Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc.

This was an enjoyable read. The different points of view worked well and I liked the time jump from past to present. There was a satisfying amount of mystery and a dash of romance. Can't beat the setting of the story either, took me back to my Amalfi coast trip. It wrapped up nicely, although a little underwhelming. Overall fun read.

《 ARC REVIEW 》

"They were streghe del mare—sea witches— with unparalleled power over the ocean. They boasted a magic found nowhere else in the world, a result of their lineage, having descended from the sirens who once inhabited the tiny Li Galli islets nearby."

☆☆☆☆.5

I just finished reading The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner, and this is easily one of my favorites of the year so far! 😍

This book has a dual timeline following Haven Ambrose in present-day and Mari DeLuca in 1821 in the small Italian village of Positano on the Amalfi coast. Haven is a nautical archeologist who finds and researches shipwrecks, and Mari is a strega, a witch who can harness the power of the ocean.

I thought this book was beautifully written, and was fast-paced and gripping. It's also such an atmospheric read, and I loved the descriptions of the land, water, and food! However, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, but it still wrapped everything up decently!

This was my first book by Penner, but it will not be my last! Also, I will definitely be trying the recipes at the end because they sound divine!

This book gets released on April 29th, and is available to pre-order now!

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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#theamalficurse #sarahpenner #newbookalert #bookreview #advancedreadercopy #magicalrealism #magical #htpbooks #harlequintradepublishing #hiveinfluencer #htphive

"Powerful witchcraft. A hunt for sunken treasure. Forbidden love on the high seas. Beware the Amalfi Curse...

Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artifacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven's arrival, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work?

As Haven searches for her father's sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman's quest to save her lover and her village by using the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the ocean. Could this magic be behind Positano's latest calamities? Haven must unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever...

Against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea."

Maybe the witches want the jewels for themselves.....

From sun soaked shores to centuries old secrets, The Amalfi Curse pulled me into a dual timeline mystery so vivid I felt like I was uncovering the truth alongside the characters. Now I desperately need a trip to Italy. BRB, planning my Amalfi Coast getaway ASAP!

I loved everything about this book. The way the story unfolded across two timelines, the 1820s and the present day, the seamless transitions between perspectives from Mari, Holmes, and Haven, and the richly immersive setting. Penner’s descriptions of the Amalfi Coast made the whole story feel cinematic, from the sun drenched beaches to the eerie depths of the sea.

We also learn about streghe, witches of the sea who can control water. It was such a different take on magic, and I loved learning about their history and how it intertwined with the present day mystery.

Another fascinating part of the story was the history. Haven goes on a few dives to check out sunken ships, but where she gains the most knowledge is in the archives. It is when she makes the discovery of a journal that everything changes. We are not just reading its entries in the present. We are also switching perspectives to experience them in real time. It was such iconic storytelling that kept me hooked.

Ever since The Lost Apothecary, every new Sarah Penner book announcement will elicit audible excitement from me. Needless to say, I went into this book with high expectations despite not reading the description. I could not have been more excited as I was introduced to the exceptional plot and the fascinating characters. I can not wait to force everyone I know to read another Penner book about painfully realistic, relatable, and wonderful character being thrown into the most engaging, whimsical scenarios. Five (hundred) stars.

The Amalfi Curse was such a fun, engaging, and unique read! I’d consider it a “historical fantasy” — not a genre I typically reach for, but I was completely swept up in the story. I loved the dual timelines, the well-developed characters, and the theme of strong, influential women woven throughout. The Amalfi Coast setting added a lush, atmospheric backdrop, and the underlying themes of family, love, and legacy were beautifully done.

This was my first book by this author, and I’m excited to check out her backlist now. We’ll definitely be adding this title to our library collection — it’s a great recommendation for readers looking for something immersive and fresh. Perfect for a rainy day binge read or to savor slowly over summer break.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early copy in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 ⭐️

The Amalfi Curse blends historical fiction and fantasy, delivering a dual-timeline mystery that kept me equally invested in both narratives—something that doesn’t always happen for me!

Haven, a nautical archaeologist, uncovers a gripping mystery surrounding Mari and Holmes in the 1820s, and I loved following both their journeys. Another highlight was the stunning Amalfi Coast setting, which added so much atmosphere to the story. I would have happily spent even more time in this story.

My only minor criticism would be that I wanted more when it came to the nautical archaeology aspects - more time with underwater exploration - since this is what initially drew me to pick this one up. Also, I did not feel totally invested in Haven’s romance with Enzo, but it didn’t bother me overmuch.

I’d recommend this one to those who enjoy historical mysteries with a touch of fantasy, beautiful coastal settings, and treasure hunting.

***Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I was sucked in by the stunning cover. This is the first book I've ready by Sarah Penner. I know her previous books have been really popular but I just never got around to reading them. I will make the time for them now. I was really sucked into The Amalfi Curse. I love books that have intertwining timelines. This one is early 1800s and the present day. Witches, magic, the Amalfi coast had me intrigued. In the 1800s a coven of sea witches use their magic to protect their village. In modern day, Haven arrives and tries to figure out the mystery surrounding this village. This book was an unexpected surprise of awesome storytelling. Thoroughly enjoyed! Thank you to Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy!

4.5 stars rounded up! I enjoyed so many things about this book. The characters were interesting (sea witches, pirates, and a nautical archeologist looking for sunken treasure), the beautiful setting (the Amalfi Coast is on my short list of places to visit), the multiple POVs with different timelines that eventually intersect, and the side love story. This book has something for everyone and is Sarah Penner’s best yet!

Thank you Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in consideration for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy of Sarah Penner's 'The Amalfi Curse' in exchange for my review.

First off, this book has gorgeous cover art. 5 stars.

A story of sea witches, pirates, shipwrecks, and treasure hunters. What's not to like. A bit slow to start but an engaging story once you've settled into it.

I may be in the minority but this book didn't work for me. My first book from this author, I was intrigued by the premise and the imagery. Ultimately I couldn't get into the story with jumping between characters and timelines. I wasn't particularly thrilled about the writing either. I may check out the audio if it becomes available. Thanks to HTP Hive for the free eARC.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into this book. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting but this wasn’t it.

This was a captivating and magical story, and also my first introduction to the works of Sarah Penner. Intrigued by the title and blurb of this book, I decided to pick it up and I'm so glad I did. The characters of this book were all well-developed and complex, and I loved that the female main character had strength and power that was refreshing to read.

While I sometimes wish it was more fast-paced, I understand the need for world-building and to not rush the details of this story. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to picking up more books from Sarah Penner's catalogue soon.

You’ll love this if you love:

🌊Scuba diving
🌊Sea witches
🌊Treasure hunt
🌊 Multiple timelines
🌊 Amalfi Coast setting

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for the ARC.

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner is a captivating and atmospheric novel that blends mystery, history, and a touch of the supernatural. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, the story follows a woman grappling with the haunting legacy of a centuries-old curse. Penner’s prose is lush and immersive, drawing readers into the story’s richly detailed setting. The plot is filled with twists, creating an engaging blend of suspense and intrigue. Though the pacing can occasionally be slow, the well-developed characters and eerie tension keep the story compelling. Fans of historical fiction with a touch of the fantastical will enjoy this enthralling read.

I’ve been so excited for The Amalfi Curse and it was one of the first books I used my auto approve from The Hive to get. I knew plenty of what to expect, but what I didn’t expect was a small helping of feminine rage and it made everything so much better.

I love how Sarah Penner weaves together the past and the present, but this one is a little more special with the weaving in of the mystery that Haven’s dad’s left behind in addition to the events of 200 years past.

The beautiful setting of Positano sets as the backdrop to this mystery of witches of the past and a curse that appears to be acting up again. Add in some unexpected, well, unexpected by the FMC and MMC, romance, treasure hunting, and pirates and you’ve got yourself a fun time.

This book was entertaining but did not feel like it had any real substance to it. It did not feel like the author had anything real to say beyond that people can be mean sometimes. The modern storyline did not seem to add anything, including having a villain that did not make sense at all. The historical storyline was interesting but could have been a short story.

✨the amalfi curse✨
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

Review :
Sarah Penner’s best work yet!!!
Kidnapping, dual time-lines, two love stories, a treasure hunt, scuba diving, a line of powerful women witches, and ITALY?! Seriously what more could you want! I was absolutely obsessed with this from beginning to end! If you liked Sarah’s other books I think you will love this one!

Thanks to netgalley, Sarah Penner and Park Row for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review 🖤

The Amalfi Curse is told in several points of view over different time periods. It was very easy to follow

I'm not really one to enjoy historical fiction but I really did enjoy this one. The way the past and current timelines are written really brings it all together that answers all the questions and ends the story perfectly.

5/5 Stars 10/10 recommend

Wow, Sarah Penner does it again - 5 stars - 10/10 - will recommend to everyone! The Amalfi Curse was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025 as The Lost Apothecary was one of my favorites I read last year. Thank you Park Row / Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-ARC.

Haven gives off aquatic, female Indiana Jones vibes. I personally love reading a strong, smart, female lead and Penner never disappoints. The Amalfi Curse jumps between present day & 1821, yet it feels seamless. Both stories are intertwined perfectly and help push the overall storyline without the time jumps feeling jarring.

I honestly don't know how Penner does it - every single time I thought I found an easter egg or breadcrumb and knew the direction the story was going, a current or wave swept me masterfully in the opposite direction. The way she uses foreshadowing yet still keeps you on your toes is masterful.

Witches, magic, the sea, kidnapping, murder, and romance: what more could you ask for in a book! I loved it!