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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.
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Mari’s story is set in the 1800s in Positano, Italy. Mari is the fire-haired leader of the sea witches or streghe del mar, who are able to wield the power of the sea. The streghe used their powers to protect Positano from rough seas, from pirates, and anything else that dared threaten their town via the sea. Despite having this incredible gift, she loathed the sea. The sea had taken her mother, her sister, and she was finally ready to get away. She plans to leave after passing on her knowledge to the other sea witches. Her plan includes Holmes, a sailor that she has fallen in love with. Holmes works for the biggest threat to Positano, the Mezza brothers. Can he be trusted? Haven, a marine archeologist, in the present day, arrives to Positano, to study the mysterious Li Galli shipwreck sites (and embark on her late father’s side quest, which may include recovering lost jewels). Upon her arrival, weird things start to happen. Vesuvius is threatening to erupt, a yacht went down on the Li Galli site, and then, a former colleague, Conrad, threatens her project. She enlists the help from a local scuba company owner, Enzo (He’s gorgeous, I might add). Will the Amalfi Curse thwart her life’s work? The Amalfi Curse stays true to Sarah Penner’s writing style, a brilliant blend of historical fiction, modern days, & magic. She does a brilliant job tying the stories together for an ever so satisfying ending. If you loved The Lost Apothecary & The London Séance Society as much as I did, you will love The Amalfi Curse. Thank you Edelweiss & Park Row for the opportunity to review this ARC!