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Kendra
She has an exciting life with a dangerous job.
He's bored and lonely but doesn't trust beautiful women.
But then he meets Kendra and throws caution to the wind.
When the world comes between them, separating them first with senseless violence, then with lethally good intentions, Keith will do anything to reunite them.
Even if everyone thinks he's completely lost his mind.
He's bored and lonely but doesn't trust beautiful women.
But then he meets Kendra and throws caution to the wind.
When the world comes between them, separating them first with senseless violence, then with lethally good intentions, Keith will do anything to reunite them.
Even if everyone thinks he's completely lost his mind.
345 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2014
3 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Edward M. Wolfe
21 books50 followersAuthor of a variety of science fiction sub-genres.
ACX audiobook producer/narrator.
ACX audiobook producer/narrator.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 22, 2014
I could easily and joyfully write pages of laudatory comments about “Kendra” by Edward M Wolfe. I could tell you that the characters are as real as any you’ve ever actually met or read about. They talk like real people, act like real people and…as far as I’m concerned, Kendra and Keith, as well as the other characters, are real people. I could describe a unique plot that is unlike anything else you’ve ever read; a storyline that includes a large helping of non-mushy romance mixed with portions of metaphysical science-fiction, fantasy and religious contradictions.
A brief synopsis, other than the one Mr. Wolfe uses to describe his latest novel, is superfluous, and would run the risk of giving away a piece of the intense emotional ride that awaits the reader. The phrase, “I could not put this book down,” is an understatement when talking about Kendra. There are times when a single sentence or phrase is all that’s required to pass along praise for a book, a story, a great novel and that is…
If you go through only one book a month, or one book a year; if you are cracking open your very first novel, “Kendra” is the book you need to read.
A brief synopsis, other than the one Mr. Wolfe uses to describe his latest novel, is superfluous, and would run the risk of giving away a piece of the intense emotional ride that awaits the reader. The phrase, “I could not put this book down,” is an understatement when talking about Kendra. There are times when a single sentence or phrase is all that’s required to pass along praise for a book, a story, a great novel and that is…
If you go through only one book a month, or one book a year; if you are cracking open your very first novel, “Kendra” is the book you need to read.
July 23, 2016
It's difficult to review this book without giving its plot away, but let's try:
Keith is a "normal" brilliant geek, carrying on with his life ordinarily even though he is rich enough to enjoy many luxuries. He keeps his distance from his overwhelming neurotic mother.
Kendra is a lively girl, an international journalist, living happily and traveling around the world covering international news. Her parents are religious and... judgmental.
Kendra and Keith found their true love in themselves and they don't need approval from anyone to live it, but a tragedy will strike. It'll carry this young couple madly in love through a journey of discovery that none could have imagined.
The world will plot against them and they'll face many difficulties to stay together.
Is their love strong enough to survive?
Is there such a thing as a soulmate?
Is it possible for love to be eternal?
Beautifully written this YA romance will enchant the readers. Kendra's and Keith's strengths are endearing as they carry on.
I particularly loved the epilogue. I was not expecting it and it was a very nice, poignant touch.
Keith is a "normal" brilliant geek, carrying on with his life ordinarily even though he is rich enough to enjoy many luxuries. He keeps his distance from his overwhelming neurotic mother.
Kendra is a lively girl, an international journalist, living happily and traveling around the world covering international news. Her parents are religious and... judgmental.
Kendra and Keith found their true love in themselves and they don't need approval from anyone to live it, but a tragedy will strike. It'll carry this young couple madly in love through a journey of discovery that none could have imagined.
The world will plot against them and they'll face many difficulties to stay together.
Is their love strong enough to survive?
Is there such a thing as a soulmate?
Is it possible for love to be eternal?
Beautifully written this YA romance will enchant the readers. Kendra's and Keith's strengths are endearing as they carry on.
I particularly loved the epilogue. I was not expecting it and it was a very nice, poignant touch.
July 3, 2014
I’ve read a smattering of Mr. Wolfe’s work. Even when not over the moon with it, I like it. He has an Everyman, natural style that is enormously accessible, in which I imagine I can hear his voice. And it is pleasant to the ear.
And now, Mr. Wolfe has produced this phenomenal work. Kendra is a bang-up romance, beautifully crafted and surprisingly unsentimental in its celebration of the soul-mate paradigm.
I’m uncertain what else to say about it, as just about everything constitutes a spoiler. But I’ll try.
Keith and Kendra meet by accident and instantly bond. Keith, whose voice in those early pages smacks of asshat-edness, sheds his veneer of cynicism when overwhelmed by the notion that he and Kendra are meant to be together. Happily, she feels the same way, and their relationship rockets along.
Tragedy strikes. The upshot is that Kendra winds up in a coma and on life support.
Now, the subtitle of this work is An Astral Lovestory, so I think it’s safe to reveal that Keith and Kendra’s temporal connexion transforms into a paranormal one. A meeting of souls – or spirits, or energy – who experience a resplendent communion on an astral plane, even though he is very much alive, and she, not so much.
Plot-wise, I can’t reveal more. I can reveal that I got misty reading this novel. I’m blaming the wine I was consuming along with it.
The narrative questions the ironic: that some who believe in God, spirits, and an afterlife can’t believe something outside their experience – the irony being that, for most of us on this side of death, there is no demonstrable experience with God, spirits, or an afterlife . . . so believers should be more open, more willing to examine the tenets of those beliefs. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio . . .
The novel also explores the meaning of life, issues of life-support and pulling plugs. The fine line between imagination and reality, and the even finer one between perceived sanity and insanity.
And love. The meaning of love. Kendra and Keith’s love is not gushy. Not corny or schmaltzy. It is as flawless as flawed humans can make it. Undefined, it reads as naturally and truly as breathing. It simply is. Meant to be.
For more of my ramblings, visit my blog.
And now, Mr. Wolfe has produced this phenomenal work. Kendra is a bang-up romance, beautifully crafted and surprisingly unsentimental in its celebration of the soul-mate paradigm.
I’m uncertain what else to say about it, as just about everything constitutes a spoiler. But I’ll try.
Keith and Kendra meet by accident and instantly bond. Keith, whose voice in those early pages smacks of asshat-edness, sheds his veneer of cynicism when overwhelmed by the notion that he and Kendra are meant to be together. Happily, she feels the same way, and their relationship rockets along.
Tragedy strikes. The upshot is that Kendra winds up in a coma and on life support.
Now, the subtitle of this work is An Astral Lovestory, so I think it’s safe to reveal that Keith and Kendra’s temporal connexion transforms into a paranormal one. A meeting of souls – or spirits, or energy – who experience a resplendent communion on an astral plane, even though he is very much alive, and she, not so much.
Plot-wise, I can’t reveal more. I can reveal that I got misty reading this novel. I’m blaming the wine I was consuming along with it.
The narrative questions the ironic: that some who believe in God, spirits, and an afterlife can’t believe something outside their experience – the irony being that, for most of us on this side of death, there is no demonstrable experience with God, spirits, or an afterlife . . . so believers should be more open, more willing to examine the tenets of those beliefs. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio . . .
The novel also explores the meaning of life, issues of life-support and pulling plugs. The fine line between imagination and reality, and the even finer one between perceived sanity and insanity.
And love. The meaning of love. Kendra and Keith’s love is not gushy. Not corny or schmaltzy. It is as flawless as flawed humans can make it. Undefined, it reads as naturally and truly as breathing. It simply is. Meant to be.
For more of my ramblings, visit my blog.
July 3, 2014
Kendra is a chilling yet heartwarming story of an engaged couple so in love that not even death can keep them apart. This book was a treat from beginning to end because I felt like I knew the characters, and I was rooting for Kendra and Keith to be together. I read this book in record time, and I know that anyone who reads it won't be able to put it down.
Edward Wolfe is the master of creating alternate worlds that make his readers think, "This might actually be possible." I'd like to think that there is life beyond our mortal existence. That's what I love about science fiction - it makes the impossible seem possible.
I was captivated with Kendra from the very first page. It's one of those books that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. I can't recommend this novel highly enough. Kendra gets five stars all the way!
Edward Wolfe is the master of creating alternate worlds that make his readers think, "This might actually be possible." I'd like to think that there is life beyond our mortal existence. That's what I love about science fiction - it makes the impossible seem possible.
I was captivated with Kendra from the very first page. It's one of those books that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. I can't recommend this novel highly enough. Kendra gets five stars all the way!
August 12, 2014
This is without a doubt one of the most engaging love stories I’ve ever read, as much for the quality of the writing as for the novelty of the subject matter. As to what kind of love story it is exactly, films like Lake House with Keanu Reeves, and The Time Traveler’s Wife come to mind. As with those titles, there are strong paranormal elements, which permeate Kendra’s Spirit, along with that impossible separation between lovers across time. Though in this case, the beloved is a spirit and the hero is an astral traveler, someone who can go into a meditative state, and leave his physical form in order to join her in some very engaging out of body experiences. By now, I would hope, you’re getting a feel for just how spectacularly unique and endearing the subject matter is.
Kendra, a TV news reporter, stationed to Iraq, is nearly killed by a suicide bomber. For all practical purposes, she is dead. She lies in a coma, kept alive entirely by life-support machines, with no indication of brain activity whatsoever. That leaves our hero with one option: get very creative if he wants his relationship and his love to endure despite the one obstacle that would get even the most diehard of romantics to throw in the towel.
But how long can he expect to hold on to a spirit that’s in limbo, really? Long enough for both parties to heal from the trauma of their sudden separation from one another? Or will one or both of them just never be able to entirely let go?
The spiritual and metaphysical components of the book are never off-putting, to my mind, whatever the reader’s religious beliefs, or if they’re like me and would classify themselves as more spiritual than religious per se. Quite the contrary, I found the author’s informed (and clearly researched) discussion of near death experiences to be one of the elements which lent tremendous color and definition to his already poignant drama. His background as an investigative journalist also lends depth to the writing with the very authentic depictions of life in Iraq during wartime, for locals as well as foreigners.
Because of the polishing applied to the copy-editing, the novel’s a brisk read, with no clumsy sentences to trip over. And despite all the deep thinking and intense emotions captured between the edges of the book, it doesn’t require an altered state on the part of the reader to sustain the requisite heightened concentration. Though arguably, such a state is fostered by the writer by the absorbing nature of his writing. So if you don’t have a lot of time and energy to do anything but light reading, but would still like a deep, rewarding experience for your trouble, this is the book.
Kendra, a TV news reporter, stationed to Iraq, is nearly killed by a suicide bomber. For all practical purposes, she is dead. She lies in a coma, kept alive entirely by life-support machines, with no indication of brain activity whatsoever. That leaves our hero with one option: get very creative if he wants his relationship and his love to endure despite the one obstacle that would get even the most diehard of romantics to throw in the towel.
But how long can he expect to hold on to a spirit that’s in limbo, really? Long enough for both parties to heal from the trauma of their sudden separation from one another? Or will one or both of them just never be able to entirely let go?
The spiritual and metaphysical components of the book are never off-putting, to my mind, whatever the reader’s religious beliefs, or if they’re like me and would classify themselves as more spiritual than religious per se. Quite the contrary, I found the author’s informed (and clearly researched) discussion of near death experiences to be one of the elements which lent tremendous color and definition to his already poignant drama. His background as an investigative journalist also lends depth to the writing with the very authentic depictions of life in Iraq during wartime, for locals as well as foreigners.
Because of the polishing applied to the copy-editing, the novel’s a brisk read, with no clumsy sentences to trip over. And despite all the deep thinking and intense emotions captured between the edges of the book, it doesn’t require an altered state on the part of the reader to sustain the requisite heightened concentration. Though arguably, such a state is fostered by the writer by the absorbing nature of his writing. So if you don’t have a lot of time and energy to do anything but light reading, but would still like a deep, rewarding experience for your trouble, this is the book.
April 3, 2015
This is a beautiful love story about soul mates. I like books that question our perceptions and assumptions of reality. Keith and Kendra meet and immediately feel a strong connection. Things do seem a little too perfect. But tragedy soon intrudes and tears them away from each other. Their love is so strong that it transcends these obstacles but, unfortunately, this is temporary. I couldn’t quite guess how it would turn out. I felt that some less important scenes went on too long and could’ve been conveyed more concisely. Overall, this book was a bit long, although it held my interest and I wanted to know what would happen next. I’ve read other stories by this writer and like the originality of his ideas. This book drew me in and kept me reading. It’s well worth reading this unique love story.~
January 30, 2015
I just finished reading Reaching Kendra (I prefer Kendra Spirit) and I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad with the ending. But not in a bad way. This story will keep me thinking for a while. It's provocative and creative, and I was not expecting the twist. The premise of the undying love is great and left me wanting more. Wolfe does a great job building the characters and the suspense. The scene with the suicide bomber is vividly descriptive, and wonderfully written. I was drawn to the characters from the very beginning and could feel the emotions, the sadness, the separation. Although Keith sounds selfish at times, you can only wonder what kind of emotions he was going through when faced with the horrible truth about the love of his life, never wanting to let go. A great love story.
August 23, 2014
This book was fantastic. Kendra and Keith were destined to be together. It is wonderful how through their love their spirits were able to stay entertained. The ending was unexpected. I was still hoping that Paul (Kendra's dad) would find some peace. The major theme I guess is that true love endures for always.
August 25, 2014
Hold on tight to your heart. Kendra's Spirit will steal it from under your nose!
I began Kendra’s Spirit with an open mind, as I’m not usually drawn to a love story. I say this because I was completely traumatized by the movie City of Angels, and my deepest fear is that I will relive that horror of crushing separation between Seth and Maggie.
Thankfully, this work has none of that. Almost immediately, we meet Keith - a down to earth, normal IT guy who has clearly been burned by the hot chick in the past. While sitting in his local Starbucks, he stumbles across beautiful, gorgeous Kendra who is having some trouble with her computer. The descriptions of these central characters are so well done, that even now, almost a day after finishing the book, their images and story are still with me.
The spiritual and metaphysical components of the book are informed, clearly researched and well written, yet not so obvious that the reader feels bogged down by dogma or doctrine. The discussion of near death experiences was the defining factor, lending tremendous colour and definition to this already poignant tale. The authentic depictions of life in Iraq during wartime - for locals as well as foreigners - as well as life as a news reporter were clearly drawn from Mr. Wolfe’s own experiences.
When tragedy strikes overseas, and Kendra is left severely injured, Keith has only one option: think WAY outside the box if he wants this relationship and his love to endure. Through ups and downs - the joy of finding out she is still with him to the crushing sadness of realizing their time is brief - Keith and Kendra persevere against rising odds, ultimately choosing the only option available.
With a surprise twist at the end, Kendra’s Spirit was a fast-paced, great read that kept me going, page after page. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a fluff novel with just enough seriousness, tenderness, and heart to hook you in, and hold onto you for the whole ride. This is the first work by Mr. Wolfe, but I know that this is not the last we will see of him.
I began Kendra’s Spirit with an open mind, as I’m not usually drawn to a love story. I say this because I was completely traumatized by the movie City of Angels, and my deepest fear is that I will relive that horror of crushing separation between Seth and Maggie.
Thankfully, this work has none of that. Almost immediately, we meet Keith - a down to earth, normal IT guy who has clearly been burned by the hot chick in the past. While sitting in his local Starbucks, he stumbles across beautiful, gorgeous Kendra who is having some trouble with her computer. The descriptions of these central characters are so well done, that even now, almost a day after finishing the book, their images and story are still with me.
The spiritual and metaphysical components of the book are informed, clearly researched and well written, yet not so obvious that the reader feels bogged down by dogma or doctrine. The discussion of near death experiences was the defining factor, lending tremendous colour and definition to this already poignant tale. The authentic depictions of life in Iraq during wartime - for locals as well as foreigners - as well as life as a news reporter were clearly drawn from Mr. Wolfe’s own experiences.
When tragedy strikes overseas, and Kendra is left severely injured, Keith has only one option: think WAY outside the box if he wants this relationship and his love to endure. Through ups and downs - the joy of finding out she is still with him to the crushing sadness of realizing their time is brief - Keith and Kendra persevere against rising odds, ultimately choosing the only option available.
With a surprise twist at the end, Kendra’s Spirit was a fast-paced, great read that kept me going, page after page. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for a fluff novel with just enough seriousness, tenderness, and heart to hook you in, and hold onto you for the whole ride. This is the first work by Mr. Wolfe, but I know that this is not the last we will see of him.
March 25, 2016
As with other books and stories by Edward Wolfe, Reaching Kendra is a cut above the usual fare. Fans of Edward Wolfe (of which I am one) will find plenty to like here. This is the story of how a relationship between two people can transcend death, and there is an interesting side story about Keith’s travails in his daily life, stuffed with a whole bunch of equally interesting characters. The side story is both a good romp in its own right and also an essential contribution to the main theme in that it expresses Keith’s constant struggle to save Kendra from death.
This is a fully rounded novel in terms of the characters, the theme, and the ending. There is no cliff-hanger ending here, and readers are likely to walk away satisfied that the story is complete. At the same time, I was left thoughtfully exploring my own feelings about the issues raised about death and its meanings for each of us in our own personal way.
This is a novel in the contemporary novel category rather than being a genre novel like other books and stories by Edward Wolfe. It’s likely to appeal to people who like a more thoughtful, contemporary novel with substance rather than being simple entertainment.
Edward Wolfe is a superb writer. I love his style and I’m happy to read anything that he produces because his stories, whatever the topic, are always interesting and a joy to read. I’ve read everything that he has published including some stuff he has now unfortunately unpublished, and even when it’s not my genre, it never disappoints.
Highly recommended.
This is a fully rounded novel in terms of the characters, the theme, and the ending. There is no cliff-hanger ending here, and readers are likely to walk away satisfied that the story is complete. At the same time, I was left thoughtfully exploring my own feelings about the issues raised about death and its meanings for each of us in our own personal way.
This is a novel in the contemporary novel category rather than being a genre novel like other books and stories by Edward Wolfe. It’s likely to appeal to people who like a more thoughtful, contemporary novel with substance rather than being simple entertainment.
Edward Wolfe is a superb writer. I love his style and I’m happy to read anything that he produces because his stories, whatever the topic, are always interesting and a joy to read. I’ve read everything that he has published including some stuff he has now unfortunately unpublished, and even when it’s not my genre, it never disappoints.
Highly recommended.
October 19, 2014
This is a tale that is hard to review without giving away what makes it such a "must read" for many.
Let me start with the fact that I for one am not a reader. What? I mean that I do not have the patience nor the attention span to stay focused and not quickly become bored and put the book down that I've just begun to read, never to be finished. So, an author really has his/her work cut out to captivate and hold me from beginning to end. Edward M. Wolfe more than achieved that with his latest addition to his collection, Reaching Kendra. Bravo to you Sir!
Is this book a sci-fi or a romance novel? Who the h*ll cares! Instead, lets throw both of those into the cauldron, add some suspense and terrorism, spirituality and parapsychology. That my friends is a recipe for a captivating "BEST SELLER" by Mr. Wolfe.
Speaking as one whom is a sensitive, I find many of Mr. Wolfe's situational descriptions (without giving away important story details) within the storyline quite impressive and spot on in many ways. Although a fictional story, that is very important to myself.
In closing, this is a novel to be read with open mind, curiosity and a desire to learn. This is a novel written to satisfy many palates in my opinion. Reaching Kendra will surely entertain those who already know, enlighten those yet to learn and understand, and for all, captivate our hearts and provoke our own curiosity about life and the ...
Let me start with the fact that I for one am not a reader. What? I mean that I do not have the patience nor the attention span to stay focused and not quickly become bored and put the book down that I've just begun to read, never to be finished. So, an author really has his/her work cut out to captivate and hold me from beginning to end. Edward M. Wolfe more than achieved that with his latest addition to his collection, Reaching Kendra. Bravo to you Sir!
Is this book a sci-fi or a romance novel? Who the h*ll cares! Instead, lets throw both of those into the cauldron, add some suspense and terrorism, spirituality and parapsychology. That my friends is a recipe for a captivating "BEST SELLER" by Mr. Wolfe.
Speaking as one whom is a sensitive, I find many of Mr. Wolfe's situational descriptions (without giving away important story details) within the storyline quite impressive and spot on in many ways. Although a fictional story, that is very important to myself.
In closing, this is a novel to be read with open mind, curiosity and a desire to learn. This is a novel written to satisfy many palates in my opinion. Reaching Kendra will surely entertain those who already know, enlighten those yet to learn and understand, and for all, captivate our hearts and provoke our own curiosity about life and the ...
September 5, 2014
Kendra's Spirit is a book that's difficult to pigeon-hole. Romance? paranormal? Spiritual? Astral? There's a flavour of all of those and more, and that's what sets this novel apart from many a Young Adult or trad paranormal romance.
The writing is effcient and clean, easy to read, and drags you in quite well. The plot has some nice surprises and the odd twist. Wolfe's visuals are very well written and he manages to bring all of his characters to life, even the bad ones.
For me though, some of the characters were a little too nice, and the romance itself felt saccharine, even smoothering. I'd have liked some more realism, a few more character faults.
The above said, I would recommend this book. It flowed well and I spent several hours in the company of some unusual goings on. 3.5 stars really. Wolfe is an author to watch.
The writing is effcient and clean, easy to read, and drags you in quite well. The plot has some nice surprises and the odd twist. Wolfe's visuals are very well written and he manages to bring all of his characters to life, even the bad ones.
For me though, some of the characters were a little too nice, and the romance itself felt saccharine, even smoothering. I'd have liked some more realism, a few more character faults.
The above said, I would recommend this book. It flowed well and I spent several hours in the company of some unusual goings on. 3.5 stars really. Wolfe is an author to watch.
September 11, 2014
A beautiful, haunting story of true love...
I have to admit, I first thought this book was a pure romance novel - which I don't normally read - but this novel is so much more! It is hard to pin a genre on it. From the moment I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I finished this full-length novel in a mere 2 days. Wolfe writes relationships very well, and the plot is tense and gripping. The author does an excellent job relating this sad but ultimately spiritually uplifting tale.
Overall, a moving, well-written story by a talented, promising independent author. Well done, Mr. Wolfe!
I have to admit, I first thought this book was a pure romance novel - which I don't normally read - but this novel is so much more! It is hard to pin a genre on it. From the moment I picked it up I couldn't put it down. I finished this full-length novel in a mere 2 days. Wolfe writes relationships very well, and the plot is tense and gripping. The author does an excellent job relating this sad but ultimately spiritually uplifting tale.
Overall, a moving, well-written story by a talented, promising independent author. Well done, Mr. Wolfe!
July 16, 2014
What a great book!!This was a wonderful ride of love , pain , and in the end eternal bliss!!! this story will have you asking your self if there really is more then 1 way to live life!!! It might even give people hope that things after life are not as bad as they fear!!! I loved this book and I would recommend this to anyone!!! Great job!!!
August 24, 2014
I received a copy of this young adult story in exchange for a honest review. The authors writing style is easy to read and very much young adult approvable. This story captured a young couples love that stayed strong even after death. I felt that the story had a strong spiritual feel instead of a paranormal .
August 20, 2014
Good read
Good read
interesting story, written well, unique topic to write about. recommend to anyone who enjoys a good love story, easy read, and to anyone who has questioned or thought about the afterlife
Good read
interesting story, written well, unique topic to write about. recommend to anyone who enjoys a good love story, easy read, and to anyone who has questioned or thought about the afterlife
July 14, 2014
A STORY OF LOVE, THAT IS SO STRONG IT'S UNBREAKABLE. IT'S A BEAUTIFUL AND LASTING STORY. I WOULD SUGGEST EVERYONE READ. THE CHARACTERS ARE REAL AND LIKABLE. UNFORGETABLE
July 7, 2014
A wonderful twist on the oldest question. Edward Wolfe answers this question in a thought provoking, yet comfortingly tender way. Definitely worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews