Nowhere but Up: The Story of Justin Bieber's Mom by Pattie Mallette & A.J. Gregory

Most people only know her as Justin Bieber's mom, but Pattie Mallette has had an incredible journey of her own. Many people have heard of her son's rags to riches triumph. A few know she was a teen mom who had to overcome a drug and alcohol addiction. Even fewer know the rest of her story.

Now, for the first time in detail, Pattie shares with the world the story of a girl who felt abandoned and unloved. Of a teenager who made poor choices. Of a young woman who attempted suicide and could hardly bear to believe that God would ever care for her. One who messed up, got pregnant, and got a second chance. Every reader will find themselves somewhere in Pattie's painful journey of redemption. They will be encouraged by her example that what was once broken can become whole.

Pattie's story will inspire readers to believe that even in the darkest of places, there's always hope. For those who feel unlovable, there's always love. And for those who believe they're a lost cause, there's always room for another chance.

My Review:
Pattie's voice presents itself loudly and clearly: most of her life, she felt unloved. Turning to alcohol, drugs, and teen "love" didn't help her. Her life continued to spiral down, down, down. She even attempted suicide! Even after she turned to God, she reverted to her old habits.

The story is told in a straightforward manner. The only caveat I have is that it's a bit wordy, but even so, it is a story worth reading.. Whether or not you're a fan of her son, once you read this true accounting, you'll be a fan of Pattie Mallette.

Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group and Revell for my copy.

Placebo by Steven James

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did.

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James will keep you flipping pages late into the night.

My Review:
Jevin Banks, a skilled magician with a brown belt in TaeKwonDo, now earns his living by exposing phoney fortune-telling scam artists and the like for cable television. He and his small team go undercover to investigate a large paranormal research center.

I've learned a bit of science during the reading of this novel. I sure would like to see telomerase, a drug that stops aging come to market! I know I'm not being fair to say so little, but I don't want to publish spoilers. The plot grabs the reader, and the book is a hard one to put down. I did not see where this was going, and had to keep turning those pages. It certainly held my interest. Some passages are scarey. I may not sleep well tonight.

Characters are believable. A set of twins who seem to be able to combine their ability to change their environment are being tested. Could their combined thoughts work toward the good==or the bad?

Thank you to Donna Hausler at Baker Publishing Group and Revell for my copy.

Available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.