Lindsay Rourke Reviews “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy Padula

Written by Lindsay Rourke – Kingston, Massachusetts

The Battle for Innocence is something that every teeneager faces when their world becomes tainted with temptations that challenge their character, jeopardizing their innocence. Temptation is a normal part of society, and helps decipher who can muster the integrity to turn away from it. Some aren’t so lucky. There are those who unwillingly divulge in temptation, persuaded by and crumble under the condemning eyes of societal pressure, and then there are those who do it knowingly and unremorsefully. Both are equally wrong in the eyes of God. Without God, temptation is an evil tactic that the devil uses to taint inner light, persuading the individuals conscious and convincing them that they are beyond repair. Self-conviction is one of the devil’s best tactics, something that all of the MLH kids faced in their middle and high school years. Challenges are all a part of finding yourself and walking with God, because what matters is how we overcome them and carry ourselves moving forward, something that Chantal Kagelli is all too familiar with.

After Andy Rosetti’s accident in The Battle for Innocence (MLH #4) by Stacy Padula, Chantal takes his recovery as time to reflect on their relationship. In their distance, her worst fears were coming to light. Looking down at Andy in his hospital bed sent Chantal into a flashback– Andy had been victim to temptations and allowed societal pressures to come between him and Chantal’s relationship. Chantal knew that Andy was a different person with her, but she was not willing to spend the rest of her life with someone who was pulling her away from God. In this realization, she reflects on her first love, Jon. Jon was always right in front of her, but she was blinded by her fear. Her fear led her down the wrong path, even in their premature breakup. Was God trying to tell Chantal to follow her heart and reconcile with Jon? Would he want the same? 

Chantal faces a lot of unknown, something that most would fear, but her unwavering love and confidence in God gives her strength to do what is right. Will her prayers for her sister, friends, ex-boyfriend, and the rest of MLH be answered? Will she muster the strength to walk away from someone she loves, but knows isn’t right for her? Will her faith in God conquer? Read The Battle for Innocence to find out!

SYNOPSIS

Jon Anderson and Chantal Kagelli are trying to live moral lives, but temptations are plaguing them in and out of school. Will they continue to be lights in their best friends’ lives or will they get pulled into the darkness?

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.