The Amalfi Curse

1. How did Mari's connection to the sea change as the story progressed? And how did that connection, plus her powers, affect who she was and the tough choices she had to make, especially about her feelings for Holmes? Were you surprised when she agreed to proceed with the plan to sink the ship, even though it meant death for Holmes?

2. Mari and Haven face moments where they must make significant personal sacrifices - for love, family, or to fulfill a perceived destiny. What kind of sacrifices do each of them make, and what do you think the novel suggests about the nature of sacrifice, especially when protecting those you care about or preserving something precious?

3. How did Haven and Mari's relationships with Enzo and Holmes impact their big decisions? What do you think they added to the overall story, especially themes like making sacrifices or feeling connected across time?

4. Haven is driven by wanting to honor her dad and discover the truth about that treasure. How did her work as a nautical archaeologist blend with her search for answers after her dad died? And how did meeting people like Enzo and Conrad push her in different directions?

5. Did Haven's motivations change, and what did you think about her decisions as she got deeper into the mystery?

6. How did you think Haven handled all the unexpected twists and turns, especially once she realized there was more to the story than archaeology? Was she brave, a bit reckless, or something else entirely?

7. What did you make of Corso throughout the story? Did your opinion of him change as you learned more, and how did his presence impact Haven's adventure and her understanding of the Amalfi curse?

8. The Mazza brothers were all about greed and power. How did having them in the story highlight the dangers for people like Mari, who have special abilities or knowledge? How did they shake things up and help the main characters grow (or at least challenge them?

9. Corso had a history with Haven's dad, and he also saved her when she was a young diver, which sets up a unique dynamic between him and Haven. How do you think his loyalty or connection to her father influenced his actions towards Haven, especially in the beginning? Did it make you trust him more or less, knowing that past friendship?

10. Think about how Haven and Corso's relationship develops throughout the book - it's not static. How would you describe the most significant shifts in their connection from their first meeting to the end of the story? What moments or discoveries were key in changing their relationship?

11. As the story progresses, Savina, Enzo's mother, becomes an important character. What do you think about her personality and motivations, especially near the end of the book? Do her actions and link to the streghe history change how you view the "curse" or the larger events in Positano? Were you surprised by this twist?

Book Club Talking Points:
Book clubs will find "The Amalfi Curse" incredibly appealing, thanks to its engaging blend of genres and a dual-timeline mystery. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, it weaves together tales of sea witches and a quest for hidden treasure, while delving into themes such as destiny, the influence of our past, and the profound connections that span time. The characters are richly developed, and the story artfully combines magical realism with historical elements, creating a captivating read filled with unexpected twists.