Follow the John 3:16 Network Author Page on Pinterest

Showing posts with label Stacy Padula. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stacy Padula. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

On The Right Path, Books 1 and 2, by Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula - New Book Releases for Basketball Enthusiasts




Join Jayden, Jordan, their little sister Jasmine, and their friend Shai as the group experiences their first basketball camp and learns lessons about life along the way. Parents will love this uplifting book, which encourages children to love others and teaches the importance of making people feel welcome and loved.

NBA Coach Brett Gunning and award-winning author Stacy Padula have teamed up to create the On The Right Path (OTRP) book series. OTRP is also a non-profit organization created by Brett Gunning to guide youth basketball players on the right path to achieving their maximum potential through education, mentorship, and skill development. The core principles of OTRP are guidance, inspiration, and creativity. The book series focuses on six life-skill pillars: Loving Others, Being Unselfish, Staying Healthy & Strong, Showing Respect, Showing Forgiveness, and Having Fun.




Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2021
In a world full of negative messages and hopelessness, this book shines through as a beacon of light! I love the focus on staying active and having a good attitude/morals. I also love how friendship between the siblings is promoted in the story. Super sweet book!
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021
A beautiful book that all parents need. There are so many great lessons for children to learn and teaches them how to love and treat others. Perfect for your child to read alone or for you to read along with them.

Book Reviews from Book 2, On The Right Path


Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2021
A very simple, relatable tale about unselfishness, consideration, and teamwork that will resonate with young kids. Using common, appealing things like basketball and pizza to underscore the core message will help kids engage with the story, as will the colorful and vivid illustrations. This would make a great classroom read for pre-K through early elementary kids.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021
A beautifully illustrated and engaging children’s book that underscores what characteristics are truly important. Now more than ever children need role models and re-enforcement for kind behavior. A perfect gift for your little one and should be in every classroom!



Stacy Padula









📕📕📕📕📕


Wednesday, July 22, 2020

New Book Release - Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors, by Stacy Padula - Book Review


 

 

In the fourth installment of Stacy Padula’s Gripped Book Series, the stakes are higher as Taylor Dunkin struggles to save himself and protect the ones he loves. He never knew that a slippery slope could cause him to fall into such a pit of despair. As he tries to pull himself out, however, he begins to realize that he may not be able to escape the mess of his own creation.


*~*~*~*



Taylor’s two younger brothers, Jordan and Marc have been at odds for years, but they are drawn together to try to decipher the mysterious clues Taylor is leaving for his whereabouts. As secrets are revealed, the relationships between the Dunkin boys may change forever, and their town of Montgomery Lake along with them.

Stacy Padula’s masterful control of a bifurcated storyline keeps the reader intrigued in two chronologies of events. The characters grow richer with each passing novel, and the depth of the relationship between them approaches reality. 

A five-star review for Gripped 4: Smoke and Mirrors.

- Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia 


To purchase a Smoke & Mirrors from Amazon, click here.



To learn more about Stacy Padula, visit her Amazon Page by clicking here





Friday, November 4, 2016

Montgomery High series by Stacy Padula

Featuring Stacy Padula
Montgomery High series
5 books
 24186757

Book 1 – The Right Person, June 2010
Chris Dunkin and his close friends have lived lives of excessive partying since age twelve. At fifteen, Chris is drinking more often and trying heavy drugs to keep himself high--but his dream of becoming a professional athlete is slipping away as quickly as his grades. Chris feels empty inside, bored with the partying scene, and incredibly attracted to Courtney Angeletti--his best friend's girlfriend, the mayor's straight-laced daughter. Courtney is equally intrigued by Chris' "life of the party" reputation, and her hidden desire to rebel leads her and Chris on a quest for a lot more than just romance.

This story of teenage acceptance and the resulting battle over moral convictions will hit home with many teens looking for answers

e-Book $4.99
Print $11.50
ISBN-13: 978-1609114725
buy on Amazon US


10767750 


Book 2 – When Darkness Tries to Hide, January 2011
As the skies grow darker and darker over Montgomery Lake High, not everyone takes the severe storm warning seriously. A day later, Andy Rosetti--the popular class president--is in a coma, and his classmate Jason Davids feels responsible for the tragedy. As Andy's friends and family cope with the aftermath of the storm, Jason and his friends set out on a quest to save Andy's life. Stopping at nothing, Jason begins to see that there are forces stronger than nature at work in Montgomery--and more than one life in need of saving.

e-Book $4.99
Print $11.50
ISBN: 978-1609768577
buy on Amazon US

 22224981


Book 3 – The Battle For Innocence, April 2014
Within a dimly lit hospital room, Chantal Kagelli peers at her boyfriend Andy's blank face. It has been one month since he slipped into a coma-one month since she last heard his voice. Chantal begins reflecting on their journey, which began two years prior in seventh grade. The Battle for Innocence flashes back to that pivotal year when the characters of Montgomery Lake High were first introduced to the temptations, peer pressures, and internal-struggles associated with adolescence. 

e-Book $4.99
Print $12.00
ISBN: 978-1628577778
buy on Amazon US


Others:

18842306


The Aftermath, October, 2013
For the past two years, Jason Davids has lived a charmed life. Blessed with good looks, a popular girlfriend, quick wit, and a wealthy family, Jason has everything he could want--but everything is not enough. There is emptiness--something unsettled in his soul. Partying, drugs, sex, and alcohol provide temporary relief, but the haunting emptiness always returns once he is sober. He can't stand being sober. When a tornado strikes his town, Jason's drug dependency puts one of his classmates, Andy Rosetti, in danger. After Andy is taken away on a stretcher, the guilt and regret that Jason feels lead him to a paradoxical place of darkness and illumination. Jason soon realizes that there is more than one life at risk in Montgomery and a stronger force at work than nature. 

e-Book $3.99
Print $13.00
ISBN: 978-1628570571
buy on Amazon US

22181226


The Forces Within, March, 2014
Last month, when a tornado wreaked havoc on my hometown, I suffered a severe head trauma. I have since experienced something much more disturbing. During my recovery celebration, I came face to face with a force more powerful than any weather phenomenon—something darker than I ever dared to imagine.

Twice this past month, I woke up in a world that I did not recognize. I heard things that didn’t align with my memories—things that made me question my identity, my beliefs, and my own thoughts. I still cannot fully comprehend what happened to me or distinguish reality from illusion.

Am I, perhaps, discerning an additional dimension of life that I was too blind—too jaded—too scared—to see before? Could the forces within these two worlds exist as one?

I’m determined to solve this mystery and gain all of the insight that I can from the haunting enigma that has recently become my life.
—Andy

The Forces Within follows Andy Rosetti and his friends’ chilling adventure at Fallen Lake. Could Andy be stuck between two worlds, or have his eyes been opened to see a deeper reality?

The story wrestles with spiritual warfare, moral convictions, and teenage social issues.

e-Book $4.99
Print $13.59
ISBN: 978-1628578966
buy on Amazon US


General Series Review by  Lisa Lickel
Padula’s Montgomery High series is a hard-hitting look at today’s teen culture. Fictional, yes, but as Padula notes in her biography, based on current events. The books all feature a large cast of students who assemble and reassemble in couplehood. They are from the typically popular crowd, the faith crowd, and the straight-and-narrow group. Although it might be best to start from the beginning, the winding story line throughout the five books currently available are written so a reader can step into any of them. It will take time to get to know the different cliques, but they are fleshed and real, facing angst, fear, and joy. I did not read them in order, and wasn’t bothered.

Each story is told in multiple viewpoints and are mostly daily activities, behind-the-scenes events at school, home, church, sporting events, or activities. One of the stories, The Forces Within, is one of the character’s first-person accounts of a strange dream-like adventure with the friends lost in an evil-laced mansion. Lies, experimentation, angst, and self-discovery are explored.


The series is written about high schoolers. Even though the intent is to encourage kids to see that that godly faith and lifestyle is the way to overcome temptation and vice, the stories contain pervasive drug use, sexual content and innuendo as well as suggestive sexual language and situations. As a parent, I would recommend checking these stories out first or at least at the same time your children read them so healthy feedback and conversation can take place. You might need to take notes.

About Stacy:
Stacy Padula, a native of Pembroke, Massachusetts, has accrued years of experience working with adolescents. She has been a mentor, life coach, youth group leader, and private educational consultant with extensive experience in the fields of college counseling, tutoring, standardized test preparation, and Christian counseling.

Stacy wrote the Montgomery Lake High books in the hopes of preparing teens to face the “war zone” that is high school–to help kids deal with the stress and peer pressure, and to encourage them to “steer a straight path, pursue God, and not fall for the false promises of the world.”

In her spare time, Stacy enjoys skiing, going to Bruins games, reading about Psychology, taking her dogs to the beach, and spending time with her family, boyfriend, and friends.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Wakulla Book Review: "The Right Person, Montgomery Lake High School, Book 1," by Stacy A. Padula



"The Right Person" is a story about a high school freshman named Chris Dunkin, who, along with most of his friends, has been pulled into the party life where drugs, alcohol, and popularity seem to be all that matters, until he meets a girl who seems to be different. He feels drawn to her, but doesn't figure out what drew him to her until their lives take a reverse role. That it was the life of Christ in her that was drawing Chris. 

To everyone's amazement, Chris, the class partier, turns his life over to Jesus Christ and everyone witnesses a dramatic change in him. 

The author's purpose is to clearly show the awesome and amazing power God will have in transforming the life of anyone who repents and turns his life over to him. Regardless of one's past. 

The book covers many themes dealing with teen peer pressures of drugs, alcohol, popularity, friendship, and even depression. 

I loved the Biblical teachings where a teen can understand them in today's examples. 

The Right Person, Montgomery Lake High School reviwed by: Leon, a brother in Christ, Wakulla Book Review


To learn more about Stacy Padula and her books, visit her website at http://StacyPadula.com




 I want to personally thank all the men who are reviewing the books written by JOHN 3:16 AUTHORS. I am thankful that we are able to bless them and appreciate the encouragement given to us by their reviews. 

Their insights and comments mean a lot. Steve said I (Lorilyn Roberts) could visit the prison and I hope to do that sometime in the near future. I ultimately look forward to the day when we are free in the Lord's presence to worship together our Risen King!

Each WEEK (usually on Tuesday), we are posting reviews from Wakulla Correctional inmates of John 3:16 books. 





Inmates are loving the new books from John 3:16 authors. Chaplain Steve Fox is adding the new books to the prison library in this initiative to "change lives to ensure a safer Florida."

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

How to Get Your Books into Barnes & Noble Bookstores, by Stacy Padula




When someone figures out how to get their books into bookstores, I (Lorilyn Roberts) want to know more. I have not been able to break through that barrier, but after reading about Stacy Padula's success, I'm determined not to give up. A lot of marketing is about getting inspired, so Stacy has inspired me to try again.

I asked Stacy to tell us how she did it. But first, let me share a few things about Stacy. I met her a few years ago through the John 3:16 Marketing Network. She has continued to publish more books since then, which is important. It's hard to become a best-selling author with only one book.


When we had an opportunity to get John 3:16 books into the Florida prison system, Stacy was one of first to donate her books. Soon afterwards, Steve Fox, the chaplain at the prison, told me how much the prisoners enjoyed her books. They were the prisoners' favorites! Yeah, I was a little jealous, but mostly, I was thrilled that the prisoners were reading Christian books, reviewing Christian books, and enjoying the Christian books we sent them, especially hers. It wasn't long afterwards that I saw on Facebook that Barnes & Noble would soon be carrying her books in bookstores.

After all the raves about her books at Wakulla Correctional and hearing about her success getting books into the Barnes & Noble Bookstores, I asked her to share with us how she did it.  Enjoy!

*~*~*~*

by Stacy Padula

My books were published by Strategic Book Publishing, which is a semi-traditional publisher that offers print on demand. I didn't have to pay for publishing, but I did have to pay them a small fee to market my books and another fee to make them returnable. 

They published my first book The Right Person in 2010, When Darkness Tries to Hide in 2011, The Aftermath in 2013, and both The Forces Within and The Battle for Innocence in 2014. I have enjoyed working with them throughout the entire process, and they have been kind enough to feature me on the homepage of their website. They set up my books to be sold on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online, but in order to get them picked up by Barnes & Noble stores, I had to write a letter to the corporate headquarters. 

There is a small press division to which I addressed my letter and sent copies of my novels. In the letter, I shared my qualifications, my marketing ideas, the fact that my books are returnable, and why I believe my books should be on the shelves. I was advised by my publisher to keep my letter short and to the point. It has been a pleasure working with the small press manager. I originally sent in my two novels, and then I was asked to submit my other books too. I am actually planning to send out that submittal this week! :)

These are the basic guidelines that my publisher told me to follow:

"Send them a copy of your book with a brief cover letter (I would suggest sending the soft cover as that has been what they've been accepting lately). I also suggest making your cover letter short (think of a resume-you want to be respectful of their time and only hit on keys points). You'll want to include any marketing and promotion plans, trade reviews, and a sentence or two describing how the book meets the competition (what makes it unique) to:

The Small Press Department
Barnes & Noble

The information must include the ISBN and the suggested retail price and please note that it's returnable. Again, think of it as a resume with bullet points so it's easy for the buyer to get the info quickly. The review process takes about six weeks. The Small Press Department responds to all submissions in writing so please make sure that your cover letter has your return mailing address on it. Please include your phone number and e-mail address as well."


I sent the letter late summer/early fall and heard back by way of mail in November. 

My twitter is @MLHBookSeries
My books can be bought online through Amazon: http://astore.amazon.com/montlakehigh-20




Stacy Padula is the Manager of Curriculum & Instruction at JBG Educational Group, a company of about thirty educators who work closely with young adults and their families on everything under the academic blanket. In addition to tutoring, college consulting, educational advocacy, life coaching, and academic coaching, Stacy specializes in working with troubled youth. JBG Educational Group counsels families, as well as works in conjunction with students’ therapists, doctors, and school systems.
Each week, Stacy works with students, on a personal, one-on-one basis. As a college consultant, tutor, advocate, and academic coach, Stacy serves as a mentor to her students—age twelve to eighteen—and guides them through not only academic, but also social and emotional hardships.
Stacy wrote the Montgomery Lake High books in the hopes of preparing teens to face the “war zone” that is high school–-to help kids deal with the stress and peer pressure, and to encourage them to “steer a straight path, pursue God, and not fall for the false promises of the world.”


Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Amazon launch of Stacy Padula's book, When Darkness Tries to Hide




Today marks the release of Stacy Padula’s latest novel, When Darkness Tries to Hide.


As a special promotion, today’s buyers will get free gifts & a chance to win Boston Red Sox tickets, gift certificates, & other prizes for each copy of When Darkness Tries to Hide that they purchase.


For details on the book, launch, and promotions please visit:
http://montgomerylake.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/mlh2-launch-info.pdf

Enjoy this interview with Stacy Padula:


Author of When Darkness Tries to Hide and The Right Person


Q: How did you become interested in writing?


A: I wrote my first book when I was in Kindergarten; it was a short story about a puppy. Then my writing just continued…I wrote books all through elementary school and continued beyond. I finished my first draft of When Darkness Tries to Hide when I was 15 years old. I had read a lot of different books while growing up that had been about high school. When I entered high school I was completely shocked by what was going on around me! It was nothing like Sweet Valley High or the Babysitters Club. There was an abundance of backbiting, backstabbing, substance abuse, and kids just being mean to each other. I felt that there needed to be a realistic book series out there for kids to read so that they could be prepared for the social battles of high school. So, I wrote The Right Person, which is the first book in the Montgomery Lake High series. I fell in love with my characters, and the subject matters, so I decided to write a sequel (which is now When Darkness Tries to Hide). I have recently finished the 5th book in the series, and I plan to keep writing as long as I am able to!


Q: What should people know about When Darkness Tries to Hide?


A: The book picks up two months after where The Right Person left off. There is a terrible storm that brings destruction to the town and into the lives of some of the characters. One of the characters, Andy, gets injured and another character, Jason, feels responsible. (Although no one knows at first exactly why Jason feels that way.) The story follows many characters reactions to the accident, and how everyone comes together to help Andy. Jason is the central focus of the story, and the transformation he goes through as a result of feeling responsible for what happened to Andy. The main point of the story is the battle between light and darkness, and how people often do not realize they are living a dark life because everyone around them is living the same way, until a ray of light shines in and breaks through the darkness.

Q: Have any experiences from your own life affected the storyline of the book?


A: I have not written about anything that has happened to me exactly, but everything in the books is based on things I have witnessed teenagers go through, or emotional/social/physical/spiritual battles that I have fought in my life. The books are filled with lessons I have learned from my own experiences, but I have woven those lessons into the completely fictitious world of Montgomery Lake High. It is my hope that teens and pre-teens can learn from these lessons and not go through as much pain as I had to in order to learn them!

Q: What is it like waiting for each book to be published?


A: It is exciting!! My next book, which will be published apart from the series as a novel, is called Montgomery's Masquerade: The Battle for Innocence. It is a prequel to the series that takes place when the main characters were in 7th grade. I just got it back from my editor, who is actually from Pearson Publishing, and I am excited to review her edits and send it along to my publisher, Strategic Book Group. They had read the rough copy earlier this month and accepted it. The whole process has many steps, and a lot of approvals that need to be signed off on. It is excited to see the internal layout of the book. I get to work with my publisher's book designers to bring the book up to the vision that I have for it. This, along with approving the front and back cover designs, is a very exciting part of the process. I always get butterflies in my stomach when I open up the first printed copy of each book. The process can take anywhere from six months to a year, depending on many different circumstances. I enjoy being a part of the process. It is always a learning experience, and I find that very rewarding!


Q: Do you have a "life verse" that you have claimed? If so what is it and why is that verse so meaningful to you?


A: Psalm 84:11 has significant meaning to me. It states that God withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly. This verse is a reminder to me that anything that I pray for and do not receive is not really good for me, and that I only desire it because I have limited understanding of what is best for me. God knows what is best, and as long as I am walking with Him, He will not withhold anything good from me. So whenever God closes a door in my life, I recall Psalm 84:11 and find great comfort and peace within its promise.


Q: Who (or what) is your greatest encourager when you write and why?


A: I have a wonderful support system of family and friends who encourage me in my writing. What encourages me the most, though, is the world of Montgomery Lake High that exists within my mind. It is like God has put this world in my head, and these characters that are so real to me, and I write to express what is within me: a message of faith to reach out to the youth.


Q: Is there anything else that you would like your readers to know about you that would give us even more of a glimpse into your personality and passions?


A: “Passionate” would be the best word to describe me. When I'm into something, I'm into it with my whole heart. I love my life and think God has blessed me with the best friends, best dog, best job, and the best mother in the entire world. Writing is my favorite pastime. I have learned a lot about conquering fear this past year. The ocean moves me. I love North Carolina and feel like a part of my heart is there. I love to learn and figure out how things are connected. I see deeper meaning in everything. I believe love is the answer to life's toughest questions. I have "songs" with the majority of my friends and hope the lyrics always mean something to me. My faith is in Jesus Christ, and I'm in love with Him. I have a strange fetish for football movies. I am an avid skier. I have a lot of hope and believe nothing is impossible with God.

Please visit: http://montgomerylake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/mlh2-launch-info.pdf for more information on the Montgomery Lake High book series.