Curses & Charms

Chronicles of a Cursed Midlife #0.5

by Barb Hopkins, Kelly Garcia

Let the Adventure—and the Friendship—Begin!

When Izzy Doyle and Mae Lawson meet in graduate school, they instantly bond over their shared passion for archaeology, the mysteries of ancient relics, and tea. Fun-loving, brilliant, and inseparable, the two best friends dive headfirst into their studies, never imagining that their academic pursuits would lead them into a real-life adventure.

But when a legendary death mask is stolen from their university—a relic rumored to be cursed and known for leaving a trail of bodies in its wake—Izzy and Mae find themselves at the heart of a dark and dangerous mystery. With suspicion mounting and the clock ticking, the duo must put their wits and friendship to the ultimate test.

As they race to find the stolen mask, they discover that some myths are more than just stories—and some curses are terrifyingly real. Can Izzy and Mae solve the mystery before the curse claims its next victim?

This thrilling prequel to the Chronicles of a Cursed Midlife is a testament to the power of friendship, the thrill of adventure, and the magic that lies just beneath the surface of the past.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Magic

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

I write books filled with magic, mysteries, and deep friendships—books for kids and adults.

I thrive on books, coffee, and chocolate—not always in that order.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really hoping for a new great Midlife series. I saw a novella for this one and picked it right away. Unfortunately, I got board by chapter three. By the time the exciting stuff began to happen, I found I didn't care as I was not at all attached to the characters or the storyline. Sadly, as of now; I won't be starting this series. Maybe this novella was meant for already established readers who know and love these characters?

[jessica epps · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yawn

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I needed to read. Paranormal intrigue meets friendship drama with a hint for the cozy to come.

Curses & Charms was a true delight. It was fun and endearing to read, and I loved the archeological tilt and throwbacks to Indiana Jones. Please tell me Mae is real and I can be her bestie because I think I need a little more of her free spirit in my life!

This is the setup for the Chronicles of a Cused Midlife. I already have book 1 on preorder and I can't wait to dive in!

[Beverly Diehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A light and funny introduction to two characters, Izzy and Mae, who are in graduate school, where a cursed death mask is making the rounds. It's only an appetizer, not a full story, but definitely enough to pique my interest on the rest of the series.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginnings

It was fun learning about Izzy and Mae’s beginning and ending as friends. The mask incident was different than I imagined from reading book 1, Cursed Companions. Much more dangerous!

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited for this novella because the characters were closer to my age, and it sounded really fun. It was just ok. I was bored in the beginning and sort of felt that the college setting made the main characters seem younger than they were.

[Melodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sets up series well

Complex characters interesting situations moderately high stakes.
I appreciate enjoying a fantasy that's not a romance or about teenagers.
Recommend

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life & Choices

Life and friendship get in the way of each other.
One day your best friend chooses to go her own way, and everything comes tumbling down!

[James Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too short

Blasted book did not have enough pages . Stopped just when the tide turns . Son of a gun. Lol I love the book though

[Kasey Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed!

[Micki-D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was bored in the beginning it did pick up but by then I wasn’t invested in the characters and they the college setting made the main characters seem younger than they were. The throwbacks to Indiana Jones were good I do enjoy that part.
Maybe it just wasn’t for me

[Florencia · Rating 1 out of 5]

too boring to even finish. DNF