Izzy Aldridge Reviews “When Darkness Tries to Hide” by Stacy Padula

Posted byAuthor Stacy A. PadulaPosted inUncategorized

Izzy Aldridge—Plymouth, Massachusetts

The book When Darkness Tries to Hide (Montgomery Lake High #2) by Stacy Padula advances the students journey at Montgomery Lake High School.  Following the first book, Chris Dunkin’s ex-best friend Jason Davids has taken the focus.  

Jason is a similar character to the “old” Chris; he is involved with drugs and partying. Jason shares challenges that Chris once went through but not anymore. He had always hung out with the wrong crowd until a tragic accident hit the community. Jason feels very uneasy and responsible for the accident; his life has dramatically changed. The character is left with two options, to either stay within the darkness of drugs and alcohol or to enter the light and help the situation with the reinforcement of his old friends. Chris Dunkin becomes an important piece of that light for Jason as he does not do drugs anymore and focuses on his relationship with Christ. 

I highly recommend this book to teens who have similar interests as Jason but want to change. This book allows the readers to feel involved and connected, as the struggles presented are what most teenagers go through. Anyone who deals with past trauma or stumbles to follow a moral path will love this book as it teaches ways to become closer with God and how to further that relationship. The book clearly represents God’s forgiveness to those who have made bad decisions. To add on, it also teaches the readers how important it is to surround yourself with good people who carry supportive and positive energy or influence. Jason’s experience can allow the readers to understand that change is possible and that supportive friends can be needed at hard times. 

About Izzy Aldridge

Izzy is a junior at Plymouth North High School, and she will graduate in June of 2024. In high school, Izzy has been a part of multiple sports teams, including soccer and lacrosse. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. Her favorite subjects include marketing and English. Two of Izzy’s favorite hobbies are traveling and spending time with her family and friends. 

Published by Author Stacy A. Padula

Stacy Padula has spent the last 14 years working daily with teenagers as a college counselor, mentor, and life coach. She was named "Top Inspirational Author of the Year" for 2022 by the International Association of Top Professionals (New York, NY). In 2021, she was broadcast on the famous Reuters Building in Times Square as "Empowered Woman of the Year." Her Gripped book series is currently being adapted for TV by Emmy-winning producer Mark Blutman. She is the founder and CEO of Briley & Baxter Publications: a publishing company that donates a portion of its proceeds to animal rescues each month. She has edited and published a variety of titles, including Boston Bruins Anthem Singer Todd Angilly and Rachel Goguen's The Adventures of Owen & the Anthem Singer, LaTonya Pinkard of Netflix's Last Chance U's Nate & His Magic Lion, and former NHL player Norm Beaudin's memoir The Original: Living Life Through Hockey. Stacy resides in Plymouth, Massachusetts with her husband Tim and two miniature dachshunds, Briley and Baxter.