Written by Reilly Fournier, Falmouth, Massachusetts
In the premiere of the series “Montgomery Lake High: The Right Person,” author Stacy Padula expertly juxtaposes both the internal and external struggles of being and becoming a modern day teenager.
From addressing a growing drug epidemic amongst this generation to opening the door for conversations about self-reflection and development/maintenance of a religious or spiritual relationship with God, Padula doesn’t shy away from the real everyday battles young adults are currently facing.
The story is packed with comical references and details that will make any teen blush from relatability. Small inclusions such as references to needing a “bus note” from a parent to see a friend after school and traveling as a convoy to retrieve food from the lunch-line demonstrate Padula’s insight into the realities of high school life. But, amongst the finer details, her story also offers a critical perspective to parents of how teenage-dom has changed with the new generations. (And how it, in some ways, hasn’t changed at all!)
This first installment of the Montgomery Lake High series easily earns a 5 star review. The variety of characters, with overlapping friendships and familial ties, allows any reader to find familiarity and comfort in one character, while also being challenged by the perspective of another. I cannot wait to continue reading this series and more books by Stacy Padula!
Synopsis
Growing up in the shadow of two NFL-destined cousins, Chris Dunkin has high hopes for his own future in football. However, a drug addiction threatens to destroy everything he has worked hard to attain. When Chris meets Courtney Angeletti–the mayor’s straightedge Christian daughter–he believes she could be the source of inspiration he needs to overcome his destructive lifestyle. Courtney, however, has other ideas.
The desire to rebel has been tugging on Courtney’s heartstrings for some time, and Chris’s “bad-boy” reputation draws her to him like a moth to a flame. After all, he is a central part of the most popular clique in her high school. Will Chris pull Courtney away from her faith or will Courtney inspire him to overcome his addiction?
About Reilly Fournier
Reilly is a recent graduate from Fordham University where she received her Bachelors of Arts as a double major in English and Communications with a concentration in Film. During her time in New York she held many positions, but the most formative experience was being a Resident Assistant to freshman students. She has an expansive background working in multiple fields such as marketing, film production, and law. When she’s not reading and working on projects, Reilly loves to play soccer, watch Boston sports, and spend time with family. Though she grew up in Central Massachusetts, she currently lives in Falmouth where she is building a life and planning a wedding with her fiancé.
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
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