Header PromotionThe Seduction of Ellen (2001) by Nan Ryan (MIRA)
We start with Ellen Cornelius knocking on a door from which there is no answer. Her Aunt saw an article in the London paper about a water that would reverse the aging process. She was very much interested in this and goes to great lengths to make this process come true for her. On the way back from the unanswered door Ellen sees a carnival and stops for a bit before returning to her Aunt. While there she not only gets her fortune read but encounters a fascinating and strangely electric snake oil salesman, despite his seemingly dead eyes and interesting scar. The next day Ellen again goes to the dwelling she had tried and this time the man from the carnival answers the door. Ellen does as instructed and invites him to call on her Aunt. She tried to warn her relative of possible problems with the man’s character and the veracity of his claim but, of course, her Aunt won’t hear any of it. Shortly thereafter a small party sets off on a journey to find the magic waters. While Ellen is unwillingly fascinated by the unknown Mr Corey she tries to keep her distance from the man who she believes is up to no good. Mr. Corey is well aware of Ellen’s fascination and starts to needle Ellen and hopefully infuriate and shock her. Is the unknown Mister Corey playing with Ellen or do things stop being a game for him at some point?
You will have to read and decide this for yourself. Truth is until toward the end of the book you probably won’t like the man’s character. Be fascinated by it, yes, and hopeful, yes. Even when things even out I didn’t like so much that it took the introduction of the magic waters to bring about the changes for Mister Corey and not pure human chemistry. Ellen does begin a transformation in herself, or what she had previously let show. This transformation is more believable as just a part of what she goes through, despite the waters. 
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Use the talents you have, for the woods would by silent if no birds sang except the best. (from a flip inspiration book-'Thoughts for my daughter')
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