Widow, Virgin, Whore

by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Bestselling Novel in March 2014!

Three very different women−one house−one devastating diagnosis.

When recently widowed Katherine Samuals purchases a home to share with her son, Christopher, and best friend, Denise Richards, the last thing she expects is to include Denise's outrageous sister, Darla Richards, into the household. But Katherine agrees because she adores Darla's daughter, Chelsea, and feels this is a good opportunity to give the young teen a real home.

Living with Darla is not easy. She parties too much, sleeps around, and speaks her mind without apology. To conservative Katherine and shy Denise, Darla’s behavior is intolerable. Then, Darla is diagnosed with AIDS, and the household is turned upside-down. Katherine finds herself thrown into Darla's life, first as her caregiver, then as her companion as she explores the devastating lives of AIDS sufferers. Katherine's fledgling writing career flourishes as she shares the experiences of Darla's AIDS group in newspaper articles across the country. And Denise finds true love for the first time, but struggles with the inappropriate timing of her personal happiness. Surprisingly, Darla also finds love−real love−in a time when she needs it the most.

As the household struggles with the stress of living with a terminal illness, Katherine, Denise, and Darla learn just how strong their bond of friendship, and sisterhood, is.

If you are a sister or best friend, you will love this story.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Drama, Adult, Ebooks, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2001

About the author

Deanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.

Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.

Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:

Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten

Reviews

[Ruth B · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you first read the title, you don't know what you're going to find. After reading the plot I was afraid it may be too sad or maybe hard to believe, but I was so wrong. I thought the women in this story would be or too close mind or very wild, but they're very real, if you read carefully you'll relate which anyone of them.
This is a great story, not only well written but very human. At first you found a description of each character, of their lives and the world around them. But after Darla found out she's sick with AIDS, the story moves very fast and it's very easy to feel every little thing their living.
This book it's a good way of approaching to a subject as real as AIDS. Through the story you get to know all the things that people whit this disease has to deal with. Because people with AIDS or HIV, not only have to fight against it, they have to deal with discrimination. There are people that don't even want to be near a person ill, not less help them during the process of diagnostic and take care off.
With other disease like cancer people is much tolerant, they're more willing to help with different causes or to be with people suffering for it. But with HIV-AIDS, still exist a lack of information and most young people around the world continue without knowing so well how to prevent to get infected, and the population affected by it continues growing.

I get to admire Katherine strength and good will. She's someone I can relate to 'cause she has to manage between work, the house, and the kids, and finally a person with AIDS. I believe she's a great role model, not only for people related to person affected by this, we all should do as much as we can to stop the rising of the virus.
The world keeps going forward in technology, medicine and others, but it seems we can't stop HIV.

I loved this book, you end up loving all the characters (all of them described in an amazing way) and you get the feeling you know them for real.

I really hope this book touch as many lives as it can, and truly believe it can be a good way to make people conscious about this disease!

I want to thank Deanna for let me be part of this.
BTW! Sorry for my English, (Spanish is my native language) when I'm so excited as now, I can't express myself the best way.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very powerful, emotional read. I was drawn into the characters and the storyline immediately.
While I thought it was somewhat predictable, I also thought it was very realistic in the fact that the characters in the book faced prejudices and stereotypes that, unfortunately, are still alive today.

[Dede · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widow, Virgin, Whore is a novel of three women, each at a different stage in their life. They move in together and as time progresses, their differences become their strengths as each member faces the challenges caused when Darla is diagnosed with AIDS. Having lost several friends to the AIDS virus, I found the description of the virus and treatment to be very accurate. This is a moving story of friendship, family, growth and loss.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has literally left me breathless. Simply put, it is one of the BEST books I have EVER read (not something I say lightly.). Although fiction the subject matter is very real, very present in our society today and this story will have you taking a closer look at the world around you.

I cannot recommend this book enough and plan on ordering several copies for friends and family.

[Lesley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book by its title-what a cool title for chic lit heartwarming drama! But Blah!
I was disappointed that this book writes like AIDS is a new disease, not been around 30 years!
As for the story, predictable simple writing and wished it focused less on the disease and more on the people.

[Jan Romes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title, WIDOW, VIRGIN, WHORE drew me in. Followed by the great cover! What an amazing book it turned out to be :-) The story is the journey of a woman who is diagnosed with HIV positive/AIDS, but it becomes so much more!! It's an incredible tale of family, friendship and how something so horrific can bring out the best (and worst) in people. Ms. Sletten took a sensitive subject and told it in a way that I understood the disease, the pain and the joy. (Yes, joy! You will have to read it to find out what I mean since I don't want to give spoiler alerts)The characters are realistic. I loved Darla, but I also wanted to wring her neck a few times. Katherine is an exceptional woman with the strength of Job. She's loveable in all the scenes, but one in particular will win your admiration. Denise has lots of action/reaction to the things Darla does, so it took me longer to love her character, but I believe that was how the author wanted it to play out.This book is rich with emotion and I'm glad I read it. I definitely be reading more books by Deanna Sletten!!

[Gloria Antypowich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widow, Virgin, Whore by Deanna Lynn Sletten

The Title of this book of this book is both appropriate and almostmisleading. I am not bothered by sexually explicit material in a book, because to me sex is a very real part of the human experience; and that is what I was expecting to find. I was surprised, but not disappointed to find that there was no actual sex in the story.

Instead I found myself drawn into a wonderfully written human drama that centered around Katherine, who is a conservative widow, her long time friend, Denise who is shy and still a virgin, and Darla, Denise`s black sheep sister. Darla is the “whore”, living a lifestyle that includes a string constantly changing boyfriends and a carefree party attitude that is repugnant to the other two women.

I loved this story for the way it portrayed the characters. It was so realistically human and it deals with a topic that to this day is still viewed with fear and judgement and misunderstanding.

Denise struggled with her anger and resentment towards Darla`s lifestyle; stifled emotionally throughout her life, by her embarrassment and her determination to be different.

Katherine proved herself to be a generous, supportive person who eventually overlooked Darla`s flaws and reached out to her in love and compassion. She put herself on the line to fight for justice and educate society, defending Darla’s rights as a person.

I feel very strongly about this book. Personally, I think that it could (maybe should) be read by anyone from fourteen years of age and up; possibly even younger depending on their maturity. Often we tend to shelter our youth, but reality can be harsh and I think they need to be aware of the facts of life. I am a grandmother, and through observance, realize that many of young people are much more knowledgeable than we would choose to believe.

This book is educational, but not preachy. And it gives the reader insight into the consequences that can be the result of choices; it also shows that sometimes tragic things happen to people who have unsuspectingly become victims.

Judgment and guilt tripping do nothing to solve the problem. Compassion,physical and emotional support, love and dignity are the only helpful things left to offer them; and education to prevent it from happening to others.

I received this book free through the WLC Read and Review program. I give very few books 5 stars, but Widow, Virgin, Whore receives this honour from me.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all began with buying a beautiful victorian home in Seattle for a group of women to share. But the deal came with baggage in the form of the black sheep of the family, Darla. While the kids flurish, Darla tests everyone's patience with her short temper and string of boyfriends and parties. Ultimately, this fragile alliance is tested when the AIDS virus rears its ugly head.

This book provides a beautifully written account of a group of freinds and family who must deal with terminal illness. As the individuals are challenged they grow cloer together in ways never expected and display a strength which none of us believe we possess but all must find someday.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

[Angelica Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well rounded story with some humor, facts and some sadness to go with it. It definitely broadened my knowledge of AIDS. I am in the generation that was taught all about it in health classes, Knew how you get it, but I never thought about the actual people that got it. Never thought about the impact it could have on virtually everyone you knew and everything you did.
I enjoyed reading this story about friendship, family, and how they come together with the support and love you'd need to get through something so devastating.
I was wondering about the title when I first started reading it. I loved when I finally put it together with all the stories of these women's lives to know how the title truly fits.

[Summerc79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I downloaded this book mostly because it was cheap (!). But am I glad I did!
The title can be misleading. I had no idea what the story was about and made up my mind about maybe some sort of windy romance of sorts.
Not at all.
This books deals with the sensitive matter of AIDS. And the author treats it in a beautiful, delicate way. Yet it's not sugar coated.
I highly recommend you to take this journey - and have tissues close at hand.
This novel is a hidden gem.

[Billie Copas · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC BOOK! By far one of the best I have ever read, and I read A LOT! My conservative estimate is reading 50-100 books a year. Usually more though. So I know what I am talking about. This book has EVERYTHING you could ask for, drama, humor, sadness, bullying, compassion, a little bit of everything. I think it is definitely a MUST READ!!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sletten has written this touching story with keen sensitivity and awareness. She reminds us how valuable the gift of life is and how easily AIDS can take it away. I learned a few things about AIDS that I didn't know before and enjoyed the way the characters played out the main storyline. A well-written and smooth flowing tale.

[Karen A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual living arrangement. The dynamics between 3 women. Needed a box of tissues

[Holly Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deanna Lynn Sletten’s Widow, Virgin, Whore is a powerful and heartfelt tale of three women, two of them sisters, aching and distant from old hurts, and a third, with her own burdens, who bridges the gap between the sisters when there is no more time for regrets. Sletten reminds us that our strongest bonds sometimes are outside of our blood family unit as she draws the relationship that develops between the widow Katherine and Darla, a woman who has made some dubious choices, who is subsequently diagnosed with AIDS. Every day, living together conflict is magnified with Darla’s diagnosis and reverberates through the extended family of parents, siblings, children, friends and love interests.
There is nothing fake about this story or its emotional punch. The relationships are genuine and written in such a way that put me in the middle of the drama and made me feel as if this was told about a neighbor or a friend. Katherine and the sisters, Darla and Denise, felt very real to me and while I dreaded what I knew was coming at the end, I was nonetheless glued to my Kindle. The best stories are about quiet heroes and small victories, and Widow, Virgin, Whore is one of them.

[❤Marie Gentilcore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was initially drawn to this book because of its provocative title, Widow, Virgin, Whore, and I am very glad that I was. It packed an emotional punch and had me in tears the last third of the book, some happy tears but mostly sad tears. It is the story of three women: Katherine, a recent widow; Denise, Katherine's best friend and a 30-something virgin, and Darla, Denise's sister and, you guessed it, the whore. I enjoy stories of relationships and this book did not disappoint. It begins with the three women moving in together and then Darla gets sick and finds out she has full-blown AIDS. This changes everyone in the household including Katherine's son Chris and Darla's daughter Chelsea. I learned a lot about AIDS, a disease I had not thought much about in the last 10 years. The characters are very well written and the story is very moving. Highly recommend.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for World Literary Cafe.

When you see the book title it makes you do a double take and wonder what in the world you are getting into. Don't let the title scare you.

I loved this book. I read it in 2 days.

The topic of AIDS to some still in this day and age is a taboo subject. We all know about AIDS but no one really wants to talk about it.

This book is beautifully written. It really makes you stop and see what exactly a person with AIDS goes through. Not just the illness, but the emotional toll it takes on you as well.

It also shows the different emotions that your friends and family go through as you become weaker.

I loved this book. I did tear up a few times.

[Margaret Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book to review and I was super excited about reading it but I was pleasantly surprised when I got into it and literally didn't want to put it down. Every time I have a few minutes with nothing to do I turned on my Nook so that I could read a little bit more even if it was only a few lines. I fell in love with the characters and was sad at the ending but I also knew how it would end once I was a few chapters into it. The one thing I can say about this book is don't judge it because of the title or after the first couple of chapters. Give it time and I know you will fall in love with it like I did.

[Teleia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rounded up to 4 stars... I loved this book in its entirety except the love story between Gary and Denise. It was too quick, too easy and too saccharine. I never really became attached to Denise so I wasn't invested in her. I think this would've been a better book without her story, or if her story were more fleshed out.

The title describes the three main characters: Katherine, Denise, and Darla. They all live together along with their children when tragedy strikes. I'm not going to tell you what tragedy strikes, but I will tell you that all of the peripheral characters are warm and likeable.

[David Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear to you I am part female. I love these "Entertainment for women" stuff. Anyways. Do not judge a book by its cover or title. I now know what the title means or is referring to. I enjoyed this book.

As an author myself I can appreciate the time and effort Deanna took into writing this, clearly doing her research on the matter and putting emotion into it. I did feel however that at the start the women were harsh and easily angered towards Darla, but as the story goes on you start to feel a soft spot for them all. Anything negative? Sure all books can be picked apart if you try, but I won't. I liked it and enjoyed it, especially Kathy tearing apart the school principle!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. I have been crying for hours while reading this and it started just before the halfway point. I feel like I know these ladies and can only imagine what they went through. I would like to say that this is one I would read again, but I'm not sure I could handle these strong emotions again. Thank you Ms. Sletten for a great story...I will miss Katherine, and the Richard's sisters as well as those in the group. Wow....

[Siân · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this book, I read it in one sitting, which is unusual for me. I thought the level of information which was in this book and the treatment of the characters was totally amazing. There was one part that didn't sit well with me, which is why I only gave it four stars, and this had to do with the Vietnam Vet. Anyway, that isn't enough to put me off giving this book a 4.5 stars, and I definately recommend it!

[Lillian Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comes with all the baggage one might expect from the perspective of three woman characters. I was expecting more smut from the title, rather than the emotion the story pulled from me. I became attached to Katherine, and when Darla was diagnosed with aids, it broadened my knowledge to a depth that I was unprepared for. Tragedy strikes as the woman form a very real binding friendship with one another. A story of the suffering Aids brings which was beautifully written.

[Kristy Matye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad story about a woman who contacted AIDS and how she finally finds herself before she passes. It captured the reality of this deadly disease and opened my eyes to the struggle that happens not only to the sick person but the family and friends as well. A great story to create awareness about AIDS in society.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reads like it was written at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic with the majority of the characters being ignorant about the effects and causes of AIDS. I believe it is meant to be set in the current era. The writing ranges from juvenile to evocative. Often in the same sentence. You can see the plot coming a mile away. It was alright but I am glad I didn't spend money on it.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book hard to put down and it didn't take long at all to get into it. I never got bored though some of the characters needed more development. A human story that needs telling, over and over. Lots of tears were shed knowing what was inevitable.

[Cassie Hess-dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book where 3 women have a friendship that grows and changes during a very difficult time. Aids has a large part on making these friendships change and strengthen. Hard book to get through without tears but very worth it!!!

[Dewanna L. Durbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this book when I downloaded it, but I'm so glad I did. It's one of the most emotionally powerful books I've read in a long time. You will laugh, you will cry, you will rage along with the characters. Take a chance, just be sure to keep plenty of tissues by your side.

[Jenny Everett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really helpful to understand what people with AIDS and their loved ones go through. I really liked the book, and I read it in one sitting! I'd recommend this book to anyone who's curious about AIDS at all.

[Francis Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I don't fit into any of the categories (widow etc), I found this a moving read. To begin with, I had no idea where it was going, and I found the characters irritating, but suddenly everything gelled, and I was hooked. A great story.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually started this book on July 27 and finished August 10.

This is a beautiful story of friendship, romance, motherhood, etc...it will bring out several emotions and provoke deep thought about some very serious issues in our world today. Terrific message and story!