Ellen Dean's Blog, page 15
February 21, 2011
The Comedienne - VG Lee
I missed this novel The Comedienne by the first time round. But, hey, its now been re-released as a 10th Anniversary Special Edition by .
And guess what? I've just finished reading it.
This is a story of a relationship between a mother and daughter that I'm sure many of you will relate to. And then there's the first love Susan (yes, we've all been there) not to mention the imaginary lover Freddy who travels all over the world and manages to take an active part in the story!
It's so funny in places I laughed my socks off and yet so heart wrenchingly sad in others I really felt for Joan Littler (the main character) and willed her to have happiness in her life.
I couldn't believe it when I read that Joan's cat was called Edith Piaf lol!!! Now that's what I call a genius stroke of humour.
What happened to Joan and her mother? Did Joan find happiness in the end? Is the cat - Edith Piaf - still caterwauling? Well buy the book from and find out . . . you won't be disappointed.
Happy Anniversary :-)
Ellen Dean Recommends
And guess what? I've just finished reading it.
This is a story of a relationship between a mother and daughter that I'm sure many of you will relate to. And then there's the first love Susan (yes, we've all been there) not to mention the imaginary lover Freddy who travels all over the world and manages to take an active part in the story!
It's so funny in places I laughed my socks off and yet so heart wrenchingly sad in others I really felt for Joan Littler (the main character) and willed her to have happiness in her life.
I couldn't believe it when I read that Joan's cat was called Edith Piaf lol!!! Now that's what I call a genius stroke of humour.
What happened to Joan and her mother? Did Joan find happiness in the end? Is the cat - Edith Piaf - still caterwauling? Well buy the book from and find out . . . you won't be disappointed.
Happy Anniversary :-)
Ellen Dean Recommends
Cetyl M Equine Joint Supplement Is Certainly Doing Its Job - it's a miracle :-)
This video was taken last week. Katie (grey mare) has been on for almost two years now at a maintenance dose of one level scoop daily. But, just before this vid was taken her dose was increased to almost two scoops because she had gone very stiff with the adverse winter weather especially in her hind legs, and hips (arthritis).
The vid speaks for itself. The shetland Chloe joined in the fun and practiced synchronized broncing and bucking
Ellen Dean Recommends
February 15, 2011
Beyond Midnight - Working Title
This is a working title. Unedited. Comments welcome. Thank you for reading :-)
Beyond Midnight - working titleChapter OneÌýÌý The black Porsche careered wildly down the Sicilian Madonie Mountain road. Don Roberto, head of one of Italy's distinguished Mafia clans, gripped the wheel, fighting to keep control. Beads of sweat erupted on his forehead running down into his eyes obscuring his vision.ÌýÌýÌý That dreaded voice was in his head again, hounding him, generating such excruciating pain he felt his head was about to explode. A physically strong man he struggled to manoeuvre the car round the hair-pin bend, cursing as it slid sideways down the treacherous road. The sea glittered below. Almost home, almost home. Come on, come on concentrate you old fool. His thoughts raced as fast as the car. Just another couple of kilometers then I'm down this damned mountain. You won't get away with this Hyacinth. The pain intensified. It blinded him but he knew the road well enough to start pumping the brakes. You bloody bitch. I need to slow down. ÌýÌýÌý He was approaching the dangerous unguarded bend that curved round the mountain side. Briefly his vision cleared. A deer stood frozen in the middle of the road staring at him. Instinctively he swung the car to miss her, the tyres screeched and he lost control.ÌýÌýÌý The Porsche launched from the road like a rocket, briefly suspended in mid-air then plummeted downwards. As it bounced and rolled down the mountain the pain in Don Roberto's head exploded: he lost consciousness.ÌýÌýÌý When he came too he couldn't recall what had happened. He was trapped in the car, the pain continued to sear through his brain, yet his body felt numb. He focused on his hands, then his legs: no blood, except for a few scratches and yet he couldn't move. He felt the heat of the day, it was scorching hot, he looked out of the car windscreen and saw an eagle hovering silently above. Oh to be free! Using what little strength he could muster he reached into the glove compartment for his mobile phone. It was still intact.He sent for help. The pain in his head attacked again, worse than ever this time. He passed out cold.ÌýÌý Rescuers found him in a critical condition. Care and time were of the essence to cut him from the wreckage of his car before he could be airlifted to hospital. The biggest concern was the sparks from the cutting equipment setting light to the petrol fumes.ÌýÌý In her home in the Scottish Highlands, Dr Hyacinth Dickinson came out of her meditation smiling. She stood up and walked across her bedroom to gaze out onto the Cairngorm Mountains. Her gaze lifted from the high peaks into the clear blue sky.Ìý Mission accomplished. She sighed contentedly. Now I can make plans to set sail for Cannes. Then maybe go onto Sicily. Her musical laugh echoed through the house as she ran downstairs into the kitchen. Time to scry.ÌýÌý Hyacinth cupped the crystal bowl in both hands and gazed into the spring water. Mediterranean Blue eyes reflected back at her, then widened as the water swirled and separated into images. She could see a helicopter crash. Go away. Please leave me alone. I'm so sorry Steph.ÌýÌýÌý 'What are you doing?' Dorothy said as she dashed into the room. 'I heard the sound of breaking glass.'ÌýÌýÌý 'I saw the helicopter crash, and saw Steph's body lying in the snow all limp and broken. It was my fault, Dorothy.'ÌýÌýÌý 'Don't cry. Come on, let me give you a hug.' Dorothy cradled Hyacinth until she stopped sobbing. 'She chose to go with you, remember. You didn't force her.'ÌýÌýÌý 'Yes, but I didn't give her much choice.' She was sobbing again.Ìý 'Hyacinth, you'll have to stop this. It's been nearly two years since the crash, and you seem to be getting worse, not better. I think you may need counseling, or something.'ÌýÌý 'Counseling? You must be joking! Just give me some more of your medicine. That will help. I have some in the drawer.' Hyacinth pointed to her solid oak bureau that stood in the corner of her kitchen.ÌýÌý Dorothy opened the drawer. 'What's this?' She shook a bottle of tablets at Hyacinth.ÌýÌý 'Anti-depressants.'Ìý 'Where did you get them?' Dorothy was stunned. She had been like a mother, and confidante to Hyacinth since she was a teenager, both her parents lived in South Africa, and Dorothy had been matron at the boarding school Hyacinth had attended. 'I'm waiting.'ÌýÌý 'The hospital.'Ìý 'Which hospital? You've never been out of the house since you arrived here.'Ìý 'When I was locum at St. Gregory's.'Ìý 'They gave them to you?'Ìý 'Not exactly.'Ìý 'Please don't tell me you stole them.'Ìý 'Borrowed. I borrowed them.'Ìý 'Hyacinth, you know I'm always here for you, but you are so stupid sometimes. Do you really want the police sniffing around again?'ÌýÌý 'You're right, but I feel so guilty, not only about the helicopter crash, but for lying to the police in the first place.'ÌýÌý 'So you have a conscience after all.' Dorothy crossed to the aga to put the kettle on to boil. Her bones creaked, as she bent to pick up the broken crystal that lay in front of her.ÌýÌý Hyacinth jumped up and grabbed Dorothy's arm thinking she was going to fall. 'I'll do that, are you ok?' Hyacinth knew Dorothy's body was letting her down. She didn't complain much, the sound of her joints rubbing together said it all. 'I'll pay for your hip replacement, just say the word.'ÌýÌý 'I'm fine. Don't need any operation, thanks. Just a bit of old age, and the winter weather here in the Scottish Highlands. I'm sure the winters are getting worse.' She struggled on. 'I have to keep moving, or I'll cease up altogether.'ÌýÌýÌý 'What would I do without you? You are an angel.'ÌýÌý 'So are you, with black wings.' Dorothy chuckled as she made tea for them both. 'Here, I've added a drop of whisky as a pick me up. It'll do us both good.' She handed Hyacinth a mug with a purple letter H printed on it.ÌýÌý The sound of bagpipes filtered through from the lounge.ÌýÌý 'My blackberry.'ÌýÌý 'Hadn't you better answer it?'ÌýÌý 'No. It'll be the hospital again. They'll be wondering when I'm returning to work.'ÌýÌý 'I think now's the time. You've been here six months now, you can't hide here forever.'ÌýÌý 'I love this place. It's so peaceful.' She looked out of the window at the view of the Cairngorms. 'And, I can walk around the grounds without being bothered by people.'ÌýÌý 'Yes, but you are so good at your job, you should be thinking about the patients, and not yourself.' Dorothy rested her mug on the table, and spread her hands. 'Use your expertise.' She tapped her fingers on the table. 'Phone the hospital, and tell them you will be back next week, and get rid of them tablets.' Dorothy struggled to her feet and shifted the empty mugs. 'I'll stay with you until you go back.'ÌýÌýÌý 'Thank you. I'll throw the tablets in the bin, tomorrow.'ÌýÌý 'Make sure you do. I have all the medication you need, don't get addicted to anti-depressants, or you'll never be rid of them.'ÌýÌý 'Yes, mother.' Hyacinth smiled at Dorothy as she disposed of the broken glass into a recycle bin.ÌýÌýÌý Hyacinth picked up her Blackberry and called St. Gregory's. 'I'll be back next week. I'll work for two weeks as a locum, and then I will be away for two months' She said.
Copyright Ellen Dean ©
Beyond Midnight - working titleChapter OneÌýÌý The black Porsche careered wildly down the Sicilian Madonie Mountain road. Don Roberto, head of one of Italy's distinguished Mafia clans, gripped the wheel, fighting to keep control. Beads of sweat erupted on his forehead running down into his eyes obscuring his vision.ÌýÌýÌý That dreaded voice was in his head again, hounding him, generating such excruciating pain he felt his head was about to explode. A physically strong man he struggled to manoeuvre the car round the hair-pin bend, cursing as it slid sideways down the treacherous road. The sea glittered below. Almost home, almost home. Come on, come on concentrate you old fool. His thoughts raced as fast as the car. Just another couple of kilometers then I'm down this damned mountain. You won't get away with this Hyacinth. The pain intensified. It blinded him but he knew the road well enough to start pumping the brakes. You bloody bitch. I need to slow down. ÌýÌýÌý He was approaching the dangerous unguarded bend that curved round the mountain side. Briefly his vision cleared. A deer stood frozen in the middle of the road staring at him. Instinctively he swung the car to miss her, the tyres screeched and he lost control.ÌýÌýÌý The Porsche launched from the road like a rocket, briefly suspended in mid-air then plummeted downwards. As it bounced and rolled down the mountain the pain in Don Roberto's head exploded: he lost consciousness.ÌýÌýÌý When he came too he couldn't recall what had happened. He was trapped in the car, the pain continued to sear through his brain, yet his body felt numb. He focused on his hands, then his legs: no blood, except for a few scratches and yet he couldn't move. He felt the heat of the day, it was scorching hot, he looked out of the car windscreen and saw an eagle hovering silently above. Oh to be free! Using what little strength he could muster he reached into the glove compartment for his mobile phone. It was still intact.He sent for help. The pain in his head attacked again, worse than ever this time. He passed out cold.ÌýÌý Rescuers found him in a critical condition. Care and time were of the essence to cut him from the wreckage of his car before he could be airlifted to hospital. The biggest concern was the sparks from the cutting equipment setting light to the petrol fumes.ÌýÌý In her home in the Scottish Highlands, Dr Hyacinth Dickinson came out of her meditation smiling. She stood up and walked across her bedroom to gaze out onto the Cairngorm Mountains. Her gaze lifted from the high peaks into the clear blue sky.Ìý Mission accomplished. She sighed contentedly. Now I can make plans to set sail for Cannes. Then maybe go onto Sicily. Her musical laugh echoed through the house as she ran downstairs into the kitchen. Time to scry.ÌýÌý Hyacinth cupped the crystal bowl in both hands and gazed into the spring water. Mediterranean Blue eyes reflected back at her, then widened as the water swirled and separated into images. She could see a helicopter crash. Go away. Please leave me alone. I'm so sorry Steph.ÌýÌýÌý 'What are you doing?' Dorothy said as she dashed into the room. 'I heard the sound of breaking glass.'ÌýÌýÌý 'I saw the helicopter crash, and saw Steph's body lying in the snow all limp and broken. It was my fault, Dorothy.'ÌýÌýÌý 'Don't cry. Come on, let me give you a hug.' Dorothy cradled Hyacinth until she stopped sobbing. 'She chose to go with you, remember. You didn't force her.'ÌýÌýÌý 'Yes, but I didn't give her much choice.' She was sobbing again.Ìý 'Hyacinth, you'll have to stop this. It's been nearly two years since the crash, and you seem to be getting worse, not better. I think you may need counseling, or something.'ÌýÌý 'Counseling? You must be joking! Just give me some more of your medicine. That will help. I have some in the drawer.' Hyacinth pointed to her solid oak bureau that stood in the corner of her kitchen.ÌýÌý Dorothy opened the drawer. 'What's this?' She shook a bottle of tablets at Hyacinth.ÌýÌý 'Anti-depressants.'Ìý 'Where did you get them?' Dorothy was stunned. She had been like a mother, and confidante to Hyacinth since she was a teenager, both her parents lived in South Africa, and Dorothy had been matron at the boarding school Hyacinth had attended. 'I'm waiting.'ÌýÌý 'The hospital.'Ìý 'Which hospital? You've never been out of the house since you arrived here.'Ìý 'When I was locum at St. Gregory's.'Ìý 'They gave them to you?'Ìý 'Not exactly.'Ìý 'Please don't tell me you stole them.'Ìý 'Borrowed. I borrowed them.'Ìý 'Hyacinth, you know I'm always here for you, but you are so stupid sometimes. Do you really want the police sniffing around again?'ÌýÌý 'You're right, but I feel so guilty, not only about the helicopter crash, but for lying to the police in the first place.'ÌýÌý 'So you have a conscience after all.' Dorothy crossed to the aga to put the kettle on to boil. Her bones creaked, as she bent to pick up the broken crystal that lay in front of her.ÌýÌý Hyacinth jumped up and grabbed Dorothy's arm thinking she was going to fall. 'I'll do that, are you ok?' Hyacinth knew Dorothy's body was letting her down. She didn't complain much, the sound of her joints rubbing together said it all. 'I'll pay for your hip replacement, just say the word.'ÌýÌý 'I'm fine. Don't need any operation, thanks. Just a bit of old age, and the winter weather here in the Scottish Highlands. I'm sure the winters are getting worse.' She struggled on. 'I have to keep moving, or I'll cease up altogether.'ÌýÌýÌý 'What would I do without you? You are an angel.'ÌýÌý 'So are you, with black wings.' Dorothy chuckled as she made tea for them both. 'Here, I've added a drop of whisky as a pick me up. It'll do us both good.' She handed Hyacinth a mug with a purple letter H printed on it.ÌýÌý The sound of bagpipes filtered through from the lounge.ÌýÌý 'My blackberry.'ÌýÌý 'Hadn't you better answer it?'ÌýÌý 'No. It'll be the hospital again. They'll be wondering when I'm returning to work.'ÌýÌý 'I think now's the time. You've been here six months now, you can't hide here forever.'ÌýÌý 'I love this place. It's so peaceful.' She looked out of the window at the view of the Cairngorms. 'And, I can walk around the grounds without being bothered by people.'ÌýÌý 'Yes, but you are so good at your job, you should be thinking about the patients, and not yourself.' Dorothy rested her mug on the table, and spread her hands. 'Use your expertise.' She tapped her fingers on the table. 'Phone the hospital, and tell them you will be back next week, and get rid of them tablets.' Dorothy struggled to her feet and shifted the empty mugs. 'I'll stay with you until you go back.'ÌýÌýÌý 'Thank you. I'll throw the tablets in the bin, tomorrow.'ÌýÌý 'Make sure you do. I have all the medication you need, don't get addicted to anti-depressants, or you'll never be rid of them.'ÌýÌý 'Yes, mother.' Hyacinth smiled at Dorothy as she disposed of the broken glass into a recycle bin.ÌýÌýÌý Hyacinth picked up her Blackberry and called St. Gregory's. 'I'll be back next week. I'll work for two weeks as a locum, and then I will be away for two months' She said.
Copyright Ellen Dean ©
February 13, 2011
Don't Mind Me - Judith Haire
I take my hat off toÌýÌýfor being so brave and putting pen to paper to write her bookÌýDon't Mind Me published by
In fact it must have taken a lot of guts and a huge amount of honesty for JudithÌýtell her, at times, heartbreaking story.
This is the story of an amazing woman who has survived a traumatic life. One that would have finished many of us! But she proves that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Judith's book is a must read. Not just for mental health professionals but anyone going through a similar situation. It will also help the family and friends of loved ones who may be going through it too.
I totally concur with Dorothy Rowe, Clinical Psychologist and Writer, who said of Don't Mind Me:Ìý'Not a misery memoir but a story of courage and hope'
Ellen Dean RecommendsÌý
In fact it must have taken a lot of guts and a huge amount of honesty for JudithÌýtell her, at times, heartbreaking story.
This is the story of an amazing woman who has survived a traumatic life. One that would have finished many of us! But she proves that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Judith's book is a must read. Not just for mental health professionals but anyone going through a similar situation. It will also help the family and friends of loved ones who may be going through it too.
I totally concur with Dorothy Rowe, Clinical Psychologist and Writer, who said of Don't Mind Me:Ìý'Not a misery memoir but a story of courage and hope'
Ellen Dean RecommendsÌý
January 18, 2011
The Golden Prince - Rebecca Dean - Publisher HarperCollins
What an enjoyable easy read this book is. It captures you're attention from start to finish.
Although, I have to say, when you combine fact with fiction, which is what Rebecca Dean has done with this story, you have to make sure all the facts are true. Being a royalist nearly all of my life I have accumulated a lot of knowledge on royal facts, and some in this book aren't entirely true. If I wanted to be picky - like Jason Gardner Ìý- I could say that the Union flag is only called the Union Jack when it is flown at sea, but that's not my way :-) And, this doesn't take away from the brilliant writing of this enthralling and captivating story.
Ellen Dean Recommends
January 14, 2011
Jeryl Orsino - Singer/Songwriter from New Jersey
Jeryl Orsino on stage at the Hard Rock Cafe, New York
Jeryl is one of the many talented indie singer/songwriters whose music I play on my radio show at
Jeryl has recently remixed one of her songs 'I Told You So' and this terrific remix was re-released shortly after Jeryl sent me the song to premiere on my radio show last Saturday 8th January 2011.
A few months ago I wrote an article about her for Ìý- Ìýfollow the link to read it.Ìý
You can check out her website where you can watch her videos . . . and download her album 'Radio Friendly' or download individual songs.
Ellen Dean RecommendsÌý
January 11, 2011
Our Garden Winter Visitors
After much deliberation about my tits on facebook, it was decided that these birds areÌýLong-tailed Tits.ÌýApparently it has to be a severe winter for these tits to come to the table.ÌýThe UK has had it's coldest winter for a hundred years, and it isn't over yet!
Our Robin - who stalks Sat Nav - has been with us for months now so thoughtÌýwe'd give himÌýa little bit of exposure. He's so pretty and friendly, and sings to her.
Our Robin sharing breakfast with a Blue Tit.ÌýWe often have Blue Tits (especially this cold weather) but theÌýothers were camera shy.
Visiting sheep testing the Broom bush . . .Ìý
. . . obviously not impressed!
How did Batman get to be here?ÌýOr, is it something else lurking in the bush?This is not trick photography.
January 4, 2011
Earthquake 3.6 Rocks North Yorkshire 3rd January 2011
At 9.03pm last night here in Masham, North Yorkshire, we felt the earth move. Was it an extremely heavy lorry going through our village? Was it a mega clap of thunder? Neither. It was an earthquake. And, not just one earthquake, but two.
My niece Amy and friend Brian were rehearsing (singing) in our living room preparing for their performance in Kirkby Malzeard on Thursday night, Sat Nav was counting them in and I was in the kitchen when we heard a huge rumble. Initially, I thought it was thunder. Brian thought it was a helicopter.
About five seconds later there was another rumble. Sat Nav checked the ponies, they were unsettled. I announced the event on facebook and twitter. Within seconds I had replies from all over North Yorkshire saying people had felt the same thing.
Then the news broke that it was in fact an earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was Kirkby Malzeard, very close to where I live.
After about half an hour I felt cold so I went to turn the wall heating thermostat up. Now this is bizarre. It was turned off. Nobody had touched/altered it so how it came to be that way is a mystery. In fact we didn't know that it could be turned down so low - we are hot house plants!
My niece Amy and friend Brian were rehearsing (singing) in our living room preparing for their performance in Kirkby Malzeard on Thursday night, Sat Nav was counting them in and I was in the kitchen when we heard a huge rumble. Initially, I thought it was thunder. Brian thought it was a helicopter.
About five seconds later there was another rumble. Sat Nav checked the ponies, they were unsettled. I announced the event on facebook and twitter. Within seconds I had replies from all over North Yorkshire saying people had felt the same thing.
Then the news broke that it was in fact an earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was Kirkby Malzeard, very close to where I live.
After about half an hour I felt cold so I went to turn the wall heating thermostat up. Now this is bizarre. It was turned off. Nobody had touched/altered it so how it came to be that way is a mystery. In fact we didn't know that it could be turned down so low - we are hot house plants!
December 26, 2010
Beautiful Strangers eBook Sale
Yes, the sales are upon us. Only with this sale you don't have to leave the house. Amazing isn't it! And, you can download the e-book in seconds :-)
I have decided to offer Beautiful Strangers e-book at a reduced price until the end of January 2011. You can read it on Kindle, Nook, Sony and just about any reading device imaginable. Isn't technology wonderful!
What's more . . . you can sample before you buy.
ÌýÌýÌýandÌýÌý
December 16, 2010
Janet Macleod-Trotter - The Vanishing of Ruth
North East of England's Best Selling author Janet Macleod-Trotter was due to guest on my radio showÌý on Saturday 18th December to talk about her new book 'The Vanishing of Ruth' but, because of the adverse weather forecast, Ìýshe has had to cancel. Janet will now guest in the New Year.Ìý
Let me tell you something about her new book:
Janet is now concentrating on writing mystery novels with unusual settings.Her new novel,ÌýThe Vanishing of Ruth, is inspired by her own overland trip through Asia:
1976: friends, Marcus and Ruth, go missing in Afghanistan during an overland bus trip to Kathmandu. A generation later, Ruth's niece Amber, haunted by the disintegration of her family, determines to get at the truth of their disappearance. Was it murder, as her father suspected, or a suicide pact as the police believed?Tracking down the trip's bus driver, Cassidy, Amber starts to piece together a lost world - the mystical vibrant hippy trail to India � and colourful characters like Juliet, who imagined herself the reincarnation of an Edwardian traveller. As the mystery surrounding her aunt and the charismatic Marcus unfolds, Amber begins a journey of discovery of her own, that will lead her not only into the dark secrets of the past and lost love, but face to face with a tragedy much closer to home.
I have started to read The Vanishing of Ruth and am up to chapter 8. I want to know what happened to Marcus and Ruth. I am so tempted to read the end, but I won't or it will spoil the surprise.
There is a special reason that Janet has self-published this novel. You can read all about it at
You can buy Janet's novel from Ìýand from her website
Ellen Dean - RecommendsÌý
Let me tell you something about her new book:
Janet is now concentrating on writing mystery novels with unusual settings.Her new novel,ÌýThe Vanishing of Ruth, is inspired by her own overland trip through Asia:
1976: friends, Marcus and Ruth, go missing in Afghanistan during an overland bus trip to Kathmandu. A generation later, Ruth's niece Amber, haunted by the disintegration of her family, determines to get at the truth of their disappearance. Was it murder, as her father suspected, or a suicide pact as the police believed?Tracking down the trip's bus driver, Cassidy, Amber starts to piece together a lost world - the mystical vibrant hippy trail to India � and colourful characters like Juliet, who imagined herself the reincarnation of an Edwardian traveller. As the mystery surrounding her aunt and the charismatic Marcus unfolds, Amber begins a journey of discovery of her own, that will lead her not only into the dark secrets of the past and lost love, but face to face with a tragedy much closer to home.
I have started to read The Vanishing of Ruth and am up to chapter 8. I want to know what happened to Marcus and Ruth. I am so tempted to read the end, but I won't or it will spoil the surprise.
There is a special reason that Janet has self-published this novel. You can read all about it at
You can buy Janet's novel from Ìýand from her website
Ellen Dean - RecommendsÌý
