Reading this, I was transported back to Positano, one of my favorite places on earth! Rich with magic, I loved this book!

Sarah Penner's "The Amalfi Curse" is a captivating blend of historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism set against the enchanting backdrop of the Amalfi Coast. The dual timelines—one following 19th-century sea witches and the other a modern-day nautical archaeologist—are masterfully intertwined, keeping me engrossed from start to finish. Penner's vivid descriptions transported me to sun-drenched Italian shores, making the setting come alive. The characters' journeys, especially Haven's quest to honor her father's legacy, resonated deeply with me. This novel is a mesmerizing read that beautifully combines rich historical elements with a touch of magic.d

Having previously read The Lost Apothecary, I was familiar with the way Sarah Penner weaves historical story lines with a modern day investigation. The Amalfi Curse blended these two timelines seamlessly! I loved following the Italian Strega and the lore surrounding their involvement with centuries of shipwrecks along the Amalfi coast.

The Amalfi Curse is undeniably an amazing story that evokes great emotions. From the very beginning, this story focuses on discovery, ancestral history, and the forces that guide us. Historical events are unraveled as the present and future are being carefully created through the discovery of how grief is a driving force, one that is handled differently by each character.

Haven, a nautical archaeologist, is dealing with the grief of losing her father while working to discover the truth of what he had found during his last dive. Her current project has brought her to the Amalfi Coast, specifically Positano, to study shipwrecks and discover artifacts. While the direction of her project changes after her arrival, she remains set upon learning more about her father’s last discovery. She meets Enzo, a dive shop owner, and their relationship begins to develop quickly, leading her to meet his mother, Savina.

Tragically, Savina is dealing with the grief of losing her daughter. She is also coming to grips with her beliefs that turning away from her family ancestry has been the cause of the hardships she faced throughout life.

Haven’s project and her father’s discovery brought her to Positano. Her chance meeting with Enzo and Savina will take her on a unique exploration of Positano’s history and how the witches of the sea shaped the history of the village and could explain the current events taking place. Through Haven’s research, she learns of Mari DeLuca, her life as a sea witch, and her relationship with Holmes, a sailor. It is through the telling of Mari’s story, along with Holmes’ story, that we not only learn about their love for each other and Mari’s discontent with the power she holds but also how important the sea witches have been in the prosperity of Positano.
Haven’s project, her chance meetings, and the stories she uncovers will lead her on a path she never expected and a discovery that is more important than she could have imagined.

Thank you to The Hive(@htp_hive) and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of The Amalfi Curse.

I love everything about Sarah Penner’s work, but I truly think this one is my favorite. It was a gripping, fast paced novel that follows witches who protect the Amalfi Coast. The intertwining timelines keeps you glued to the pages, watching the story unfold but wondering how these worlds are finally going to connect. I always have loved historical fiction and think Sarah Penner does a phenomenal job at creating an atmospheric narrative full of mystery, romance, and powerful women.

The Amafali Curse by Sarah Penner is a captivating and haunting tale that blends historical fiction with rich mythology. From the very first page, Penner pulls readers into a world where secrets, betrayal, and ancient curses weave through the lives of complex, memorable characters. The plot is intricate, full of unexpected twists that keep you turning pages long into the night. The atmosphere she creates is immersive, with the vibrant setting of Amafali creating an almost tangible world.

Penner’s writing is eloquent, and her ability to build tension while exploring deep emotional themes of power, revenge, and redemption makes this book unforgettable. The way she intertwines personal stories with historical events is seamless and engrossing, drawing readers into a narrative that feels both timeless and contemporary.

What I especially loved about this novel is its exploration of the human spirit—how far we’re willing to go for love, revenge, and survival. Every character is multidimensional, and their arcs are incredibly satisfying.

If you enjoy novels that are thrilling, thought-provoking, and laced with just the right amount of magic and myth, The Amafali Curse is an absolute must-read. It’s a beautifully crafted, gripping story that will stay with you long after the last page. Five stars!

In this dual timeline novel, nautical archaeologist Haven Ambrose has arrived in Positano ahead of her all-female 'Project Relic' team to investigate mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast but she is also on a secret quest to find the precious gemstones that her late father had discovered on his final dive. Haven's plans, however, are soon interrupted as misfortune plagues Positano with scientists obtaining strange readings from the ocean waters, a luxury yacht sinking in calm waters, and mounting fear that Mount Vesuvius could erupt. With plans on hold, Haven turns to conducting research in the local archives on early 19th century shipwrecks in the region where she learns the story of one 19th century woman and the legendary art of stregheria and can't help but wonder if the Amalfi Curse is behind the bad fortune that Positano is experiencing.

In the 1821 timeline, Mari DeLuca is one of a group of stregha (sea witches) that use their ability to harness the power of the sea to protect Positano from pirates and keep the fisherman safe and prosperous. Mari, however, feels burdened by these powers and longs to escape the coast with her secret lover but a looming threat may force Mari to choose between love and safeguarding the village.

This was a fast, entertaining read that combines magical realism, historical fiction, mystery and romance in a stunning setting. The well-written, enchanting story about powerful women grabbed me from the first chapter and I was captivated by both timelines with a slight preference for Mari's. Magical realism can be hit or miss for me but I really enjoyed this and will likely now read the author's previous books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

A little slow and confusing to get going, but I flew through the last half of this book. Really enjoyed the "in the moment" scenes of mystery and adventure and appreciated how the story turned out. For fans of light romance and seafaring adventure, I'd recommend this book!

Unfolding across duel timelines, The Amalfi Curse follows two women (Mari in 1821 and Haven in present day) and their nautical adventures. In 1821, "sea witches" (or streghe) protect the Amalfi coast from pirates. When they are discovered by the villainous Mazza brothers, Mari must choose between her own happiness and her sister streghe.

Meanwhile, in modern day Amalfi, underwater archeologist Haven has the opportunity of a lifetime to dive her father's final wreck. But mysterious shipwrecks and underwater volcanic activity causes her boss to sideline her all-female team in favor of an all-male one, using the paternalistic excuse that it would look bad if they got hurt. But is the real reason because the new dive lead is after the treasure her father discovered right before he died?

While the two storylines unfold a bit slower than I'd like, by the halfway mark, I was hooked. The 1821 storyline especially had me biting my nails as I did not know how it could possibly have a happy ending. Overall the storylines did finally come together and the ending was satisfactory.

This is my first book by the author. To be honest, based on the description, I was expecting a bit more action/adventure in the lines of the Uncharted movie or video games. While there some suspense toward the end, this was a much slower, magical realism type of story. I can see it being a good choice for bookclubs as well. Recommended for fans of female focused historical dramas and multi-generational tales.

Devoured this book in one day by the beach on a quick winter getaway. The setting of the novel was perfect to read sitting by the ocean and definitely took me to another place. I thought the writing was really visual. I also thought the character development was really good and appreciated the moments of humor in addition to the suspense. While I had a small inkling of some of the ending, it was still twisty enough to keep me guessing. Would definitely recommend!

I think April is a great time for this book to be published for it made me long for walking along the beach, but this does not match the current vibe outside my window in New England in January. I felt transported to the Italian coast and I appreciated the insight into nautical archaeology.

Because there were three characters vying for my attention, I never fully connected to any of them and they felt more surface level to me. Although I found the ending to be rushed, I did like how the two timelines were finally connected and this made for the reading experience as a whole to be satisfying.

I think readers who have enjoyed Penner’s previous novels will find this meets their expectations and the plot will appeal to both readers of historical fiction and magical realism.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the gifted copy.

I adored The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner. This captivating tale masterfully blends magical realism with historical fiction, weaving a narrative that shifts between 1821 and the present day. The story unfolds through the eyes of Mari, Holmes, and Haven.

In the past, Mari is part of a group of women known as stregheria, who protect their village from pirates while ensuring prosperous fishing through their mystical connection to the water, enabling them to control the currents. Mari's story is compelling, as she grapples with the choice between safeguarding her village and pursuing her love. In the present, we follow Haven Ambrose, a nautical archaeologist tracing her late father's footsteps. She arrives in Positano to investigate a shipwreck off the Amalfi Coast, hoping to uncover the treasure her father believed he had found. As she delves deeper, she becomes entwined with the history of the stregheria.

The intertwining timelines are beautifully connected, creating a seamless and engaging narrative. Haven's journey to complete her father's mission and unravel the mystery of the island is engrossing. I particularly loved how Haven explored the past through the archives and her charming connection with Enzo. The Amalfi Curse is a mesmerizing read that combines rich historical elements with a touch of magic, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Amalfi Coast.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

The Amalfi Curse tells the tale of two women from two different time periods, Mari and Haven, and somehow Sarah Penner connects their worlds and stories in such an intricate and enthralling way that leaves you wanting more and more. I could not put this book down! I have to admit, I found myself wanting to read more of Mari's story and I looked forward to her chapters more, especially about her forbidden love story and the way the women of Positano connect with the sea and their island. I can already picture this book as a movie. This is my first book by Sarah Penner and I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to reading her other novels. Thank you to NetGalley and HTP Hive for the opportunity to review this book.

I was so excited to read this book, having loved Penner's first two, and it did NOT disappoint!

From that gorgeous, evocative, intriguing cover to the romantic, historical mystery explored by alternating between timelines, it was just fantastic. I read it in two days -- it wouldn't let me go.

I will recommend The Amalfi Curse widely, and I expect to see it on many bestseller and "Best of 2025" lists. Congratulations to Penner and the entire team behind her on knocking it out of the park yet again.

Thanks very much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in advance of publication.

Witches, magic, the sea, kidnapping, murder, and romance, what more could you ask for in a novel! I thoroughly enjoyed this dual timeline novel that takes place on the Amalfi Coast in the early 1800s and present day.

Mari is a streghe or sea witch in Positano. Mari and other women from her village use the power of the sea to protect their village and help them be prosperous. The only problem is Mari hates the sea and wants to leave her village. The sea took her mother and sister and she no longer wants any part of it. She has a plan to escape and find happiness when things go horribly wrong. In the present day, Haven is an underwater archaeologist. She has been exploring sunken ships since she was a little kid with her father. Before her father's death he thought he found a big find that might include treasure. Haven is determined to continue his legacy and find that treasure. What she does not expect is that bad weather will derail her plans and she will be thrown on course to solve a two hundred year old mystery.

First of all, the cover of this book is gorgeous and I felt like that tied in perfectly to the fantastic setting of this novel. I loved that the main character was an archaeologist and I really enjoyed reading about what she was doing. I also loved the underlying message in this book about women having power. I liked that Mari was part of a coven that had power and did what they could to help others. My favorite part of this book was how the author tied everything together weaving in mystery, action and romance. It was a fantastic book and I look forward to reading more by this author!

Thank you to Park Row/Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

Another outstanding book from Sarah Penner! Like with The Lost Apothecary, we are given two women, one from the past and one from the present, whose stories end up beautifully entwining to create a heartwarming tale! I couldn't put it down!

Sarah Penner is so good at what she does. A bit of history, a touch of magic, a dose of suspense, and a little romance to root for. ‘The Amalfi Curse’ has all of that with such a unique premise and nothing done halfway in its execution. Told in three different POVs across two timelines, this book took me on a treasure hunt that began as the search for one thing and turned into an entirely different kind of discovery.

In the past, there is Mari and the women of Positano who have a magical connection with the sea. There is also Mari’s secret love, Holmes, and his maritime journal accounts as their tale unfolds. There is corruption and kidnapping and sabotage, and it all leads to Mari’s need to choose between abandoning the gift she’s been given or use it to protect the people and the town she loves. Holmes faces his own choices onboard the ship headed her way, and both have to weigh the love they’ve found together and what they’re willing to sacrifice.

In the present, there is Haven come to the Amalfi Coast on a maritime archeological project at the site of the last dive her late father made. He discovered something he never had a chance to return to, and Haven is there to finish what he started while she also conducts her research. The way her present ultimately entwines with Holmes and Mari’s past is a journey of trusting instincts, following trails, and digging deep to uncover the whole fantastical story. If there’s also a handsome Italian man to help along the way, all the better.

It’s very clear Sarah Penner has done a ton of her own research to create as authentic of an experience and environment as possible even as she weaves her own magical elements into the story. Based on her previous work, I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love when a book transports you to a different place as you read. Sarah Penner’s newest release, The Amalfi Curse, does just that. Set in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, this book tells the story of hidden treasure, magic and witchcraft, friendship, family, and love.

When Haven travels to Positano to investigate shipwrecks as a nautical archaeologist, she uncovers a story far deeper than what she imagined. Known to be an area that causes unexplained storms and oceanic disturbances, the islets of Li Galli are treacherous for ships and thought to be cursed. Following her father’s footsteps, Haven begins to investigate the shipwrecks to find the treasure that her father never could locate. But in doing so, she learns of a long-lost love story, a history with magic embedded within, and a treasure she did not expect.

In the 1800s, a group of women share a powerful secret: their shared lineage connects them to the ocean. Known as streghe, or sea witches, their spells protect their village of Positano from harm, including the threat of pirates, merchant ships, and pillaging. Their young leader Mari resents her connection to the ocean, and hopes to leave the life she knows behind for love. But when dangerous enemies learn of their power, she must make a choice that will alter her life forever.

This book makes me want to go back to Italy. The descriptive nature of the writing was so well done. Although I haven’t been to the Amalfi Coast, I felt like I was there, standing on a terrace and feeling the ocean breeze. I was hooked from the beginning and loved the dual timelines. Mari and Haven’s stories blended well together, as they both sought to define their own lives and find their own paths outside of what had been expected of them. I enjoyed learning more about nautical archaeology and diving, and how researchers investigate shipwrecks in the present day. The inclusion of magical realism with the ocean and the Italian traditions of stregheria enhanced the overall mysterious element of the book, making the reader wonder if that area is in fact cursed. But ultimately, the themes of friendship, family, and love resonate the deepest throughout this novel, and help us to remember that the treasure we seek in life is often not hard to find at all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this eARC, in exchange for my honest review.

4.5/5 stars

I loved this book even more than the last book I read of Penner’s, the Lost Apothecary. Historical fantasy, a dash of romance, and a mysterious disappearance all come together to make such a cozy read!

Thank SO much to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, Sarah Penner, and NetGalley for this ARC!

I haven't read any of Sarah's books until now. The Lost Apothecary has been on my TBR. So I was really excited to be approved for this ARC. The concept of this book wasn't something I normally read but I am so glad I did. It did not disappoint! I normally dislike stories told in multiple timelines but it was so well done in this book and felt like that format was necessary for the plot. This book bent and melded the elements of fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, and romance genres in the best way.

The immersive writing style with vivid descriptions of the setting, complex and compelling characters, and the painstaking research that went into the book made it one of the best reads for me. I cannot to wait re-read it again when it comes out! This is definitely a book I want on my bookshelf!