Title:  The Stone Witch of Florence  
Author:   Anna Rasche       
Genre:  Fantasy, historical fiction   
Rating: 4 out of 5

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…

This was a tiny bit slow at first, but it grew on me quickly. Pretty depressing setting, unfortunately—I mean everyone is dying horrifically of the plague—but it’s well-done. Ginevra is an interesting character, if a bit naïve, but I enjoyed reading both of her timelines and seeing what made her the way she was. A solid historical fiction read.

Anna Rasche lives in Brooklyn. The Stone Witch of Florence is her debut novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Park Row in exchange for an honest review.)

This one starts out slow, but definitely gets really good in the second half. I enjoy the magic system involving gems and different stones having different potential abilities if used by those capable of accessing the power. And I really loved where the story went once the two time lines converged. I thought there was really good progression of both the story arc and of Ginevra’s character. However, it took a good amount of trudging through the first third to half of the book for the reward of the second half of the book.

I did consider DNFing at one point but was listening to it while cleaning and could not stop it at the time. I’m glad I stuck with it but wish the first part had a bit more going on.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you to Park Row and @netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

I really enjoyed this book - I thought it was interesting from the jump and kept my attention throughout - I really like the characters and their development throughout

I am going to give a fairly brief review because so many of this book are eons long. This book is perfect for this Autumn time of year. As a person that loves Italy, history, and witches, this book is perfect. History, magic, mystery, what more could you want? If you want to be transported to medieval Italy and see it through the eyes of a strong MC, read this!

Thank you to Park Row, HTP Books, and Anna Rasche for this ARC.

Fun fact: during COVID, I listened to a 55-hour course on the Black Death. Yes, I am that person. Ever since then, I have been fascinated with this specific time period and was so excited to see that a historical fiction book about gemstones and witches set during the bubonic plague was coming out.

I find that historical fiction books are super successful when you don’t feel like you are reading about history anymore; instead, the focus is on the people and their stories. “The Stone Witch of Florence was very successful in this regard. I was intrigued by Ginerva’s entire story, from her exile to her forbidden love to how she came to know the powers of gemstones. It was all extremely original and certainly a twist on the classic “witch” tale that I have never seen done before.

Also, the gemstones themselves felt like supporting characters. Rache’s background as a gemologist shines throughout the vivid narrative, as she easily weaves magical realism into the plotline that centers on death and corruption.

Overall, I liked this novel. The Black Death creates such a grim, disgusting environment that it is hard not to be addicted to see what will happen next in this grisly reality. If you enjoy historical fantasy novels or want a book where the author’s passion for the subject shines brightly through the prose., then “The Stone Witch of Florence” is a must-read.

💎 Book Review 💎

The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche
💎
This book was an intriguing and completely captivating example of storytelling. The characters are complex, the historical setting is vibrant and believable, and the way Anna Rasche weaves together a tale of devastating plague, clerical corruption, and the persecution of witches and heretics was masterful. My favorite part of the story was the history and knowledge of gemstones and how they were used during this time period for healing, protection, and magic. If you like historical fantasy and want one set in Florence during the 1300s, you would love this book!
💎
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
💎
Read if you like:
▫️historical fantasy
▫️Florence 1300s
▫️witches, medicine, and magic gemstones
▫️ inquisitors and clerics
▫️dual timeline
▫️dual POV
💎
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, The Hive, NetGalley, and Anna Rasche for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Stone Witch Of Florence
By: Anna Rasche

4 Stars

This is a book of magic and persecution. It was steeped in mythical descriptions that make you fall in love with the story. The characters, the scenery, all done well. Ginevra has been exiled and persecuted. She has also been the only one to survive plagues that have taken whole villages out. A witch, she is called. In Florence, magic is hated until it is all that can save.

This was a slow but interesting tale of a witch in a time of plagues and persecutions. It held a mystery that was full of adventure. It was a very good and interesting story that presented a look at gems in terms of "magic" and it did it well. It was also a mystery that kept me guessing, even though it's set in an older time period. I was left shocked by the ending, but I enjoyed it.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review

I liked this magical historical fiction novel set during the time of the Black Plague in Italy. It tells the story of Ginevra di Gasparo, who has been trained as a lapidary who uses gemstones to treat medical conditions- the story recalls how she became educated, and eventually banished from Florence because her knowledge and her use of the stones contradict the Church and its teachings among other conflicts. I liked this debut, and it had enough folklore and magic that gave it the vibe of a Katherine Addison or Naomi Novik folktale with a historic slant. The ensuing quest that Ginevra must resolve to restore herself to society added action and entertainment as she encountered many colorful characters who became her allies.
A solid debut, and I’d read another by this author.

I love witches, crystals, stones and I love history.
So this book was great!! At times it was quite a bit hard to follow, at one point it was following 3 different time lines (I thjnk) I loved the rich descriptions of the landscapes and I thought the characters truly came to life in a magnificent way. 3.75/5 stars!!

I would definitely read more from this author.

Thanks NetGalley & HarperCollins for the e ARC!

This is the story Ginevra di Gasparo who has a power which is displayed when she uses gemstones, and she can use them to heal people. She was expelled from the city of Florence, and after years of exile she is summoned back to Florence during the Black Plague, but they aren’t bringing her back to heal people, but rather because their relics are disappearing from the churches and Ginevra isn’t getting sick like the other people. But there are many barriers, and Ginevra’s ultimate goal is to be accepted into the physician’s guild, which never accepts women and certainly not a “witch”.

This tale dragged some in places, but it ultimately picked up again and went on to a satisfactory ending. I’m rating it as 3.5 stars rounded up!

The Stone Witch of Florence was a historical fiction fantasy book. I definitely liked the witch vibes from it along with the historical fiction aspect. I thought it was an interesting and quick read for the most part. While it didn't pull me in like I had hoped it would, it was still a good read overall. I would recommend this one if you are looking for a historical fiction witchy book. It had aspects that really pulled me into the story and had me really enjoying it. But other times, I wasn't very invested in the characters or what was happening. I think the more action filled parts I enjoyed more. Overall, I think this was a good read for a debut novel, and I'll probably read another book by this author.

The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche was an incredible debut!
Ginevra's story was empowering and captivating!
The history and mystery was so mesmerizing.
This was so beautifully done, blending historical fiction with fantasy.
An outstanding story!
And I can’t wait to read more from Rasche in the future.

Thank You NetGalley and Park Row for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I recommend this book if you're interested in a deeply developed setting. What do I mean? Basically, this feels like the author read a medieval lapidary and thought, "wow, what if all of these stones' powers actually affected the real world?" Or, she read a contemporaneous history of the plague in Florence and thought, "wouldn't it be interesting if I wrote about a witch during this specific time period?"

The period details feel well-researched (despite the eye-rollingly inaccurate idea that 28-year-olds are elderly), and the full setting gives the reader a chance to experience the world the way a medieval person might have: saint's relics are important and powerful items; bloodstones can cure the plague; milkstones can replenish your water skin on a long journey. The plot is well-thought out as well, with a central mystery that is solved by investigation on the part of the main character. In contrast, the characters themselves feel underdeveloped. They exist merely to animate the intricate world that Rasche has written.

So think about what you prefer to read. Like I said, definitely something of interest to people who like learning about medieval beliefs and history.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

《 ARC REVIEW 》

"It is a matter of humanity, to show compassion for those who suffer…"

☆☆☆☆.5

I just finished reading The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche, and it's an absolutely incredible debut!

This is a standalone novel about Ginevra di Gasparo, who is living in Florence during the 1300s. She is a stone witch and can use the power of certain gemstones to help cure ailments and diseases, but her path to greatness was not always so linear.

Despite the Black Plague raging on across Italy, she is exiled from Florence, and her face was brutally mutilated for being a witch. She was trying to make ends meet for years until she received a letter that her magic and knowledge were desperately needed back in Florence. The holy relics of saints are being stolen, and small bottles of unknown substances are put in their place. People are terrified, and Ginevra might be their only hope.

She returns to Florence, and says that she'll help them to find the relic thief if the church will rescind her exile and allow her to become a doctor in the Florentine Guild of Doctors, Apothecaries, and Grocers. As a woman in that time, it is completely unheard of, but they reluctantly agree, and she sets off to find out who, or what, is stealing these holy relics.

In this epic story of magic, religion, and mysteries, it is clear how much knowledge Rasche has about gemstones and their meanings, as well as Florence in the Middle Ages. I loved the factual tidbits thrown into this historical fantasy novel! Ginevra's personal growth and found family is so perfect as well!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Unfortunately this story was not for me. More than once I had to stop reading and go back a few pages to get my characters right. So many characters and storylines. A bit much that felt uneven and forced. Sorry, just not for me.

This book was extremely difficult for me to read. The way it was written made the story seem choppy. None of the characters seemed very interesting. Honestly it has to have been the hardest book I’ve tried to read in a very long time.
Hopefully there is a group of people who find this to be a good story. It’s just not the one for me.
I recorded a ARC of this title, all opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Stone Witch of Florence
By Anna Rasche


Ginevra di Gasparo, is an alchemist who possesses an old magic, the ability to harness the power of gemstones. As a very young woman, she embarrasses a physician with powerful connections by healing a sick child he has failed to cure. Ginevra finds herself accused of witchcraft, found guilty, and exiled from Florence. Years later, as the devastation caused by the Black Death spreads, she is summoned by the very men who banished her. Ginevra is presented with an opportunity to redeem herself, claim the protected prize of physician, and return to Florence. In exchange, they ask that she use her talents to catch the thief who is stealing the holy relics believed to protect the city. Can Ginevra find the thief and retrieve what he has stolen before all is lost? It is a race against time as the great pestilence creeps on, and more relics disappear. Danger and betrayal are an ever present threat, and things may not seem as they appear.

Rasche renders Medieval Florence with skill and is truly transportive, providing a glimpse into a dark time in history. The author is a jewelry historian and gemologist, and I loved how she married folklore, magic, medieval medicine and religion. I highly recommend The Stone Witch of Florence to anyone who is looking for an immersive dark historical mystery, stories with strong and resilient women, or their next book club pick.

Many thanks to the author @By_AnnaRasche, @ParkRowBooks and @NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Stone Witch of Florence is a richly woven fantasy that immerses readers in a beautifully depicted historical setting, brimming with magic, mythology, and a cast of compelling characters. The story follows Ginevra, a stone witch charged with catching a thief and retrieving stolen relics in return for her return from exile, though the journey she embarks on becomes far more complex than a simple chase. Ginevra manages to unite a group of unlikely companions, each of whom finds a greater purpose through their shared quest, a testament to the depth of character development that enriches this novel.

One of the standout aspects of The Stone Witch of Florence is the Anna Rasche's ability to bring the world to life with vivid detail. The setting is rendered with such care that I felt transported back in time. The blend of historical atmosphere and magical realism is particularly well done; the mythology integrated into both Ginevra’s backstory and the relics she seeks creates a layer of intrigue that keeps the reader deeply engaged. This infusion of myth, in fact, adds a sense of timelessness to the narrative, as though we are truly delving into an ancient legend.

Though the novel focuses on Ginevra’s pursuit of the thief, it often shifts into an exploration of her past. At first, I found myself questioning this decision, as it seems to momentarily detract from the primary objective of catching the thief. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that understanding Ginevra’s history is essential to the emotional depth of the tale and connection to her as a character. The author skillfully builds this backstory to make the present narrative more immersive and the stakes much higher. This decision ultimately enhances the story’s complexity, making it all worthwhile.

Ginevra’s role in uniting the disparate characters makes this book stand out. The group’s dynamic feels authentic, and each character’s arc is given attention, allowing them to grow and find meaning in the midst of a devastating time. This ability to weave multiple character threads into the main plot adds richness and emotional resonance to the narrative.

From start to finish, I was fully absorbed by The Stone Witch of Florence—so much so that any interruption felt like a jarring return to reality. The book’s pacing and character-driven focus kept me hooked throughout, even during moments of introspection that might have seemed slow in other contexts. Here, they work to deepen the reader’s connection to the characters and their journeys.

The Stone Witch of Florence is a masterfully crafted novel that combines strong world-building, layered characters, and a thoughtful exploration of mythology and history. It balances action and reflection, drawing readers into an enchanting and unforgettable world. For those that enjoy books full of magical realism, historical settings and characters that will tug at your heartstrings, this is a must read.

Great historical fiction meets fantasy! I enjoyed this story so much! You can tell how much research and knowledge the author has and I felt like I was immersed in this time period. Enjoyable read!

This book follows Ginevra di Gasparo who discovers as a child that she has an affinity for magic using gemstones. She lives an interesting life as she apprentices under a neighbor before being sent to a nunnery. After an incident using her gemstone magic, she is banished from Florence. However, she is recalled years later during the Black Plague by the bishop to hunt down the person responsible for stealing the holy relics as she is immune to the plague. I found Ginevra a flawed, but compelling character that I was hoping would achieve her dream of joining the doctor's guild. Along the way, she heals people with her stones and makes friends. I liked the way the story was written and the mystery. I think The Lost Apothecary is a good comp title, but I preferred this one as we stick mostly in the same time frame rather than flipping between characters in different time periods. If you like a historical story with a bit of magic and a mystery, this would be a good fit!