What do you think?
Rate this book
Sunfire #29
Diana
Diana lives in New Orleans during the Louisiana Purchase in the early 19th century.
At a New Orleans gala, Diana meets David, a handsome French Creole aristocrat. But then her family sends her to St. Louis, where Diana meets John, a brave Kentucky frontiersman. David wants Diana to marry him, but will saying yes to David mean saying no to true love?
Number 29 in the currently out of print Sunfire series by Scholastic books.
At a New Orleans gala, Diana meets David, a handsome French Creole aristocrat. But then her family sends her to St. Louis, where Diana meets John, a brave Kentucky frontiersman. David wants Diana to marry him, but will saying yes to David mean saying no to true love?
Number 29 in the currently out of print Sunfire series by Scholastic books.
216 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1988
About the author
Mary Francis Shura
42 books22 followersMary Francis Young was born on 23 February 1923 in Pratt, Kansas, the daughter of Jack Fant and Mary Francis (Milstead) Young. When she was very young, her family moved to the Pacific Northwest, where she raised. She studied at Maryville State College. On 24 October 1943, she married Daniel Charles Shura, who died in 1959. They had two children: Marianne Francis Shura (Spraguc) and Daniel Charles Shura. On 8 December 1961, she married Raymond C. Craig, they had a daughter Alice Barrett Craig (Stout), before their divorce.
Since 1960, she wrote over 50 books of various genres: children's adventures and teen-romances as Mary Francis Shura, M. F. Craig, and Meredith Hill; gothic novels as Mary Craig; romance novels as Alexis Hill, Mary Shura Craig and Mary S. Craig; and suspense novels as M. S. Craig.
Her children's novel "The Search for Grissi" received the Carl Sandburg Literary Arts Award in 1985, and she also was nominated to the Young Hoosier Book Award. In 1990, she was elected president of the Mystery Writers of America.
She lived in Hinsdale, Illinois, where her apartment burned on 13 December 1990. At 67, she died of injuries suffered in the fire on 12 January 1991 in Loyola University Medical Burn Center in Maywood.
Since 1960, she wrote over 50 books of various genres: children's adventures and teen-romances as Mary Francis Shura, M. F. Craig, and Meredith Hill; gothic novels as Mary Craig; romance novels as Alexis Hill, Mary Shura Craig and Mary S. Craig; and suspense novels as M. S. Craig.
Her children's novel "The Search for Grissi" received the Carl Sandburg Literary Arts Award in 1985, and she also was nominated to the Young Hoosier Book Award. In 1990, she was elected president of the Mystery Writers of America.
She lived in Hinsdale, Illinois, where her apartment burned on 13 December 1990. At 67, she died of injuries suffered in the fire on 12 January 1991 in Loyola University Medical Burn Center in Maywood.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 20, 2016
This suffers from a lot of the traditional Sunfire problems--people with current values transplanted into the past being the biggest one, guys who treat women poorly being the other one--but doesn't have any redeeming values behind it other than maybe the opportunity to learn a little bit about St. Louis history. The major problems here are the pacing of the book (so weird) and the way that the subplot about Diana's best friend is shoehorned in at the last minute to wrap things up neatly.
Check out my full review (including details on the swanky cover) at Young Adult Historical Vault https://yahistoricalvault.com/2016/07...
Check out my full review (including details on the swanky cover) at Young Adult Historical Vault https://yahistoricalvault.com/2016/07...
September 9, 2015
Waxing Nostalgic #6- I love this book by my favorite author of the Sunfire series. She describes her characters so well and the reader comes to love them and understand them. It is so difficult for Diana to make a choice between David and John because they are both such wonderful people. I am always in love with them too! I like learning about the two towns, New Orleans, and St. Louis, in such a pivotal time of the country, the Louisiana purchase.
March 29, 2024
Diana was delusional, thinking that she was soulmates with one man when really, they didn’t have much in common. Because she didn’t want to make a commitment, she led a kind, understanding man on for over two years. The drama feels contrived, as if the plot is being forced into an unsatisfactory ending.
August 15, 2012
Diana is the next book in my reading /rereading of the Sunfires this summer. Romance-wise I am not sure I am buying. Historically, I learned a bit and thought it was really interesting.
December 5, 2023
True love is like finding a needle in a haystack. But once you find a love that makes your heart spread wings and fly, that is the end. Right? For a select few that is only the beginning.
Diana Hawkins is faced with such a fate in Mary Francis Shura’s novel, Diana, a historically accurate, fictional romance placed within the tensions of the Louisiana purchase. We find Diana Hawkins- an American of high social status- faced with a choice between David LePointe and John. An aristocrat or a frontiersman. A Frenchman or an American.
Through colorful language Shura paints the picture of pre- Civil War America. An era- for the upper elite at least- of parties and suitors. New Orleans, a place that, “sparkled with brilliance”, is where we find Diana attending her first party. Here Diana meets what she believes to be her only chance for love. David LePointe- simply described- “charming”, well put together, and wealthy. Their relationship is one built on never ending love. That is until rising resentment towards Americans forces Diana to take the “tedious” trip, up the Mississippi, to St. Louis. A “warm and welcoming” town- St. Louis brings comfort to Diana. And with that a fork in the road. John- a strong man with an adventurous heart. For the first time since finding out what love is, Diana feels free. A rustic love. A truly mysterious love. Still, Diana must decide. Should she choose the man that truly loves her- David? Or the man she believes to be her true love- John? Will she make the decision in time before John leaves for the Lewis and Clark expedition? Time is running out.
Shura’s novel does an amazing job of creating suspense that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. From a person who has never experienced love in her own life, I felt truly a part of Diana’s romance. Is it realistic? No. But, it is fun nevertheless to imagine love being thrown at you from all angles. Mary Francis Shura does an excellent job of creating an easy to follow plot. Helping the reader to follow Diana as she travels back and forth from New Orleans and St. Louis. We watch as she balances the two cites and the two men.
Despite the positive attributes, if you are searching for three-dimensional characters with developing personalities, this book might not be for you. While the characters each have their own colorful personality- nothing changes. David remains eager and proper. John remains mysterious and distant. Diana remains innocent and lustful. Through the lenses of modern feminist times I wish we could have seen Diana find a life for herself not rooted in the attraction of a man. Or for her to realize her worth past that of the retributions of love. However, we must remember the early nineteenth century was nothing like that of our contemporary era. Where we are free to choose love as we wish. Still, I would have liked to see Diana focus on discovering herself as a young woman.
In spite of the lack of character development, Diana does an excellent job of creating a powerful message for its audience. Love might be hard to find, but in the end love fell into Diana’s lap. In addition, you do not have to settle for love. There is always something more waiting for you across the river. You must simply have the nerve to chase it.
Diana is a quick, enjoyable, and suspense filled read. The elegance of the time period alongside the colorful language will place the reader seemingly inside the story. Is the book for everyone? Yes and no. While I think anyone could read it, it is important to remember that not everyone will understand the line between historical fiction and modern day fiction. If you love history, the complexity of our ever evolving society, and of course love- this book is for you. After reading maybe you will realize finding the needle in the haystack won’t be so hard after all.
Diana Hawkins is faced with such a fate in Mary Francis Shura’s novel, Diana, a historically accurate, fictional romance placed within the tensions of the Louisiana purchase. We find Diana Hawkins- an American of high social status- faced with a choice between David LePointe and John. An aristocrat or a frontiersman. A Frenchman or an American.
Through colorful language Shura paints the picture of pre- Civil War America. An era- for the upper elite at least- of parties and suitors. New Orleans, a place that, “sparkled with brilliance”, is where we find Diana attending her first party. Here Diana meets what she believes to be her only chance for love. David LePointe- simply described- “charming”, well put together, and wealthy. Their relationship is one built on never ending love. That is until rising resentment towards Americans forces Diana to take the “tedious” trip, up the Mississippi, to St. Louis. A “warm and welcoming” town- St. Louis brings comfort to Diana. And with that a fork in the road. John- a strong man with an adventurous heart. For the first time since finding out what love is, Diana feels free. A rustic love. A truly mysterious love. Still, Diana must decide. Should she choose the man that truly loves her- David? Or the man she believes to be her true love- John? Will she make the decision in time before John leaves for the Lewis and Clark expedition? Time is running out.
Shura’s novel does an amazing job of creating suspense that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. From a person who has never experienced love in her own life, I felt truly a part of Diana’s romance. Is it realistic? No. But, it is fun nevertheless to imagine love being thrown at you from all angles. Mary Francis Shura does an excellent job of creating an easy to follow plot. Helping the reader to follow Diana as she travels back and forth from New Orleans and St. Louis. We watch as she balances the two cites and the two men.
Despite the positive attributes, if you are searching for three-dimensional characters with developing personalities, this book might not be for you. While the characters each have their own colorful personality- nothing changes. David remains eager and proper. John remains mysterious and distant. Diana remains innocent and lustful. Through the lenses of modern feminist times I wish we could have seen Diana find a life for herself not rooted in the attraction of a man. Or for her to realize her worth past that of the retributions of love. However, we must remember the early nineteenth century was nothing like that of our contemporary era. Where we are free to choose love as we wish. Still, I would have liked to see Diana focus on discovering herself as a young woman.
In spite of the lack of character development, Diana does an excellent job of creating a powerful message for its audience. Love might be hard to find, but in the end love fell into Diana’s lap. In addition, you do not have to settle for love. There is always something more waiting for you across the river. You must simply have the nerve to chase it.
Diana is a quick, enjoyable, and suspense filled read. The elegance of the time period alongside the colorful language will place the reader seemingly inside the story. Is the book for everyone? Yes and no. While I think anyone could read it, it is important to remember that not everyone will understand the line between historical fiction and modern day fiction. If you love history, the complexity of our ever evolving society, and of course love- this book is for you. After reading maybe you will realize finding the needle in the haystack won’t be so hard after all.
May 6, 2020
"Diana" by Mary Francis Shura was book #29 in the Sunfire Romance series, a historical romance line aimed at teens that was published by Scholastic in the 1980s. I enjoyed the novel more than I thought I would. It's very much like a regular category historical romance with the exception that it involves teenagers as the main characters instead of adults. Consequently it is a very clean romance limited to the occasional hand-holding or innocent kiss. Our heroine Diana (the titles of all the Sunfire books are named after the heroine) lives between New Orleans and St. Louis from 1803 (when she is 14) to 1806 (age 17). Her heart belongs to two boys, her society friend David and a frontiersman named John who is leaving on the Lewis & Clark expedition. The novel concerns the choice that she has to make between them. (I was surprised but satisfied with the outcome.)
Here is a nicely written paragraph from page 87 to give you an idea of the quality of the writing: "Two days seldom passed without John coming whistling through the woods to her. The tune was always the same. She always meant to ask him what song it was, but forgot to. Since she didn't know what else to call it, she thought of that certain lilt as 'John's song' and felt her heart skip when it came into her mind. Once in a while, in the privacy of her own room, she hummed the notes to herself and smiled."
When I was in school learning about history, I hated how the textbooks took all the excitement out of the subject with pages showing graphs and maps to impart their information. Part of the word "history" is "story," and telling the story is what makes it come alive. Presumably this was the purpose of the Sunfire line, to inform young readers about American history in a way that would interest them and perhaps ignite their interest in history generally. This novel succeeds in that aim, since near the end I found myself going to Wikipedia to learn more about the Lewis and Clark expedition based on its presence in the book. I hasten to add that the educational aspect was no more intrusive than in any other historical romance novel that I've read, so readers fear not getting an unwanted school lesson here. Apart from a duel scene later in the book, there's not much action or suspense in the story, therefore some readers may find it rather unexciting. However I found the book to be well-written and enjoyable despite the leisurely pace. I rate "Diana" 3 out of 5 stars.
Here is a nicely written paragraph from page 87 to give you an idea of the quality of the writing: "Two days seldom passed without John coming whistling through the woods to her. The tune was always the same. She always meant to ask him what song it was, but forgot to. Since she didn't know what else to call it, she thought of that certain lilt as 'John's song' and felt her heart skip when it came into her mind. Once in a while, in the privacy of her own room, she hummed the notes to herself and smiled."
When I was in school learning about history, I hated how the textbooks took all the excitement out of the subject with pages showing graphs and maps to impart their information. Part of the word "history" is "story," and telling the story is what makes it come alive. Presumably this was the purpose of the Sunfire line, to inform young readers about American history in a way that would interest them and perhaps ignite their interest in history generally. This novel succeeds in that aim, since near the end I found myself going to Wikipedia to learn more about the Lewis and Clark expedition based on its presence in the book. I hasten to add that the educational aspect was no more intrusive than in any other historical romance novel that I've read, so readers fear not getting an unwanted school lesson here. Apart from a duel scene later in the book, there's not much action or suspense in the story, therefore some readers may find it rather unexciting. However I found the book to be well-written and enjoyable despite the leisurely pace. I rate "Diana" 3 out of 5 stars.
November 1, 2018
It's hard to know how to rate this book. On the one hand, it's terrible. On the other hand, it's rather hilariously terrible. Only worth reading if you, like me, are amused by clunky dialogues, bizarre and yet predictable plot twists, and nonsensical characters whose motivations and actions make no sense.
Near the beginning of the story, our beautiful fourteen-year-old protagonist's parents decide to send her off with a servant to a different city for several months because they want her to throw lots of parties for all the new people in that city, including a fort full of soldiers. If this idea sounds eminently reasonable and romantic to you, you are in the target audience for this book, but you should choose something more sensible instead so that you don't get any more silly ideas. If this premise instead makes you roll your eyes in annoyance, you will not find the rest of the book to be any more enjoyable. But if you can't help laughing at this profoundly ludicrous example of teenage wish-fulfillment, this might just be an enjoyable read for you.
Near the beginning of the story, our beautiful fourteen-year-old protagonist's parents decide to send her off with a servant to a different city for several months because they want her to throw lots of parties for all the new people in that city, including a fort full of soldiers. If this idea sounds eminently reasonable and romantic to you, you are in the target audience for this book, but you should choose something more sensible instead so that you don't get any more silly ideas. If this premise instead makes you roll your eyes in annoyance, you will not find the rest of the book to be any more enjoyable. But if you can't help laughing at this profoundly ludicrous example of teenage wish-fulfillment, this might just be an enjoyable read for you.
August 30, 2019
Basic Plot: Diana decides whether to join a Kentucky frontiersman or stay in St. Louis?
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.
Lots of interesting details about the French purchase. A weak side plot with her friend Vivienne. The inevitable love triangle with her safe guy and exciting guy. Which to choose??? It sounds silly, but I read and reread this one as a tween. Something about her attitude called to me.
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.
Lots of interesting details about the French purchase. A weak side plot with her friend Vivienne. The inevitable love triangle with her safe guy and exciting guy. Which to choose??? It sounds silly, but I read and reread this one as a tween. Something about her attitude called to me.
September 19, 2020
Oh! I hated the ending of this book! It's absolutely absurd and ridiculous to think that her parents would let her go off into the wilderness with a mountain man! I didn't think she could marry David and I did start to see that he seemed to care for Vi as well, so that wasn't such a surprise for me. A secret part of me hoped that she would not choose either of them, but a life for herself. So BAD! Back to the library book sale for this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2023
B. fiction, historical fiction; Louisiana Purchase; romance
July 13, 2023
I read this book many years ago when I was in school. I enjoyed re-reading it as an adult. Of course, now I question how realistic the storyline was for a 14 year old girl…
April 27, 2020
I've had this book since I was a teen and it's still sweet. I really enjoyed reading it again this evening. The love between Diana and John is a little unsupported, and the reader doesn't really learn much about him. But it's still a sweet book and Diana is an incredibly lovely character.
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 - 13 of 13 reviews