I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to @sarahpenner @htpbooks and @htphive #hiveinfluencer for the #gifted audiobook.

Set in 1821, this captivating tale follows Mari, a “streghe del mare” (sea witch), as she fiercely protects her family, friends, and lover. Meanwhile, Haven, a passionate nautical archaeologist, arrives in the breathtaking Positano to uncover shipwrecks and search for gemstones linked to her late father. Her encounter with Enzo and his mother leads her deeper into the enchanting narrative of the Amalfi Curse and the extraordinary story of Mari.

This mesmerizing story unfolds in a dual timeline, masterfully weaving Haven’s research with Mari’s plight. The diary of Mari’s lover not only connects Haven to Mari’s journey but also resonates with emotional depth and heartbreak. The character development is exceptional, and the vivid descriptions of Positano transport you right to its sun-kissed shores. The author brilliantly brings to life not just Positano and the Amalfi Coast but also dives into the rich legends of sea witches and the fascinating world of nautical archaeology.

The blend of magical realism and historical fiction is executed flawlessly, and the book left me utterly captivated. Having read the author's previous works, I can confidently say this one is my absolute favorite.

If you’re a fan of stories rich in history and romance, this book is a must-read. Mark your calendars for April 29, 2025. It's a release you won’t want to miss!

What's not to like? For those of us who prefer a bit of witchcraft and mystery, with a setting that plays an integral part in the story, this book is for you. An underwater search for treasure becomes an adventure in history and mystery. The storytelling is addictive, and the language is mesmerizing. If you liked the book Weyward, this book is also for you. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advanced copy of this book!

This book felt like a love letter to the ocean 💕 the dual timelines were woven together so well, and I loved getting to unravel the mystery of what happened in Positano along with Haven. There were a lot of tense moments throughout the book, with a general theme of “men underestimating women” and I just love to see a man proven wrong 🤷🏼‍♀️

Mari is such a fierce protector, and I loved watching her journey throughout the book, and am so happy with how things ended for her. There were some really great twists within her story that really turned the tides for her, and I just loved it!

I also loved watching Haven’s no BS, scientific mind settle into Italian life and start to open herself to new possibilities. While her motivations for finding the treasure her father spotted was a bit vague aside from “doing it for her father”, I felt that it was resolved nicely at the end and we got to see Haven kind of make some realizations for herself surrounding the entire situation!

Overall, I really enjoyed this breath of fresh ocean air! It felt like sweet sunshine on your face, salt in the air, and gelato on your tongue, while also keeping you on your toes and wondering what was coming next.

I am a big fan of Sarah Penner and thoroughly enjoyed The Lost Apothecary and The London Séance Society! I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to pre-read The Amalfi Curse before publication.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the setting in this book and it brought you into the story in such a rich way that I didn’t want it to end. The cover is absolutely stunning and the author’s ability to bring you into a story with witches, shipwrecks, magic and romance, fascinates me.

This book was beautifully written and so descriptive, and I have to say it may be one of my favourites by Sarah Penner! I love anything to do with the ocean and this did not disappoint.

I highly recommend this book for its beauty and adventure and description to name a few. A definite five stars from me. Pub date is April 29, 2025.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This moves between Mari's story in 1821 and Haven's in the present. The women are connected through Amalfi, a ship wreck, and more than a bit of magical realism. And treasure. It's nicely atmospheric. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Fans of the genre will enjoy this for its characters and Penner's storytelling.

From the cover to the promise of sea witches, The Amalfi Curse immediately hooked me. I’m currently googling Positano. I felt like I was there but I need reference photos. I’m googling shipwrecks. Should I take diving instructions?! Sarah Penner what have you done to me?!

I loved how the storyline followed two timelines: the sea witches of Positano in 1821 and Mari a nautical archaeologist in present day. And I loved reading to find out how they intersect at the end. The ocean itself was basically a character in the story! Two things that are my absolute favorite things to read in a book: Magic and centered around ships and set on the water. This was the perfect combo.

I am also fascinated by all the research the author must have put into this novel…shipwrecks, diving, volcanic activity etc.

Wow. 5 stars. Makes me wanna go find sunken treasure. Or go to Italy.

⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Amalfi Curse
Author: Sarah Penner

Thank you Netgalley and Harelquin Books for this ARC! Brand new release from the author of “The Lost Apothecary” and “the London Seance Society”, this book was breathtaking! The atmosphere and the ocean, the scuba diving, the treasure hunting! I loved it! Our main character, Haven, was sent to the Amalfi coast with a team to explore sunken ships. She has more in mind then the current expedition, as she is also on the hunt for her late fathers treasure he spotted on his last dive. We are transported to the past as well, and the development of how this treasure came to be, and the history of the “cursed” sea. I loved how the magic was woven into the story. It was such a lovely read. I truly felt transported to the ocean. Sarah Penner paints a beautiful picture, and created a wonderful story. I’m eager to read her other books now. This releases on 4/29!

There was a lot happening here and I actually felt this could have been longer. I was really invested in everything and everyone but I felt like I wanted more. The scenery was spectacular and immersive though. That’s a huge selling point for me personally as a reader and reviewer. I felt like I was here. Excited to see what this author does next.

What I loved most about this book was the dreamy Italian setting — the Amalfi Coast, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the sprinkling of Italian words throughout. The writing really captures the atmosphere beautifully, and I thought that the recipes at the very end of the book were neat.

The story jumps between three POVs in alternating timelines between 1821 and present-day. In 1821, Mari is a sea-witch tasked with teaching magic to girls and protecting the waters from pirates — even casting spells that can capsize ships. The other POV is her secret lover, Holmes, whose letters to Mari reveal their plans to escape and start a new life together. In the present day, we follow Haven, an archaeologist sent on a top-secret mission to investigate shipwrecks off the Amalfi Coast. But she’s also chasing something personal: mysterious gemstones captured in the blurry photos from her father’s final dive. Things get complicated with an active volcano, another shipwreck, and a charming Italian man who runs a local dive shop.

As excited as I was to read this book, it didn’t quite work for me. With so much going on and so many characters, I struggled to feel connected to any of them. The pacing felt slow, and despite the magical elements, it all felt a bit far-fetched. I didn’t click with this one, but I can see it appealing to fans of magical realism and atmospheric adventures.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

Aaah what a book! Sarah Penner's books are always incredible and this was no exception. Loved the historical bits, and the magical realism was as always fabulous.

I love historical fiction and Sarah really knocked it out of the park with this one. I never thought I would read and enjoy a book about nautical archaeology. I found myself transported to Italy and Sarah did worldbuilding in the best possible way.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

This was an enjoyable read. I found the scuba diving aspect to be super interesting, and I loved how the main character was an archaeologist. Super unique storyline!
This book was told in a dual timeline: the present and 1821. The POVs in 1821 were not my favorite, if I'm being honest. I was much more intrigued by MC Haven's POV in the present describing her scuba adventures and investigating shipwrecks on the Amalfi coast. The POVs from 1821 dive into witchcraft more, which was interesting, but the entire time I was reading, I kept wondering what that had to do with Haven's POV in the present. (It is eventually revealed, it just takes a long time to get there.)
Overall, I really loved the vibe of this book. Having a main setting of Positano and including scuba diving scenes was super cool. I felt so immersed in the setting, which made this book fun to read. The author's writing style flowed nicely and made for a quick read, too.
If you like historical fiction, witches, and love water settings, this book is perfect for you!

I found The Amalfi Curse a little more difficult to get into compared to Penner's other books, just because it wasn't set in dark, mysterious London. That definitely changed about 30% into the book as I got more acclimated to the coastal Italy setting. I would say that the style of writing is still very similar to her past novels, so if you are drawn to Penner because of her writing style then you will still enjoy this book.

In true Sarah Penner fashion, The Amalfi Curse is told in alternating past and present timelines with female MCs. The past timeline follows Mari, a seawitch, who has experienced her share of devastation and longs to leave home. The present timeline follows Haven, who is in Positano as an archeologist not only to study the multitude of shipwrecks, but also to look for something her father wanted her to find.

Personally, I found Haven's timeline to be more entertaining because she gets pulled from her project early on. She then begins investigating a ship on her own time through the local archives, which is where the story starts to pick up as she makes more connections and discoveries. I do wish Penner had elaborated more on some parts towards the end, but overall, I really enjoyed this book by the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Historical fiction mixed with magical realism mixed with witches? Yes, please! This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint. The Amalfi Curse is told in dual timelines that are beautifully interwoven into a story of courage, love, and female empowerment.

1821, Positano, Italy: Mari is one of a few sea witches (streghe), who use their powers over the sea to help their small Amalfi Coast town prosper and protect it from pirates. When dangerous men (the Mazza Fratelli) discover their secret and kidnap some of their members, it is up to Mari and her fellow streghe to free them, no matter the cost. Present day, Positano, Italy: Haven is a nautical archeologist leading a team of female scientists on an expedition to explore Li Galli, one of Italy’s most dangerous waters, known for its hundreds of shipwrecks due to mysterious forces. What her fellow researchers don’t know is Haven has another reason for her interest in this region: shortly before his death, her father made the groundbreaking discovery of an unexplored shipwreck full of gems. She must find it and get it into reputable hands before this historical finding is pilfered by greedy thieves and lost forever.

I dare say this book topped The Lost Apothecary for me! I love a good female empowerment story, and this one has it in spades. Mari and Haven are both smart, confident, trailblazing women who don’t back down in the face of adversity. We also get two beautiful love stories that I just could not get enough of (and I think we all need an Enzo in our lives). Add to it the rich detailing of the Amalfi Coast setting, and I completely devoured it. I read this book in two sittings, which is unheard of for me as the tired mom of two toddlers.

The pacing of this book is phenomenal, and the dual timelines serve to add suspense and magnify the storyline of the other. The Amalfi Curse solidifies Sarah Penner as an auto-buy author for me, and I’ll be impatiently waiting on the edge of my seat for her next book.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the gifted ARC!

5 stars — Completely obsessed with this book!

I went into The Amalfi Curse totally blind and ended up devouring it in less than a day. If you love dual timelines, sea witches, forbidden love, sunken treasure, and strong women doing badass things—this one’s for you.

The story jumps between present-day Positano, where underwater archaeologist Haven is following in her late father’s footsteps on a secret treasure hunt, and 1821, where sea witch Mari is trying to escape her cursed coastal village and protect her coven from corrupt men hunting their magic. Both timelines had me hooked, and I was just as invested in the past as I was in the present.

I loved the sea magic, the mystery, the slow-burn romance with Enzo, and the way everything tied together in the end. The setting? STUNNING. I could practically feel the salty breeze and wanted to book a trip to the Amalfi Coast immediately.

This book was everything—magical, thrilling, emotional, and beautifully written. One of my favorite reads of the year, no question. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC!

I absolutely loved this book. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked and didn’t want to put it down!

Sarah Penner’s writing is beautiful. The way she brings the Amalfi Coast to life made me feel like I was right there in Positano, soaking up the sun and looking out at the islands.

The dual timelines were also done so well, and I found myself genuinely looking forward to each switch in point of view. Every time it changed, it felt like I was getting another puzzle piece that brought the story closer together.

The blend of nautical archaeology, sunken treasure, witchcraft, and forbidden love worked perfectly!

I’ve already started recommending The Amalfi Curse to friends and will keep doing so. It’s the kind of story that stays with you. If you're looking for something immersive, unique, and completely captivating, I can’t recommend it enough.

Sarah Penner is the queen of dual timelines interwoven together. She does a great job of keeping you guessing up until the end of exactly how the timelines relate to each other. In "The Amalfi Curse, she flawlessly interweaves the story of Haven who is a nautical archeologist that is looking for treasure and young woman from the past trying everything to save her love and her people. This story takes place in Positano and the details that Penner provides makes you yearn to visit. Two women trying everything in their power to hold on to what they hold most dear is a gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat. "The Amalfi Curse" is a magical, historical rollercoaster that you don't want to miss out on.

Mandy Harris
Angel Wings Bookstore

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner releases April 29, 2025! Thank you to Park Row and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a miss for me. I didn't love the London Séance Society but I did enjoy The Lost Apothecary, so I wasn't sure what I would think of this one.

I would be remiss in skipping over the fact that this cover and special edition with sprayed edges is absolutely GORGEOUS! The blue and gold marbling totally give the Amalfi Coast vibes.

This book follows Haven Ambrose, a nautical archaeologist, who is in Positano to investigate shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But additionally, Haven is also hoping to find a trove of gems her father spotted in his final dive. Is there more sinister at work, or is nature just doing it's thing? That's the question here as Haven explores the magic of the sea.

I think I just read this in a time when I wanted a faster pace book, so that may be on me! This would be a good read for someone who lives curses and magical abilities, unexplained mysteries and magical realism, mixed with multiple timelines and treasure hunting. Definitely a range there!

I really enjoyed this read! Dare I say I enjoyed it as much perhaps more than her first book The Lost Apothecary?
A dual timeline story about witchcraft that takes place in Italy with a love story? Sign me up!
Very entertaining. And a beautiful story

𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
wow! i expected a treasure hunt tale and got so much more. im typically not the biggest fan of time hops but this was done exceptionally well. the stories and the way they intertwined with one another was so captivating.

the story was told with the reader in mind because I was hooked from the beginning.

i loved the scuba & nautical archaeological aspect to this and it added a unique spin on the story. i also loved haven’s maturity in the face of adversity and how she grew through those changes. and her and enzo? perfection. bravo, this was excellent!

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐟𝐢 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟗!