The Amalfi Curse is a stunning novel set across dual timelines on the exquisitely beaautiful coast of Positano. Srorms and maelstrom have caused havoc for centuries along the coastline. In modern days, Haven is attempting to search. I'm the last place her father discovered precious gems from a wreck before his death, but she unearths more than just treasure, unravelling a long line of women protecting Positano and their loved ones with their magic, a magic that is able to manipulate the tides. We discover a story of love and protection that is carried forward into the present. Both timelines have powerful and beautiful stories and are equally compelling. The audiobook is wonderfully relayed. A superb listen. #theamalficurse #sarahpenner #netgalley #audiobook

The mysterious shipwrecks have drawn attention and brought Haven, a nautical archaeologist, to the Amalfi Coast. But her true reason for being here holds a secret promise she made to her father on his deathbed. As the search begins, questions arise—are these accidents nature's doing, or is something more sinister at play?

As the story progresses, we're also introduced to many technical aspects of diving (which was really helpful for a novice like me), with a sprinkle of romance brewing on the back burner. That, mixed with Stregheria—the witches of the sea 🌊 storyline—immersed this book into a magical potion; there was no way not to like it!

Sarah is the queen of writing dual timelines. I loved The Lost Apothecary by her, and this book too. Her execution of two parallel timelines that come together at the climax is nothing short of magnificent. I kept my fingers crossed so many times throughout this book because I just wanted things to end the way I imagined in my head 🙈. Safe to say, I was quite happy by the end, and this is one of those books I would happily reread.

My first novel by this author and I absolutely loved it!

I was initially enticed by the gorgeous cover, but quickly became hooked on the story itself - I loved the dual timeline, and the beautiful location which had me googling holidays to Positano! The sense of place the author creates is great, and I just thought it was a really compelling and escapist take on the witchy genre!

Great audio narration too, although the male narrative was a little irritating (but very small!).

4.5⭐️

I had this Historical fiction read by Jessica Preddy, Greg Lockett, Gulia Innocenti who are very good.

This unusual historical fiction blends the mythology of sea witches and the Almafi curse with modern day treasure diving. I was immediately drawn by both premises. In the past we get the story of one of the sea witches and her sailor lover. 200 years later
Haven a nautical archeologist is trying to find the treasure at Postiano that her father discovered just before his death.
I loved both threads equally, they are well balanced, which is unusual as I usually prefer the historical thread. The characters are great, there’s so much going on, including love interests.
What makes it fascinating is that it’s so different, I love when authors tap into local legends and myths.
I think that it’s my favourite of this authors books for its unique storyline.

Even if I knew that mystery wasn't my genre of predilection I wanted to give it a shot. And I must say that the setting was quite enjoyable (ofc it is, it's Positano) and I love a good tale of ancient sorcery.
So as a non mystery-lover this book was quite alright

thank you netgalley for the copy

3.5⭐️
This book turned out not to be for me personally but it was a beautiful book for those that love historical fiction.
Penners writing is beautifully detailed and pulls you into the story.

I did enjoy the present day time line and the magical realism and for those that like going back to other timelines she did a great job connecting the two.
I consumed the audiobook and it had 3 narrators Jessica Preddy; Greg Lockett; Gulia Innocenti. I enjoy both females as they did a great job with their recitation and spoke at a good natural pace. I personally did not enjoy the males voice and it made me disconnect from the story.

This book comes out May 1 2025

I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from W.F. Howes Ltd through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Oh no! I hate when I come to review and I’m a very clear outlier. So while my review is an honest one, before I begin let me say that I’ve struggled to settle to anything in the last couple of days, so it really could be a me thing this time.

I absolutely hoovered up The Lost Apothecary by the author, and I had almost forgotten that this title was sitting on my NetGalley shelf, so when I realised and made the connection I was desperate to get started. It had everything that should’ve worked perfectly for me, a beautiful setting, a dual timeline, a longing to discover secrets from the past and a little bit of witchcraft. Sadly I was quite shocked when I realised I was almost 50 % in and nothing seemed to have happened and with no real clue as to where we were heading, nothing connecting me to the characters past or present, or I hate to say any real interest in the connection between present and past.

It wasn’t really until the 70% that I felt I could get invested in the story, for me that seemed far too late, however I really loved the ending which is what essentially made me round up from 2 to 3 🌟

The narration was nice, I’m quite sad this didn’t work very well for me.

Huge thanks to W. F. Howes Ltd via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

Well written and full of magic and adventure this was a fun read with a strong storyline and well rounded characters
I’ve liked everything from this author she always writes very interesting stories and they’re always very different

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

I haven’t read anything by this author, but based on this book, I’d definitely look for more. I had the audio version which is very well narrated throughout and I really enjoyed listening to the title over a couple of evenings. Sarah Penney writes with assurance. In a dual timeline story, I had a real sense of mystery and witchcraft from the past resonating with the present and a search for lost treasure. There are elements of fantasy, which I’d usually avoid, but here it’s as if Sarah has cast her own bit of magic sprinkle dust and gets buy in from the reader/listener. I loved the location. I’ve never visited the Amalfi coast, but I had a strong sense of location; warm, sunny, sparkling seas and wrecks with hidden treasure. Such is the power of of the writing, even magical power like stregheria seemed plausible. There’s romance, again sort him inclined to avoid, but it’s deftly woven into this tale and I was captivated. To my surprise, I was swept along in the mystery and magic of the story and I loved it. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.