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Sunfire #7
Caroline
Her disguise would keep her safe, but not from love.
If only men and boys were going to California, then Caroline would become a -- boy!
Caroline just wants the same adventures her brothers have. But they're headed west to California to find gold, and that's no place for a girl to be. So Caroline takes matters -- and scissors -- into her own hands. By cutting her hair and donning the clothes of a gold-hungry young boy, Caroline goes west. One of the young men traveling with her was handsome Dan Riddle, who treats her the way he would any young boy. But underneath the clothes of the boys pounds the heart a young woman, and while Caroline thinks her quest is for adventure, she finds that it is for love.
If only men and boys were going to California, then Caroline would become a -- boy!
Caroline just wants the same adventures her brothers have. But they're headed west to California to find gold, and that's no place for a girl to be. So Caroline takes matters -- and scissors -- into her own hands. By cutting her hair and donning the clothes of a gold-hungry young boy, Caroline goes west. One of the young men traveling with her was handsome Dan Riddle, who treats her the way he would any young boy. But underneath the clothes of the boys pounds the heart a young woman, and while Caroline thinks her quest is for adventure, she finds that it is for love.
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 1984
6 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Willo Davis Roberts
121 books136 followersWillo Davis Roberts was an American writer chiefly known for her mystery novels for children and young adults. She won Edgar Allan Poe awards in 1989, 1995, and 1997 for best juvenile and best young adult mysteries. Her books included The View from the Cherry Tree, Twisted Summer, Don't Hurt Laurie, Megan's Island, Baby-sitting is a Dangerous Job, Hostage, The Girl with Silver Eyes, The One Left Behind and Scared Stiff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 26, 2017
LOL I read this book when I was a kid and was discussing it at an event while on book tour. Several fans found the title of the book for me so I bought it off Amazon and re-read it and LOLOLOL OMG. It was so fun and sweet and exactly what I remembered. It was also so disconcerting reading it as an adult and recognizing how hilariously old-fashioned the book is about gender roles and what's expected of a woman while still trying so hard to be pleasantly feminist. I love this whole series. I spent much of my childhood loving these girls.
April 26, 2009
When I was in grade school, I read several books in this series (and writing this I want to hide in embarrassment, but I was around 11 or 12). The books were for the most part predictable and very clean (romance, but nothing more than a kiss). Girl is torn between two boys who both like her, and she chooses the one who lets her be herself (so the series was pro-girl in that respect). This one is the only one I can really remember and that is because there was no love triangle. It was story about a girl who poses as a boy to find her brothers. Along the way, she falls for the man she is working for. She had pluck.
August 31, 2015
I was amazed that her period was never an issue.
August 17, 2015
oh my gosh!!! These books! Do you remember these? Did you read them. I'd forgotten them totally until today when someone mentioned them on twitter.
July 26, 2008
“(See my review of "Amanda" for my series overview.)
Well, wasn't this one a lot of fun! I knew I'd be more kindly disposed towards this particular Sunfire, since it involved frontiers and wagon trains and the lovely scenery of the Sierra Nevada.
For the record, and for the sake of the data integrity of my Great Sunfire Re-Read, I did *not* read this one as a kid.
The plot is pretty straightforward: Caroline Hoxie's older brothers Frank and Billy decide to leave their Michigan farm and join the California gold rush. Caroline, jealous of the freedom that men have to just run off, and resentful of being left behind, decides to disguise herself as a boy and follow her brothers. (The wonderful back cover art depicts a furiously scowling Caroline taking scissors to her long hair.)
She starts out on foot, determined to walk to Independence, Missouri if she has to, but she fortunately runs into a sympathetic family who agree to take "Caro" the "12 year old" boy along in their wagon. At the jumping-off town for all west-bound wagon trains, Caro can't find her brothers, and all seems lost until a string of events lead to her being hired as help by Dan Riddle, a handsome young man who's headed west to stake a claim. But of course, handsome Dan thinks Caro is a boy, and she's got to maintain her disguise or risk being shipped back home.
Dan is a real catch, and it's easy to see why Caro falls for him. He's a goodhearted, smart, hardworking guy, and he is really very sweet to the "boy" that he treats like a protege. Caro has a few adventures of her own, some funny, some tense, as she tries to pass as a boy. Unfortunately, the other boys on the train figure out pretty quickly that there's something weird about Caro, mostly that "he" can't manage to throw one measly punch.
Of course, Caroline is terrified that Dan will hate her guts if she reveals the truth, so she hangs onto her deception even after they stake a claim in California. But Caro's getting older, and more... womanly, and Dan is not stupid, and it's obvious long before Caro blurts out her secret that Dan is more than aware.
It's a sweet story of two people who are obviously a good match for each other. It's a nice change for a Sunfire not to feature two suitors for the heroine to choose from. (In fact, the other guys depicted in the cover art are Caro's two brothers, when there is usually a second suitor in that spot.) It wouldn't have worked at all with the "disguised as a boy" plotline, so I am thankful that Roberts didn't force the formula on us.
Of course, a beautiful girl credibly passing as a boy is a hard conceit to swallow, but if you suspend that disbelief, the novel is a lot more enjoyable. I can deal with it since the story takes place in the 1850s, and I suppose that if something shows up in trousers in the 1850s, it's a boy!
I only have a couple of quibbles with this one. One of them is the last-minute resolution of the plot involving Caroline's brothers and how they may or may not have salted a mine. I wish we'd been given a few more chapters devoted to that mystery, in order to flesh it out a little more, or that the subplot had been dropped entirely. As it stands on the page, it's pretty rushed. The other quibble, this one of the eye-rolling variety, was that all of the Hoxie siblings found True Love all at the same time. I could deal with Caroline running into Billy's new sweetheart out on the trail, but of *course* poor Frank couldn't be left out, and he's got a girl, too. Someone actually mentioned the yucky idea of a "triple wedding" for Caro and Dan and Frank and Billy and their sweethearts.
But those little bits aside, the descriptions are lush, the plot clips along nicely, and the main characters are very likeable.
The verdict: I had to yank one star because the ending feels pretty crammed on, and I get annoyed when there are too many sweethearts pitching woo all over the frontier. But, this is a fun, unique Sunfire, and if you're collecting, you should definitely track this one down.
Well, wasn't this one a lot of fun! I knew I'd be more kindly disposed towards this particular Sunfire, since it involved frontiers and wagon trains and the lovely scenery of the Sierra Nevada.
For the record, and for the sake of the data integrity of my Great Sunfire Re-Read, I did *not* read this one as a kid.
The plot is pretty straightforward: Caroline Hoxie's older brothers Frank and Billy decide to leave their Michigan farm and join the California gold rush. Caroline, jealous of the freedom that men have to just run off, and resentful of being left behind, decides to disguise herself as a boy and follow her brothers. (The wonderful back cover art depicts a furiously scowling Caroline taking scissors to her long hair.)
She starts out on foot, determined to walk to Independence, Missouri if she has to, but she fortunately runs into a sympathetic family who agree to take "Caro" the "12 year old" boy along in their wagon. At the jumping-off town for all west-bound wagon trains, Caro can't find her brothers, and all seems lost until a string of events lead to her being hired as help by Dan Riddle, a handsome young man who's headed west to stake a claim. But of course, handsome Dan thinks Caro is a boy, and she's got to maintain her disguise or risk being shipped back home.
Dan is a real catch, and it's easy to see why Caro falls for him. He's a goodhearted, smart, hardworking guy, and he is really very sweet to the "boy" that he treats like a protege. Caro has a few adventures of her own, some funny, some tense, as she tries to pass as a boy. Unfortunately, the other boys on the train figure out pretty quickly that there's something weird about Caro, mostly that "he" can't manage to throw one measly punch.
Of course, Caroline is terrified that Dan will hate her guts if she reveals the truth, so she hangs onto her deception even after they stake a claim in California. But Caro's getting older, and more... womanly, and Dan is not stupid, and it's obvious long before Caro blurts out her secret that Dan is more than aware.
It's a sweet story of two people who are obviously a good match for each other. It's a nice change for a Sunfire not to feature two suitors for the heroine to choose from. (In fact, the other guys depicted in the cover art are Caro's two brothers, when there is usually a second suitor in that spot.) It wouldn't have worked at all with the "disguised as a boy" plotline, so I am thankful that Roberts didn't force the formula on us.
Of course, a beautiful girl credibly passing as a boy is a hard conceit to swallow, but if you suspend that disbelief, the novel is a lot more enjoyable. I can deal with it since the story takes place in the 1850s, and I suppose that if something shows up in trousers in the 1850s, it's a boy!
I only have a couple of quibbles with this one. One of them is the last-minute resolution of the plot involving Caroline's brothers and how they may or may not have salted a mine. I wish we'd been given a few more chapters devoted to that mystery, in order to flesh it out a little more, or that the subplot had been dropped entirely. As it stands on the page, it's pretty rushed. The other quibble, this one of the eye-rolling variety, was that all of the Hoxie siblings found True Love all at the same time. I could deal with Caroline running into Billy's new sweetheart out on the trail, but of *course* poor Frank couldn't be left out, and he's got a girl, too. Someone actually mentioned the yucky idea of a "triple wedding" for Caro and Dan and Frank and Billy and their sweethearts.
But those little bits aside, the descriptions are lush, the plot clips along nicely, and the main characters are very likeable.
The verdict: I had to yank one star because the ending feels pretty crammed on, and I get annoyed when there are too many sweethearts pitching woo all over the frontier. But, this is a fun, unique Sunfire, and if you're collecting, you should definitely track this one down.
November 21, 2008
One of my very first romance books. Found in my Christian School's library, so you know it was "clean". Those wonderful Sunfire novels...sigh....brings a tear. And memories of sneaking books by the pitiful light of my alarm clock after my parents had sent me to bed. (hmmmm, needing glasses, mystery solved...)
These aren't in print any longer, which is probably for the best. This novel probably wouldn't stand up to my current standards should I ever read it again, but it certainly fit the bill as I took my first steps tentative away from Encyclopdia Brown and Nancy Drew. I wonder if I'll ever run across it on the dusty shelves of my thrift store book section one day....I would be forced to buy it, if for nothing else than to pick up and smile at occassionally.
Don't know why this one was my favorite, although I do admit to having a bit of a thing for the old west/wagon train era as I was growing up. Geek much? Never said I wasn't odd. This one also hosts the wonderful girl dresses as a boy and falls in love with handsome man plot. And don't we all just love that? You turn every page waiting for that big moment, the dramatic reveal. Good stuff Maynard.
These aren't in print any longer, which is probably for the best. This novel probably wouldn't stand up to my current standards should I ever read it again, but it certainly fit the bill as I took my first steps tentative away from Encyclopdia Brown and Nancy Drew. I wonder if I'll ever run across it on the dusty shelves of my thrift store book section one day....I would be forced to buy it, if for nothing else than to pick up and smile at occassionally.
Don't know why this one was my favorite, although I do admit to having a bit of a thing for the old west/wagon train era as I was growing up. Geek much? Never said I wasn't odd. This one also hosts the wonderful girl dresses as a boy and falls in love with handsome man plot. And don't we all just love that? You turn every page waiting for that big moment, the dramatic reveal. Good stuff Maynard.
May 20, 2010
I discovered the Sunfire Classics back in middle school (working in the library) and with them discovered the joys of romance novels!
And yet, I only loved a select few of these books.
Caroline is dear to my heart because she is a frontier woman. Not only that, but she disguised herself as a man in order to be close to the man she loved! Eventually, her secret would have to come out, but in the meantime it was hilarious to see what Caroline had to go through to keep it a secret while living out in the wilds of California panning for gold!
As with most of the Sunfire girls, I love her zest and how she keeps going at her goal, no matter what. Yes, tears are shed and tantrums are thrown, but in the long run they all stick through to get what they want: the man of their dreams.
These are all fairy-tale type HEA, but still wonderful to read! And with the historical context thrown in, educational as well!
And yet, I only loved a select few of these books.
Caroline is dear to my heart because she is a frontier woman. Not only that, but she disguised herself as a man in order to be close to the man she loved! Eventually, her secret would have to come out, but in the meantime it was hilarious to see what Caroline had to go through to keep it a secret while living out in the wilds of California panning for gold!
As with most of the Sunfire girls, I love her zest and how she keeps going at her goal, no matter what. Yes, tears are shed and tantrums are thrown, but in the long run they all stick through to get what they want: the man of their dreams.
These are all fairy-tale type HEA, but still wonderful to read! And with the historical context thrown in, educational as well!
December 28, 2008
I guess these books were supposed to prepare me for my young adulthood, when I would have to choose the man to marry from among my suitors. Luckily I have been able to ignore some of that early training and not get involved with the oppressive institution of marriage.
Oh, but I'm supposed to write about the book.
Well, I know from recognizing the cover that I've read this book, but I can't remember a dang thing about its plot. Sorry.
Oh, but I'm supposed to write about the book.
Well, I know from recognizing the cover that I've read this book, but I can't remember a dang thing about its plot. Sorry.
May 10, 2007
I loved this historical series when I was in elementary school. Each book was a stand alone story and featured a young woman from a noteworthy historical period. This one was my absolute favorite and took place during the California gold rush. I wish you could still buy these in stores!
March 6, 2013
I first found this book when I was in he 7th grade and I have loved it ever since. I still have my copy 20 yrs later. Love it
May 29, 2017
My problem with reading is that I can't read books that take place in the present very much unless its a really good book. Lately I've been reading futuristic books, mostly Dystopian, Utopian, or Post-Apocalyptic. But it was really nice to go back to books that take place in the past because those are the books I'm most comfortable with for some reason.
Caroline is a normal girl in the late-1800s, who, like many, has family who desire to go west with the chance of finding gold in the gold-rush in California. When her brothers announce that they are leaving to go west, Caroline just remain home with her grandmothers, doing womanly housework and marrying some decent man. Naturally, to join her brothers in safety, she must disguise herself as a boy. Unfortunately for her, she is about to meet a man that she actually likes, and that she absolutely can't reveal herself to. Caroline must cross the plains with the man she is growing to love, while pretending to be a boy.
Despite the very 80's styling of the book, this book was just as good as it would have been with a more modern size and cover! It was a very different plot line than what I normally read in historical fiction, so it made this book all the more interesting to me!
Caroline is a normal girl in the late-1800s, who, like many, has family who desire to go west with the chance of finding gold in the gold-rush in California. When her brothers announce that they are leaving to go west, Caroline just remain home with her grandmothers, doing womanly housework and marrying some decent man. Naturally, to join her brothers in safety, she must disguise herself as a boy. Unfortunately for her, she is about to meet a man that she actually likes, and that she absolutely can't reveal herself to. Caroline must cross the plains with the man she is growing to love, while pretending to be a boy.
Despite the very 80's styling of the book, this book was just as good as it would have been with a more modern size and cover! It was a very different plot line than what I normally read in historical fiction, so it made this book all the more interesting to me!
February 4, 2013
This was a fun one. I liked Caroline a LOT. She's spunky and feisty and she's not going to lie down and become a laaady while her brothers go have an adventure without her. The only other Sunfire novel I've read is "Amanda" and the main character whines about not being girly enough throughout the whole novel. Not Caroline!
It's not a masterpiece of literature but it was fun to read. I kind of want to search out more Sunfire novels now, just because they're fun and clean. Albeit cheesy.
It's not a masterpiece of literature but it was fun to read. I kind of want to search out more Sunfire novels now, just because they're fun and clean. Albeit cheesy.
November 24, 2015
Caroline was a fun tale with a cute love story, suspense, and adventure. A fifteen-year-old girl determined to follow her brothers into gold country... so she chops off her lovely blonde hair, dons some trousers, and joins a wagon train west, just days after her brothers. But masquerading as a boy becomes a whole lot more difficult as bullies find her a "sissy", and the kind young man she is traveling with starts to win her heart... unbeknowest to him!
A clean, lively, adventurous romance for teens... I really enjoyed it!!
A clean, lively, adventurous romance for teens... I really enjoyed it!!
February 5, 2009
Okay, I admit, this is a book I read many years ago as a pre-teen. Scholastic Books had a teen romance series that featured young women at different interesting points in our history. Caroline was my favorite. What's there not to love about an adventurous girl who follows her brothers across the plains to find them in California? And she disguises herself as a boy. And she falls in love. On rereading it as an adult, I enjoyed the full flavor of nostalgia. The story is still pretty good.
July 18, 2012
I am loving this trip down memory lane and reading these Sunfire books. This one does not have quite as much of the history piece until the last third or so, but the story is fun. Caroline is a spunky character who goes on a very unlikely journey. Suspend disbelief and you have a fun 1980's read.
August 3, 2010
I'm revisiting my youth with this book. A sweet story of a stubborn 16-year-old girl who decides to disguise herself as a boy, hire herself out as a wagon hand, and follow her two older brothers to California during the gold rush. A coming of age story, with a sweet romance mixed in.
September 11, 2012
This is one of my favorite Sunfire books. The history and setting of the Oregon Trail is really interesting and nicely done, the characters are awesome, and the book has a good flow. Caroline is plucky without being annoying. I've read this one again and again and will continue to do so.
June 13, 2008
I loved these YA historical romance novels when I was a girl/young adult. They're totally clean and fun!
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July 25, 2024[July/August?:] 2004: in Yellowstone; back to Aeneid
August 15, 2008
Great book about a young girl who decides to travel west to her brothers during the Gold Rush. I first read it as a 7th grader, but it is a book that I re-read every few years.
January 8, 2009
Another one of my favorites in this series. I love the whole dressing up as a boy-trying to not to be discovered as a woman- scenarios.
March 13, 2009
I read this years ago! But I remember that I liked it. A very clean (but very cheesy) romance.
September 22, 2009
This was one of my favorite books when I was ten. I loved everything about it!
November 5, 2009
One of my favorite books from growing up...I still like to read it now and then.
November 8, 2010
One of my favorites int he series of Sunfire Romances. I wish they'd re-release them as I'd love to read them again.
November 28, 2011
I read all of these when I was a teen, and recently bought the entire series for the girls after finding them on ebay.
February 10, 2012
One of my all-time favorites. Just the perfect amount of romance and adventure and of course it ends how you think it will, but I still love it.
August 13, 2012
Re-read & reviewed as part of Frontier Week at Slatebreakers - http://slatebreakers.com/2012/08/10/r...
January 17, 2013
I remember loving, loving this book. I read it several times. It had an "As You Like It" meets the Old West type plot.
November 6, 2013
3.5 stars
Caroline is a bit empty-headed, but this was still fun.
Caroline is a bit empty-headed, but this was still fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews