Texas Wildflower

by Susan Wiggs

Texas frontier detective Shiloh Mulvane captures rugged outlaw Justin McCord, who unbeknownst to Shiloh is a spy on a mission to save the fate of Texas from a corrupt politician, to impress her employer, but the tables turn when Justin holds her hostage, forcing her into a marriage of convenience. Original.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Fiction, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Western Historical Romance, Contemporary

Paperback

First published April 1, 1987

About the author

Susan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.

According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.

The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The one Susan Wiggs book I hated. I literally threw it across the room when I finished it. It had the most unsatisfactory ending. It was as if she even hated the book and just wanted to end it.

[HR-ML · Rating 1 out of 5]

Texas 1843. Susan Wiggs wrote this her 1st romance
in 1987. I stopped at page 202 of 416 (a revised paper-
back edition). Please don't think this representative
of SW's writing ability.

It pained me to write this review. The blurb featured
a 20 year old Texas frontier girl, wanting to be a
detective like her (hard-drinking) father Nate. This
story had too many irritating elements for me and
failed to deliver.

"Government man" Justin reported to Mr. Henderson
for the US President, a vague role. (The FBI came into
existence yrs later in 1896.) The POTUS + many Texans
favored the Republic of Texas joining the US. Justin's
task: track the UK Captain & corrupt Texas judge, West,
who supported the Mexican cause over that of the US.
Justin + the good guys were charged w/ preventing
violence/ destruction by West and friends.

Shiloh acted like a bounty hunter to capture Justin for West
(she had no knowledge of his treasonous plan) for seducing
the non-virgin dtr of West. H + h wed, using the flimsiest
rationale. Justin & Shiloh engaged in overreactions & heated
discussions. No bantering. Justin slept off/ on in the bunk-
house.

Whiny Shiloh undermined Justin concerning his official
work & put herself in danger repeatedly & earned her TSTL
badge. He kept secrets, ditto for her. This couple gave me a
migraine

Much better books by Susan Wiggs:
The Charm School, The Great Chicago Fire Trilogy, The
Horse Master's Daughter.

[Kit★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had owned this book for more than ten years and had never read it, so I finally read it to belatedly get in my Western romance for the February sub-genre of the month over in the Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired group. I've read quite a few of Wiggs' historicals and liked them, but it's been a couple years since I've read one of hers. I was hoping this one would be good, and it was alright, but mostly I'm just happy to finally have accomplished getting it off of the TBR pile. I'd really rate it more like a 2.5 Stars or even 2.75 Stars, it was ok, and I liked some aspects of it, but it's definitely not one I can see myself wanting to re-read really. It wasn't bad by any means though. I enjoyed the setting in Texas, and the political aspect of the characters fighting to avoid foreign control, before Texas was a state. I found that really interesting, because it's not a period of history I'm real familiar with. I also liked how Shiloh was determined to do her thing, be a spy or find ways to get important papers, even if it pissed Justin off. I liked how she stuck to her guns about that. At the same time though, I found their constant arguing and hot and cold, on and off, irritating at times. Justin was always too quick to anger, and she wasn't much better. They were like two spitting cats most of the time. It got a little aggravating, though I could understand it, at least on Shiloh's side. She was forced into marrying this guy, a stranger, and her family's all 'Well, he seems like a good man, maybe it's what you need.' Huh?! I'd be madder'n hell my family did that to me. And then he tells her she can't go out anymore, and she most definitely can't continue her detective stuff, and she's not welcome to help him with his missions either. Like, sorry toots, you're stuck at home now. Screw that. So I was glad she wasn't so meek, though she had her moments where he ways of sticking it to him were kinda dumb. Like, oh, leave me at home huh? I'll show you! And then she proceeds to clean and fix and paint the house and make it all homey. Durp, I think that was his goal there, girl, so how's that revenge? Same with the making herself all pretty. The story definitely showed that first book/early book signs. It had the interesting base, but the characters were immature at times. But I still was entertained, I enjoyed the last half especially, once they go to England, and then to Washington, and Justin's parents' home, and back to Texas, and then especially once Shiloh struck off on her own to Mexico on that last dangerous mission. Then it really got interesting. So it wasn't bad, but I just didn't like the characters' on and on with the misunderstandings and bickering. Then, the stunt Justin pulls there towards the end, after Mexico, and you think it's going to be happy, she's got good news to tell him, and then... boom, he turns like a dog on her over some unfounded accusations from the bad guys, and months go by in misery... Arg! I wanted to punch him! Repeatedly. The end was rather abrupt too, in my opinion, and almost too easy of a resolution. But. I liked Shiloh's father, and Ina, and the others around the ranch, most especially Ina and Nate hooking up and getting a little HEA, that made me grin a bit. Still think the end was too abrupt though, like... I dunno. So, I'm glad it's finally off the TBR, and happy it wasn't a total bust, wasn't the best book ever but wasn't terrible either. I'll put it with the other books I have by Wiggs, and there's no doubt I'll still be reading books by her :)

[Tetty Marlinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

#11 - 2019 RC
Genre: Historical Romance

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I'm very particular when it comes to Historical Western Romance. Few authors can pull the genre off and leave me feeling satisfied. I have my trued and true go-to author's that have a phenomenal talent in writing this genre. That being said, Susan Wiggs Texas Wildflower was wonderfully written and was exceptional in depicting Texas History and satisfying my love of historical genre.
Justin McCord was a very strong willed man equally paired with an even stronger willed female, Shiloh Mulvane.
Shiloh, perfectly matched for Justin with her fearlessness and take no prisoner approach to life. This girl was a breath of fresh air in the fact that nothing stood in her way. Her red hair and spitfire attitude was just what Justin needed in his life.
When these two meet, sparks fly, but not how you're thinking, then the adventure began and it was a funny, gripping, somewhat secretive story, that truly was an exhilarating book, it hooked me in from the beginning to the end. Loved this book and I give Ms. Wiggs credit for making a new fan out of me. Very well developed characters which truly engulfed me. A Texas Wildflower, that was Shiloh Mulvane-McCord to a T.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoarder surprise Apr '25- Flowers on cover

This was the first book by the author. Since she's become a more prolific and best selling writer, this was re-edited and re-published.
It's a historical romance that takes place in Texas in the 1840's surrounding the debate of Texas becoming a state. This was a nice change of pace from the typical regency or scottish historical romances that I read.
Seeing that this was her first book, you can see the beginnings of what was to become a successful writing career.
Shiloh & Justin are likable characters with chemistry. I'm not sure if the British were really trying to stop TX from becoming a state, but that info was interesting.
My criticism of the book was the back & forth, "I love you, I hate you, I love...", break up- get back together, misunderstandings, etc... which for me got too repetitive after a while. Also, I would have liked an epilogue chapter.
On the positive side- I did like how the wedding bouquet flowers, the title and the picture on the cover of the book were incorporated seamlessly into the story to tie in the theme.

[★ gwiz ★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Susan Wiggs' books. So I was surprised when I just stop on page 204 of this book of her's. I couldn't finish the chapter let alone the book. Shiloh wants to be a great detective and has experience with her father. But she doesn't show it and does 1 stupid thing to many, all the while whining about being a good detective. Didn't believe that Justin could be in love with her.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

NIce wild west story about Justin McCord and Shiloh Mulvane. Dengan latar belakan aneksasi Texas menjadi bagian dari Amerika serikan cerita ini bergulir lancar, enggan buat menaruh buku ini sblm selesai membaca nya. Dibawah todongan pistol, Shiloh terpaksa menikahi Justin yg saat itu di tangkap Shiloh utk menikahi Jessamine anak hakim West yg berhubungan dg taktik sang hakim untk mengikat Justin agar bisa menghindari Texas jd bagian USA.
Menarik membaca interaksi kedua anak muda ini dalam menemukan perasaan terhadap masing-masing...kekerasan perang dan wild west di gambarkan tidak terlalu mengerikan disini..banyak sekali scene romance antara mereka berdua..sweet but tough love...finally found the way back home ...where the heart is.. LOve it !

[Karen Hartley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly stupid story about a man and woman who never talk honestly to each other. First half of the book was good as it set up the relationship. Second half was a waste of time. Characters were so stubborn that None of their actions were believable. Ending was the worst. Sorry I wasted my time reading it.

[Laura Aase · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much arguing! Either passion or arguing, how about a little normal conversation or friendship? I did like the historical setting and all of the early Texas stuff, that’s what kept me reading. Poor ending!

[Lisa Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Shiloh and Justin and their adventures. They were a little too stubborn in admitting their love for each other however. SW did a great jot of blending historical facts into the story. I learned so much about the history of Texas.

[Jenny Dohner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the setting and characters, because it's just my thing, but the story was very predictible, situations too repetitive, and a very anticlimactic ending.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting to read this book for a while. Wasn't too bad but I didn't like the ending. I felt like it was missing something.

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally don’t read historical fiction, but I read something else by this author and enjoyed it, so I thought I’d give this a try.

For being the authors first book, I thought this was very well written, however, it was a little frustrating that out of 416 pages, the two main characters only got along for maybe 12 pages. And that includes the last half page at the very end of the book. Talk about sudden endings! Come on, you know the only reason we read a book like this is because we want to see the main characters have a happily ever after. The author could’ve rewarded us for finishing the book with a little bit more than a half a page!

[Kathi · Rating 2 out of 5]

According to other reviewers, this is Susan Wiggs's first novel. It was originally published in 1987 (and I'll bet that the cover had one of those shirt-less dudes with flowing hair on it). Not bad for a first attempt if this is true.

Set primarily in Texas in the 1840s, I read it for the "history". The characters are involved politically in the events that lead to the Republic of Texas becoming a state. Was it accurate? I don't know, most details were pretty vague.

The romance was god-awful -- another pair of characters that can't be bothered with openness and honesty and therefore cause themselves lots of heartache.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Omg….! Terrible and rushed ending! There was no satisfaction with that at all. I can definitely tell this was her first romance novel. The quality is not nearly as good as her later work.
I was absolutely so tired of all the blaming and arguing and accusations of deception or infidelity, even after they just sorted out the last one for the opposite person. It’s like they never learned to trust the other, even after they’d proved the truth and how their actions were out of love or support.
So annoying!!

[Jazz Feylynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Susan Wiggs' books. So I was surprised when I just stop on page 204 of this book of her's. I couldn't finish the chapter let alone the book. Shiloh wants to be a great detective and has experience with her father. But she doesn't show it and does 1 stupid thing to many, all the while whining about being a good detective. Didn't believe that Justin could be in love with her.

[Nathan Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it fascinating that the author centered the story around the transition of Texas into statehood in the early 1800's. And it certainly had that historically authentic Old West feel to it.

While an unwillingness to communicate is the central driver of pretty much all romance stories, that element felt strained. But seeing as how this is Wiggs' first novel, I think we can forgive her.

[Grecia Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book for its title, cover and price ($2.75 at Schroeder’s Book Haven). It was interesting knowing a few details about its setting and history, but the main character’s constant disagreements and incessantly fighting were exhausting. Their individual stories were good and entertaining.

[Matt Ostrander · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a nice book and I found it very captivating. However, the ending sucked and the whole book gave me Stockholm syndrome vibes. Of course, I still think it was a good book. It was very interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat, I was just disappointed by the abrupt ending.

[Patti Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Wiggs first book. A western type romance. Probably not really a 4 star but was a really cheesy romantic story. I thought it was fun. You can definitely tell it was her first as her writing and story development have greatly improved. An easy read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally don't read historical romance novels but this one is fantastic! I couldn't put it down!

[Cheri Chandler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of a different era and certainly a first book

[Mindy Cossins · Rating 2 out of 5]

a little bit slow here and there but entertaining enough to keep reading

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical romance. How could Shiloh make such stupid mistakes? Not believable at all.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

could not finish it

[Connie Glasgow]

This was a frustrating love story - but goo9d- glad I read it during my staycation!

[Lili Trudeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story. The characters were strong and believable. I did not want it to end.

[Joanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story but I didn’t love it. I felt it didn’t solve their issues and I would of liked Elliot and jessamine to have gotten their just rewards.