Click here to see what people are saying about The Ancestor's Fire

"A deep dive into the mythical realm… Alive with physical and emotional detail, this book shape-shifted and carried me on a journey on its own terms." —DW, teacher and nature lover

"An act of bravery, honesty and sheer determination - Alicia went to find herself and returned with something to inspire us all. There is history, there is culture, there is drama and beyond all that there is personal revelation." —Marilyn Novell

"Mystical and haunting. Makes us realize the importance of nature and diversity and that we are all the sum of those who came before us." —Fran Oberman, Book evaluator, Los Angeles Unified School District

"This mythically based story needed to be written because it explores so much that is important for living a life. It is about the ancestors who call to everyone and about Alicia who has the courage to answer, about her journey home to reclaim who she is and about the possibilities of balancing the spiritual with the material, the mundane with the magic. This touching, emotionally accessible tale turns the standard of beauty and intelligence upside down and demonstrates the connectedness of us all." —Bola Cofield, healer

"A wonderful book of dreams that will open its readers to the boundless." —Earthlyn M. Manuel, writer

"From the book’s beginning, we leave the ordinary world behind. With her raw, sensual detail, well-drawn characters and depth of emotion, Karena achieves the verisimilitude of another reality. We are transported, as we make the journey with Alicia to connect with the past and her people. We are healed in root, heart and spirit through the magic of stones and learn to follow our path, as Alicia did, with passion." —Melinda Haldeman

"Beautiful! So tender and true it made me cry." —Lydia Cuilty, Karena’s mother

"Karena’s novel features rancheros and roses, miracles and mayhem, hiking and history, spirituality and even snakes—all stitched together with love by a generous spirit." —Laura Merlo

"This is a story of great heart. The protagonist, a modern woman, is moved to discover the message of the people and cultures from which she has evolved. Through Alicia’s journey, the reader glimpses the paths of her ancestors in vivid detail. In making the journey, Alicia comes into herself. Her sense of wonder permeates the book." —Laura Kutcher

"We are taken to places profoundly interesting and exciting. Vividly described—I recommend it to anyone evaluating life." —Grace Orellana

"A visceral need to search for her roots leads Alicia to a mystical, often lyrical story of family, past and present." —Roberta Friend

"A wondrous journey of discovery." —Paddi

"A colorful tapestry of several generations is woven together in this magical story of one woman’s exploration of who she is." —Jacqueline H. Faber

"A passionate novel—compelling, creative—original." —Patty Welty, animal activist

"The amazing exploration of a woman’s world by examining her past. I was especially moved by her vivid description of her childhood’s desert playground." —Irene Gulati, teacher

"Karena gives us her heart and soul, touches us with fire and wraps us in smoke to guide us along our path." —Cathy Edgett, Fellow journeywoman