Anne Clark Kearns

Solitary Creatures: a novel by Anne Clark Kearns

A missing sloth with health issues. A woman who thinks she hears animals’ thoughts. Can she help a struggling wildlife sanctuary before it’s too late?

After a year of loss, Charlotte Ames feels oddly adrift. An accountant by trade, she relishes the chance to help create some order in her father’s new home in spectacular Costa Rica. But when an accident diverts her path to a struggling wild animal refuge, she becomes alternately enchanted by its jungle residents, then devastated days later when their star sloth goes mysteriously missing.

Swinging into action to assist the sanctuary, Charlotte feels a sense of purpose again. But the lost sloth has a serious health condition and now a puma has been sighted on the trail cameras, so finding the creature quickly has become a life-and-death proposition.

Can Charlotte unleash her inner animal communicator and help bring the sloth home safely before time runs out?

Solitary Creatures is the animated first book in the offbeat fiction series, Sanctuary. If you like quirky, cozy-type stories that have elements of mystery but are also laugh-out-loud funny, moving themes of survival and maternal devotion, and books that aren’t shy about taking a pro-animal stance, then you’ll love Anne Clark Kearns’ tropical adventure.

Follow your instincts and sink your teeth into this unforgettable Costa Rican escapade today! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the real-life sanctuary that inspired this series.

Solitary Creatures is a vibrant and compelling journey into the heart of Costa Rica and the intertwined lives of the human and animal denizens at a struggling wildlife sanctuary. With a keen eye for detail and a deep love of the natural world, Anne Clark Kearns crafts a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale filled with magic and wonder. If you have ever felt the pull of the wild, the desire for connection, or the transformative power of finding “home” in an unexpected place, this book is for you. The rich tapestry of characters, both human and animal, became like old friends and I found myself missing and wondering about them long after reading the last page. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. –Lynne M. Hinkey, author of Ye Gods! A Tale of Dogs and Demons

Solitary Creatures is such a fun and heartfelt read. I loved the mix of humor, wild jungle adventures, and real emotion. That sloth totally stole my heart! Since I live in Costa Rica, the setting felt extra special—so vivid and true to life. –LorriMarie Jenkins, author of The Little Girl with Painted Hands

Meet the Author

Anne Clark Kearns was born and raised in Western North Carolina. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for her undergraduate degree in Speech Communication and the Citadel in Charleston, SC for her Masters in Clinical Counseling.

Anne spent her childhood writing, reading, running, and befriending any animal who would have her.

Anne and her husband currently live in Costa Rica and share their home with a pride of domestic cats. (Realistically, the cats share their home with the humans.)

Anne spends her time in Costa Rica writing, reading, running, birdwatching, and still befriending any animal who will have her. (This is considerably easier when one works and volunteers at a wildlife sanctuary.)

Solitary Creatures is the first book in the Sanctuary series, and Anne is feverishly at work on the second book in the series, to be named later. (Or the “feverishly” part is only because it can be quite hot in Costa Rica … )

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Comments from Happy Readers

Solitary Creatures is a must-read for everyone, but especially for those who love animals, nature and adventure. It's difficult to believe this is Anne Clark Kearns’ first novel as she writes like a seasoned author. Kearns has a knack for character Read More

Anne Clark Kearns’ debut novel, Solitary Creatures is a vibrant and compelling journey into the heart of Costa Rica. Brimming with heartwarming, magical moments, this is a must-read for those who crave stories of connection and the transformative power of Read More

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It transported me to past experiences and vacations in Costa Rica on the first page. While the trials of the rescued animals are sad, the awareness this book brings to the plight of wild animals in our world today warms your Read More

The book is amazing. Hard to put it down. So engaging and entertaining. The main character as well as all the lovely animals make this book a must read. Highly recommended.

Solitary Creatures is a great summer read that deftly tells the story of a young woman’s visit to Costa Rica from North Carolina, her search for new purpose, and her newly recognized close bonds with the animals rescued by a struggling wildlife sanctuary. Read More

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