| A grieving widow builds an exotic animal ranch—finds love, danger and purpose among endangered animals KERRVILLE, Texas – Author Kay Taylor Burnett delivers a moving tale of resilience, unexpected romance, and rare wildlife conservation in her latest novella titled “KUDU” (published by iUniverse) The story follows Katherine Bell — widowed, grieving, and searching for purpose — who leaves her former life behind to start over on a rural acreage near the Guadalupe River in the Hill Country of Texas. Determined to build something meaningful, she transforms raw land into a working ranch dedicated to raising exotic animals native to Africa and all over the world. What begins as a bold step toward reinvention soon unfolds into a layered story of resilience, romance and mystery. As Katherine learns the demanding realities of fencing, breeding and caring for endangered species, she partners with Wolf Abbot, a skilled ranch manager with a natural gift for animals. Together, they build Rocky Landing Ranch into a sanctuary for rare wildlife. But beyond the fences, something darker unfolds. A body is discovered in the Guadalupe River. Another ranch worker is murdered. An animal broker is violently attacked near the border, and exotic animals disappear without explanation. The suspense quietly intensifies as Katherine navigates both both romance and risk. At its heart, “KUDU” is a story of love, loss and hope. The book offers a rare look into the billion-dollar exotic wildlife industry — while telling an intimate story of second chances, faith, and love later in life. Through her protagonist’s journey, the author hopes readers gain an appreciation for animals, their uniqueness, and the quiet bravery of ranchers who care for them. “KUDU” By Kay Taylor Burnett Hardcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 140 pages | ISBN 9781663277404 Softcover | 5.5 x 8.5in | 140 pages | ISBN 9781663277411 E-Book | 140 pages | ISBN 9781663277398 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Kay Taylor Burnett is 88 years of age and has written “KUDU,” a sequel to her first novel, “No Odes to Widows.” She is a Fellow at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business (EPNL), served nine years as a Santa Fe Institute Trustee, founded The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, founder of Marfa Public Radio, former publisher of The Desert Mountain Times, Alpine, Texas, and editor of the Desert Candle, a literary publication. She now ranches exotic animals with her husband, Andy White, in the Texas Hill Country. iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Rising Star and Editor’s Choice designations—self-publishing’s only such awards program. iUniverse is headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. |
