3.25 stars — creative & mysterious, but it has an unsatisfying and ambiguous conclusion.

ELEMENTS I ENJOYED
• magical realism
• dual-timelines with alternating POVs
• vivid descriptions of the beautiful setting
• interesting characters
• easy to understand the Italian words & phrases sprinkled throughout the story thanks to context clues or immediate translations

ELEMENTS I DIDN’T ENJOY
• too slow-paced
• uninteresting ending with some loose ends
• the story has a lot of potential, but it ultimately feels like very little happens despite it spanning over 100 years

This book would perfect to read on the beach, vacation, or with a buddy/book club! It's a quick read with lots of material for discussion questions.

📖 Thank you to The Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book

Told in alternating time frames – the 1800’s and modern day. In the 1800’s we learn of a group of women, Sea witches who control the currents and keep Positano safe from the sea and provide their fisherman with bountiful catches. One woman, Mari is the strongest of them, she is promised to a rich and powerful man from Rome but is in love with a sailor.
A family of unscrupulous brothers run a shipping business, smuggling, and stealing women along their routes. When they discover what Mari can do they make it their mission to kidnap her to help themselves.
In modern day, Haven has been charged with discovering and researching the many shipwrecks off the Amalfi Coast near Positano. Her and her all-female crew plan to dive and document the many ships that have sunk there but readings are saying the water isn’t safe and that Vesuvius may blow again soon. Haven also has an ulterior motive. Her father, before he died told her he found treasure around these shipwrecks and asked her to find it.
This book has it all, corruption, patriarchy, female empowerment mixed with magical realism, a great mystery and romance, both modern and in the past. I loved it. Both Mari and Haven have great stories and are both strong characters. I loved how the two worlds intersect in modern day bringing the story full circle.
This is from the author of The Lost Apothecary which I also loved. Its not a quick read but a medium paced mystery.

“Sacrifice was the greatest form of love”

Let me start by saying this was a slow read for me, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. In fact, I thought it was excellent story with amazing characters and plot twists!

I really liked the dual timelines and multiple points of view. I think it added to the story and the story telling. Mari and her sister sea witches were intriguing, and I liked the incorporation of their magic and sisterhood.

Additionally, Haven is a fun female lead character – full of life and grief and trying to find her way. The romance element was fun but not overdone and didn’t take away from the story. I loved how her father guided her to solve the mystery!

Plus the imagery of the Amalfi Coast and the description of the food was incredible. Now I want to visit there!

So, why did I start by sharing the book was a slow read? Because if you need a book that grabs you instantly, this one takes a while, and I want you to be prepared so you can appreciate the story. I think I was 200 pages in before it really captivated me, and I had to push through to see how it all came together. And, the end was so worth it. Take your time with this one and enjoy the journey!

This one is available from BOTM, but I splurged on the gold foil with sprayed edges edition from Barnes and Noble because I am a sucker for a pretty book! How about you?

Thank you to @netgalley and @htp_hive for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5/5

I really enjoyed the concept of The Amalfi Curse, the dual timelines were well done, the unraveling exploration and the little bits of romance woven in added just enough without overpowering the story. The setting was gorgeous and had that haunting, mysterious vibe I love in a summer read.

That said, parts of it dragged more than I expected. There were stretches where not much happened, and I found myself losing focus a bit. The buildup took a while, and even though it pays off, I wish the pacing had been a little tighter.

Still, it made me want to book a ticket to the Amalfi Coast ASAP. I’m visiting Italy this Fall and now seriously considering adding Positano to the list - so for that alone, I’d say it was worth the read. If you’re into slow-burning mysteries with a touch of magic and romance, this one might be for you, just be ready for a few lulls along the way.

I loved the Amalfi Curse!! it was really interesting, multiple timeline story. I loved the power of the women and the writing about Italy was gorgeous

"Amalfi Curse" is an engaging and beautifully written novel set against the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi Coast. The story follows a protagonist seeking a fresh start who becomes entangled in local legends and an ancient curse. The characters are well-developed, each with their own secrets, and the blend of mystery and romance keeps the reader hooked.

The setting comes alive through vivid descriptions, making you feel like you’re exploring the picturesque villages and dramatic cliffs. The supernatural elements add intrigue without overshadowing the emotional depth of the story. Themes of love, fate, and the impact of the past resonate throughout, making it a thought-provoking read.

Overall, "Amalfi Curse" is a captivating tale that combines suspense, romance, and beautiful prose, making it a must-read for fans of these genres.

Ah, what a fabulous story! Spanning centuries of women in both the past and present, and their eventful lives, in Positano and the Amalfi Coast, this intriguing tale lures you in and doesn’t let go.
The plot is engrossing with its uniquely gifted characters, and details so precise I felt like I was back in Positano seeing the sights as Penner described them. Mysteries abound and time circles back on itself as the characters and plot intersect in ways that you don’t see coming. Don’t miss this one!

Sarah Penner's The Amalfi Curse is a captivating blend of historical fiction, magical realism, and maritime adventure. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Italy's Amalfi Coast, the novel intricately weaves together two timelines—one in 1821 and the other in the present day—creating a rich tapestry of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue.

In the present day, Haven Ambrose, a determined nautical archaeologist, arrives in Positano to investigate a series of mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. Beneath the azure waters, she seeks to uncover a trove of priceless gemstones her late father had discovered before his untimely death. As Haven delves deeper into her quest, she encounters strange maelstroms and misfortunes plaguing the town, leading her to question whether these events are mere coincidences or the result of something more sinister .
The historical timeline introduces Mari DeLuca, a young sea-witch, or strega, who practices the legendary art of stregheria, harnessing the power of the ocean to protect her village. As Mari navigates the complexities of love and duty, she faces a dire choice between her affection for Holmes, a sailor aboard a merchant ship owned by the ruthless Mazza brothers, and her responsibility to safeguard her community from impending threats .

Penner masterfully explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. The dual timelines are seamlessly interwoven, with each narrative shedding light on the other, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience. The atmospheric setting of Positano, with its sun-soaked cliffs and mysterious waters, serves as a vivid backdrop that enhances the novel's enchanting and suspenseful tone .
The incorporation of stregheria adds a layer of mysticism to the story, infusing it with a sense of wonder and danger. The portrayal of Mari's magical abilities and the challenges she faces in balancing love and duty resonate with contemporary themes of empowerment and resilience .

Both Haven and Mari are well-developed characters, each navigating their respective worlds with strength and determination. Haven's scientific approach to archaeology contrasts with Mari's intuitive and mystical practices, yet both women are driven by a deep-seated desire to uncover truths and protect those they love. Their journeys are marked by personal growth, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice, making them relatable and compelling protagonists .

The Amalfi Curse is a mesmerizing tale that skillfully blends historical detail, magical elements, and emotional depth. Sarah Penner has crafted a novel that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of past and present, love and duty, magic and reality. For readers who enjoy richly layered narratives set in evocative locales, this book is a must-read.

Dual timelines, witches, treasure, fated mates…., yes please and thank you! Ugh the history of this story is immaculate. I now have to read every book by the author.

Loved it so much i read it in one freakin day! I don't normally love modern day/historical dial POVs but this one was kind of delightful. The bad guys got what they deserved and the good guys? Yeah they did too. Good fucking shit.

spice: none

Suspenseful and magical! Sarah Penner does it again, weaving history and magic to create a compelling story of love and power. Told in alternating viewpoints of Mari, a streghe in Positano in 1921 and Haven an archaeologist in modern day we uncover a story of strong women who persevere against impossible odds to be who they were always meant to be.

I think this was such a interesting read. I think pacing was done well and it allowed for me to learn things as the story progressed without info dumping or leaving me hanging. I think the characters were interesting and it was fun to read them and see how they were handle each twist and turn.

4.0 stars
The Amalfi Curse
Sarah Penner

This story was magical to me. The novel ncluded romance, sea witches, pirates, kidnaping,, double cross, detailed history and the beautiful setting of a mystical tale filled with love and hope. It was a delightful lighter read after some heavy books I read recently. Told in dual storylines, it was very easy to follow and hard to put down. The setting was such a huge part of the story. The book reminds me of a magical fairy tale where good triumphs over evil. I would definitely recommend The Amalfi Curse to any reader who wants to feel swept away.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the eARC of the novel. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this one!

I was immediately drawn in by the cover and the setting. A summer-ey read set in Amalfi was all I needed to know to add this one to my TBR.

I really enjoyed this one at first, but then I felt like it got a little boring. The writing felt a bit chop-y at times, which I don't really know how to describe. In the present timeline mostly, its like someone was taking me step by step through what was happening as opposed to describing the story. With that being said, I enjoyed the present more than the past timeline/POVs. However, it was still intriguing still to learn about the mystical portion of it in the past timeline. I felt it really picked up again in the last 30% of the book, but at that point I think I was already feeling ready to move on to something else to really enjoy it.

Overall this one was okay, and I do seem to be an outlier in my feelings towards this, so definitely make your own judgement call if it seems like something you'd enjoy!

Though I’ve had The Lost Apothecary on my TBR this one is actually my first book from the author and definitely not the last!

I really enjoyed this captivating story of sea witches, greedy villains, and lost treasure overlaying a deeper tale of love, sacrifice, and sisterhood. The dual timelines worked seamlessly to create a thrilling narrative that kept you guessing. For a second there I was scared I’d be left heartbroken. But thankfully that wasn’t the case. I was so invested in Mari and Holmes’ story it was nearly impossible to put down the book! The blend of romance, adventure, and mystery made for a magical read.

Thanks to HTP Books the eARC, thoughts are my own.

I struggled to rate The Amalfi Curse because, while I genuinely enjoyed it, I also found it uneven at times. This was my first book by Penner, and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it. The novel blends historical fantasy, contemporary mystery, romance, and even touches of science; a bold and ambitious mix.

At first, the genre-jumping felt jarring. The shift between chapters sometimes made it feel like I was starting an entirely new novel, and I wasn’t sure the juxtaposition worked. But around the 70% mark, the threads began to weave together in a satisfying way. The twist near the end was a nice touch and pulled me in even more.

In some ways, it reminded me of the Nancy Drew mysteries I loved as a kid — only written for adults, with deeper themes and more complex layers.

I’d recommend The Amalfi Curse to anyone in the mood for a nontraditional summer read. It’s a great pick for readers who like their beach books with a little genre-bending flair and a touch of mystery.

Many thanks to Park Row for the copy in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this book! It was different, had great mystery, and the setting had me planning an immediate vacation! This would be a great option to take on a vacation!

The Amalfi Curse 🌊
Sea Witches • Sunken Treasure • Forbidden Love • Positano 🍋

This book is actually beautiful, such stunning colors! Journey to sun-drenched Positano, where a literary adventure of sea witches, sunken treasure, magic, and discovery awaits. ✨ This book is the perfect addition to your 2025 summer TBR.

Read This If You Like:
🐚 Dual Timeline & magical realism
🐚 1800s Coven of Sea Witches vowed to protect the fishing village
🐚 a modern day nautical archaeologist searching for sunken treasure
🐚 a (closed door) Forbidden Love
🐚 Letters, Sunken Ships, Curses, Scuba Diving, Coastal Italy 🇮🇹

Haven Ambrose has found her way to Positano, Italy, to head a team of archaeologists to research sunken wrecks off the Amalfi Coast, a place rich with a history filled with folklore of curses and witches. But Haven isn’t there to study history folklore or besides her research, Haven has a second more personal reason for participation in this expedition, before her father’s death, he, as a renowned nautical archaeologist himself died he made her promise to return to his last dive site where he believed he had found a lost trove of rare gemstones. No one on Haven’s expedition team knows this; if they did, they would be sure to claim them for their own.
Upon her arrival, Haven is immediately drawn into a mysterious incident: a yacht is ensnared in a whirlpool, collapses, and vanishes beneath the waves, taking most of the crew with it. Could this tragedy be linked to the fabled Amalfi Curse?
Now, for the second timeline, yes, there is a second timeline that takes place more than 200 years before Haven’s arrival. This is Mari’s story. In Positano, the women are stregheria- sea witches who protect their village from pirates, specifically the infamous Mazza brothers. Mari is the most powerful strega, and she is integral to the success of the protection spell- the only problem is she longs to escape her home and run away with her American sea-faring lover and live a life away from the unpredictable sea.
The two timelines are masterfully interwoven, keeping me engrossed and endearing me to both female protagonists. Yet, the portrayal of the female community and the potency of the stregheria truly captivated me. This novel had me delving into Italian folklore, sea witches, Positano, and the Amalfi Coast, sparking a desire to visit these places.
I wished a few plot points were a bit more fleshed out, and I wished Penner had provided a bit more backstory for a couple of the characters.
The Amalfi Curse is a perfect novel for your summer reading list.

I learned about two new topics reading this book - nautical archaeology and stregheria (magical ability to harness the sea). The story is told in two timeframes in Italy - 1821 and present day. It is a rich story with wonderfully developed characters and an in-depth plot. I love this author and usually give her 5 stars, but I gave her 4 stars here, because I did not feel the "must finish" desire that I usually do when reading her work. Still, it is a fascinating and satisfying story. Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Park Row for providing an ARC.