Sarah Penner is brilliant - her ability to weave the past and present together in a seamless tapestry is like no other. This story is set on the dreamy coast of Italy and reflects men exerting power over women, but also a close watch on the bonds of sisterhood. I will literally talk to anyone who will listen about this book! LOVE!

The Amalfi Curse is magical! I wasn't sure I wanted to read another book by this author because of the gratuitous sex in the last one, but I'm glad I read this. The prose is absolutely lush, and the attention to the nautical details is amazing. The dual timeline is well executed.

Although it's a longer book, The Amalfi Curse draws you in further and further until you absolutely can't put it down. I highly recommend this book, and will be recommending it to students who ask what I'm reading.

My first read by Sarah Penner and I'll definitely look at her other works now! Overall, I enjoyed The Amalfi Curse, and found it to be a unique and intriguing story. It's a dual timeline, multi POV historical fiction that also ties in romance, witchcraft, a modern day treasure hunt and so much more. What more could one ask for?! The setting was perfection and painted the most vibrant pictures in my mind of the location while reading, it's definitely somewhere I'd love to travel too one day and this read has confirmed it for me again! I also really liked the FMCs Hazel & Marie, they were strong, independent, and determined in each of their endeavors. I did find that I greatly preferred the modern timeline and POV to the historical. I also felt like the plot moved a bit slower than was necessary and there were times I was tempted to skip ahead a bit. All in all though, an enjoyable read and I could see it being perfect to read lake/Oceanside in the summer 😉
Huge thanks to Netgalley, Sarah Penner, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this e-arc!

I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I loved the setting of Positano and it took me back to travels - sights, the sun, the aromas.
Then on the other hand, I felt like the characters weren't as well developed as I had hoped, and the switch between present day and the past was a bit confusing since it all sort of merged together. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

I think this will be a stand-out summer title! Penner does such an amazing job in crafting stories with fantastical/magical elements that are very accessible to readers who might not typically enjoy the genre. Additionally, she has a knack for blending historical and contemporary plot lines that captivate without overwhelming readers with a steep learning/research curve.

The Amalfi Curse has sea witches, forbidden love, sunken treasure, centuries-old lore, and a page-turning mystery. And all of these amazing elements are set in the stunning Italian setting of Positano and the Amalfi Coast, as nautical archaeologist, Haven, has arrived to lead a research project studying the plethora of shipwrecks in the area. She is also secretly searching for treasure her late father discovered and when combing through local archives, she finds a water logged journal from the early 1800’s detailing a star-crossed love story. With dual timelines and a propulsive plot that escalates in stakes, I found myself saying ‘just one more chapter’ over and over! A perfect blend of romance, history, mystery, and magic, this book will resonate with all types of readers.

I enjoyed The Almalfi Curse immensely! It's the perfect blend of witchy vibes and summer ambiance!

I often find in dual timelines that I care more about one set of characters or time period than the other but in The Amalfi Curse, both timelines have interesting characters, romance, and mysterious elements. As far as the romantic parts of each of the two stories, I was concerned going into this book (as I have not read anything else by Sarah Penner YET) that there might be a bit more spice than I typically like but that was pleasantly not the case.

In the early 1800s, the Streghe del Mare (witches of the sea) are protecting the village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Their leader, red-haired Mari DeLuca, makes an impulsive decision to protect the town and their secret which causes a chain reaction of painful, negative events as a result. She is then forced to weigh the value of family versus love, to determine her next steps.

In the present timeline, diver and marine archaeologist, Haven, arrives in Positano as part of a sanctioned dive team meant to photograph sunken artifacts. Shortly after Haven's arrival, her grant is yanked away and given to her late father's (probably untrustworthy) acquaintance. Haven is despondent about this because she was also secretly in Positano to seek out a lost treasure for which her late father provided the general coordinates. As strange, deadly events occur off the coast, Haven realizes that there may be more going on than oddly coincidental disasters.

I give The Amalfi Curse 4.5 stars and am rounding up here. I am definitely planning to continue reading Sarah Penner's work. Longer review here: www.wilsonhillworks.com/reviews/amalficurse

Thank you to Sarah Penner, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

Title: The Amalfi Curse
Author: Sarah Penner
Publisher: HTP Books
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Rating: 4.5⭐️

Pack my bags, I’m on my way to Positano…At least I wish I was after reading the vivid descriptions of the Amalfi coast by Sarah Penner.
I felt the same way about London after reading Penner’s previous work, The Lost Apothecary (another must read).

Told from three perspectives, the story weaves between the past and the present. The three POVs are all vastly different - an American sailor, an Italian woman engaged to a man she doesn’t love, and a natural archaeologist - their voices are unique and clear. I particularly enjoyed Haven’s POV as she balanced a healthy dose of skepticism with a willingness to accept that things might not be as scientific as she previously believed.

What I loved most was the enduring strength of female friendships. There’s something so powerful about the close bond between women and it’s highlighted beautifully in both timelines.

If you enjoyed the Lost Apothecary, you’ll love the Amalfi Curse.
Thank you @htpbooks and @netgalley for the ARC

#bookstagram #booklover #bookreview #NetGalley #TheAmalfiCurse #historicalfiction #SarahPenner

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Apr. 29, 2025
Sarah Penner is the author of “The Lost Apothecary” and “The London Séance Society” and her newest novel, “The Amalfi Curse” is full of the same magical suspense that her former novels delivered in spades.
Haven Ambrose is a nautical archaeologist, investigating shipwrecks to find historical artifacts, which is what brings her to the Amalfi coast in Italy. But this case is personal for Haven, as it was the last dive her father did before his death nearly a year ago, and he hinted to Haven that one of the shipwrecks had something very valuable on board. As soon as Haven arrives, however, unfortunate events start to occur- such as a modern yacht sinking and killing eight people and the threat of Mt. Vesuvius erupting for the first time in centuries. The townspeople speak of “The Amalfi curse” and Haven believes it’s nothing but an urban legend- until she starts to uncover mysteries that science can’t explain.
“Curse” is a dual-timeline novel, with Haven as the protagonist in modern day and Mari as the protagonist in the 1820s. Haven is on a quest to uncover her father’s secret and Mari wants nothing more than to start a new life with her lover, ignoring everything about her past. As different as they appear, both women are connected, and it is the unraveling of this mystery that summarizes Penner’s plot.
Each chapter is identified, so readers know which era they’re experiencing. Both timelines are interspersed with letters from Mari’s love, which serve to connect the plotlines. “Curse” is well-developed, well-written and engaging, and it was easy to follow the free-slowing, smoothly crafted plot.
As a fan of Penner’s novels, I was excited to be asked to read this one, and I’m glad I did. Penner’s novels combine historical fiction and magic, with powerful, independent women seeking to make a difference in some way, big or small. I cheered for both Mari and Haven from the first pages, and I was more than satisfied with the conclusion of their stories. Penner delivered an unexpected, unpredictable ending that was believable, honest and left all questions answered.
This novel not only has the perfect, exotic locale, but it also has witchcraft, pirates and a little bit of romance. Penner has created a mysterious escape for just about every reader.

Historical fiction will pull me quicker than a maelstrom and this book did just that!

A story filled with adventure, treasure but most importantly love. Through many characters we learn that the greatest treasure is love and what they’re willingly to do to protect those that they love.

I really enjoyed reading about the main characters in the different time periods. I felt like the shifting of eras and POVs added to the story and really gave that sense of mystery.

I almost thought the ending was too quick to wrap up but I think it perfectly fills in any time gaps and was surprised that I enjoyed how it ended.

With the setting of the beautiful Italian coast, this book was the perfect read and to escape to.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Park Row for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I think this is my favorite Sarah Penner book so far. The writing and characters always pull me in. I'm normally not a fan of historical fiction and slower paced books. But I love them if I start to feel for the people. That's what did it for me with this one.

Some of the book is Haven in the current time. She went to Italy with a team to search the shipwrecks. No one really knows why so many ships sink in the same area. She's also looking for a treasure her father found before he died. But the person running the program changes it at the last minute. Haven is angry, but she stays in Positano. It doesn't hurt that she met a man that she's quickly connecting with. She starts looking into the area's past and finds things that don't make sense to her.

The other time period is the 1800's. We hear from both Mari and Holmes. Mari is a strong sea witch. She falls in love with a seaman, Holmes and she plans to sneak away with him. But people from her village are being taken and Mari has to put them first.

I really enjoyed both the magic and the shipwrecks. I obviously loved the characters and writing too. I read this fairly quickly and don't really have any complaints.

I gave this book 5 stars.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my earc.

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
I always look forward to reading Penner’s books, as they are always so good and a great escape. Her newest, The Amalfi Curse, is no different. This is a tale of sea witches mysterious treasure, an old curse, murder, and revenge. I loved the dual timelines, the characters, the setting, and the little bit of magic and romance sprinkled throughout. I always enjoy Penner’s writing, her intricate attention to detail, the research she puts into her books and writing, and the way that her writing is so vivid and I can picture it playing out like a movie in my mind. This book is a mix of genres, from historical fiction, mystery, magical realism, and some romance. Overall, this was a fun, quick, and beautiful story that I highly recommend! Plus, the cover is absolutely stunning😍🙌🏻

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✦A book that takes you on a journey
✦A book filled with mystery, murder, revenge, and a bit of romance
✦A blend of genres-from historical fiction, mystery, and magical realism
✦Vividly beautiful and detailed writing and research that plays out like a movie as you read

𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5

With her third novel, Sarah Penner has cemented herself as one of my favorite authors. It is difficult to find a dual timeline novel in which both sides are equally engaging. I was fully invested in both Mari and Haven's stories. There were multiple surprises in the story that I did not predict. This book is smartly written. It is clear that Penner took her time researching Italy, nautical history, and diving. I am so thankful to have gotten an early copy of this novel I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys magical realism or historical fiction. The dash of romance was just enough.

This novel will be released on 04/29/2025. Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

A book just as addictive as The Lost Apothecary. This tale of magical realism takes us to the Amalfi coast utilizing two different timelines. In 1821, a group of streghe (sea witches) do their best to protect their village from evil pirates and untrustworthy shipping moguls. In current day Positano, Haven is trying to honor her father’s last request. Both stories are entangled with the treacherous sea, unyielding witches and unexpected love.

I speak casual Italian so I was thrilled with all of the Italian words in this book, often confusing my husband by saying random words aloud; however, there were plenty of important words in Italian that weren’t translated for the reader so I do imagine it would be confusing here and there. I loved the imagery, the love stories and the plot. This was very wonderful to read.

Sarah Penney has just earned “ must read” category. I loved this dual timeline story set in Italy, on the Almalfi Coast. This love story of Mari, a sea witch, descending from the original Sirens, ( you’re already hooked) and her sailor lover is a page turner! Full of surprises and twists- I couldn’t put it down. Thank you NetGalley and Park Row publishing for opportunity to read these wonderful book!

Chose this as my vacation read, and for that it did not disappoint. A quick read with dual timelines, some magic thrown in there and a little adventure seeking woman which I always love. Overall the book was entertaining. I liked it, didn’t love it, but it met its purpose for the read I wanted, so rounding up to 4 stars.

This was fabulous and un-put-downable!

I loved the setting (Amalfi Coast), the magical elements, the nautical themes and information, the mystery, the dual POV with some epistolary sections.

I did not care for the insta-love between Enzo and Haven, but that's personal preference (it's my least favorite trope), but it was such a small sub-plot.

I have not read Sarah Penner but this became available to review and it looked good. We have two timelines 1821 and present day. We have sea witches in 1821 that can control the currents so they help out the local fishermen and also keep pirates at bay. Mari is one of the sea witches but she despises the sea. Her mother and sister were both taken by the sea. She wants to leave Positano. I loved the Italian backdrop in this book. In present day we have a Nautical archaeologist, Haven, who is in Positano to investigate some shipwrecks. Her late father was pretty sure he had discovered some gems but died before he could go back out in the water so she wants to continue the search. There have been some crazy underwater activity going on in Positano and people are fleeing the area. She needs to figure out what the heck is going on. Haven discovers a diary from a man on one of the ships that sank. She starts to learn about the sea witches and wonders if it could all be true but he scientist mind finds it all hard to believe. I enjoyed this one and the characters. Sometimes with dual timelines you like one more than the other but I liked both.

What a treasure trove of a novel! Following two women, one in 1821 and one in the present day, and their experience with ship wrecks in Positano, Italy. Mari, the 19th century character, is one in a long line of red haired Strega, who are able to work with the sea. Her small village of Positano has been protected by the Strega for centuries and Mari is one of the more powerful ones given she is a supposed descendant of one of the Sirens. Haven, a modern day naval archeologist, is looking forward to diving on wrecks that were her late father's most recent discovery. What she finds is even more valuable than money and the story that ensues is captivating.

Really enjoyed this book and the combination of history, legend, romance and historical fiction.

A wonderful novel intertwining past and present stories. A mix of historical fiction, fantasy, drama, and romance that will keep you coming back for more. An emotional story told with wonderfully developed characters that will touch your heart.

This book has looked intriguing to me for a while, and I was excited to get a copy to read early.

This story follows two timelines: the present day and 1821. In the present day, we meet Haven, who is still grieving her father, but trying to continue his legacy. In 1821, we meet Mari, who uses her gifts in stregheria in tandem with other women in the village to control the ocean.

This story does have romance, but it's fade to black, and there are no graphic sex scenes. But there is a lot of romance sprinkled throughout, and readers get two love stories: one in 1821, and another in the present day. But along with romance, readers also experience several mysteries.

One of my favorite aspects of this story was the rich history and imagery that the author shows us. It felt like I was in Positano, both in the past and present. And for a story that wasn't necessarily totally a thriller, there were great twists and turns that kept my attention throughout.

If you're looking to be transported to Italy for both the ambiance, the love, and a mystery, this is the book for you.