At its core this is a story of hope and perseverance. Despite being exiled for her witchcraft Genevra defies odds to return and help the people of Florence recover from plague and the city solve a mystery. This story has really unique magic, a brace FMC, and is an important story. I think it was really well done and while it did feel a bit slow at times I liked the characters, history, and overall story.

Happy Publication Day!!!!! ✨♥
Thank you so much, Harlequin Trade Publishing & Park Row, for providing me with this ARC.

The Stone Witch of Florence is an exemplary work of storytelling. Its vivid imagery and intricate characters create a rich tapestry that seamlessly blends magical realism with historical fiction, pulling you in from the get-go. The narrative skillfully explores the devastation of a plague, the corruption festering within the Church of Rome's elite, and the persecution of so-called heretics and witches. It's a captivating journey that charts Ginevra's transformation from a compassionate teenager to a wise adult, deftly weaving her past and present.

The story is a feast for the imagination, adorned with Ginevra's stoicism, selflessness, and mystical abilities, making you feel like an invisible observer in her world. The hermetic and divine aspects of gemstones add an extra layer of intrigue, exploring the intricate dance between light and dark, the sacred and the supernatural, thus enriching the heretical and magical dimensions of the narrative.

The supporting characters bring additional depth to Ginevra's journey, playing pivotal roles in her quest to confront her past and aid the citizens of Florence. Rasche's nuanced antagonist defies the typical villain trope, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to the story. Strength, corruption, magic, power, and death converge flawlessly, making for an enthralling read.

However, let's talk pacing. Sometimes, the narrative seemed to hit a speed bump, disrupting an otherwise immersive experience. It's almost like the book, and I were momentarily out of sync. On the surface, this novel has all the essential elements of an extraordinary story, but there were moments when it felt like it lost a bit of its mojo.

Despite these hiccups, I'm giving this a 3.5 but rounding up—because even with its pacing issues, it's still a gem worth exploring. Maybe I'll revisit it later, and who knows? It might just hit differently next time around.

Give this one a shot if you enjoy historical fantasy!!

Historical Fiction isn't usually my cup of tea, but this was so good. Even though Ginevra was screwed over left and right, she still loved Florence and wanted to return after being banned. I loved her bravery and her desire to do what is right. I can't wait to share this book with fellow HF lovers.

In The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche , 14th century Italy comes alive as the Black Plague sweeps through Florence.

The narrative centers on Ginevra di Gasparo, an exiled heretic healer with a mysterious connection to gemstones , who is summoned back to the city to help combat the plague1. However, upon arriving in Florence she learns from Inquisitor Arnolfi that the city’s sacred relics have been stolen . Immune to the plague , Genivra is assigned by the authorities to catch the thief and recover the relics. Seeing an opportunity Genivra agrees to this dangerous mission, but only if her exile is lifted and she is accepted into the exclusive guild of doctors.

To begin with the plot is a compelling blend of mystery and intrigue including plenty of twists in the story to keep the reader engaged. The hunt for the thief acts as a creative way to explore the complex politics and religious zealotry of the era. Also, the author’s meticulous research is evident with vivid descriptions of medieval Florence , religious beliefs, and the horror of the Black Plague. She uses her knowledge as a gem historian to describe the stones and their presumed magical powers. Strong character development adds suspense and depth, enhancing the story.

The pacing is a bit slow, however, it builds to a satisfying and dramatic ending.

Rasche’s debut novel is a magical combination of history, adventure, and conspiracy that offers readers a historical and thought provoking story.

4 ⭐
0 🌶️

I enjoyed this historical fantasy. I found the writing very easy to read, and although there were jumps between the past and present for the main character, it was not jarring and did not take you out of the flow of the story. I felt it was handled very well. This is not a high-stakes, big-excitement fantasy read; it is much more subdued and low-key. Although there are relatively high stakes amid the bubonic plague for the book's population, there is no high tension. I found this book enjoyable, filled with interesting facts and likable characters (the ones you were supposed to like). I loved the magic system that kept this book from being purely historical. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Park Row Books for the eArc. These opinions are mine.

In The Stone Witch of Florence, the harrowing backdrop of the Black Plague sets the stage for Ginevra di Gasparo's captivating return to a city that once cast her out as a witch. With her extraordinary ability to heal using gemstones, Ginevra’s journey is both a quest for redemption and a race against time as she seeks to recover stolen relics that hold the key to Florence’s survival. The writing is lush and evocative, perfectly capturing the tension and intrigue of the era, while Ginevra’s complex character shines through her determination and vulnerability. The intertwining of historical elements with a gripping narrative keeps readers enthralled, making this tale not just a story of survival, but also a profound exploration of acceptance and power. Overall, it’s a beautifully crafted work that resonates long after the final page.

Thank you HTP, Park Row, & The Hive for the gifted copy!

I love books set in Italy and I love witchy books so this historical fantasy was a lovely combo. Ginevra is an exiled witch who has been called to help when a plague rages through the city and relics start going missing from churches. If she can solve the mystery of the relics she will be viewed as a physician and past charges of witchcraft excused. I mean why would these guys use a stone witch with healing powers to help with the plague that is also killing their people?

I thought the character development was well done. There are several side characters that come into play along the way, some of which added a delightful bit of humor. Some of the banter and snark was so funny. I always love strong female representation and this book has several powerful strong female characters. I found the end to be satisfying and I loved the epilogue 💛💎 I think it’s so cool that the author is a gemologist by trade. The authors note was really interesting!

Sad I couldn’t get my act together to read along with The Hive but happy that I read it regardless! Also now I want to go to Italy so badly 😍

The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche transports readers to plague-ridden Florence in 1348, where faith and superstition are at an all-time high. But when sacred relics begin to disappear, the fragile hope of the city is threatened.

Ginevra, the protagonist, is far from perfect, but that’s what makes her so compelling. In a time when women were forbidden to practice medicine and anything unfamiliar was deemed suspicious, she courageously risks banishment by healing the sick. Her flaws make her relatable, while her determination and heart make her admirable.

The side characters truly elevate this story, adding depth and richness to the narrative. Ginevra’s journey would feel incomplete without their contributions. I was particularly fascinated by the properties of the gems she uses, as well as the relics of the period—it added an intriguing layer of historical detail to the plot.

In a world that constrained women, Ginevra and her friends find ingenious ways to solve a compelling mystery, making this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Park Row for providing this book.

This plot is intriguing, with magic, religion, folklore, medicine in the late Middle Ages, and a mystery. The world-building is excellent. This was well-written and engaging, with a lot of historical detail and vivid imagery. The author is a gemologist and jewelry historian, and this shines through, as does all the research the author did on Florence during the plague. The gemstone lore is super interesting, and I enjoyed how the magic system used gemstones.

The magic was sprinkled throughout in an organic way, and Ginvera had to rely on her perseverance and wits as much as her magic. Ginerva was a strong FMC, and I rooted for her as she faced an uphill battle on many fronts. The supporting characters were interesting and compelling, with a few that pleasantly surprised me. There were some pacing issues, but overall, I enjoyed this and thought it was a solid debut. I will keep this author on my radar. And I love this stunning cover!

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

While I enjoyed this book for its rich historical portrayal of Florence and its significance within the Italian states during that period, I felt the plot was a bit convoluted. There were so many intertwining storylines and characters that it sometimes made it challenging to follow the main thread. I think a more focused approach might have enhanced the overall experience, allowing the historical elements to shine through more clearly. The author clearly did a lot of research for this novel, and it really shines through in the detail. However, I felt that this depth sometimes muddied the trajectory of the plot and hindered character development. A more streamlined approach could have made the story more engaging and allowed the characters to resonate more deeply. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing this ARC.

This is a debut novel by Anna Rasche. I picked it up because I enjoy reading about witches and I don't think I've ever read one about a stone witch.

Description:
A woman's secret. A deadly Plague. Unleash the hidden magic…

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…

My Thoughts:
This one held my attention throughout with a strong main character and an interesting plot. The gemstone magic was fascinating to me and I loved the way gemstones were used to heal. The mix of historical fiction and fantasy worked well to produce a great story. There are church politics and relics here as well, and the church brought danger to Ginevra. I found Ginevra's life story totally captivating. The history was obviously well=researched, and I'm sure the author's background as a gemologist and jewelry historian was helpful to her. Loved the writing - very well done.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing - Park Row through Netgalley for an advance copy.

This is medieval mystery filled with magical stones and magical healers during the black plague in Florence Italy around 1348. The Stone Witch, Ginerva, must unravel the mystery of the missing church relics to save Italy from the plague. I was absorbed from page 1 – read it in 3 days. This is an engrossing story with a satisfying ending. My favorite kind of book. I highly recommend this book and hope Ginerva has more adventures in the future!

I highly recommend this book for historical fiction with a touch of magic lovers or just those who like a good book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row for an early read in exchange for a fair review. The privilege was mine!

Thank you, Park Row and NetGalley, for my free E-book for review.

Magic and religion intertwine seamlessly in this captivating historical fantasy adventure, weaving a tapestry of enchantment and intrigue. While the rich historical elements and the mystical power of the stones create a vivid backdrop, it is the protagonist Ginevra's journey that truly anchored me in this mesmerizing medieval world.

Ginevra, a woman driven by an altruistic desire to help others, finds herself forced to operate in the shadows of society. Her unorthodox methods, misunderstood and feared by many, brand her a heretic in the eyes of a superstitious populace. As I read, I couldn't help but champion her cause, my heart stirring with indignation at the men who exploit her talents for their own gain.

Set against the backdrop of a plague-ravaged landscape, Ginevra's tale of resilience and friendship is particularly poignant. Having lived in solitude, her gradual formation of bonds with people she meets along the way adds a touching dimension to her character, making her journey all the more compelling to me.

The author's prose is nothing short of enchanting, infused with a delightful blend of humor and wit. The narrative flows with a natural rhythm, effortlessly carrying me through the twists and turns of Ginevra's adventures.

In conclusion, I found this novel to be a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience, culminating in a satisfying denouement where the intrepid heroine finally attains her long-held dreams. To me, it's a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring nature of hope, even in the darkest of times.

I don't think I have enough words to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As usual for me, I started off as a bit of skeptic - do I really want to read a historical fiction about the plague? about a 'witch'? But it wasn't too long before I was hooked and couldn't stop reading. An interesting mix of the historical setting, church and gemology, this was a well-written and thoughtful description of those times and the lower role that women played in that society. The plot was well thought out, the story felt very real in spite of the magic that Ginevra was capable of performing. I love that the author is a gemologist and was able to combine the real and the fantastic in the stones that Ginevra had. And that name - love it! I can't recommend this book strongly enough - it has history, it has fantasy and never does it seem TOO fantastic.

This ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

Florence, 1348.
This history in Stone Witch of Florence is very cool. Well researched and filled with plague and the ways in which humans adapt to death: in this case clinging to their religious beliefs. A solid round up for both the era and the city in crisis.

Unfortunately I found the pacing rather difficult. Parts 1 and 2 seesaw between Ginevra's childhood in Genoa, her late teens in Florence, and her return to Florence in 1348 when plague ravished the city. I found this very difficult to follow, particularly with a few additional POVs scattered in. The driving plot piece is about stolen relics, but the balance of the first half of the book focuses so much on the plague and Ginevra's healing abilities that the first half lacks forward momentum.

As a debut book, this could have used a heavier hand in editing, but if the author were to write more in the era, or more about jewelry, I'd pick it up!

In 1348, as the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after having been exiled nearly a decade prior., and she is being summoned for the very reason she was exiled in the first place. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. When word spread of her unusual abilities last time, 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 when she arrives, she is given an entirely different mission: 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 book goes back and forth in the beginning between past (before she was exiled) , and present. It was interesting reading all that they could do using various stones. Reading the author's note at the end, those were all things that they actually believed in back in those times. I really didn't have a lot of knowledge about gemstone magic before this, but it is a fascinating subject. Reading about the black plague, all of the superstitions surrounding that time, and just the horrors of that disease was gruesome, but also educational. The book is a good combination of historical fiction, fantasy and mystery, and the story progresses rapidly. It was definitely an enjoyable and enlightening read!

In 14th century Italy, the plague is destroying life. Ginevra di Gasparo has a secret skill - she can heal people through the power of gemstones. But she had been banished from the city of Florence for her so-called witchcraft. With the plague ravaging Florence, she’s beensummoned to return for the powers that be are desperate to stem the tide of death. She is also charged with finding out who is stealing precious relics from the city’s churches under the cover of the plague. The premise of the book was intriguing and the first few pages started out well, when Ginevra is summoned to return to Florence. Then we go back in time. Two or more timelines in books now seem to be a current trend these days. In some cases they work well and complement the storyline, in others not so much - as in this book. The continued switching of timelines didn’t flow well and frankly wasn’t necessary. I wasn’t pulled into the story and the book dragged. I wasn’t wowed by the characters and somehow I didn’t feel the book had a great sense of place even though it was set mostly in Florence - it felt like it could have been any city. Hopefully others will enjoy the book more than I did. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"The Stone Witch of Florence" offers an intriguing blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set against the backdrop of plague-ridden Italy. While the rich historical detail and unique premise captivated me, the pacing felt somewhat slow, particularly in the earlier parts of the book. The character development was a highlight, with Ginevra's journey and her forming of strong friendships adding depth to the story. The mystery element kept me engaged, and the last portion of the novel delivered exciting twists. Despite my wish for a brisker pace throughout, the unique storyline and atmospheric setting made it a worthwhile read, earning it a solid three-star rating.

This is a really good book, even if historical stories aren't your thing, this one will keep you reading, it is so good. Ginevra is living in exile in a small community where she provides healing for the sick, until she is summoned back to Florence where she had been exiled from. The plague is running rampant through Florence in 1348 and many residents are either dead or very sick. But Ginevra was not summoned to deal with the sick, instead she is tasked with tracking down relics (religious artifacts) that have gone missing from Churches, the Inquisitor wants her to try to find out where they went. Ginevra agrees to the task and quickly meets a lady, Lucia, who is deathly ill alone in a house, Ginevra heals using stones that have magical powers and the lady is grateful and allows her to use the house as a base for her search and agrees to help when she can. Ginevra is immune to the plague due to the magical stones she carries, and so off she goes to try and find out why and where they went. Along the way she runs into some people from when she used to live in Florence, though many don't want to be near her as they are afraid they would be exiled as well. Ginevra had been in a relationship with young man and had thoughts that they may marry, even though he had been promised to another, while back, she goes looking for him, only to find out he too has passed. She does investigate and using her stones is able to track down where the relics are, saying much more would really spoil the story, I will just say the ending was really good. I highly recommend. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Park Row for the ARC.

A tale of mystery, gems, and a witch set in Florence during the Plague. This is a well researched and engaging tale that surprised me. Ginerva, the stone witch, is a well rounded character with, oddly enough, a good sense of humor. She sets out to discover who has been stealing from churches-a quest which, once the villain is found, will see her able to once again practice in the city. It's nicely atmospheric (without getting as grim as other novels with the plague as a plot element) and informative (I learned a bit about the various stones). Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. While fans of "witch" books might be the first to pick this up, recommend to all readers of historical fiction.