Faith Shines Through When Darkness Tries to Hide by Lindsay Rourke

Written by Lindsay Rourke, Kingston, MA

In Stacy Padula’s first book The Right Person, protagonist Chris Dunkin was in search of fulfillment and quickly realized that his void was not going to be filled with drugs, alcohol, or partying. Rather, he was in need of a spiritual uplift, which he found in his relationship and commitment to God.

In its sequel, When Darkness Tries to Hide, Chris leads a new life, leaving his partying ways behind him, surrounded by those who encourage his revelation. Jason, his childhood best friend, struggles to come to terms with the idea that some boring and superficial relationship with God could ever compare to their life of popularity, partying, and fun, leaving Jason estranged from his own best friend. Soon, all of Chris’s friends—Jon, Bryan, and even Jason—will rely on the very relationship they had been apprehensive of. With tragedy comes desperation, and many turn to faith to offer solace. 

Andy Rosetti, Montgomery’s golden child, is injured in a tornado, a result of his valiant effort to save his girlfriend’s golden retriever Lady. While Andy is in a coma, the city of Montgomery comes together to pray for Andy’s recovery. Sure enough, the whole thing was orchestrated by Jason, who feels responsible for Andy’s state. Jason had chosen the wrong path, and he was quickly being consumed by darkness, just like Chris had. In search of light, Jason was unsure of what he was even looking for to fulfill his darkness. He could recall his darkness was fed by drugs, partying, selfishness, and his cold-hearted girlfriend Cathy. Just like Chris, Jason knew that these components of his life were not bringing him happiness, but soon he would learn that his soul could feel light through God’s guidance. He just didn’t think that someone as dark as himself could be forgiven and shown light. 

When Darkness Tries To Hide by Stacy Padula teaches a valuable lesson for adolescent teens who are vulnerable and susceptible while choosing their own path in life. The light (God’s grace), is perfectly depicted through the experiences and revelations of the characters in the book. In what may seem like a lost cause is the one who needs God’s grace the most, something Chris Dunkin had achieved, and hopefully Jason can as well.

SYNOPSIS

Jason Davids has not slept in thirty-seven hours. He glances at his clock: 7:20 p.m. 
 
You can do this, Jason, he says to himself. Just get up and go. Go tell them the truth. Tell everyone at Alyssa’s party that you found Andy’s body. Tell them that he looked dead. Tell them about the horror in Chantal’s eyes when she came rushing up the stairs. Make sure you tell them that it is all your fault.
 
One day after a tornado strikes Montgomery, Massachusetts, Andy Rosetti is in a coma with life-threatening injuries. Jason Davids and Chris Dunkin devise a plan to help Andy and unite the students at Montgomery Lake High School. However, no one—not even Chris—knows Jason’s secret about the day of the storm.

ABOUT LINDSAY ROURKE

Lindsay, who also works as an English and college essay tutor, graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in history and her Master’s degree in teaching, Lindsay has an ever-growing passion for learning. She spent five years of her education at Sacred Heart University, where not only did she receive academic awards, but extracurricular as well. During her junior year, Lindsay was elected Scholarship Chair for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. This position allowed Lindsay to live her passion and assist and encourage all 115 of her “sisters” in finding the best versions of themselves. Entering her senior year, Lindsay was awarded the Charles T. Eby Scholarship; “This scholarship recognizes outstanding achievement in the study of History and is awarded to a full-time history major entering his/her senior year who shows the most excellence and promise in the study of History. This is the History Department’s highest honor and is a mark of significant honor for the student.” After receiving this prestigious award, in Lindsay’s senior year, she was elected as the President of the History Club. Wrapping up her senior year, Lindsay graduated with the highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude, and was awarded the Silver Medal of Excellence in History. Following her undergrad graduation, Lindsay started and completed her master’s degree, as well as field experience as a student teacher. During this time, Lindsay developed her passion for achieving personal connections with her students and creating a positive and individualized learning environment.