Nova: The Courage to Rise charts the exploration and inner growth of two seventeen-year-old girls: down-to-earth Aurora and quirky Stella. Both grew up without her mother.

A cast of characters—real and inanimate—influence them as they answer questions like: What does self-worth mean? What are positive self-talk and body image? Self-love for young women?

A story of coming of age, NOVA explores community, friendship, and faith, and how thinking differently about the past can build a meaningful future. 

Tricia Jacobson and her sister Pam grow up in a close-knit family in rural Missouri. But when their parents divorce, the once inseparable sisters take very different paths—Pam, the star student and athlete, begins to spiral into addiction, while Tricia learns to bury her emotions and press forward.

While Pam fights a devastating battle with drugs, mental illness, and self-destruction, Tricia watches helplessly as her sister loses everything—her future, her safety, and even the ability to care for herself.

When Pam becomes pregnant, she asks Tricia to adopt her baby. It’s a chance for a new life, a new beginning—but Pam’s struggles are far from over.

As Tricia fights for her sister, she discovers her true purpose: to advocate for those society too often forgets.

A powerful memoir of sisterhood, survival, and second chances, Praying for Clean is a deeply moving testament to the unbreakable bond of family.

Tricia Jacobson is an award-winning author and passionate advocate for those navigating life’s hardest battles. She is also co-host of The Matriarchs’ Podcast and author of two books: “Nova: The Courage to Rise” (2021) and “Praying for Clean: A Memoir of Sisterhood, Substance Abuse, and Second Chances.” (2025)