Fiery Star: The Journals of Emma Rose Lightfoot Paperback – July 4, 2018

This story is easy to read and so very enjoyable. It is perfectly crafted and everything fits together very nicely. I enjoyed the journey through this tale of woe, adventure, friendship, and love. Amazing job!

A look behind the scenes of the old traveling troop of actors, the old mining towns and how rough things were. Story has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader well entertained.

My book group universally loved this book. We had the privilege of having the author, Leslie Rivers speak to us about all the research she had done over the years that it took or her to write this book. Members talked about how they or their ancestors came to California. Many of them in covered wagons in the mid 19th century.

Fiery Star is now on my list of all-time favorite books. The story was so emotionally involving and full of surprises on nearly every page, I found I couldn’t stop reading it. Even now, I think of Emma Lightfoot and miss her and wonder what she might be up to! The writing is so beautiful and rich in detail I found myself reading slowly, just to savor it. I often was moved to tears reading it, (once completely sobbing), and laughed just as many times. Leslie Rivers is a master storyteller and I envy the person reading Fiery Star for the first time! Jill JaxxProfessional entertainer for over 40 years in television, film, recordings and theater

I delayed finishing this book. I enjoyed it so I didn't want it to end. Great job. Novel subject well written.

This book is a delight to read with an engaging story about the adventures of Emma Lightfoot. The extensive research was apparent, painting an accurate picture of the times. It was like being 'a fly on the wall". Bringing to light many of the real people who lived in those exciting times. I didn't know much about Edwin Booth, the mercurial brother of "the other Booth", and a very talented Shakespearean actor. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history, the Gold Rush or just a good story with strong writing.

I loved this story. Emma's character was wonderfully written, and all her adventures were captivating. I could relate to many of the characters throughout this book and really enjoyed all the dramatic situations they encountered.

This is such a marvelous book. I looked forward to reading the indomitable Emma's journal entries every night before sleep. Each time Emma got knocked back a few paces she would get right up and go at it again, undeterred. And through her I was completely transported to another time and place. Leslie Rivers channeled this young woman's indefatigable spirit, painted a vivid backdrop of life in the Sierra foothills 150 years ago, and wove a fascinating adventure involving a theatre troupe full of colorful miscreants. Through Emma, we see her harsh life as eminently manageable and full of possibilities. Inspirational. Loved it.