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Whippoorwill #1
Whippoorwill
Set in the Kansas Territory before statehood against the backdrop of the Old West at its roughest - a lone woman named Letty is forced by life to endure. She always rolled with the punches - until once fate kicked too hard - and she finally kicked back. This is her story.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
115 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
279 books2,299 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 21, 2019
Whippoorwill by Sharon Sala is the strangest western I’ve ever read. I love westerns and western romance, as well as those with some raunchy comedy, so I really wanted to love this. Which is why I kept reading, hoping it would smooth out and meet my preferences.
See the full color version at my blog, TheZestQuest.com.
Why was this book in Dorine’s TBR? I’m not sure if this was a freebie, or a sale book, but I purchased the digital trilogy together. I love shorter stories to try new-to-me authors. Whippoorwill, the first book in the trilogy, is category length, which I didn’t know when I started it. Either way, it was the Western theme, and the unusual storyline about a fallen woman surviving in the west, that called to me.
Whether it was sweet or sexy, or even a romance, I wasn’t sure, but I really didn’t have a preference. I am open to western fiction as much as a romance, even if the romance is carried out over three stories. With no expectations other than it sounded like a fun and unusual story, I picked Whippoorwill to meet this month’s Romance TBR Challenge of Sugar or Spice. I didn’t mind if it strayed a bit out of that category, as long as I got another book off my TBR!
The story had potential, but there are too many irksome bits that annoyed me too much to enjoy it fully. I kept trying because I did like the characters, even though what came out of their mouths sometimes irritated me.
At first, the odd situations and bawdy language made me believe it wanted to be a comedy. I love funny westerns, but the humor just didn’t work for me. “Crass” is the only word that kept coming to my brain as I read this. The characters called body parts by names that irritated me. Granted, they discussed the male parts just as much as the women’s. The word “poke” was used so many times to describe the sexual act with Letty, a word I find offensive, that I would have smacked this book around if I was reading a paperback. I get it. It’s the wild west and that’s what they called it, but it just seemed redundant and disgusting because of everyone’s disrespect for Letty.
In short, everyone thought about sex so much that I wondered how they survived such a rough territory. There didn’t seem to be time to do anything but drink and be merry.
Three-quarters through the book, I felt the story was outrageously silly, and I did laugh. Outrageous describes most of the characters. It’s like they were all caricatures of western characters we know from previous stories either written or in film. I was still on the fence as to whether I liked it or not, but it was so crazy that I had to know the end.
By that time, the reader knows several romances are blooming, but poor Letty hasn’t found her man. As the only whore left in town, she is tired of her lifestyle. She wants a new life, but can’t figure out how to get it.
There’s also a traveling minister who consistently gets involved with women, causing issue after issue. The reason he’s in the West in the first place is because he couldn’t behave elsewhere. He knows he’s a sinner, but he just can’t help himself. Letty and the minister collide, which pushes the plot into the last part of the book.
I kept thinking as I was reading that this book felt like it was written more for a male audience than female. It lacked the feminine softness that insinuates love, or caring. Western fiction is more hardcore than this book, but there are some situations that are pretty gross, including violence against women insinuated.
Since most of the stories within this first novel in the trilogy are about sinners, it would seem strange in a rough and tumble town with a bawdy house, not to have language raw and insinuating. I get that. But there weren’t many strong cuss words or language you’d see in erotic romance. Mostly, it’s a huge batch of sexual references and innuendos that are sometimes stupid and funny that fill these characters’ thoughts, which seemed to waylay the plot in a way to make me feel like skipping ahead. I got bored with the nonsense and just wanted to know what happens to Letty.
Whippoorwill is book one of the Whippoorwill trilogy that includes The Amen Trail and The Hen House, which I did not read. Whippoorwill’s Epilogue ends this first book well enough, but without the romance I had been seeking. I’m guessing we’ll get that in book two or three. There are several romances tied up in this book, but they’re all secondary characters.
The excerpted passage at the end of the Epilogue drives the reader to the next book. I have to admit that I read a bit further into The Amen Trail to see what happened in that scene. Even with that, I’m not sure I’ll continue. I’m still curious, but the uncouth ways the characters think and talk to each other about sex wore on me. I get why it’s like that, it just made me cringe every time the men talk about Letty as if she’s a thing for only one purpose. This first book lacks the softness and finesse I’ve come to expect in women’s fiction.
I guess that’s because I began to care about Letty, even though she’s a sinful mess of hopelessness. She has spunk, and started to believe she deserved more, which is absolutely correct. She isn’t a bad person, but a person of circumstances who had been left alone too young to fend for herself in a wild place.
Overall, the writing and characters were entertaining, but many of the scenes and circumstances weren’t told in a style I prefer. It jumped around a lot from character to character. This is one of the hardest reviews I’ve had to write. It goes against my feminist tendencies to have women disrespected, which they consistently are in this time and place. I know much of the language and thoughts might have been true for the times, but I don’t want such a stark reality in my pleasure reading.
All in all, Sharon Sala has a wild imagination that takes the reader on a crazy journey that leads to the next story. I will try other books by her in the future to see how they differ, but I need someone to convince me with reasons why I should finish this trilogy. Someone tell me it’s worth it!
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. Digital copy purchased discounted or obtained for free in an Amazon promotion. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media.
See the full color version at my blog, TheZestQuest.com.
Why was this book in Dorine’s TBR? I’m not sure if this was a freebie, or a sale book, but I purchased the digital trilogy together. I love shorter stories to try new-to-me authors. Whippoorwill, the first book in the trilogy, is category length, which I didn’t know when I started it. Either way, it was the Western theme, and the unusual storyline about a fallen woman surviving in the west, that called to me.
Whether it was sweet or sexy, or even a romance, I wasn’t sure, but I really didn’t have a preference. I am open to western fiction as much as a romance, even if the romance is carried out over three stories. With no expectations other than it sounded like a fun and unusual story, I picked Whippoorwill to meet this month’s Romance TBR Challenge of Sugar or Spice. I didn’t mind if it strayed a bit out of that category, as long as I got another book off my TBR!
The story had potential, but there are too many irksome bits that annoyed me too much to enjoy it fully. I kept trying because I did like the characters, even though what came out of their mouths sometimes irritated me.
At first, the odd situations and bawdy language made me believe it wanted to be a comedy. I love funny westerns, but the humor just didn’t work for me. “Crass” is the only word that kept coming to my brain as I read this. The characters called body parts by names that irritated me. Granted, they discussed the male parts just as much as the women’s. The word “poke” was used so many times to describe the sexual act with Letty, a word I find offensive, that I would have smacked this book around if I was reading a paperback. I get it. It’s the wild west and that’s what they called it, but it just seemed redundant and disgusting because of everyone’s disrespect for Letty.
In short, everyone thought about sex so much that I wondered how they survived such a rough territory. There didn’t seem to be time to do anything but drink and be merry.
Three-quarters through the book, I felt the story was outrageously silly, and I did laugh. Outrageous describes most of the characters. It’s like they were all caricatures of western characters we know from previous stories either written or in film. I was still on the fence as to whether I liked it or not, but it was so crazy that I had to know the end.
By that time, the reader knows several romances are blooming, but poor Letty hasn’t found her man. As the only whore left in town, she is tired of her lifestyle. She wants a new life, but can’t figure out how to get it.
There’s also a traveling minister who consistently gets involved with women, causing issue after issue. The reason he’s in the West in the first place is because he couldn’t behave elsewhere. He knows he’s a sinner, but he just can’t help himself. Letty and the minister collide, which pushes the plot into the last part of the book.
I kept thinking as I was reading that this book felt like it was written more for a male audience than female. It lacked the feminine softness that insinuates love, or caring. Western fiction is more hardcore than this book, but there are some situations that are pretty gross, including violence against women insinuated.
Since most of the stories within this first novel in the trilogy are about sinners, it would seem strange in a rough and tumble town with a bawdy house, not to have language raw and insinuating. I get that. But there weren’t many strong cuss words or language you’d see in erotic romance. Mostly, it’s a huge batch of sexual references and innuendos that are sometimes stupid and funny that fill these characters’ thoughts, which seemed to waylay the plot in a way to make me feel like skipping ahead. I got bored with the nonsense and just wanted to know what happens to Letty.
Whippoorwill is book one of the Whippoorwill trilogy that includes The Amen Trail and The Hen House, which I did not read. Whippoorwill’s Epilogue ends this first book well enough, but without the romance I had been seeking. I’m guessing we’ll get that in book two or three. There are several romances tied up in this book, but they’re all secondary characters.
The excerpted passage at the end of the Epilogue drives the reader to the next book. I have to admit that I read a bit further into The Amen Trail to see what happened in that scene. Even with that, I’m not sure I’ll continue. I’m still curious, but the uncouth ways the characters think and talk to each other about sex wore on me. I get why it’s like that, it just made me cringe every time the men talk about Letty as if she’s a thing for only one purpose. This first book lacks the softness and finesse I’ve come to expect in women’s fiction.
I guess that’s because I began to care about Letty, even though she’s a sinful mess of hopelessness. She has spunk, and started to believe she deserved more, which is absolutely correct. She isn’t a bad person, but a person of circumstances who had been left alone too young to fend for herself in a wild place.
Overall, the writing and characters were entertaining, but many of the scenes and circumstances weren’t told in a style I prefer. It jumped around a lot from character to character. This is one of the hardest reviews I’ve had to write. It goes against my feminist tendencies to have women disrespected, which they consistently are in this time and place. I know much of the language and thoughts might have been true for the times, but I don’t want such a stark reality in my pleasure reading.
All in all, Sharon Sala has a wild imagination that takes the reader on a crazy journey that leads to the next story. I will try other books by her in the future to see how they differ, but I need someone to convince me with reasons why I should finish this trilogy. Someone tell me it’s worth it!
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. Digital copy purchased discounted or obtained for free in an Amazon promotion. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media.
January 29, 2012
This was seriously the most pointless Sharon Sala book ever. It was so nonsensical that I must confess to thinking that alcohol must have been involved somewhere along the line. Yeah, it was pretty bad. Sorry Ms Sala, I still mostly love your books. Erm, well I did. Anyway, moving swiftly on...
October 25, 2021
The Reverend Howe is on the run to Lizard Flats in the Kansas Territory where he is expected to perform a wedding. a funeral, and a revival. Psst. He is also fleeing the city because of his, ahem, womanizing ways.
Mishaps spur many colorful individuals toward Lizard Flats, as life prepares them to seek the services of an actual man of the cloth. Letty, the town whore, and Eulis, the town drunk, are already Lizard Flats residents. The two hold a life-changing interest in the coming preacher.
A baptism, more weddings, and revenge-seekers fill the pages as Sala treats us to the stories behind each of our vast cast, propelling them to converge on this tiny town. Reverend Howe doesn't realize what he's in for.
Sala is adept at creating funny individuals, one after another, without confusing the reader. All have the importance of a main character, but since Letty is first introduced, we can call her the lead individual. It's a toss-up and an amusing read.
Mishaps spur many colorful individuals toward Lizard Flats, as life prepares them to seek the services of an actual man of the cloth. Letty, the town whore, and Eulis, the town drunk, are already Lizard Flats residents. The two hold a life-changing interest in the coming preacher.
A baptism, more weddings, and revenge-seekers fill the pages as Sala treats us to the stories behind each of our vast cast, propelling them to converge on this tiny town. Reverend Howe doesn't realize what he's in for.
Sala is adept at creating funny individuals, one after another, without confusing the reader. All have the importance of a main character, but since Letty is first introduced, we can call her the lead individual. It's a toss-up and an amusing read.
December 15, 2019
Whippoorwill
Not sure if it was just me or the book, but I got a bit confused at the beginning of the book with all the different places and characters. Once I managed to catch on though it was smooth sailing and some serious laughs with some of the things that Eulis and Kerry got into.
Not sure if it was just me or the book, but I got a bit confused at the beginning of the book with all the different places and characters. Once I managed to catch on though it was smooth sailing and some serious laughs with some of the things that Eulis and Kerry got into.
February 6, 2017
This was a pleasant read that the author wrote a forward warning is not her usual genre.
I felt it was great! Salsa can tell a story, I happen to enjoy several genres and didn't think negatively as many of her regular readers did. Disliking a genre doesn't make the book bad, it may not be to your taste, but it was a well told, enjoyable story.
Salsa visits the old west and introduces us to several characters who come from different backgrounds to all come together for the same need. From prostitutes to preachers.
There are two more in the series that I look forward to reading.
I felt it was great! Salsa can tell a story, I happen to enjoy several genres and didn't think negatively as many of her regular readers did. Disliking a genre doesn't make the book bad, it may not be to your taste, but it was a well told, enjoyable story.
Salsa visits the old west and introduces us to several characters who come from different backgrounds to all come together for the same need. From prostitutes to preachers.
There are two more in the series that I look forward to reading.
May 6, 2019
I enjoyed this trilogy very much, especially book 1. Sharon Sala really knows how to weave a tale. With the introduction of each new character, I wondered how they would fit into the story line. This suspense kept me turning pages and I often felt like I was in the room or outdoors watching as various scenes unfolded. Excellent descriptions of people and places. Letty and Eulis are memorable.
April 8, 2009
I didn't like this Sala novel as well as the first two I read.
From back cover:
"With the news that their first honest-to-goodness preacher is coming the whole town is in a stir, including Leticia Murphy, the only whore left at the White Dove Saloon. What they don't know is that the good reverend is actually a rake on the run from a cluster of angry widows, disgraced virgins and their aggrieved men. But before he gets to dupe this town full of sinners, he meets his Maker in Letty's bed the very day he arrives.
In her line of work, Letty has known a lot of men, but never has she had one die on her. As sure as the sun sets in the west, she'll be hanged for killing a man of the cloth. But miracles come in all shapes and sizes, and to Letty's desperate eyes, salvation is sitting at the bar downstairs. Eulis Potter may be the town's grave digger and resident drunk, but he knows where to hide a body and fits nicely into the preacher's clothes. With a bath and a shave and a Bible in his hands, maybe even a no-account cur like Eulis can hoodwink the town while getting back on the straight and narrow, and give Lizard Flats the redemption it needs."
From back cover:
"With the news that their first honest-to-goodness preacher is coming the whole town is in a stir, including Leticia Murphy, the only whore left at the White Dove Saloon. What they don't know is that the good reverend is actually a rake on the run from a cluster of angry widows, disgraced virgins and their aggrieved men. But before he gets to dupe this town full of sinners, he meets his Maker in Letty's bed the very day he arrives.
In her line of work, Letty has known a lot of men, but never has she had one die on her. As sure as the sun sets in the west, she'll be hanged for killing a man of the cloth. But miracles come in all shapes and sizes, and to Letty's desperate eyes, salvation is sitting at the bar downstairs. Eulis Potter may be the town's grave digger and resident drunk, but he knows where to hide a body and fits nicely into the preacher's clothes. With a bath and a shave and a Bible in his hands, maybe even a no-account cur like Eulis can hoodwink the town while getting back on the straight and narrow, and give Lizard Flats the redemption it needs."
December 7, 2014
This was an amazing historical novel. So many characters skillfully woven together. And it all made sense! Not a romance, but I think it becomes one in the next book.
tbr-later
February 11, 201511 February 2015: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
July 5, 2016
I cannot believe I even wasted an hour on this book. How terrible!!! I really enjoy Sharon Sala's writing but this is a doozy!!! Do no waste your time!!
October 27, 2016
I know this book had mixed reviews, but I absolutely loved this book! It was full of wild and crazy events and adventure! This book made me laugh so much that my sides hurt! I can hardly wait to see what adventures Letty and Eulis have next. The story is set in the old west, news of a Preacher coming to Lizard Flats has everyone excited to finally have the word of God come to their small part of the west. You will meet every sort of character you can imagine. From the town whore, the town drunk, a lonely widow, a scorned virgin, a notorious gunman, outlaws, bandits, a romantic banker in love, a gentle miner, a trapper who lost his best friend, dead men to bury and a Preacher who gives in to sins of the flesh way too often. This is one wild ride after another! I loved every part of this book!
August 23, 2023
This was an interesting read. The novel feels episodic in it's structure. There are about six sets of characters throughout the novel with each chapter exploring in detail their daily lives before they each move towards the central setting of Lizard Flats, and connect with the major plot. In this way, the book reminded me of episodes from a TV show, like Gunsmoke, where there are many mini-adventures. This helps the reader understand each characters' personal motivations. The major plot of the book doesn't kick into high gear until the last 150 pages or so. Personally, I enjoyed the writing and the deeper-dive in character (although, by the fifth set of character introductions, I was beginning to wonder when everything was going to connect), but I understand if some readers may expect a quicker pace. Overall, it was a good western/romance/drama blend.
July 4, 2023
As someone else said, this series is atypical. It is much like a three part novel, with things winding and unwinding. The scrabble hard life that so many lived in the 1850’s in the western midwest was determined more by weather and unscrupulous newcomers. While it took a bit to understand that this book was different, I chose to go along for the ride. When the series was finished, I was thrilled I took the journey. This 3 Star rating is because of the adjustment to the cruder style of this tale. There was nothing unusual other than the constant mention of flatulence from all the beans consumed.
November 19, 2017
First, let me say.......and I mean absolutely NO disrespect to the author that this was one of those books that I like to call a no brainer. What I mean by this is that it is a story that is easy to pick up and put down, read a few pages between busy times, etc. without having to backtrack to reread and catch up.
The ONLY reason I gave Whippoorwill only three stars is because I am not a big fan of Historical/Western Romance.
Other than that, it was a really cute, light-hearted read. As I said, one that is easy to pick up and put down during a hectic life.
The ONLY reason I gave Whippoorwill only three stars is because I am not a big fan of Historical/Western Romance.
Other than that, it was a really cute, light-hearted read. As I said, one that is easy to pick up and put down during a hectic life.
July 1, 2020
Personally I found this book more depressing then humorous. The heroine is orphaned at 12 and needs to prostitute herself to survive. Fast forward and she's 27 working in a saloon. She gets a dollar a throw and the house takes half. On a good night she has a dozen customers or so. Sorry. There is nothing humorous about this woman's life. It's a tragedy
The alcoholic hero's life is not much better. Frankly these are the kind of people I'd pray for not laugh at. Read the first skimmed the second two. Yuck. Sharon sala's books are safe from me.
The alcoholic hero's life is not much better. Frankly these are the kind of people I'd pray for not laugh at. Read the first skimmed the second two. Yuck. Sharon sala's books are safe from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2021
I usually like novels by Sharon Sala, but this one was very different from her usual books-it is actually different from most books I read. There are several different stories in the novel which are all joined together when the characters come to town to get the traveling minister to either marry them, baptize them, or bury their friends. While the stories are entertaining, I would have liked to have seen them and their characters developed more. Ms. Sala did do a good job of tying all the plot strands with their issues together in the end.
May 2, 2024
She is the best!
I have been reading Sharon Sala books for many years. She never disappoints. This is the second time I have read “Whippoorwill” and I enjoyed it just as much this time. It is so nice to read something that you enjoy and that makes you laugh in this difficult time we are living.
I have been reading Sharon Sala books for many years. She never disappoints. This is the second time I have read “Whippoorwill” and I enjoyed it just as much this time. It is so nice to read something that you enjoy and that makes you laugh in this difficult time we are living.
September 1, 2024
Pretty cool book. Initially various characters/stories from the “Wild West” are depicted, with both comedic flavor and introspection, some seemingly impossible situations. In fact, so many stories that I wondered where this all was going. But you do find out at the end.
October 15, 2024
Not Sharon’s usual murder mystery romance. It did had some very amusing sections, and people recognizing love in others where they never expected to find it. Also there is a little bit of God’s or Fate’s hand in Randell and Eulis’s last stories. So how knows?
December 19, 2025
Incredible!
It's been a long, long time since I've enjoyed reading a novel as good as this. I've laughed until tears ran down my face. I've cried too at some point. Thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to start BOOK 2. It's so nice to find a new author, I've been blessed!
It's been a long, long time since I've enjoyed reading a novel as good as this. I've laughed until tears ran down my face. I've cried too at some point. Thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to start BOOK 2. It's so nice to find a new author, I've been blessed!
August 2, 2018
Pretty good...will read the others in this trilogy. I enjoy reading about this era of history.
November 21, 2019
A Wild West romance with a cast of gamblers, drunks, whores, widows, preachers, Irish immigrants, and native peoples.
December 16, 2019
Funny book
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s not Sharon Sala’s regular type book but it still very good. I love westerns and I’ve bought all 3 books in the series.
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s not Sharon Sala’s regular type book but it still very good. I love westerns and I’ve bought all 3 books in the series.
October 5, 2021
Wow I really enjoyed how things worked out for Eulis and Letty and how all the little stories tied into the way their life ended up heading excellent read
They should make this into a movie it would be hilarious
They should make this into a movie it would be hilarious
August 13, 2022
Just OK.
It was an okay read. Wouldn't read it again. Not worth the money. I usually like her books. Can't believe she wrote this one.
It was an okay read. Wouldn't read it again. Not worth the money. I usually like her books. Can't believe she wrote this one.
February 9, 2023
A really good story.
September 21, 2023
Amazing book!
Another wonderful story from an Amazing author. She sure knows hoe to keep your interest. She is a Fantastic storyteller
Another wonderful story from an Amazing author. She sure knows hoe to keep your interest. She is a Fantastic storyteller
October 7, 2023
Although I like Sharon Sala books, this one was had too many characters, too many problems, and a bit corny. I found it hard to finish.
October 17, 2023
different
This book was not the usual genre of this author. I am good with historical fiction, but I prefer the more recent style of writing from this author.
This book was not the usual genre of this author. I am good with historical fiction, but I prefer the more recent style of writing from this author.
January 2, 2024
great trilogy
I loved all three books. Sharon sala is a great storyteller. I would recommend reading this trilogy. I like loved the ending.
I loved all three books. Sharon sala is a great storyteller. I would recommend reading this trilogy. I like loved the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews