Ms. N. Bradshawe "Nicole" (UK) I couldn't put it down . . . Ladies this is a must read, it arrived from Amazon at 1pm and I had it finished by 6pm.
The tangled web Ellen creates is both intriguing and compelling; this truly is a book you can't put down. She writes about characteristics we can identify within ourselves and our lovers. `Beautiful Strangers' is an exciting well paced book and it certainly does leave you wanting more.....Roll on Spring 2011 for the sequel.

D. Morse (San Fransico, CA)  A perfect lazy Sunday afternoon Luxury!
I recently read the original version, and found it almost impossible to put down. I just finished reading this revised edition and it was even better than the original. This thrilling novel has everything; humor, steamy sex, romance and danger. The characters are extremely likeable (even Hyacinth in the beginning), memorable and easy to relate to. I found myself being pulled into Hyacinth's world and loved every minute of it. It was one of those rare novels that you wish would go on forever..Ellen Dean is a talented writer and I can't wait for Beyond Midnight.

A. Gettman "fighterguppy" (Los Angeles CA)  A must read.
Ellen is a friend, and I have to say I was impressed with her book. The story line is fictional true, but very enjoyable. Let yourself get lost in the trials & tribulations of the 2 lesbians characters that tempt & tease each other. This book is full of sultry wanting & sex...which captivated me. There's enough adventure with smuggling & other sorts of activities to keep one engaged. It's an easy read & worth your time... support Indie Writers!

Ms. S. L. Costello (England)  What a page turner!
With a free evening one Saturday night I decided to make a start.... I could not put it down!! I read almost three quarters of it in one night.

I am in awe of Ellen's writing talent. The book was utterly brilliant. I absolutely LOVED it. I got totally lost in the story. It was one of those gripping reads where I just couldn't turn the pages quick enough. It was amazing, one of the best books I have read. I am now a huge fan and oh my goodness the last page.... the ending and now have to wait until 2011 until the sequel is published.

Fantastic and would not be at all surprised to see it soaring up some bestseller list. The characters, the sex, how the whole story comes together, it's brilliant, absolutely brilliant!

Hot Town Productions Ltd. "Li King"  (Swansea) Great read.
I enjoyed reading this book, definately on efor the bathtime read! it is well written and the plot moves on apace. Looking forward to reading the next one, hopefully there is a sequel? I recommend this book.

M. S. Whelan   Excellent writing.
You can immediately identify with the characters and have to keep on reading just to see what happens to Hyacinth. I loved it.

A. Addsion   Absolutely brilliant!
This book was an absolutely brilliant read! I was riveted from start to finish! The characters seem to pull you into the story, Beth makes you want to look out for her and protect her, and you will love to hate Hyacinth! I loved the original but this revised edition is definitely my favourite. Magic from cover to cover!

Mrs. K. Boyer "Horse Witch"  (UK) I really enjoyed it in the end!
Well the title of this review says it all. I started this book and thought "its not my style" " I am not going to like this" but I had bought it so I persevered. ( Its the second edition not the first) Well I am glad I did after the first 1/4 of the book I was riveted, couldn't put it down. I guess Hyacinth is the main character but I really didn't like her at all. I really liked Beth and the whole story that unraveled around her, I really wanted to find out more about her, anyway, the book ends well but really leaves you wanting the next installment. I am going to read the first edition to see what's different and I hope there is a second novel soon!!!

F Morrison "Avid Reader"  (Manchester, England) Keeps you on the edge of your seat right until the last page!
Ellen Dean's first novel is a fantastic read. With well thought out characters, such as the central character Beth, and Hyacinth, the anti-hero who you love to hate, the scene is set for a roller coaster ride of plot twists and revelations. The fast paced narrative takes you on a journey of mysteries and secrets and emerses the reader completely in the story; making it a real page turner. By about half way through the book, I couldn't put it down and I was kept guessing right until the end with a final cliffhanger leaving me itching for the sequel!

D. E. Merriman "Doreen Merriman"  (UK)  A classy novel which kept me spellbound!
This story kept me spellbound from the first page to the end. I identified with the innocent Beth as she found herself pursued by the scheming Hyacinth. I became captivated in the web of intrigue as lesbian lust laced with the occult meets the diamond smuggling underworld in this classy novel.
Having read both the original copy of Beautiful Strangers as well as the revised edition I am of the opinion that something worth having is worth waiting for so with this in mind I await the sequel to Beautiful Strangers with eager anticipation.