La Guérisseuse de Florence

by Anna Rasche, Thibaud Eliroff (Translator)

Ancient sorcery. Magic gemstones. Only one woman can save a city in ruins…1348. As the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. But when word spread of her unusual abilities, she was condemned as a witch and banished. Now the same men who expelled Ginevra are begging for her return. Ginevra obliges, assuming the city’s leaders are finally ready to accept her unorthodox cures amid a pandemic. But upon arrival, she is tasked with a much different she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics—the city’s only hope for protection. If she succeeds, she’ll be a recognized physician and never accused of witchcraft again. But as her investigation progresses, Ginevra discovers she’s merely a pawn in a much larger scheme than the one she’s been hired to solve. And the dangerous men behind this conspiracy won’t think twice about killing a stone witch to get what they want…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Witches, Historical, Italy, Mystery

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2024

About the author

I'm a New York-based writer, gemologist, and jewelry historian. My debut, THE STONE WITCH OF FLORENCE, was praised as "a twisty, historical witchy escape" by Entertainment Weekly, and as "Actually Interesting" by The Everygirl 🥹

I read widely in all sorts of genres, and give 5 Stars to my favorites here on Goodreads.

Follow me@by_annarasche on instagram for book news and for pictures of weird, old, jewels.

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day!!!!! ✨♥
Thank you so much, Harlequin Trade Publishing & Park Row, for providing me with this ARC.

The Stone Witch of Florence is an exemplary work of storytelling. Its vivid imagery and intricate characters create a rich tapestry that seamlessly blends magical realism with historical fiction, pulling you in from the get-go. The narrative skillfully explores the devastation of a plague, the corruption festering within the Church of Rome's elite, and the persecution of so-called heretics and witches. It's a captivating journey that charts Ginevra's transformation from a compassionate teenager to a wise adult, deftly weaving her past and present.

The story is a feast for the imagination, adorned with Ginevra's stoicism, selflessness, and mystical abilities, making you feel like an invisible observer in her world. The hermetic and divine aspects of gemstones add an extra layer of intrigue, exploring the intricate dance between light and dark, the sacred and the supernatural, thus enriching the heretical and magical dimensions of the narrative.

The supporting characters bring additional depth to Ginevra's journey, playing pivotal roles in her quest to confront her past and aid the citizens of Florence. Rasche's nuanced antagonist defies the typical villain trope, adding an unexpected layer of complexity to the story. Strength, corruption, magic, power, and death converge flawlessly, making for an enthralling read.

However, let's talk pacing. Sometimes, the narrative seemed to hit a speed bump, disrupting an otherwise immersive experience. It's almost like the book and I were momentarily out of sync. On the surface, this novel has all the essential elements of an extraordinary story, but there were moments when it felt like it lost a bit of its mojo.

Despite these hiccups, I'm giving this a 3.5 but rounding up—because even with its pacing issues, it's still a gem worth exploring. Maybe I'll revisit it later, and who knows? It might just hit differently next time around.

Give this one a shot if you enjoy historical fantasy!!

[Eva Gavilli · Rating 3 out of 5]

La strega delle pietre ⭐⭐⭐,5
Trama/Plot ⭐⭐⭐,5
Personaggi/Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stile/Style ⭐⭐⭐

ARC ricevuta su Netgalley dalla Ne/oN Edizioni. Un bel libro ambientato nella Firenze del '300, colpita dalla peste e che vede protagonista Ginevra, una “strega delle pietre”, che può utilizzare la magia naturale insita nelle pietre per fare piccoli incantesimi per lo più di guarigione. Ho trovato eccellenti i personaggi, sia i principali, Ginevra e Lucia in primis, ma anche Michele, l'inquisitore, sia in secondari, tutti quei personaggi che incontriamo nelle strade e nelle taverne fiorentine e che danno una chiara idea di quelle che dovevano essere la vita comune, le interazioni sociali tra ricchi e poveri, le credenze e le superstizioni del tempo. L'unico neo, per me, è nello stile, troppo “tell” e poco “show”.
***
This is an ARC from Netgalley, by Ne/oN publishing. A beautiful book set in the 14th century's Florence, struck by the plague and featuring Ginevra, a "stones' witch", who can use the natural magic inherent in stones to cast small spells, mostly healing. I found the characters excellent, both the main ones, Ginevra and Lucia first and foremost, but also Michele, the inquisitor, and the secondary ones, all those characters we meet in the streets and taverns of Florence and who give a clear idea of ​​what common life must have been like, the social interactions between rich and poor, the beliefs and superstitions of the time. The only flaw, for me, is in the style, too much "tell" and not enough "show".

[The Starry Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stone Witch of Florence is a medieval mystery featuring the magical healing powers of stones.

As the Black Plague rages on throughout Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo, an exiled stone witch, is summoned back to Florence to help heal the sick. To her surprise, once she arrives in Florence she is tasked with recovering stolen relics from the churches which are the city's only hope in warding off the plague. Using her gift as a gemstone healer, Ginevra will need to step out of her shadows and secrets and harness her magic to save the people of Florence. Striking a deal with the inquisitor, if she is able to recover the relics, she will be recognized as a doctor and have her witchcraft accusations removed. To clear her name once and for all, Ginevra is lured into a dark conspiracy that will force her to use her power of stones to not only save the relics, but herself.

I have been wanting to read a book about gemstone magic for years, and The Stone Witch of Florence did not disappoint. The history of gemstone lore sparkles and shines throughout this book. The ancient healing properties of stones and their magical uses were straight out of centuries old lapidary texts, so much so, that this book read like a medieval manuscript. The time and place of this story, 14th century Florence, was the perfect time period and location to set a book about gemstones since this was a huge part of the belief system, superstitions, and medicine at the time. Despite a large focus on church politics, the story was well balanced with occult elements, such as alchemy, astrology, and of course gemstone magic.

The story was bejeweled with Ginevra's stoicism, selflessness and witchy abilities which pulled me into her world making it feel as though I was there with her watching everything unfold. The hermetic and divine perspectives of gemstones were equally included in this story, with the complicated relationships between light and dark and the sacred and supernatural exploring the heretical and magical contentions of this craft.

If you enjoy historical fantasy novels, or loves crystals, this book is a must read. The author's passion for the subject shone through, emitting warmth and light like one of Ginevra's magical stones.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut novel by Anna Rasche. I picked it up because I enjoy reading about witches and I don't think I've ever read one about a stone witch.

Description:
A woman's secret. A deadly Plague. Unleash the hidden magic…

1348. As the Black Plague ravages Italy, Ginevra di Gasparo is summoned to Florence after nearly a decade of lonely exile. Ginevra has a gift—harnessing the hidden powers of gemstones, she can heal the sick. But when word spread of her unusual abilities, she was condemned as a witch and banished. Now the same men who expelled Ginevra are begging for her return.

Ginevra obliges, assuming the city’s leaders are finally ready to accept her unorthodox cures amid a pandemic. But upon arrival, she is tasked with a much different she must use her collection of jewels to track down a ruthless thief who is ransacking Florence’s churches for priceless relics—the city’s only hope for protection. If she succeeds, she’ll be a recognized physician and never accused of witchcraft again.

But as her investigation progresses, Ginevra discovers she’s merely a pawn in a much larger scheme than the one she’s been hired to solve. And the dangerous men behind this conspiracy won’t think twice about killing a stone witch to get what they want…

My Thoughts:
This one held my attention throughout with a strong main character and an interesting plot. The gemstone magic was fascinating to me and I loved the way gemstones were used to heal. The mix of historical fiction and fantasy worked well to produce a great story. There are church politics and relics here as well, and the church brought danger to Ginevra. I found Ginevra's life story totally captivating. The history was obviously well=researched, and I'm sure the author's background as a gemologist and jewelry historian was helpful to her. Loved the writing - very well done.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing - Park Row through Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Zoë · Rating 3 out of 5]

black plague but make it girly pop (I loved it)

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off strong but became so slow that I had to stop it halfway through.

[Andrea | andrea.c.lowry.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love how I was transported to medieval Florence during the black plague and found myself caught up in mystery, strong female bonds, and a bit of magic.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?

This is one of those emotionally moving stories where everything just spoke to me. From the ambiance, to the lush and devastating history, to an absolutely gripping plot, I could not stop turning the pages. Then, add in a bit of magic that feels so real and part of everyday life, and you have the perfect story to curl up with this fall.

I also loved the underlying theme of found sisterhood that infused the story with light, hope and at times humor.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:

Historical Fiction
Magical Realism
Found Family
Strong Female Bonds
Mystery
Gripping Plot
Rich Florence Atmosphere

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

Steady

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

I still cannot believe this is a debut! Truly one of those mesmerizing and enchanting stories that will thoroughly be-spell any reader. You have to grab a copy so you can go on a rich journey through the pages and history!

Thank you Park Row for this gift to copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

[˚₊‧⁺⋆♱ giorgia at scusastavoleggendo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probabilmente non sono la persona giusta per questo libro, che mi è parso davvero insipido e piatto sin dalle sue prime battute iniziali, passando dallo svolgimento abbastanza monotono e inconcludente a una conclusione anti climatica e poco soddisfacente: mi aspettavo, come dice il titolo, una strega che utilizza le pietre e le gemmologia come pilastro della sua magia, ma il realtà l'aspetto fantastico di questa storia (comunque ispirato a un manoscritto di reale esistenza) viene rilegato a Ginevra, la protagonista, che usa le sue pietre come se fosse in un laboratorio, e queste semplicemente "funzionano" - e pure a tempo record direi - per far nascere bambini e guarire persone dalla peste nera. Il libro poteva essere salvato dalla componente mistery - Ginevra infatti viene richiamata a Firenze per indagare su delle reliquie sante scomparse - e dove le motivazioni le ho apprezzate (così come le splendide illustrazioni all'interno) ho trovato in generale lo svolgimento dell'indagine totalmente casuale ("è del mestiere, questa?") e il finale fortemente anticlimatico. Non credevo di essere già arrivata alla risoluzione, letteralmente pochi capitoli dopo che viene chiarito il modus operandi del ladro. Anna Rasche nella vita valuta gioielli antichi per musei, e la sua competenza e amore per le pietre traspare sicuramente da questo libro, ma ciò non basta per creare un buon romanzo.

Non sono particolarmente credente, ma credo che le bestemmie utilizzate circa 6 volte nel libro e scritto in italiano anche nel manoscritto inglese potessero essere riportate in un altro modo in italiano: chiaramente l'americanissimo "goddamn" non è proprio uguale alla bestemmia nostrana. A me hanno personalmente dato fastidio, consiglio di aggiungerlo nelle note.

Grazie a ne/on e a Netgalley per l’ARC in cambio della mia onesta recensione.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ginerva di Gaspsro has a gift, she can heal the sick with her mystical powers from gemstones. She is condemned as a witch and is exiled from Florence. When the black plague hits she is summoned back to Florence. Upon returning, she is requested to track down a thief who is stealing relics from the churches of Florence.
The premise of the Stone Witch intrigued me. I couldn’t wait to read this book. I love Historical Fiction and mysteries.
I was captivated by the magic of the stones, but at times this story dragged on. I wasn’t that interested that much about the relics.
Anna Rasche did extensive research to transport her readers back to medieval Florence and the history of the stones. Her writing was beautiful. I felt though the ending was rushed and not satisfying.
Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row for this advanced copy of this book.

[Kristy Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is told in third person and dual timelines. In the former timeline we are introduced to main character Ginevra, a ten-year-old girl living in 1330 Genoa apprenticed to the local healer learning about her magical abilities quietly to avoid notice by the powerful religious leaders who would prosecute for witchcraft. Ginevra dreamed of being a doctor, an impossible feat at the time for a woman and is later sent to a convent in Florence to continue her healing education. The latter timeline finds Ginevra back home in 1348 where she has been exiled from Florence for her healing practices. A thief has been stealing religious relics from the churches of Florence, leaving plague in their wake. Ginevra is promised a pardon in return for finding the thief and returning the relics.

As a geologist, I’m always fascinated by stories that involve rocks and I loved reading about the various gemstones and their purported healing properties. I really enjoyed Ginevra’s journey to finding the thief and the revelations of her youth and how she came to be exiled. As she investigates the missing relics, Ginevra attempts to heal many people of the Plague along the way, some hopeful and some suspicious of her practices. She touches many lives with kindness, making new friends and even turning old enemies into friends. The story shines with the light of hope amid devastating loss.

Recommended to historical mystery fans who enjoy witchy healing stories.

Thank you to Netgalley, The Hive, and Park Row Books for a copy provided for an honest review.

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began planning this review, the first word that came to mind was "tale." The Stone Witch of Florence isn't exactly a fairy tale, but a tale that reads almost as if you were hearing a great storyteller recount it. It has a bit of magic—but not too much, if that makes sense. It's set in a long ago period (the 1340s) that could be "once upon a time." And, as in many tales, our heroine faces threats of multiple types: epidemic diseases, poverty, accusations of heresy, and romantic betrayal.

That heroine is Genevra di Gasparo, a fisherman's daughter with an untapped connection to the world around her. A female healer arranges with Genervra's parents to begin to teach her healing skills. Genevra is a quick learner, but also headstrong—and she doesn't want to heed warnings about keeping her abilities secret.

When accused of heresy Genevra finds herself exiled from Florence. She returns to her home of Genoa, determined to live a quiet life. Then, an unexpected messenger arrives at her door with a letter begging her to return to Florence. She's promised a retraction of the exile and, perhaps, an opportunity to train as a "real" doctor.

There are so many ways this story could have gone wrong—particularly in terms of tone—but Rasche handles it ably, letting readers relax on the boundary between real and magic, historical and imagined.

I highly recommend this title to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries or fantasy that keeps it feet on the ground, so to speak.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.

[Samantha Dowd · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book caught my attention immediately, but the execution just wasn't there. This felt jokey, but solemn at the same time. The inquisitor felt like a Monty Python character. I had a really difficult time getting through this book as it changed tones so frequently.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

[Isca Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this book as an ARC through my work.

I really, really enjoyed this book! The story grabbed my attention from the get-go, and the characters had good development for the story line without too much extra detail thrown in. There were humorous parts, and a lot of little clues dropped like bread crumbs that I didn't always pick up on at first, but then started to come together at the end.

Didn't guess the ending throughout the whole book, and the last 100 pages flew by there was so much action and intrigue. Definitely a must-read if you enjoy a witchy fiction book, especially a historical setting at that.

[Gena Mendoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the 3 is out of pity. Nothing against the writer, but I truly wasn’t feeling it. I wanted to like it, but the character development was meh and the world building didn’t feel cohesive. I hope that other people read it and find joy, but it was very beige to me sadly.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one not quite sure what I was getting.

I got a rich story, a fun and funny main character - Ginevra - and a fascinating story about stones with powers, saints, plagues and thieves. I loved getting to know all the characters, the interjected humor, and the final conclusion. This was such a fun adventure of a story and one that I loved from start to finish. Fast read, characters to love and a great ending. I'm so glad I gave this one a chance, I loved it!

[Olesya Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review in Washington Independent Review of Books!: https://www.washingtonindependentrevi....

[Collette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stone Witch of Florence" is a captivating blend of fantasy and historical fiction that immerses readers in a richly imagined world. The narrative weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of Florence’s colorful landscape. The author is adept at balancing creativity and realism, delving into the mysticism of healing power of gemstones and the bleak reality of The Plague. The characters are well-developed, each with their own intricate backstories that add depth to the plot. The writing is evocative, bringing the city and its magical elements to life. While the pacing may lag at times, the overall experience is engaging and thought-provoking.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this gem that debuts October 7, 2024.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest I didn’t think I would be but I was super triggered by this book with my anxiety and OCD. I hyperfocus on certain things and viruses are it!

I truly wanted to enjoy this book too the concept was solid and it had me so intrigued. My brain could not look past the plague. That is one of my triggers. It was hard for me to read and not feel like I was about to spiral into a panic attack. This is all on me and no fault of the author at all! I read the description and thought why not give it a shot it sounds interesting.

What I was able to focus on i enjoyed. The pacing was interesting, it was fast then slow then picked up
in the last quarter of the book. It was a well researched and thorough book in regards the history, and world building. If you aren’t triggered by viruses absolutely read this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Rasche, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review! I wish I could’ve given a more in-depth review. I truly wanted to enjoy it but my anxiety too me out of the story.

[Triss · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐ si bien le subo a cuatro porque la ambientación me ha parecido fetén (el hecho de que casi toda la novela transcurra en Florencia va a ser siempre algo positivo para mi), y la primera parte del libro me ha parecido fantástica. Sin embargo, se queda en un 3.75 porque el desenlace me ha parecido un poco precipitado, ocurre todo demasiado deprisa y te quedas con la sensación de que habrías echado en falta más páginas, de que tal vez no era necesario que toda la acción transcurriese en apenas unos pocos días (cuando en la primera parte hemos tenido flashbacks de la protagonista desde que es una niña hasta que es una joven adulta).
Sin embargo, sí me parece que está muy bien escrita y, como ya he mencionado más arriba, la ambientación está tan bien conseguida que de verdad te traslada a una Florencia consumida por la peste; el nivel de detalle a la época y sus costumbres manifiesta plenamente la gran cantidad de documentación que la autora ha consultado para su obra, pero sin llegar a cansar con datos que podrían haber sido innecesarios.

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sono ovviamente grata a NetGalley e alla casa editrice Ne/oN per questo ARC ricevuto in anteprima in cambio di un’onesta recensione.

Purtroppo si è rivelata una lettura non proprio trascinante, benché presentasse più di un motivo per piacermi molto: ambientazione storica, una Firenze medievale abbruttita e consumata dalla peste nera, una giovane donna che persegue comunque lo studio della medicina, soprattutto quella legata ai poteri delle pietre. Io stessa amo le pietre dure e i cristalli, e sono sempre stata affascinata dai benefici e dall’influenza che esercitano in base a tradizioni antichissime, sia in occidente che in oriente.

Pur avendo a disposizione un substrato così ricco e affascinante, supportato anche da un’evidente conoscenza personale, questo romanzo assomiglia a un dolce preparato con ingredienti di qualità che non è riuscito a lievitare bene. Una storia afflosciata è la prima metafora che mi viene in mente, perché la narrazione parte piatta e così resta, a tratti confusa, a tratti lentissima, quasi sempre priva di quel ritmo e di quel guizzo che incuriosiscono e che spingono il dito a girare la pagina per sapere cosa succederà dopo.
Ginevra è ribelle, spregiudicata ma anche ingenua, inconsapevole dei pericoli a cui la espongono il suo essere donna e non maritata, povera, ma anche istruita, generosa ed emarginata.
La Firenze del 1348 non è un luogo per donne, la paura del maligno e delle streghe è dietro l’angolo, la stessa peste è penetrata nelle mura e ha reso deserte piazze e chiese. Basta poco per incorrere nella dannazione eterna e nella collera di preti e maschi, specie investigando tra miracoli e reliquie.

Un fantasy storico con buoni spunti e un po’ pretenzioso. Forse le bestemmie in italiano aggiungeranno sapore per i lettori americani: io ne avrei fatto volentieri a meno.

[Jenny’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche such an amazing read it gives a new perspective just because you been told one way doesn’t always mean it’s the only way with the help of lady who show you the ways of healing you have to hide those ways because the town does not allow the practice of witchcraft and for expanding your knowledge for a women, you get banish and be disappointed with the man who led you to a scar to show your crime when all you did was fall for him. Now the town waits for your return to save the deaths of many.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reading

[Books Tea Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this beauty — although admittedly it took me a minute to get into this writing style it’s worth it! Florence is one of my favorite places on the planet, and this book only heightened my love of Italy. Witchy books always top my TBR list and this one with rituals on malocchio and the story of how it was born and red coral + clever uses of numerology 😱🧿🤘 ayayayahhh —all the things! It’s absolute word smithing magic with crystal healing at its core. 🙌♥️💎

[Mary Fabrizio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat entertaining tale of magic and religion during the plague in Medieval Italy. I enjoyed the humor dispersed throughout but the ending felt a little too silly. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Erricka Hager · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this but 2/3 of the way through the book I lost interest. I honestly don’t know why I didn’t DNF this.

[Bethany Borgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fun! It felt very Monty python to me.

[Lilisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

In 14th century Italy, the plague is destroying life. Ginevra di Gasparo has a secret skill - she can heal people through the power of gemstones. But she had been banished from the city of Florence for her so-called witchcraft. With the plague ravaging Florence, she’s beensummoned to return for the powers that be are desperate to stem the tide of death. She is also charged with finding out who is stealing precious relics from the city’s churches under the cover of the plague. The premise of the book was intriguing and the first few pages started out well, when Ginevra is summoned to return to Florence. Then we go back in time. Two or more timelines in books now seem to be a current trend these days. In some cases they work well and complement the storyline, in others not so much - as in this book. The continued switching of timelines didn’t flow well and frankly wasn’t necessary. I wasn’t pulled into the story and the book dragged. I wasn’t wowed by the characters and somehow I didn’t feel the book had a great sense of place even though it was set mostly in Florence - it felt like it could have been any city. Hopefully others will enjoy the book more than I did. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Yelda Basar Moers · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had so many problems on so many levels. It had deficits in every part of fiction that I can think of. For a historical novel set in the 14th century, the language sounded like it came out of a YA contemporary novel. I have no idea how some readers gave it five stars unless they were paid to do so! I also had trouble following what was happening and the narrative did not make sense at times. I love Florence and the premise of stones and witchcraft and the healing energy of crystals was so fantastic, but the execution was so poor, that I can only say that this author was not in the right hands. Very disappointing read…I did read the book in its entirety to try to give it a chance to turn around.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stone Witch of Florence was so beautiful in its friendships following along with the witch, Ginevra. She's witty and caring. I felt like I grew with her as she grew throughout the story. There were moments of laughter and moments of "what the hell", and I loved every moment!

When this book releases I definitely recommend buying it. The cover is beautiful and sprayed edging plus a wonderful fast read.

I want to thank Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for this fantastic advance copy of The Stone Witch of Florence.

CM

#TheStoneWitchofFlorence #NetGalley

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. Very interesting story.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
The Black Death cut a swath through Europe and the Muslim world in the mid-1300s, resulting in a terrific number of deaths. People were desperate for anything to save them from an invisible killer that could destroy entire households, praying to god and saintly relics, and if possible, escaping to the countryside. The plague resulted in fear, mass graves and eventually, many years later, left the Western world with a charming little rhyme that originated during one of the successive waves of the plague.

Author Anna Rasche sets her story in 1349 Florence and Genoa, and tells the story of Ginevra di Gasparo, daughter of a fisherman, and a powerful stone witch. Taught the basics in working the magic of gemstones from a healer in Genoa, Ginevra eventually heads to Florence and a nunnery which provides healthcare for pregnant women and those in the sex trade. The nunnery has a powerful relic, made of bread, safeguarded within, and Ginevra learns basic healing from the nuns, and she begins investigating healing with gemstones on her own.

An ill-advised infatuation with the scion of a wealthy family leads Ginevra to mistakenly believe that she is somehow untouchable from the religious edicts against witchery, and destined for a cozy life as his wife. When an illness afflicts many in the city, Ginevra begins healing all she can, making use of her magic. All seems well at first, but things come crashing down when she offends a supposed medical man, and the convent that has been her home and safety for years is punished. Ginevra is then arrested and mutilated by the Inquisitor's men, then banished from Florence.

Living a small, careful life subsequently in Genoa, Ginevra provides small herbal cures to people who come to her door. Years later, sailor arrives at her door, suffering a strange illness which produces large boils at his neck, and Ginevra is unable to heal him. He and the ship he came from were stranded in Kaffa. In the end, every sailor landing in Genoa infected everyone he came into contact with, and soon Genoa was a city of the dead. At which point, Ginevra received a summons from her former love in Florence, stating her banishment was rescinded.

Ginevra is horrified on her arrival, as the city is hollowed out--the plague is here, also--and no amount of praying to saintly relics has prevented sickness and death.

Ginevra is soon disabused of her belief that her adolescent love is eager to make amends; instead, the Inquisitor says she is allowed back in the city because he needs her to do something for him: find out who has been stealing relics from churches, as it is believed that these disappearances have allowed the plague to come to Florence. Being less naïve than before, Ginevra extracts a promise from the Inquisitor in exchange for her task, then she begins searching for the culprit.

This was an enjoyable story, with Rasche populating her novel with interesting characters and conversations set against a horrifying backdrop. The gem-based magic was a nice touch, allowing Ginevra to focus her innate magical ability and pair it with her strong desire to help and heal others.

People have long believed in the magic properties inherent to gemstones, and Rasche gave her story a believable history of the beliefs and practice, including selected texts.

Ginevra is a likeable, though occasionally too single-minded once set on an idea, putting herself at risk frequently, and sometimes needlessly. I loved the relationships she built once returned to Florence, particularly with the lonely widow Lucia. Interactions with Ginevra drew out a strength heretofore unknown in Lucia, allowing her to enter into productive investigations alongside Ginevra for the missing relics.

I also liked how the author balanced the fantastic with the historical, horrific and humorous, crafting a Florence steeped in religion, superstition, fear, pride and decadence.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.