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Sunfire #15
Roxanne
From small town girl to Hollywood star, her heart would belong to only one boy. Theirs would be the greatest love story Hollywood had ever known.
Roxanne has come from a small town to Hollywood with one dream: to become a star. And she will do anything to succeed: change her looks, her name, and her friends.
She has to decide if she should succumb to John Randolph, the movie producer's son, who can introduce her to all the right people. Or if she should follow her heart to Gary Marlowe, a glittering star who has eyes for all of the beautiful bit players and extras on the set. But Roxanne knows she is not going to settle for being just another extra - to Gary or to Hollywood ... she's going to have it all!
Roxanne has come from a small town to Hollywood with one dream: to become a star. And she will do anything to succeed: change her looks, her name, and her friends.
She has to decide if she should succumb to John Randolph, the movie producer's son, who can introduce her to all the right people. Or if she should follow her heart to Gary Marlowe, a glittering star who has eyes for all of the beautiful bit players and extras on the set. But Roxanne knows she is not going to settle for being just another extra - to Gary or to Hollywood ... she's going to have it all!
346 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1985
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258 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 29, 2008
(See my review of Amanda for my general review of the series.)
I looked forward with pleasure to receiving a new (well, new to *me*) copy of Roxanne, my old one having disappeared several moves ago. This is a sentimental favorite among Sunfires, and one of the first I replaced during my re-reading project.
Roxanne Wilson and her perfectly horrible mother, Laureen, leave dustbowl Oklahoma in 1938 and use the last of their money to get to Hollywood. Laureen is convinced that Roxanne can be a star, and is determined to see her make it. Roxanne is not so sure, but whether or not she wants to admit it, the bug has bitten her and she's eager to try to make a name for herself.
On the trip, they fortuitously encounter Gary Marlowe, an up-and-coming young actor who immediately clashes with Roxanne. They bicker. Sparks fly. She is glad to see the last of *him.* ... but he's cute!
Roxanne haunts the casting offices daily, but isn't getting a break until she meets John Randolph, the son of a movie studio owner who wants to be a director someday. His father wants him to go to law school, but John just knows that if the movie he's making is good, his father will let him direct. He even gives Roxanne a starring role, but the movie's a dreary piece of crap. Roxanne doesn't have stardom yet, but she could have John if she wanted him, only she doesn't. Her head's been full of Gary, with whom she ends up working. And they're a *very* successful team on-screen. But is that all Gary cares about?
The question is, is that all *Roxanne* cares about? Jane Claypool Miner is one of the best and most consistent Sunfire authors, and in this novel, she's provided a little food for thought. Roxanne is very practical, very shrewd, and very clever. In fact, she's more of a mother to Laureen than Laureen is to her.
Laureen, the ultimate unbearable stage mother, is such a liability to Roxanne that it's hard to fathom putting up with her for as long as our intrepid heroine does. I rather impatiently waited for Roxanne
to finally stand up to her and forbid her mother from accompanying her to the set. Unfortunately, the book falls a tiny bit flatter once Laureen loses her teeth. She just goes on to a minor acting career of her own and never annoys Roxanne again? Well, *darn!*
As for Roxanne herself, she's mostly quite the enjoyable heroine. She's witty and very capable and... questionably kind of heartless. She comes off as so smart and so savvy that it's hard to believe that her actions regarding her suitors aren't deliberate. See, Roxanne left a boy named Henry back in Oklahoma. She keeps John at bay by insisting that she loves Henry. To whom she writes regularly. But she admits to herself that she doesn't want to be with him again. She strings Henry on so much that he visits her in Hollywood *twice.* Come on, have a heart and level with the guy!
As a kid, I found her Hollywood love story romantic, but as an adult, I'm still not convinced that Roxanne chose the right guy. Yes, being with Gary will be great for her career, but John loves her and actually acted like she mattered in the world for the entire novel, unlike Gary, who will incidentally be *really good for her career.*
Call me a cynic, but you be the judge.
Miner's dialogue is snappy, the time and place well-drawn, and you'll probably learn some interesting little factoids, unless you are already an expert on Hollywood in the thirties.
As your indefatigable Sunfire re-reader, I would be amiss if I didn't inform you that the last few chapters are a let down after that fun build up. This is why it's sometimes so disappointing that Sunfires are expected to end with the happy lovers getting together. The authors have to devote *some* time to this task, and you can always tell when it doesn't particularly interest them. Miner gets us there, but seeing tough Roxanne going all soggy over Gary's perceived rejection actually makes one want the novel to end a little faster.
Verdict: Oh read it, do! The ambiguity of it all makes it a heck of a lot more interesting than some other Sunfires. It only gets four stars because of some of the story resolution, but it's worth tracking down.
I looked forward with pleasure to receiving a new (well, new to *me*) copy of Roxanne, my old one having disappeared several moves ago. This is a sentimental favorite among Sunfires, and one of the first I replaced during my re-reading project.
Roxanne Wilson and her perfectly horrible mother, Laureen, leave dustbowl Oklahoma in 1938 and use the last of their money to get to Hollywood. Laureen is convinced that Roxanne can be a star, and is determined to see her make it. Roxanne is not so sure, but whether or not she wants to admit it, the bug has bitten her and she's eager to try to make a name for herself.
On the trip, they fortuitously encounter Gary Marlowe, an up-and-coming young actor who immediately clashes with Roxanne. They bicker. Sparks fly. She is glad to see the last of *him.* ... but he's cute!
Roxanne haunts the casting offices daily, but isn't getting a break until she meets John Randolph, the son of a movie studio owner who wants to be a director someday. His father wants him to go to law school, but John just knows that if the movie he's making is good, his father will let him direct. He even gives Roxanne a starring role, but the movie's a dreary piece of crap. Roxanne doesn't have stardom yet, but she could have John if she wanted him, only she doesn't. Her head's been full of Gary, with whom she ends up working. And they're a *very* successful team on-screen. But is that all Gary cares about?
The question is, is that all *Roxanne* cares about? Jane Claypool Miner is one of the best and most consistent Sunfire authors, and in this novel, she's provided a little food for thought. Roxanne is very practical, very shrewd, and very clever. In fact, she's more of a mother to Laureen than Laureen is to her.
Laureen, the ultimate unbearable stage mother, is such a liability to Roxanne that it's hard to fathom putting up with her for as long as our intrepid heroine does. I rather impatiently waited for Roxanne
to finally stand up to her and forbid her mother from accompanying her to the set. Unfortunately, the book falls a tiny bit flatter once Laureen loses her teeth. She just goes on to a minor acting career of her own and never annoys Roxanne again? Well, *darn!*
As for Roxanne herself, she's mostly quite the enjoyable heroine. She's witty and very capable and... questionably kind of heartless. She comes off as so smart and so savvy that it's hard to believe that her actions regarding her suitors aren't deliberate. See, Roxanne left a boy named Henry back in Oklahoma. She keeps John at bay by insisting that she loves Henry. To whom she writes regularly. But she admits to herself that she doesn't want to be with him again. She strings Henry on so much that he visits her in Hollywood *twice.* Come on, have a heart and level with the guy!
As a kid, I found her Hollywood love story romantic, but as an adult, I'm still not convinced that Roxanne chose the right guy. Yes, being with Gary will be great for her career, but John loves her and actually acted like she mattered in the world for the entire novel, unlike Gary, who will incidentally be *really good for her career.*
Call me a cynic, but you be the judge.
Miner's dialogue is snappy, the time and place well-drawn, and you'll probably learn some interesting little factoids, unless you are already an expert on Hollywood in the thirties.
As your indefatigable Sunfire re-reader, I would be amiss if I didn't inform you that the last few chapters are a let down after that fun build up. This is why it's sometimes so disappointing that Sunfires are expected to end with the happy lovers getting together. The authors have to devote *some* time to this task, and you can always tell when it doesn't particularly interest them. Miner gets us there, but seeing tough Roxanne going all soggy over Gary's perceived rejection actually makes one want the novel to end a little faster.
Verdict: Oh read it, do! The ambiguity of it all makes it a heck of a lot more interesting than some other Sunfires. It only gets four stars because of some of the story resolution, but it's worth tracking down.
February 11, 2016
*Rereading my way through the Sunfire series, in publication order*
I tend to enjoy the Sunfires written by Jane Claypool Miner and this was no exception. Although Roxanne comes to Hollywood not knowing that she has what it takes to make it in front of the camera, she's a nice mix of mild-mannered and tough. She is friendly and accommodating, something that works when she's trying to find her feet in a city that eats up aspiring actresses and spits them out whole, but a series of mishaps gradually give her the strength to stand up for herself and her career. Along the way, like a good Sunfire heroine, she acquires a collection of potential love interests: her childhood sweetheart Henry, waiting back in Oklahoma for her to come back and bring him his slippers and pipe; her devoted friend John, son of a studio owner, whose sweet puppy love is not returned; and Gary Marlowe, ambitious rising young star, whose stage kisses leave her weak in the knees, but who remains focused on his career. In Claypool Miner fashion, the heroine and her personal growth take center stage and not much time is given over to the romance. Still, at the end, the romance builds to a believable point and Roxanne's feelings edge ahead of her ambition. Though the story leaves me unconvinced that theirs will be a HEA--given the uncertainty of Hollywood relationships and the fact that Roxanne (unlike most Sunfire heroines) very sensibly refuses any talk of marriage--I am left feeling satisfied at least at a HFN.
ROXANNE isn't one that I read back in the day, so I didn't have any expectations going into it. I do have a big interest in early Hollywood and can be critical of novels set then, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying this!
I tend to enjoy the Sunfires written by Jane Claypool Miner and this was no exception. Although Roxanne comes to Hollywood not knowing that she has what it takes to make it in front of the camera, she's a nice mix of mild-mannered and tough. She is friendly and accommodating, something that works when she's trying to find her feet in a city that eats up aspiring actresses and spits them out whole, but a series of mishaps gradually give her the strength to stand up for herself and her career. Along the way, like a good Sunfire heroine, she acquires a collection of potential love interests: her childhood sweetheart Henry, waiting back in Oklahoma for her to come back and bring him his slippers and pipe; her devoted friend John, son of a studio owner, whose sweet puppy love is not returned; and Gary Marlowe, ambitious rising young star, whose stage kisses leave her weak in the knees, but who remains focused on his career. In Claypool Miner fashion, the heroine and her personal growth take center stage and not much time is given over to the romance. Still, at the end, the romance builds to a believable point and Roxanne's feelings edge ahead of her ambition. Though the story leaves me unconvinced that theirs will be a HEA--given the uncertainty of Hollywood relationships and the fact that Roxanne (unlike most Sunfire heroines) very sensibly refuses any talk of marriage--I am left feeling satisfied at least at a HFN.
ROXANNE isn't one that I read back in the day, so I didn't have any expectations going into it. I do have a big interest in early Hollywood and can be critical of novels set then, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying this!
February 13, 2015
I was rather apprehensive about reading this book. I'm not the type of girl to enjoy Hollywood actress romances featuring a blonde heroine. I thought Roxanne herself would be a shallow runaway with everything handed to her on a silver platter.
Much to my surprise, Roxanne is very down to earth. It's her that follows the money and tries to keep her head afloat while her mother is the runaway that wastes all the money and nearly single-handily ruins Roxanne's Hollywood career. (However since this is a cheesy romance novel, things work out well in the end for the little starlet.)
The romance was very steamy. At least, it felt like that to me. The chemistry between Roxanne and the guy she ends up with, oh, I wish there had been more scenes like that. The adult part of me really wishes it had been more graphic, because, whoa, the passion that I felt coming from those two.
I'm really happy I decided to get this book. This is one Sunfire you need to get if you are on the hunt.
Much to my surprise, Roxanne is very down to earth. It's her that follows the money and tries to keep her head afloat while her mother is the runaway that wastes all the money and nearly single-handily ruins Roxanne's Hollywood career. (However since this is a cheesy romance novel, things work out well in the end for the little starlet.)
The romance was very steamy. At least, it felt like that to me. The chemistry between Roxanne and the guy she ends up with, oh, I wish there had been more scenes like that. The adult part of me really wishes it had been more graphic, because, whoa, the passion that I felt coming from those two.
I'm really happy I decided to get this book. This is one Sunfire you need to get if you are on the hunt.
April 25, 2016
I love classic Hollywood and the 1930s, so this was perfect for me. Roxanne was a likable heroine and the journey through her rise in Hollywood was very interesting. Her mom was super annoying, but I liked the resolution of her mom becoming an extra and how that was a believable solution to her being too overbearing with Roxanne. I was glad the relationship with Gary was more fleshed out in the second half of the book, but I wish there had been more of a resolution with Henry. He never seemed to “get” that Roxanne was over him. All in all, very fun read and it made me want to watch old movies for the rest of the day.
Full recap: https://cheerleadersrecaps.wordpress....
Full recap: https://cheerleadersrecaps.wordpress....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2016
More like 2.5 stars.
What I liked:
The sense of time and place was excellent.
Laureen was a hoot.
Until the last quarter of the book anyway, Roxanne was a reasonably likeable character.
Not so much:
Extreme emphasis on Roxanne's prettiness to the exclusion of all else.
Instalove running rampant.
The author's give-a-shit seemed broken for the romance. Roxanne become a shrill, whiney harpy as soon as the love story took center stage. Though, for once, I think she truly deserved the shitty "hero" she was stuck with.
She looks like a chipmunk on the cover. A chipmunk in a shiny, pink sweater. And her Instalove Suitors look like Sears catalog models.
What I liked:
The sense of time and place was excellent.
Laureen was a hoot.
Until the last quarter of the book anyway, Roxanne was a reasonably likeable character.
Not so much:
Extreme emphasis on Roxanne's prettiness to the exclusion of all else.
Instalove running rampant.
The author's give-a-shit seemed broken for the romance. Roxanne become a shrill, whiney harpy as soon as the love story took center stage. Though, for once, I think she truly deserved the shitty "hero" she was stuck with.
She looks like a chipmunk on the cover. A chipmunk in a shiny, pink sweater. And her Instalove Suitors look like Sears catalog models.
March 9, 2015
Roxanne's overbearing mother pulls her out of high school in Oklahoma and drags her out to Hollywood to be a movie star. Despite her mother's best efforts, she succeeds. I have always and will always love my Sunfires, and this was a natural plane read on my way to LA, ha. This one breaks with formula a bit - there are nominally three men, though Roxanne always loved her career best - but I love the ridiculously fun look at 1930s studios. Will not ever not love.
October 15, 2011
When I used to read cheesy romance novel this one was my favorite. Set in Hollywood during the time that studios owned actors and actresses. Just love a story about a strong woman who won't give up on what she wants.
April 20, 2011
I know, I know--but I really did love this book as a teenager. A girl goes to Hollywood during the great depression to make it big. The boy she likes is mean to her. What's not to like about that? :)
May 28, 2009
My second favorite in the Sunfire series. This one and Emily, I read over and over and over again.
August 19, 2009
My agent mentioned this book as a childhood favorite so I checked my girl-series collection, found it, read the book page and just kept on reading. Enjoying it!
October 20, 2011
This may have been the first book that I ever finished. The one thing that I took with me from that book is my mistrust of celebrity relationships. Haha. Yes, this is sad but true.
March 2, 2012
This was my favorite book as a teenager. I read it over and over again
Read
April 25, 2012Surprisingly, this book was well written and enjoyable.
July 7, 2012
I can't believe this actually came up when I typed it in!! I loved these books when I was growing up!!This was my favorite!!
October 30, 2012
Read this when I was a teenager. I LOVED this book!
December 28, 2010
I LOVE this book, and this series. I actually got a copy of this one even though it's out of print.
May 6, 2024
When I read this series as a kid, I missed this one, so this was my first-time reading, Roxanne. Roxanne takes place in the golden age of Hollywood. It is about a young girl and her mother who move from Oklahoma to California for the teen to become a movie star. First of all, Roxanne's mother Laureen is a piece of work. She changes Rosie's name to Roxanne because it sounds more like a movie star. Then she hurts Roxanne's chances more than she helps them once Roxanne gets some work. She is the ultimate stage mom. Roxanne is a saint because she is way more patient with her mom than I would be. Even though her mom is pushing her Roxanne does eventually want to be a movie star as well, so it does work out. In the Sunrise series, there are, in my opinion, a couple of books that at the end of the day I am not sure the romance will work long-term and unfortunately Roxanne is one of them. Neither Roxanne nor the guy she ends up with seems ready to be in a serious relationship. Having said that this book was still a good time, and I am glad I read it.
August 30, 2019
Basic Plot: Roxanne goes to Hollywood to become a star.
I remember reading this and a bunch of the other Sunfire romance novels when I was an early teen. I acquired a couple through the ubiquitous Scholastic reading catalogues sent home from school and managed to find a few more at the local public library. I genuinely liked them at the time. They provided a little bit of historical tidbit in with the love stories, and featured young women who fought for what they wanted and didn't just stand by waiting for things to happen.
This is one that I read and re-read, being fascinated with all things stage, acting, and Hollywood. Roxanne really worked to get a break and her struggles really caught me. The Depression setting helped, too, as it was a really intense time period, especially in Hollywood. The overbearing stage mom is something I've seen as a stage technician. Hoo boy. This was a good one.
I remember reading this and a bunch of the other Sunfire romance novels when I was an early teen. I acquired a couple through the ubiquitous Scholastic reading catalogues sent home from school and managed to find a few more at the local public library. I genuinely liked them at the time. They provided a little bit of historical tidbit in with the love stories, and featured young women who fought for what they wanted and didn't just stand by waiting for things to happen.
This is one that I read and re-read, being fascinated with all things stage, acting, and Hollywood. Roxanne really worked to get a break and her struggles really caught me. The Depression setting helped, too, as it was a really intense time period, especially in Hollywood. The overbearing stage mom is something I've seen as a stage technician. Hoo boy. This was a good one.
December 8, 2025
I loved this book! One of my favorites!
The story was fun, and I especially liked the plot!
This book is about a girl named Roxanne, whose overambitious mother takes her to Hollywood to become a movie star. At first Roxanne is angry at her mother, and thinks she is wasting her time, but eventually she becomes successful and falls in love.
The time period of the book is The Great Depression and the golden age of Hollywood.
The setting is mostly in Hollywood, but some of the book is in the Midwest.
Overall it was a fun and exciting book!
The story was fun, and I especially liked the plot!
This book is about a girl named Roxanne, whose overambitious mother takes her to Hollywood to become a movie star. At first Roxanne is angry at her mother, and thinks she is wasting her time, but eventually she becomes successful and falls in love.
The time period of the book is The Great Depression and the golden age of Hollywood.
The setting is mostly in Hollywood, but some of the book is in the Midwest.
Overall it was a fun and exciting book!
August 8, 2018
Nostalgia Book- This is a Sunfire book that I always loved and still enjoyed reading as a grown woman. I enjoy Roxanne’s determination and her strength of character as she navigates the cut throat Hollywood world. I was a little bridled by all the references to her success being based only on her beauty. I think her character proved that she could rise above that though. Times have changed a bit since the ‘30’s and women don’t just decorate sets anymore. Still a good read.
May 14, 2018
Roxanne's flighty mother has a brilliant idea in the midst of Great Depression Oklahoma - they should go to Hollywood so Rosie can become a great movie star! Rosie (renamed Roxanne. as it is a 'glamorous' name, by her mother) is highly skeptical...until luck, her mother's moxie and her own talent shows her that this impossible dream may come true, after all.
August 29, 2019
I'm rating this 5 stars based on the fact that I LOVED this book in 7th grade (which was a loooooong time ago). It was written for girls that age. I don't have it anymore and I'd like to find it and read it again. I'm sure my rating might change nowadays, but nostalgia wins in this review.
June 14, 2020
I've been on an "old Hollywood" kick lately. I haven't read this since high school, but it was a total nostalgia read for me
October 20, 2023
I read this as a kid and remember really enjoying it. I wonder if it still holds up.
January 11, 2026
Not bad, not favorite of series
April 16, 2021
This is the second time I've read this book but it has been 5 years so I was worried my memory of how good it was would only lead to disappointment. I was wrong, I loved it just as much if not more. This is absolutely my favorite romance serious by far. It is one of the few that don't feel the need to include sex to make it a good love story. Roxanne had always been one of my favorites in this series and still is. First re-read of the serious too. I just love the way these stories are written.
Specific to Roxanne though it is all about her as a struggling actress. Very enjoyable and all the characters are fantastic. I just love both of her love interests but Gary definitely has a special place in my heart but this book will probably always have one as well. It's hard to believe how much I had forgotten in those 5 years and I don't know when but I will be back to read it over again. I think I'll always come back.
Specific to Roxanne though it is all about her as a struggling actress. Very enjoyable and all the characters are fantastic. I just love both of her love interests but Gary definitely has a special place in my heart but this book will probably always have one as well. It's hard to believe how much I had forgotten in those 5 years and I don't know when but I will be back to read it over again. I think I'll always come back.
May 7, 2022
Welcome to the world of Sunfire Historical Romance books. Each book centers around a different girl in a different historical setting, where she must choose between two different boys who both love her. They’re great for basically anyone who is interested in reading a romance, especially older kids, and as a bonus, you might learn something. They’re cheesy, and often far-fetched, and sometimes the heroines are super dumb, but they’re always enjoyable. Especially when you find yourself screaming, “Pick him! PICK HIM!!!!”
ROXANNE is one of the most enjoyable Sunfires. It was interesting, sometimes amusing -“KISS HER!”- and fun to read. Roxanne was a fun character, Laureen was extremely annoying, Gary was entertaining, John was a whiny baby, and Henry was… ugh. Reading this book will make you want to pursue an acting career, and you will probably wind up staring at yourself in a mirror to see how well you portray false emotions(I didn’t do that, of course…nope, no way….).
ROXANNE is one of the most enjoyable Sunfires. It was interesting, sometimes amusing -“KISS HER!”- and fun to read. Roxanne was a fun character, Laureen was extremely annoying, Gary was entertaining, John was a whiny baby, and Henry was… ugh. Reading this book will make you want to pursue an acting career, and you will probably wind up staring at yourself in a mirror to see how well you portray false emotions(I didn’t do that, of course…nope, no way….).
July 3, 2017
I originally read this series back in the 80s, checking them out from my elementary school library. Having re-read them as an adult I think they stand the test of time and are still relevant as far as historical fiction is concerned.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews