The Amalfi Curse

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner is a captivating dual-timeline novel set against the sun-drenched Italian coast. The story follows Haven Ambrose, a modern-day nautical archaeologist who travels to Positano to investigate mysterious shipwrecks and fulfill her late father’s dream of finding sunken gemstones.

As Haven dives into the azure waters, she uncovers a centuries-old secret involving stregheria, an ancient form of sea magic. In the 1820s, a powerful sea witch named Mari DeLuca uses her mystical abilities to protect her village from pirates and storms. However, this protection comes at a high price, leading to a legendary curse that has plagued the region for generations.

While Haven faces modern-day sabotage and volcanic threats, she must piece together Mari’s history to break the cycle of misfortune. This enchanting tale blends historical fiction, romance, and magical realism, exploring how the secrets of the past can wash ashore in the present. It is a beautiful story about female empowerment, the bonds of family, and the enduring mysteries of the sea.