By Isabelle Semas, South Shore, Massachusetts Taylor Dunkin, former football star, is attempting to escape the drug distributing ring he is entangled in. His life has been ruined by addiction, and he is ready to change. Just when Taylor begins to work with police, he goes missing. As his family members and friends piece togetherContinue reading “Teenage Author Isabelle Semas Recommends Y.A. Suspense Novel”
Tag Archives: Isabelle Semas
Isabelle Semas on the “Gripped 5” Characters
By Isabelle Semas, South Shore, Massachusetts After reading Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula, teen best-selling author Isabelle Semas was asked to share how her opinion of the main characters has changed throughout the story. Taylor At first, I thought Taylor was an evil, heartless person. As the series has gone on, IContinue reading “Isabelle Semas on the “Gripped 5” Characters”
Teen Author Isabelle Semas Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Her Peers
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Based on the content of this book, I would recommend Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story to college and high school students. The topics introduced, as well as the ages of the characters, would be most applicable to that audience. That being said, people of many ages will enjoy the mystery and drama withinContinue reading “Teen Author Isabelle Semas Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Her Peers”
Gripped 4: The Drama, Mystery, & Uncertainty Kept Me Captivated from Cover to Cover
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts The drama and mystery of “Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy A. Padula was engaging. The uncertainty of Taylor Dunkin’s plot mixed with the tension of Jason Davids’ and Cathy Kagelli’s storyline had me captivated from cover to cover. I also enjoyed how this book delved more into theContinue reading “Gripped 4: The Drama, Mystery, & Uncertainty Kept Me Captivated from Cover to Cover”
Isabelle Semas on Gripped 3: The Fallout’s Main Characters
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Chris Dunkin’s Journey Chris’s story teaches readers that people can change. He tries to pull his life together and stop making bad decisions. Hopefully, readers will also learn from Chris’s journey about how much of an impact those you choose to be friends with has on you. Chris must distance himself from those whoContinue reading “Isabelle Semas on Gripped 3: The Fallout’s Main Characters”
Isabelle Semas Reviews Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirros
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors by Stacy Padula is a mix of mystery and drama, one which readers will barely be able to put down. Stacy Padula uses her characters to bring light to the dark truth about drug addiction. Teens and parents alike will enjoy this “gripping” read. TaylorContinue reading “Isabelle Semas Reviews Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirros”
New Y.A. Book Prepares Teens to Boldy Face Temptations Prevalent in High School
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts While “Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy A. Padula could be an engaging book for many readers, I believe it would be most intriguing to teens and young adults. For high-schoolers in particular, the themes and topics are relatable and relevant. For any teens faced with the difficulties of drug addictionContinue reading “New Y.A. Book Prepares Teens to Boldy Face Temptations Prevalent in High School”
New Young Adult Book Entertains, Educates, & Engages Teens and Parents
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts The plot of “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout” by Stacy A. Padula handles subjects such as substance abuse and relationship problems, both of which are prevalent in the lives of young adults. This book shows how even those who think they are “experimenting” with drugs can become ensnared in a serious addiction,Continue reading “New Young Adult Book Entertains, Educates, & Engages Teens and Parents”
Isabelle Semas Reviews Gripped Part 3: The Fallout
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Picking up where Gripped Part 2 left off, Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula dives back into the life of Taylor Dunkin, promising athlete turned drug-dealer, and his fight to escape the Bilotti crime ring. His brother, Marc Dunkin, is determined to help him in any way he can. Continue reading “Isabelle Semas Reviews Gripped Part 3: The Fallout”
Young Adult Book Teaches Teens the Importance of Choosing Relationships Wisely
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided” by Stacy A. Padula unveils the raw truth behind prescription and recreational drug addiction. These topics—though uncomfortable to speak about with young teens—are far too prevalent in our society to be ignored. The Gripped series portrays exactly how this process takes place through an engaging storyline. By reading thisContinue reading “Young Adult Book Teaches Teens the Importance of Choosing Relationships Wisely”
Isabelle Semas Reviews Gripped Part 2: Blindsided
By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy A. Padula will have you captivated from cover to cover. The book picks up where Part 1 left off, with Taylor Dunkin trying to pull his life together after a hard struggle with substance abuse. Meanwhile, we learn more about Chris Dunkin’s past and personalContinue reading “Isabelle Semas Reviews Gripped Part 2: Blindsided”
Isabelle Semas on The “Gripped” Characters
Who do you feel bad for and why? I pity Chantal. Lisa and Cathy know the truth about her and Jon’s breakup, but decide to take matters into their own hands by not coming out with the truth. This causes Chantal so much pain. They should have been honest with her. Who frustrates you andContinue reading “Isabelle Semas on The “Gripped” Characters”
An Interview with Isabelle Semas on “The Truth We Never Told”
Who would you recommend Gripped Part 1 to and why? I would recommend Gripped Part 1 to Highschool students looking for a read with a realistic take on the temptations which face kids as early as middle school. This book addresses subjects such as underage drinking, drug addiction, and gossip. These things can’t be ignored,Continue reading “An Interview with Isabelle Semas on “The Truth We Never Told””
A Y.A. Book Series That Is Brutally Honest
Written by Isabelle Semas Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula fills in some of the storylines left open in the Montgomery Lake High book series. In the beginning of this book, we learn more about Taylor Dunkin, former football legend turned drug-dealer, who wants out of the game. Marc Dunkin,Continue reading “A Y.A. Book Series That Is Brutally Honest”
Interview with Teen Reader & Writer Isabelle Semas on “The Forces Within”
Who should read this book? For anyone who wants a thrilling read, I would recommend “The Forces Within” to you. Stacy Padula weaves themes of spiritual conflict throughout the plot, forming a mysterious and intriguing story. Whether you are a teen or a parent, it is sure to keep you on the edge of yourContinue reading “Interview with Teen Reader & Writer Isabelle Semas on “The Forces Within””
A Thrilling Y.A. Novel about Spiritual Warfare
Written by Isabelle Semas Please note: this review contains spoilers “The Forces Within,” the last book in the Montgomery Lake High book series by Stacy A. Padula, is a thrilling novel with hidden messages of the spiritual warfare which takes place all around us daily. I, personally, could barely put it down—it kept me captivatedContinue reading “A Thrilling Y.A. Novel about Spiritual Warfare”
An Interview with Y.A. Reader Isabelle Semas on “The Battle for Innocence”
Who would you recommend this book to and why? I would recommend “The Battle for Innocence” to all teens. For teens in highschool, it will help open their eyes to the fact that younger siblings, cousins, and friends look up to them, and will follow in their footsteps. For younger teenagers, it presents the dangersContinue reading “An Interview with Y.A. Reader Isabelle Semas on “The Battle for Innocence””
Recommended Y.A. Christian Read: The Battle for Innocence
Written by Isabelle Semas “The Battle for Innocence,” by Stacy Padula, takes readers two years into the past. The characters, though they are young, begin to be exposed to things such as sex, drugs, and alcohol. Each must decide if they will fall into temptation or abstain from these fleeting pleasures. This book is honestContinue reading “Recommended Y.A. Christian Read: The Battle for Innocence”
Q&A with Isabelle Semas on “The Aftermath”
Who do you think could benefit from reading this book and why? I believe those in Jason’s position would benefit greatly from reading “The Aftermath” by Stacy A. Padula—those who, like Jason, are so lost they can not see how dark their life truly is, and those who struggle with drug abuse. This book displaysContinue reading “Q&A with Isabelle Semas on “The Aftermath””
Honest Book Prepares Kids for Social Issues Faced in High School
Written by Isabelle Semas I most certainly recommend The Right Person by Stacy A. Padula to those who are going into high school and those who are homeschooled. Neither have experienced the high school party scene, and are therefore blind to its evils. This story shows in detail how simple it is for peer pressureContinue reading “Honest Book Prepares Kids for Social Issues Faced in High School”
Books by Stacy A. Padula 