Sarah Penner's The Amalfi Curse is a spellbinding journey through time, weaving together tales of love, magic, and resilience. Her ability to craft dual timelines that resonate equally is commendable. The rich historical context combined with elements of magical realism creates a narrative that's both immersive and emotionally impactful. A must-read for fans of historical fiction with a mystical twist.

The Lost Apothecary was a five star read for me, so I was excited to read Penner’s latest. I absolutely love this gorgeous eye catching cover! I enjoyed the descriptions of the ocean and Positano, and I liked the strong female main characters. Unfortunately, the pacing was a little slow for me. I didn’t ever feel compelled to keep turning pages. This also had a heavier fantasy feel than I expected, which isn’t really my thing. I appreciate the chance to review this advance copy.

This was such a wonderful read! The dual timeline with historical mystery was such a unique way of writing and really captured my attention. This was such a beautifully written book that gave me summer vibes and making me want to travel the world. It had a bit of everything as well from treasure hunting, witches (sea witch) , pirates, friendship, science, romance, etc it had a bit of everything for everyone. The dual timeline really captures your attention and leaves you wanting more and more as the story unfolds, the details all leading up together.

I will be highly recommending this and will be getting me book club to read this one. I also think the cover is stunning and will definitely be making an appearance on my shelf as a trophy because *chefs kiss* of a book right here.

I enjoy Penner’s magical historical fiction, and the characters she creates. I really enjoyed The Lost Apothecary, so couldn’t wait to dive (pun intended, you’ll see) into this book!

Alternating between 1821 and present day, Mari and Haven (respectively) were such strong, resilient FMCs. Both timelines kept me captivated, and I loved the multiple POVs throughout.

I could say a lot of things in this review, but ultimately, I really enjoyed it and would recommend reading. I loved each character, their stories, their triumphs and hardships, their motivations, and the sprinkling of magical realism. I went in blind (influenced by the gorgeous cover), and am happy I did so.

Thank you HTP The Hive for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Sarah Penner always delivers a unique, entertaining and educational dual timeline historical mystery and this latest was no exception!! I loved learning more about a group of 'sea witches' living on the Italian island of Amalfi off the coast of Positano who are able to control the seas. Contrasted with a present day mystery surrounding a marine archaeologist determined to discover the treasure her deceased father was looking for. Compelling, suspenseful and full of both romance and adventure, this was FANTASTIC on audio narrated by Saskia Maarleveld and Carlotta Brentan. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!! 10/10 recommend!

I was completely swept away by The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner 💫✨ Dual timelines, sea witches, sunken treasure, and a hauntingly beautiful setting on the Amalfi Coast? YES, PLEASE. This book gave me all the emotions—grief, love, wonder, and that ache you get when a story lingers long after the last page. Watching two women, centuries apart, fight for love, legacy, and their truth had me hooked. If you love historical fiction with a touch of magic and heart, run to this one!

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, NetGalley, and Sarah Penner for the ARC on this one and Happy Pub Day, 4/29/2025!

A perfect summer (or anytime) read. The breathtaking setting, which beautifully portrays the coast of Italy in both present day and past timelines, will have you dreaming or reminiscing of travelling adventures. The dual timelines weave perfectly together, and even though I am not a fan of historical fiction (usually) this author always pulls me into her past timelines and has me questioning if maybe I do enjoy historical fiction. There are pirates, buried treasure, witchcraft, science, friendship, and a little bit of romance. Somehow this book appealed to my inner child that still loves watching movies like The Princess Bride but also enjoys nerding out in museums and reading about adventure travel. Does that even make sense? lol

I also wanted to give an extra shout-out to the author for all the research and details she used to bring her women-in-science characters to life, I just can’t get enough of authentic smart women characters and I loved learning about the world of nautical archeology.

Highly recommend picking up this book.

This was one of the most unique reads I’ve ever experienced with magical realism and treasure hunting! The writing style is incredible and really transports you into the story! 5 stars no notes

This is my favorite Sarah Penner novel to date! This captured my attention from the start. I loved the combination of an incredible setting, magical realism, treasure hunting, murder, a centuries-old curse, and a love story.

The atmosphere is vividly described, transporting readers to the beautiful coast of Italy. There, we meet fantastic characters, including Haven, a nautical archaeologist researching shipwrecks, and Mari, a sea witch who can harness the power of the ocean. Both are strong and compelling female characters. The dual timelines and multiple POVs are crafted exceptionally well with themes of feminism, family, and forbidden love. I appreciated how the intertwined timelines gradually unveiled the mystery and found myself equally invested in both.

The writing is beautiful, and the story is highly imaginative. Penner really nails it with great characters, awesome world-building, and a solid plot. This truly swept me up in its magic and was such an entertaining read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, The Hive, and Park Row Books for the gifted ARC

*4.5 rounded up

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner is a spellbinding novel that masterfully weaves powerful witchcraft, a hunt for sunken treasure, and forbidden love on the high seas. Set against the stunning backdrop of Italy's Amalfi Coast, the story follows Haven Ambrose, a pioneering nautical archaeologist, as she investigates mysterious shipwrecks and seeks a trove of priceless gemstones her late father had pursued. Her journey uncovers a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery practiced by the women of Positano, leading to a thrilling story filled with mystery, romance, and the untamed magic of the sea.
This story left me spellbound with tales of shipwrecks, secrets, and sea-witches. You will be transported to the sea-swept cliffs of Positano and meet characters you’ll never forget. The past and present were expertly intertwined, and the outcome was….well you just have to read it!
Penner has crafted a captivating tale that takes readers to the dazzling Italian coast and offers a mesmerizing blend of adventure, magic, and romance. It's a must-read for those seeking an atmospheric and enchanting story that lingers long after the final page.

Review will be posted on 4/29/25

Haven Ambrose is a nautical archaeologist whose work leads her to the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy. Her father, also a diver, has always told her about the gemstones he left behind at a nearby site, and since then, she has been on a quest to find them, along with the mysterious shipwrecks by Positano. Throughout history, there have been mysterious shipwrecks up and down the coast, and Haven wants some answers. Once she arrives, though, strange things start happening not to mention the even stranger things she uncovers as she delves deeper into Positano's history. Flashback to 1821, and readers meet Mari, a "sea witch" tasked with protecting her coastal town. Her historical storyline fills in the missing pieces of Haven's storyline and provides a necessary backstory to Positano's complex history. There's also some romance woven into each narrative, along with some magical realism, which makes The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner an immersive novel that her fans will thoroughly enjoy. There's also some romance woven into each narrative, along with some magical realism, which makes The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner an immersive novel that her fans will thoroughly enjoy.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, so I thoroughly enjoyed Mari's storyline that takes readers back to early 1800s Italy. Mari faces the challenge of leading a group of women who protect the coast while also navigating her romantic issues in The Amalfi Curse. She is in love with a sailor named Holmes, who works for the notorious Mazza brothers, owners of merchant ships. Ironically, these are the very men she is trying to protect her town from. The drama intensifies as Mari is also expected to marry another man from her town, someone she does not wish to marry at all. Additionally, the plot really thickens when the Mazza brothers discover what the "sea witches" are up to.

Haven's storyline in The Amalfi Curse is particularly captivating, especially for those of us who love the ocean, diving, and artifacts. It's evident that Penner has experience in this area, as she vividly brings this aspect of the story to life as she follows her quest.

My favorite aspect of the novel was the dazzling setting of the Amalfi Coast, which Penner made readers feel like they were there. It was very atmospheric and immersive; I had visited the Amalfi Coast once before and reading this book made me want to plan a trip back immediately.

While The Lost Apothecary is still my favorite of Penner's novels, The Amalfi Curse was a solid read and perfect for the upcoming sunny days. Are you a fan of Sarah Penner? Do you plan on reading The Amalfi Curse? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Haven is searching for the treasure her dad discovered before he passed away. And this leads her to discover a historical tale about magic and controlling the ocean.

I loved these dual timelines! Talk about masterfully done! The magic and the sorcery in one timeline and the drama of buried treasure in the other! SEA WITCHES…ENOUGH SAID!

However, I did sort of struggle with connecting to the characters. And as good as Haven is, I wanted her to be a bit stronger and fight just a bit harder. And when you read this, you will understand.

Need a witchy tale full of mystery, drama and an atmospheric setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

A nautical archaeologist travels to the Amalfi Coast to study the mysterious shipwrecks said to be cursed only to find a history that ties in witch craft, forbidden romance, and her own father's sunken treasure. Haven Ambrose is a nautical archaeologist who's latest adventure has her traveling to the sun soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. Haven uncovers more than she could ever imagine when she discovers the story of Mari, a streghe, or rather a powerful witch connected to the ocean and her own love story.. a love story that involves kidnapping, fighting for a forbidden love, losing everything to the sea... and her own magic that is tied to the curse that now haunts the coast. Oh I absolutely adored this, it's a mixture of fantasy, history, and romance all set to a beautiful coastal kind of read, its the perfect beach read. It's so beautifully written and the story just has you bewitched until the very last chapter. It's such a cozy read and one I'd absolutely recommend you take with you on a picnic at the beach!

Release Date: April 29, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This was so good! The setting, the lore, the heartache, the dual timelines...it was all beautifully written and immediately pulled me in. Plus, who can resist a hunt for sunken treasure? If you enjoy Hester Fox's writing, then you will love The Amalfi Curse!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for access to this arc.

Way back in March of 2021 I read The Lost Apothecary by Penner and really loved it. There were lot of those same vibes in 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐟𝐢 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞. Strong female characters, a little romance, and a lot of history. The modern day timeline was my favorite but I also really found the perspective of Mari , in the 1840s, to be quite compelling.

The Positano setting was absolutely everything and every time I picked this book up it made me wish I could hop on a plane see it all for myself. If you’ve enjoyed her previous books, I’ve no doubt you’ll enjoy this!

ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: ᴇʙᴏᴏᴋ
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 4⭐️
ᴘᴜʙ ᴅᴀʏ: ᴛᴏᴅᴀʏ!

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