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“Standing Up” invites you on an exhilarating journey with a woman who refuses to be defined by her scars. The book is a riveting testament to the indomitable spirit, a gripping saga that will leave you breathless, rooting for the victory of the human heart over adversity.

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“A debut memoir focuses on one woman’s difficult journey to becoming a police officer.  A terse, revealing, and absorbing look at a varied, complex relationship with domestic violence.”
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Book cover for Standing Up Making the Best out of Surviving the Worst

Published by She Writes Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

In 2025, Mary will unveil her debut memoir, “Standing Up – Making the Best out of Surviving the Worst,” a true story of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity.  After escaping the anguish and despair of an abusive relationship, she turned to a career in law enforcement. Following her retirement from law enforcement in 2016, prompted by family responsibilities, Mary devoted herself to caregiving for her ailing mother, discovering a newfound passion for writing in the process. “Standing Up” is a result of that passion.

Close up headshot of Mary Devine smiling at the camera

Photo Credit: Gina Degnars-Graves

“Standing Up” is an unforgettable roller coaster of emotions and unimaginable twists, pulling readers into a relentless, page-turning frenzy. Mary Devine, the hero of this true story, is a beacon of resilience and courage. As you journey alongside her, you will find yourself relating to her struggles, cheering for her victories, and ultimately celebrating her triumphs. This is more than a story—it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of standing tall when love tragically descends into a dangerous prison. Mary’s story inspires hope, proving that a brighter future awaits those brave enough to take the first step toward freedom.

~ Gina Graves – Songwriter, teacher, and board-certified coach

“Standing Up: Making the Best Out of Surviving the Worst is a gripping, novel-like journey that slowly and powerfully reveals the truth about domestic violence and healing. Mary Devine’s story is so relatable that you’ll feel each struggle, each victory, as if it were your own. Mary Devine is your new hero, and her strength and choices have changed so many lives. A must-read for those who seek both understanding and hope.”

~ Tama Kieves – tamakieves.com
USA Today featured visionary career coach and bestselling author of Thriving Through Uncertainty and also Learning to Trust Yourself

“Standing Up” captures the author’s lived experience and accurately depicts the trauma that too many people experience in private. Mary’s unvarnished style exposes pain and struggles and provides insight into the issues that trap so many. Hers is a story of hope and resilience. This story reminds us of our power to make a difference in another’s life.

~ Mariann Kenville-Moore, MSW DVS
Director of Advocacy & Policy
Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence

“Standing Up”, by Mary Devine, charts the author’s harrowing, heartbreaking, but ultimately hugely inspiring journey from domestic abuse survivor who overcomes a violent relationship (and so much more) to becoming a police detective and civilian investigator committed to helping others, especially women, find the light in their own lives. Raw, real, and relatable, this book is the ideal read for fans of Tara Westover’s Educated and Wild by Cheryl Strayed.

~ Elizabeth Ridley
author, Searching for Celia; coauthor, Saving Sadie: How a Dog That No One Wanted Inspired the World

“Standing Up” will leave no reader untouched. Mary’s journey is one of immense courage, resilience and intentionality, and she writes in a voice that is strong and true. With unflinching self-honesty and masterfully chosen doses of humor, she shines a white-hot spotlight on a particularly painful and poignant aspect of personal transformation that will deeply inspire and uplift any who see themselves in her story.

~ Suzanne Eder, author of What You Want Wants You

“Standing Up” invites the reader to join Devine on a personal journey through the crucible of domestic violence and her emergence of strength and enlightened perspective on one of law enforcement’s most challenging issues.

~ John L. Cunningham New Castle County Chief of Police, Delaware – retired