced to Haven Ambrose who is a shipwreck archeologist, and her latest job lands her in Positano, Italy. She is hoping that this will be the big break needed for her career and possibly find the treasure that her father told her about before his demise. Unfortunately, the company she is working for pulls the plug on the job and replaces her crew with other people. Haven is determined to find the wreck and treasure and heads to the local dive shop where she meets Enzo. Unbeknownst to her, this stranger will lead her to an even bigger discovery. A discovery of magic, sea witches, and faithful love over two centuries ago. As she digs deeper into the mysteries surrounding the waters of Li Galli, she realizes she cannot just walk away from this job now and the discoveries can change the course of everyone’s lives involved.

This book is a great read for people who love nautical mysteries, love stories, magic and witchcraft.

I love Sarah Penner's writing from The Lost Apothecary, so I was immediately interested in The Amalfi Curse - promised to be a historical fiction novel about a nautical archaeologist with magical realism mixed in. This book does not disappoint, and I miss it already. Penner's writing is incredibly atmospheric, and I felt like I was with Haven in Positano.

The dual storylines work well together, weaving in historical fiction with just enough magical realism that I fully believed these legends and modern times could be a real story for the reader to discover.

It was very ethereal-Indiana Jones (I loved how real Haven's character felt), which is a mix I never thought I'd write, but it's true, and I wish there was more.

I loved how the story mixes real history with this deep, dreamy kind of sorcery. Nothing ever feels too "out there" or "that would never happen"... the magic is just part of the world. The whole thing is mysterious, a little spooky, and completely beautiful.

Sarah Penner is now an auto-buy author for me - and I urge you to pick this up so you can virtually travel to the Amalfi Coast - and back in time!!!

Thank you to Park Row and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this story. I liked the dual timeline and I liked feeling lien. I was learning about this culture in Positano. It was a little slow at times which I feel like historical fiction can tend to do but there were moments of really exciting discovery as well. I do wish we got a little more resolution on how Haven’s dives went and if she ever got her dad’s treasure and how her life with Enzo worked out. I did feel so transported when Haven was diving. As a diver myself, I definitely appreciated those moments. I liked the little storyline with Enzo’s mom but again, I wish I got just a little more at the end to wrap it up.

I love a book with an Italian setting, and this book was no exception. I struggled at the beginning to wrap my head around all of the characters and timelines, but about half way through I realized I was hooked and I needed to know how it all ends! Read when you want to escape into a mystery steeped in history and a bit of magic.

4.5 rounded up. I couldn’t read this book fast enough, the story was absolutely captivating! I loved the blend of genres, and the dual timelines truly transported me back to the era of witchcraft and pirates. Haven, an archaeologist, is searching for treasure at a shipwreck along the Amalfi Coast when strange events begin to unfold. The story behind the Amalfi Curse was beautifully executed, and the characters were all wonderfully developed.

I fell in love with both Mari and Holmes’ story and Haven’s journey as their worlds collided in the present day. Haven’s discovery of Holmes’ journal entries from the 1800s guided her research and revealed more about the curse. Mari, a member of a coven that controlled the powers of the sea, was a particularly fascinating character. The author did an excellent job weaving together mystery, historical fiction, and romance. This was a fantastic read, and I can’t wait to dive into more books by this author!

Read if you like:
- Forbidden love
- Treasure hunts
- Scenic backdrops

Thank you @netgalley @htpbooks and @htp_hive for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I didn’t know what to expect delving into this book—this is my first Sarah Penner book and I was very happily surprised. It’s a charming magical fantasy story set in a dual timeline. In modern day, you meet Haven, a nautical archeologist who goes on assignment to Positano to document ancient shipwrecks in Li Galli (and try to retrieve a sea treasure discovered by her father). There, she notices abnormalities with the sea activity (and a few locals).

In 1821, you meet Mari and learn about a colony of sea witches who use their powers to protect the Amalfi coast but are also hunted by sea traders who want to stifle their powers.

I enjoyed the balance between the magical elements of this story and the contemporary real-world setting. At its core, it’s a story about powerful women and female solidary. Although love stories unfold in both timelines, they are never overbearing of the main plotline but rather complimentary, featuring men who celebrate and shoulder their partners.

The story also does a beautiful job at immersing you in the Amalfi Coast and allowing you to sample the life of a nautical diver and archeologist.

This book delivers the perfect mix of mystery, fantasy and contemporary reality and flows easily. I recommend it.

Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve heard about this author many people and have been interested in reading her. Glad I got the arc for this book - stunning, breathtaking, the world she pulled me into I love and want more of. Brilliant book, wonderful writer, you have a new fan now!

I loved the set up and plot of this book. The witches and magic, the hunt for a lost treasure, and the setting! I love a good Italian setting. I really liked the characters, especially Mari, and the dual Pov. I will say that I was more intrigued by the past timeline than the present one. I also loved the subtle romance.
The book starts a little slow but then picks up towards the middle, and I couldn’t put it down. Overall, another good book by Sarah Penner. 3.5 stars, but rounded up for Goodreads and Netgalley review.

This was such a beautifully written story about sea witches, sunken treasure, forbidden love, and a long lost secret all set amongst the gorgeous Amalfi Coast in Italy! Haven Ambrose is sent with a team to the Amalfi Coast on an nautical archaeology expedition to explore and catalog sunken ships in a notorious area for shipwrecks. She has a hidden agenda to also hunt for her late father's treasure he found on his last dive. This story is written in dual timelines, as the reader gets transported to the past to learn how the treasure and the Amalfi "curse" came to be.

This story is full of atmospheric writing and I could literally smell the ocean and feel the sea breeze while reading! The magic of the sea was interwoven seamlessly and I truly felt like I was in both timelines. There was something for everyone in this story - action and adventure, history, drama and revenge, magic, and romance.

Penner’s vivid prose captures the allure of Positano and the untamed beauty of the sea, while the incorporation of ancient stregheria magic adds an intriguing, mystical layer to the narrative. Haven is a well-developed protagonist whose determination and emotional depth anchor the story, and the novel’s exploration of grief, legacy, and destiny is both poignant and compelling.

While the plot occasionally loses momentum midway through, and the romantic subplot could have been more fully explored, the novel’s evocative setting and imaginative premise more than compensate. The Amalfi Curse is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of atmospheric historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy immersive settings, strong heroines, and a touch of magic woven through their mysteries.

I really wanted to love this book but I just couldn't get into it. I realized pretty quickly what happens with Mari in the past and I just wasn't interested in what happened in the present with Haven and the treasure she was trying to locate that her dad died trying to find.
Thanks to Park Row and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

This was just such a PHENOMENAL and BEAUTIFUL well written book!!! I jumped right into this one blind and my goodness I couldn’t be happier about it.

The dual narrative, the setting about it all was perfection! It’s AMAZING!!! Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Penner, Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me this opportunity.

I tried so hard to get into this one but it’s just so dull. The premise or magic and witches and Italy intrigued me but this one hasn’t had any thing to hold my interest in the past 100 plus pages

Thank you HTP for the gifted eARC!!

4.25⭐️

This book was such an emotional roller coaster! I adored the dual timeline bc it worked so cohesively with this story 🫶 there was so much suspense that had me on the edge of my seat!

This Italian coastal setting was so stunning! I adored seeing this world come to life with penner’s words. And the touch of magic with the sea witches was so fun for a fantasy lover like myself!

I really enjoyed our MCs! We follow the story of Haven as she navigates a potential archaeological discovery and a budding romance with an Italian local. Our other timeline follows Mari, a streghe, and her heartbreaking and suspenseful love story. Both of these women are so strong and I loved getting to know them. And I am a certified Conrad hater 😤