The Amalfi Curse

Coming april 29, 2025

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.

order the B&N exclusive edition here

Enthusiastic Early Praise for The Amalfi Curse...

"With her clear, dazzling prose, Sarah Penner transported me to the sea-swept cliffs of Positano and introduced me to characters I'll never forget. A magical read!"
—Emilia Hart, New York Times bestselling author of Weyward

"Penner's latest is her best yet. Readers will be spellbound by this atmospheric, unmissable stunner. Pure magic!" —Katy Hays, New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters

"I flew through this book in one sitting! The Amalfi Curse is Penner at her best: mysterious, fun, and a little bit naughty. Ancient magic, sunken treasure, and a gorgeous Italian setting connect past to present in this thrilling and tender adventure that pits love against greed."
—Anna Rasche, bestselling author of The Stone Witch of Florence

"This book will have you swooning, gasping, tearing up, and if you're anything like me, Googling flights to Positano immediately. Prepare to be swept away!"
—Rachel Hawkins, bestselling author of The Heiress

"An atmospheric and spellbinding tale brimming with powerful magic, The Amalfi Curse transports readers to the dazzling Italian coast with vivid prose and page-turning adventure. A stunning novel!"
—Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana