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The Amalfi Curse
A nautical archaeologist searching for sunken treasure unearths a centuries-old curse, powerful witchcraft and perilous love on the high seas in this spellbinding new novel from the author of The Lost Apothecary
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?
In 1821, Mari DeLuca and the women of her village practice the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the power of the ocean. As their leader, Mari protects Positano with her witchcraft, but she has been plotting to run away with her lover, Holmes—a sailor aboard a merchant ship owned by the nefarious Mazza brothers, known for their greed and brutality. When the Mazzas learn about the women of Positano, they devise a plan to kidnap several of Mari’s friends. With her fellow witches and her village in danger, Mari is forced to choose between the safety of her people and the man she loves.
As Haven searches for her father’s sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a tale of perilous love and powerful sorcery. Can she 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.
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?
In 1821, Mari DeLuca and the women of her village practice the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the power of the ocean. As their leader, Mari protects Positano with her witchcraft, but she has been plotting to run away with her lover, Holmes—a sailor aboard a merchant ship owned by the nefarious Mazza brothers, known for their greed and brutality. When the Mazzas learn about the women of Positano, they devise a plan to kidnap several of Mari’s friends. With her fellow witches and her village in danger, Mari is forced to choose between the safety of her people and the man she loves.
As Haven searches for her father’s sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a tale of perilous love and powerful sorcery. Can she 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.
Expected publication May 1, 2025
About the author
Sarah Penner
4 books6,349 followersNYT Bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary (Park Row Books/HarperCollins), to be translated into 40 languages worldwide. To learn more, visit SarahPenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 28, 2024
I will do a proper review when this gets closer to pub, but WOW!
I loved reading this story.
It was so much fun to read about the red-haired decedents of the sirens, with their water magic protecting their harbor village, and then the current-day story of the discovery of potential treasure and of self. I was compelled by each story equally and loved imagining the Italian coast.
I will be rereading this one when the official copy becomes available. Mark this one on your calendars - it will be a fun read for you too!
I loved reading this story.
It was so much fun to read about the red-haired decedents of the sirens, with their water magic protecting their harbor village, and then the current-day story of the discovery of potential treasure and of self. I was compelled by each story equally and loved imagining the Italian coast.
I will be rereading this one when the official copy becomes available. Mark this one on your calendars - it will be a fun read for you too!
September 29, 2024
The Amalfi Curse
Pure genius! Penner has outdone herself with her third novel. She takes magical realism to a whole to depth, leagues under the sea. Sarah’s words are a breathtaking treasure that will captivate the imagination of readers and pull their heartstrings.
Pure genius! Penner has outdone herself with her third novel. She takes magical realism to a whole to depth, leagues under the sea. Sarah’s words are a breathtaking treasure that will captivate the imagination of readers and pull their heartstrings.
September 30, 2024
Amazing Read!
The Amalfi Curse is about a nautical archaeologist who is searching for a sunken treasure that can unearth a centuries old curse, witchcraft and love on the high seas. This was my second time reading this author and I was not disappointed. It was written beautifully and will have you turning pages until the end. The author's words are magnificent and will have you captivated, but will also pull at your heartstrings. I loved the book and the setting of this one was perfect. Overall, the author did a spectacular job and the magical realism in this one was so awesome. I will be recommending this one to any reader, especially if they love historical fiction or mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this amazing read in exchange of my honest review of The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner.
The Amalfi Curse is about a nautical archaeologist who is searching for a sunken treasure that can unearth a centuries old curse, witchcraft and love on the high seas. This was my second time reading this author and I was not disappointed. It was written beautifully and will have you turning pages until the end. The author's words are magnificent and will have you captivated, but will also pull at your heartstrings. I loved the book and the setting of this one was perfect. Overall, the author did a spectacular job and the magical realism in this one was so awesome. I will be recommending this one to any reader, especially if they love historical fiction or mystery. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this amazing read in exchange of my honest review of The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner.
October 4, 2024
This was such an incredibly immersive and enthralling story. The writing is so beautiful and I had a hard time putting it down. 100% this is my new favorite book of Sarah Penner. The POVs and different timelines tied together so wonderfully. The research and time put in to make this story what it is, is clearly seen throughout the pages. This has it all: witches of the sea, love stories, mystery, and treasure hunting. I love a book about strong women and this is exactly that. Whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, and historical fiction; I think this is a book that stretches across multiple genres and so many readers will fall in love with it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Park Row for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Park Row for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2024
Sarah Penner has done it again.
This was such a fantastic blend of fun adventure and edge-of-your-seat tension. The Amalfi Curse presents an immersive dual-timeline journey along the Italian coast, weaving together a modern-day nautical archaeologist's quest with the secret workings of a band of streghe using their ancient magic to protect their home from the greedy Mazza brothers.
Mystery, history, and magic. Classically beautiful writing, devastatingly compelling characters, and seamlessly intertwined timelines. This book is a treasure!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the early galley!
This was such a fantastic blend of fun adventure and edge-of-your-seat tension. The Amalfi Curse presents an immersive dual-timeline journey along the Italian coast, weaving together a modern-day nautical archaeologist's quest with the secret workings of a band of streghe using their ancient magic to protect their home from the greedy Mazza brothers.
Mystery, history, and magic. Classically beautiful writing, devastatingly compelling characters, and seamlessly intertwined timelines. This book is a treasure!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the early galley!
October 6, 2024
Sarah Penner uses love, sunken treasure, heartbreak, and magic to seamlessly weave together past and present in two compelling and emotional stories. I loved the dual timelines in this and was deeply invested in both. Readers will love the strength and resilience of Mari and Haven and get deeply connected to these characters. This was a beautiful story, and perfect for anyone who likes to read stories of powerful women.
Thank you to HTP Books and NetGalley for early access to a copy of this book :)
Thank you to HTP Books and NetGalley for early access to a copy of this book :)
October 6, 2024
A breathtaking narrative intertwining two tales centuries apart. Penner immerses you in an addictive and enthralling voyage along the Almafi Coast. A story full of enchantment, betrayal, sacrifice, and finding the greatest treasure. A big thank you to HTP books for the early copy of this book!
June 16, 2024
Auto-buy and I can already guarantee the extensive (and fun) research behind this one🫶🏻
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews