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Curse Keepers #2.5
This Changes Everything
Ellie Dare Lancaster is only eight years old, but the secret she carries stretches back four hundred years, to the doomed pioneer colony of Roanoke Island—and the dark pact made by her ancestor, Ananias Dare. Though her father has told Ellie of her heritage, and she knows she will one day become a Curse Keeper, she never dreamed how soon that day would come…or how dear a sacrifice her grim duty will demand.
After impulsively sharing the truth about her destiny with her best friend, Ellie fears she has summoned something dreadful, something that cannot be denied. But it’s her parents’ discovery of an eighteenth-century artifact—linked to the mystery of the vanished North Carolina settlers—that brings fear, and murder, into their once safe and happy home. Now, the unholy forces unleashed at the dawn of a new nation stir once more, to challenge another generation fated to wage the war between gods of good and evil.
A short story, This Changes Everything delves deeper into the world of Ellie Lancaster and the Curse Keeper series!
After impulsively sharing the truth about her destiny with her best friend, Ellie fears she has summoned something dreadful, something that cannot be denied. But it’s her parents’ discovery of an eighteenth-century artifact—linked to the mystery of the vanished North Carolina settlers—that brings fear, and murder, into their once safe and happy home. Now, the unholy forces unleashed at the dawn of a new nation stir once more, to challenge another generation fated to wage the war between gods of good and evil.
A short story, This Changes Everything delves deeper into the world of Ellie Lancaster and the Curse Keeper series!
48 pages, ebook
First published August 12, 2014
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537 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
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November 9, 2014
This Changes Everything by Denise Grover Swank is #0.6 in the Curse Keepers series. This short novella is a look back at Ellie as a little girl, the night her life was forever changed.
Ellie and her best friend, Claire are eight years old and outside playing on the tree swing. Claire is upset and finally confesses to Ellie what is bothering her. Ellie will do anything to make her best friend feel better so she distracts her by sharing a huge secret with her, one that her Daddy told her never to tell. And in return, Claire shares a huge secret with Ellie as well.
Ellie has a terrible feeling that something is very wrong. Her parents have been arguing a lot and Ellie doesn’t know why. They seem so worried about something.
On the night that her Daddy has to go out for awhile, the bad men come. They are looking for something. Ellie wants so badly to go down the stairs to try to help her Mommy but the kind voice tells her to take her bunny and hide in the closet. The voice tells her to stay hidden, that she can’t help her Mommy.
“Elinor Dare Lancaster - you’re a fighter and don’t you ever forget it. You have to be strong for your Daddy. No matter what happens, know that he loves you.”
This short story was packed with emotion and suspense. It explains so much. How Ellie lost her memories of all the Curse Keeper’s details. And what happened that horrible night. Who was the bad man and who was the kind voice that kept her hidden? My heart broke for that little eight year old girl but now I understand so much better the Ellie I have gotten to know as an adult in this series.
“Ellie, you are strong and brave. When it is your time, you will make an excellent Curse Keeper.”
Ellie and her best friend, Claire are eight years old and outside playing on the tree swing. Claire is upset and finally confesses to Ellie what is bothering her. Ellie will do anything to make her best friend feel better so she distracts her by sharing a huge secret with her, one that her Daddy told her never to tell. And in return, Claire shares a huge secret with Ellie as well.
Ellie has a terrible feeling that something is very wrong. Her parents have been arguing a lot and Ellie doesn’t know why. They seem so worried about something.
On the night that her Daddy has to go out for awhile, the bad men come. They are looking for something. Ellie wants so badly to go down the stairs to try to help her Mommy but the kind voice tells her to take her bunny and hide in the closet. The voice tells her to stay hidden, that she can’t help her Mommy.
“Elinor Dare Lancaster - you’re a fighter and don’t you ever forget it. You have to be strong for your Daddy. No matter what happens, know that he loves you.”
This short story was packed with emotion and suspense. It explains so much. How Ellie lost her memories of all the Curse Keeper’s details. And what happened that horrible night. Who was the bad man and who was the kind voice that kept her hidden? My heart broke for that little eight year old girl but now I understand so much better the Ellie I have gotten to know as an adult in this series.
“Ellie, you are strong and brave. When it is your time, you will make an excellent Curse Keeper.”
March 28, 2015
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This Changes Everything is the second short story in the Curse Keeprs world and focuses on Ellie as a child, as well as the night of her mothers murder. I went into this story know that it would be a sad one, but I wasn't expecting to learn so much about the curse and how this night impacted it. Though it was a hard story to read, especially since eight year old Ellie is so cute and endearing, it was easily my favorite in the series so far.
As I said, I absolutely loved this little story. At first I was a little nervous about reading it since I knew it wouldn't have a happy ending but Swank instantly drew me in and even though it was hard to read I absolutely adored it. Seeing eight year old Ellie was such a treat and I loved being introduced to the mother we always read about, but have never met. I also enjoyed seeing what Ellie's dad was like before the Alzheimer's took over and his views on the curse.
The appearance of Ahone and Collin's dad was completely unexpected and gave a whole new twist to the story that I hadn't been expecting. Ellie's mothers murder is mentioned several times in the main novels but since Ellie doesn't remember much of it the details are usually glossed over. However, this story went in depth about what happened that night and how it impacted the curse. Though the murder was gruesome and depressing it also provided a huge insight to the series and I would definitely say this story is a must read for those invested in the series.
Even though it was a sad read I loved this short story and it was my favorite story in the Curse Keepers series so far. Reading this story has only drawn me even more into the world of the Curse Keepers and I can't wait to read even more about Ellie, Collin, and the curse!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This Changes Everything is the second short story in the Curse Keeprs world and focuses on Ellie as a child, as well as the night of her mothers murder. I went into this story know that it would be a sad one, but I wasn't expecting to learn so much about the curse and how this night impacted it. Though it was a hard story to read, especially since eight year old Ellie is so cute and endearing, it was easily my favorite in the series so far.
As I said, I absolutely loved this little story. At first I was a little nervous about reading it since I knew it wouldn't have a happy ending but Swank instantly drew me in and even though it was hard to read I absolutely adored it. Seeing eight year old Ellie was such a treat and I loved being introduced to the mother we always read about, but have never met. I also enjoyed seeing what Ellie's dad was like before the Alzheimer's took over and his views on the curse.
The appearance of Ahone and Collin's dad was completely unexpected and gave a whole new twist to the story that I hadn't been expecting. Ellie's mothers murder is mentioned several times in the main novels but since Ellie doesn't remember much of it the details are usually glossed over. However, this story went in depth about what happened that night and how it impacted the curse. Though the murder was gruesome and depressing it also provided a huge insight to the series and I would definitely say this story is a must read for those invested in the series.
Even though it was a sad read I loved this short story and it was my favorite story in the Curse Keepers series so far. Reading this story has only drawn me even more into the world of the Curse Keepers and I can't wait to read even more about Ellie, Collin, and the curse!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
October 27, 2025
This is a short novella giving us the backstory of when Ellie was eight and taking us to the night, when she lost her mother.
We get subtle sneak peeks of more reveals about the Curse, about how it was all part of the greater design.
Ellie and Claire were absolutely adorable as little girls and you can feel their close friendship right from that age.
Seeing Ellie's parents in love was so sweet but I have to admit this one was difficult to read towards the end because I was on the verge of sobbing badly, as we see the pain and hurt and despair that Ellie is feeling and just everything that happened... It was so hard and I definitely am so emotional and heart broken for Ellie.
One more prequel and then we are onto book 3, Oohh...so excited for it.
We get subtle sneak peeks of more reveals about the Curse, about how it was all part of the greater design.
Ellie and Claire were absolutely adorable as little girls and you can feel their close friendship right from that age.
Seeing Ellie's parents in love was so sweet but I have to admit this one was difficult to read towards the end because I was on the verge of sobbing badly, as we see the pain and hurt and despair that Ellie is feeling and just everything that happened... It was so hard and I definitely am so emotional and heart broken for Ellie.
One more prequel and then we are onto book 3, Oohh...so excited for it.
August 21, 2018
Ellie
I loved hearing some of Ellie’s back story. I love these books and the short stories that provide more information. It makes the series even better!
I loved hearing some of Ellie’s back story. I love these books and the short stories that provide more information. It makes the series even better!
December 27, 2019
This novella is based on Ellie’s childhood and majorly important events that happened. Holy Crap is this book very important to read!
Twists that I did not see coming.
I love how this novella helps answer some questions to this ongoing puzzle/adventure. Got me even more excited on how this will all play out in this next book.
I don’t know how this author packed all this wow into this novella without being overwhelming. Very well written and enjoyable!
Twists that I did not see coming.
I love how this novella helps answer some questions to this ongoing puzzle/adventure. Got me even more excited on how this will all play out in this next book.
I don’t know how this author packed all this wow into this novella without being overwhelming. Very well written and enjoyable!
August 13, 2014
This series just keeps getting better and better for me. This novella has important information that is a must read for all Curse Keeper fans. Although, if you start the series with this book, it won't spoil anything, but it will make you want to know a lot more.
We get a good insight to her mother's murder and why Ellie can't remember the curse since Amanda's death.
Denise has a way of filling in the gaps, answering questions from the previous books and also she has the knack of leaving you wanting so many more questions answered.
I can not wait to read the next instalment with The Curse Defiers. Awesome job Denise.
We get a good insight to her mother's murder and why Ellie can't remember the curse since Amanda's death.
Denise has a way of filling in the gaps, answering questions from the previous books and also she has the knack of leaving you wanting so many more questions answered.
I can not wait to read the next instalment with The Curse Defiers. Awesome job Denise.
January 23, 2019
This Changes Everything is a short story in the Curse Keepers series that gives more insight to Ellie's background and about what happened with her mother. For such a short book, it was full of significant information and emotion. Based on the previous books in this series, I knew what was going to eventually take place in this book but it was still shocking and emotional to read. I feel like this book is fundamental to the series because it tells the reader important information that Ellie has not remembered in the main books. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series to see if all of Ellie's memories come back and how they will affect her story.
April 7, 2018
Another amazing Curse Keeper secret!! Another small novella that isn’t a continuation of the story line, but one that goes back in time to show important events that happened in the past and it was a homerun!! This one is about Ellie’s mother’s death and it was amazing and completely unexpected. Not only did it give me information about what happened, but it left me with new questions and a renewed curiosity for the rest of the series. I am not wasting any time and starting the next book right away!!
April 7, 2018
This novella was heartbreaking. I loved that we were able read about how Ellie's mom died and what actually happened. But it was so heartbreaking to get all the details. This book is a must read in order to understand why Ellie can not remember much about the curse. You learn a lot in this small novella, it clarifies a lot, but still does not answer every question, which will keep you on your toes!
June 17, 2019
This short story fills in the blanks and the parts that Ellie was not able to remember regarding her mothers death. This book also explains the girls friendship and why they are so good for each other as her friend is also a part of this curse. She will share her own secrets with Ellie. I thought this book was a great addition to the series and I enjoyed learning more about Ellie's parents and little girl Ellie.
August 9, 2019
This book is set when Ellie is a young girl I think 8. It is set when she tells Claire her best friend about the curse and being descendents of the Dare line. I love this book, seeing how Ellie was with the curse when she is a young girl. And what she thinks she has done by telling about the curse. It goes through what happened that night with Ellie mum when she was murdered. It was shocking to find out who did it, and who was involved.
March 6, 2017
In this novella, Ellie is a young girl. It tells the story of how she and Claire became friends. It also gives us the story of how her mother died and who the killer really is. I was not expecting this information, but it makes the storyline of the whole series, that much better. I can't wait to read what happens next!
March 7, 2018
This is another great little book of information. We get a look at Ellie's childhood when she told Claire her secret. We get to see Ellie's parents together for a short time. And then find out that Claire has her own secret to tell. We see the horror Ellie went through when her mother was murdered and find out who did it and why she doesn't remember it.
April 4, 2018
Once again, Denise dives deeper into the whole back story. We find out what happened that dreaded night when Ellie's mother died. Some of your questions will get answered, and well of course you will walk away with more questions. You can read the series without the the novella, but I don't recommend it. The novella's add so much more to the series.
April 14, 2018
This short story was so insightful. Where the previous books have given us glimpses into Ellie's childhood trauma, this books takes us into the event of Ellie's mothers death. I found myself holding my breath waiting for what was going to happen next. While this story was short in length, it has a huge impact on the readers understanding of the biggest event that shaped who Ellie has become.
May 2, 2018
Good companion piece
This is a story about Ellie when she was a little girl and how she lost her memory of the curse. It goes into detail about how it happened and gives a small glimpse into the lives of her with her parents. It is an enjoyable short story for the Curse Keepers collection.
This is a story about Ellie when she was a little girl and how she lost her memory of the curse. It goes into detail about how it happened and gives a small glimpse into the lives of her with her parents. It is an enjoyable short story for the Curse Keepers collection.
February 7, 2019
This story is haunting. It goes into detail of how Amanda comes into obtaining the ring and an argument between her and Ellie's father. DGS also goes into detail of what happened the night Ellie's mother was murdered. We see how Ahone intervened and erased Ellie's memories. I love having the back story, as sad as it may be.
December 31, 2019
This is a great prequel to The Curse Keepers. In this book we meet Ellie Lancaster as an 8 year old little girl. She has been learning about the curse from her father as long as she could remember.
I felt so much for little Ellie who has so much riding on her little shoulders. Great short, quick read.
I felt so much for little Ellie who has so much riding on her little shoulders. Great short, quick read.
August 16, 2017
More background story
This is the 2nd short story that fills in the history of the Curse Keepers series.
I really feel that this should have been part of book one!!!!! Not making me pay extra for what should be part of the original book.
This is the 2nd short story that fills in the history of the Curse Keepers series.
I really feel that this should have been part of book one!!!!! Not making me pay extra for what should be part of the original book.
November 21, 2017
Great short story!
This Changes Everything is a short story about Ellie and the events that caused her mother's death. This is a great read and answers alot of questions about Ellie's past.
This Changes Everything is a short story about Ellie and the events that caused her mother's death. This is a great read and answers alot of questions about Ellie's past.
March 20, 2018
This Changes Everything
Ok so I read the The Curse Keepers first. Then found this 3book set of the whole beginning of it. So read the first one and now the second. I am finding g these books very informative. One more then back to the regular series
Ok so I read the The Curse Keepers first. Then found this 3book set of the whole beginning of it. So read the first one and now the second. I am finding g these books very informative. One more then back to the regular series
April 8, 2018
Great short story
This is complimentary to the curse keepers books. This explains the events of when Ellie's mom dies. It was very emotional and explains alot after 2 books. Very enjoyable read.
This is complimentary to the curse keepers books. This explains the events of when Ellie's mom dies. It was very emotional and explains alot after 2 books. Very enjoyable read.
May 2, 2018
This Changes Everything was very enlightening. This short story is extremely helpful to expand on The Curse Keepers series. The story was a heartbreaking but explains so much about Ellie, her parents, the curse, and even Collin. A must read in The Curse Keepers series!
June 9, 2017
This Changes Everything gives you insight into Ellie as an 8 year old and the day her mother was killed. It tells why Ellie can't remember the facts of her mother's death or the secret of the curse.
June 27, 2017
Yes....
Love this love this! This curse is something fierce. I'd hate to be involved with this situation and carry this burden!
Love this love this! This curse is something fierce. I'd hate to be involved with this situation and carry this burden!
May 12, 2018
This gives you the backstory of Ellie from Curse Keepers. I read it after reading the last book in the series but was fine reading either book first.
July 15, 2018
I LOVE novellas but even more, I love this series. Novellas give us a better chance to learn the character I feel. If you are reading this series - don't skip the Novellas!
September 10, 2018
Good to see the past unfold.
December 5, 2018
Had me in tears. It shows us what happened when Ellie was 8. I like the little novellas that show us a blast from the past.
December 30, 2018
Well this definitely gave a lot of insight, I would have been okay without this book but it did give some good information.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews