Anna Rasche's "The Stone Witch of Florence" merges historical fiction and fantasy, immersing readers in the plague-stricken Italy of 1348. Ginevra di Gasparo, an exiled healer with the magical ability to harness the power of gemstones, returns to Florence to assist her beleaguered hometown. Rasche's narrative prowess breathes life into the medieval city, crafting an intricate tapestry of mystery, magic, and human tenacity. With its richly developed characters and gripping plot, this novel is an absorbing expedition from the first page to the last. If you love history, fantasy and Italy, this is a must-read.

This book was part witchy fantasy, and part historical fiction, and I absolutely loved the journey it took me on.
Filled with magic, mystery, healing stones, and all kinds of witchy goodness, the story kept me engaged from page one, and I found myself rooting for the FMC, Ginerva, every step of the way.
The writing was absolutely beautiful, and I was blown away by the character development, the effortless dialogue, and spot-on pacing of the story. Definitely put this on your list, especially if you’re looking forward to diving into a good witchy story, with lots of heart.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing, for this advanced reader copy.

The Stone Witch of Florence is so good. I loved the magic of the stones, the feeling that permeates throughout the book of hope, despair and the magic of Ginevra. Ginevra is a woman that can feel the threads of magic in the world, use magic in various types of stones for healing. She wanted to be a doctor but circumstances have made her an outcast. With the plague moving through Italy she is tasked by the church to find the missing holy relics that have been stolen from churches and various other holy places. If Ginevra can accomplish that task she will be allowed to rejoin society, become a doctor and live a fulfilled life. With the plague settled on the country and dangers of all types lurking Ginevra is determined to find the relics.

This is just the right book to read when you are home sick for a couple of days or have a long train ride or are otherwise available for long stretches of reading time. The deep immersive plot, filled with almost as many unexpected turns as the narrow streets of Florence in the 1300's, will keep you engaged the whole time, although you will likely want a bath, a clean bed, and some food along the way because the descriptions of that plagued city are so excellent. When lonely banished Ginevra is summoned to cure the plague, she innocently hopes for love and redemption, demonstrating that she can cure patients in ways that nobody else can. Instead, she is swept into investigating stolen church relics and, yet again, maligned and falsely accused. But her gem-based cures really do work. And, for that reason, she finds allies and is able to re-build her own strength at the most dire moment.

Historical fiction, with strong elements of fantasy, religion, Italian-medieval history and strong women. I was very pleasantly surprised by the skill of this author.

Interesting tale that takes place during the Black Death in Italy. The book was enjoyable and took me back in time

This book delighted me. It’s deceptively simple and charming, built on a background of Black Death. The use of traditional beliefs around gems and stones is a great hook. If only there were dragons and time travel, it would have been perfect. 😂

DNF - I read about 10% but there was too much about religion for my tastes. It also seemed like the magic was kind of competing with religion which is not something wanted to read about.

ARC Review-

We enter the story with Ginerva, an exiled witch with the enhanced ability to feel the universe around her and use gemstones to aid her work as a healer. Her services are later required back in the same community that had exiled her so many years prior, when the plague tears through sparing nothing in its path, inviting new levels of crime to the city. With the opportunity to clear her name and have the exile rescinded, she sets forth to solve a series of thefts with little but her wits and precious stones.

I loved this one! This story gripped me from the very beginning. It had me laughing and also had me at near tears. I spent the whole novel trying to piece together the clues, along with Ginerva, to figure out this grand mystery and was very surprised by the plot twists. I loved the relationships she made along the way, and how she had a way of healing some bit of trauma in her new companions even without the actual act of healing with stones. Ginerva di Gasparo is a fierce FMC and I am so glad I got to read about her journey and her life in this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It took me a bit to get into The Stone Witch of Florence and I'm glad I pursued it. Its a interesting mix of the plague and mystical healing. Parts of the book are very dark and, I expect, fairly realistic in their portrayal.

The Stone Witch of Florence who is also known as Ginevra. This is her story of how she became The Stone Witch and her quest to find the missing relics from all of the churches during the black plague is nothing short of a miracle to have a banished woman come to the rescue of the blessed relics.
Anna Rasche really constructed a fascinating story and the characters were rich and interesting, every detail added to this reading adventure and I definitely recommend this !
4.5 magical stars ( or stones)

This book took me about four times longer to read than my normal. I just couldn't get into the story enough to keep reading continuously which is my norm. I'm sure the book will appeal to a certain audience but I wasn't into the story. A couple of times I laughed but I just couldn't get truly interested. I did finish it though I could have stopped at any point

If you're a fan of Leigh Bardugo’s “The Familiar” and the Gael Song series by Shauna Lawless, then "The Stone of Witch" by Anna Rasche is a must-read. This captivating novel transports readers to Florence during the harrowing days of the Black Plague, blending rich historical detail with an enchanting story of magic and mystery.

Rasche’s vivid descriptions of Florence bring the city to life, and her research into the era and city of Florence is evident. My inner history nerd was thrilled by the number of times a Wikipedia search on my Kindle led me down a medieval Italy rabbit hole. I’ve never been to Florence, but I felt like I was there with the main character Ginvera! Seriously, I almost started craving plague remedies and Renaissance art.

Ginvera is a young witch navigating the perilous times of the plague, and her journey is filled with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. The way Rasche weaves historical events with magical elements is nothing short of impressive. Think of it as a history lesson, but with more spells and fewer pop quizzes.

What I particularly enjoyed was the balance between historical accuracy and a gripping plot. The tension and suspense are palpable, and the magical elements are woven in so seamlessly that you’ll start believing in witchcraft. Plus, it's a lot less messy than trying to summon spirits yourself.

Overall, "The Stone of Witch" is a fantastic read that I highly recommend. Whether you're a history buff, a fantasy enthusiast, or simply looking for an engrossing story, this book has something for everyone. Anna Rasche has crafted a spellbinding tale that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Just don’t blame me if you start planning your next vacation to Florence!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I started this book set during the 1340s and the black plague with high expectations. I was a bit disappointed in the overall execution of the story. Some parts were only given a few sentences and could have been more detailed, such as the arrest and the subsequent punishment . I enjoyed the overall story about the use of different stones in the treatment of illnesses. The author’s research into the times and conditions during the plague was very thorough but the story didn’t grab me.

Thoughts: I found this story a little hard to get into, but once I did, it was fascinating, though a little slow at times for me. I did find it dragged a bit even though I liked the history mixed with mysticism. The imagery is amazing and the characters realistic - even for the era. This story takes place in the 1300s in Florence, Italy, during the height of the Black Plague. The main character, Ginevra, is a stone witch—someone who has an affinity with magic, especially gems. All she has wanted all her life is to be recognized by the guild of doctors as a healer. But women are not permitted to be doctors. So she stays in the shadows, helping those who come to her with her potions and magical lapidary (stone) applications. The story is heavily focused on church politics, but does a good job of adding in the elements of gemstone magic, alchemy, and more.

The author’s attention to detail as well as the extensive “author notes” at the back of the book show that she did her homework well. Her research is extensive and shows through with the knowledge of what a person in this time period would be up against, especially if thought to be a witch.

I liked the ending when the Inquisitor Michele and she become friends as they hunt for the lost relics and how, in the end, he accepts that God is working through her and helps her.

Recommended to those who enjoy a medieval tale of magic and the religious issues of the time.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC. All thoughts are mine and are not influenced by anyone.

This is the perfect fall book in my opinion!

From GR:
Ancient sorcery. Magic gemstones. Only one woman can save a city in ruins…

1348. As the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. But when word spread of her unusual abilities, she was condemned as a witch and banished. Now the same men who expelled Ginevra are begging for her return. Ginevra obliges, assuming the city’s leaders are finally ready to accept her unorthodox cures amid a pandemic. But upon arrival, she is tasked with a much different she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics—the city’s only hope for protection. If she succeeds, she’ll be a recognized physician and never accused of witchcraft again. But as her investigation progresses, Ginevra discovers she’s merely a pawn in a much larger scheme than the one she’s been hired to solve. And the dangerous men behind this conspiracy won’t think twice about killing a stone witch to get what they want…


I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book. My review rating is based on the summary of this book.

The Stone Witch of Florence is an enjoyable and complex historical fiction novel that follows its protagonist, Ginevra di Gasparo, during the time of The Plague in Florence, Italy. We meet Ginevra as a young girl in Genoa, around the year 1330. The historical background of her city and the things that changed during The Plague make a fascinating read. During this time, Ginevra attracts the attention of Monna Vermilia, a woman known for her special healing powers. Monna Vermilia helps Ginevra realize her unusual aptitude for working with magical gemstones and helping others. Eventually, Vermilia sends Ginevra off to work in a Florence nunnery, where she will be supervised by Vermilia’s sister. Unfortunately, Ginevra is eventually exiled as a witch, and returns to Genoa.

The next part of the story is a mystery, in which Ginevra is summoned back to Florence to help catch a thief who is stealing the relics out of village churches. In return, she is hoping to clear her name and to be recognized as a member of the Guild of Doctors, Apothecaries, and Grocers. The historical information about the relics and the guild is riveting, and so is the plot of this mystery.

The number of characters in this story and the development of their personalities were pleasing to me. I enjoyed their interaction and this mystery very much, and am thankful to Harlequin Trade Publishing for making this title available on Netgalley. In other words, I recommend this novel!

The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche is a captivating novel that offers readers a rich and immersive experience. This erudite and enchanting tale is sure to captivate and enthrall readers, making it difficult to put down. With its magical elements and intricate storytelling, The Stone Witch of Florence truly lives up to its name.

This book grabbed me right away. Loved the historical mixed with the witches. Didn’t know what would happen, Had me guessing but didn’t see ending coming.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC. The story is well researched and fun to read. I also enjoyed the author's note explaining her research process prior to writing the story.

In the mid to late 1340's, about a century before the witch hunts took over Europe and covering the time just before and just after the plague has taken hold, the church is becoming a political power and rooting out women who do not conform to the ideals of the church has become a priority. The medical schools are also refusing to accept women. How is a single woman, with healing skills, going to be able to survive in this environment?
Ginevra di Gasparo has been called to solve a mystery of the theft of relics from churches in her hometown. She had been banished from that hometown declared a witch and been in hiding for 10 years, but called back due to rumors of her immunity to what would be known in the future as the plague.