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Standing Up: Making the Best Out of Surviving the Worst
For true-crime fans, a gripping memoir of a domestic violence survivor who becomes a police detective in the domestic violence unit and is forced to face her demons when her first major case mirrors her own violent assault.
Standing Up invites you on an exhilarating journey with a woman who refuses to be defined by her scars. A pulse-pounding chronicle of survival against all odds, this memoir takes readers along on a plunge into the chilling depths of abusive relationships.
At the tender age of twenty-three, Mary Sweeney-Devine unwittingly stumbled into the clutches of her abuser, igniting anguish and despair. With each heart-wrenching trial, including a hospital visit, she unearthed a reservoir of resilience she didn’t know she possessed. But just when she thought she had weathered the storm, a second marriage to a recovering alcoholic unleashed a tempest of secrets and unforeseen challenges.
Yet Devine emerged from the darkness, fueled by an unyielding determination and a fierce spirit. With the help of unexpected allies, determination, and a sprinkling of humor, she navigated the treacherous terrain of her past—and reclaimed her life with courage. Offering hope to those ensnared in the vicious cycle of abuse, Standing Up is a riveting testament to Devine’s indomitable spirit and a gripping saga that will leave you breathlessly rooting for the victory of the human heart over adversity.
Standing Up invites you on an exhilarating journey with a woman who refuses to be defined by her scars. A pulse-pounding chronicle of survival against all odds, this memoir takes readers along on a plunge into the chilling depths of abusive relationships.
At the tender age of twenty-three, Mary Sweeney-Devine unwittingly stumbled into the clutches of her abuser, igniting anguish and despair. With each heart-wrenching trial, including a hospital visit, she unearthed a reservoir of resilience she didn’t know she possessed. But just when she thought she had weathered the storm, a second marriage to a recovering alcoholic unleashed a tempest of secrets and unforeseen challenges.
Yet Devine emerged from the darkness, fueled by an unyielding determination and a fierce spirit. With the help of unexpected allies, determination, and a sprinkling of humor, she navigated the treacherous terrain of her past—and reclaimed her life with courage. Offering hope to those ensnared in the vicious cycle of abuse, Standing Up is a riveting testament to Devine’s indomitable spirit and a gripping saga that will leave you breathlessly rooting for the victory of the human heart over adversity.
272 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2025
1 person is currently reading
3356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 6, 2025
This story is about a woman named Mary Sweeny who marries a man who turns out to be physically abusive. She divorces him and rebuilds her life only to get into another problematic relationship.
Mary is the type of person who doesn’t really think things through and second guesses herself. There were signs of abuse, and she chose to ignore them or chose to make excuses for them. This is typical of anyone who stays in an abusive relationship. The good thing with her story is that she learned to get herself out of the abuse.
Mary is the type of person who doesn’t really think things through and second guesses herself. There were signs of abuse, and she chose to ignore them or chose to make excuses for them. This is typical of anyone who stays in an abusive relationship. The good thing with her story is that she learned to get herself out of the abuse.
May 24, 2025
BOOK✶REVIEW
#ad much love for my advance copy @shewritespress @booksparks #partner
Standing Up
“I had done my share of judging, so I guess I didn't blame them, but when you go through trauma without a solid, supportive family, you learn to just buck up and move on,” (p. 77).
Growing up in a home with DV you’d think I’d avoid books like this one. But nope. It’s the opposite. I’ve recently gotten into survival memoirs and just can’t seem to get enough. And this book is on my list of recommended reads.
While this is a book about that - it’s also not. Or not completely. The story covers the author’s life during her marriage to a violent man and her healing journey after. As she becomes a detective in the domestic violence unit she is forced to face her own abuse as her very first case is almost identical to her own.
Unflinching, raw, and brutally honest this book will eat its way into your heart - where it will stay forever. It’s written extremely well and will - despite the dark subject matter - make you chuckle at several points.
I always wanted to be an English teacher and volunteer at a DV shelter - I’ve done neither but I’m not sure I’d be able to handle all the women being abused when DV is such a complex and emotional thing to endure.
People always judge, but until they’re in that situation - when your lover is saying I love you but then hurts you - they can never truly understand the emotional and psychological aspects of these situations. Many victims will return to their partner up to 7 times before finally leaving for good.
The statistics are scary. As a mom to daughters they scare me.
A must read. From start to finish just a beautiful book.
#SRC2025popup #StandingUp
#ad much love for my advance copy @shewritespress @booksparks #partner
Standing Up
“I had done my share of judging, so I guess I didn't blame them, but when you go through trauma without a solid, supportive family, you learn to just buck up and move on,” (p. 77).
Growing up in a home with DV you’d think I’d avoid books like this one. But nope. It’s the opposite. I’ve recently gotten into survival memoirs and just can’t seem to get enough. And this book is on my list of recommended reads.
While this is a book about that - it’s also not. Or not completely. The story covers the author’s life during her marriage to a violent man and her healing journey after. As she becomes a detective in the domestic violence unit she is forced to face her own abuse as her very first case is almost identical to her own.
Unflinching, raw, and brutally honest this book will eat its way into your heart - where it will stay forever. It’s written extremely well and will - despite the dark subject matter - make you chuckle at several points.
I always wanted to be an English teacher and volunteer at a DV shelter - I’ve done neither but I’m not sure I’d be able to handle all the women being abused when DV is such a complex and emotional thing to endure.
People always judge, but until they’re in that situation - when your lover is saying I love you but then hurts you - they can never truly understand the emotional and psychological aspects of these situations. Many victims will return to their partner up to 7 times before finally leaving for good.
The statistics are scary. As a mom to daughters they scare me.
A must read. From start to finish just a beautiful book.
#SRC2025popup #StandingUp
March 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
From her own experience, this author does a great job of showing why women stay with their abusive partner. After she becomes a police officer, she tries so hard to help other victims not make the same mistakes she did. It has to be extremely frustrating to see women go back after such horrible abuse and to see the abuser either get away with it or get a very light sentence.
This is well written and enlightening and I highly recommend it.
From her own experience, this author does a great job of showing why women stay with their abusive partner. After she becomes a police officer, she tries so hard to help other victims not make the same mistakes she did. It has to be extremely frustrating to see women go back after such horrible abuse and to see the abuser either get away with it or get a very light sentence.
This is well written and enlightening and I highly recommend it.
May 10, 2025
“I was still in love with him and couldn’t reconcile the mix of love and anger I felt.” That is deep.
Standing Up is a memoir written by Mary L Devine, a domestic abuse survivor. This book is so important as it strips down and lays bare how women get manipulated, why it’s normal to wonder “why didn’t she just leave??”, and the many reasons why women struggle to do just that.
Taking her own experiences and channeling those into her new career as a police detective took such strength and grit. And now she, who was once helped by a nurse that changed her life, can pay it forward to other women.
The sad and depressing fact is that not only can not all women be saved, sometimes they just don’t want to be saved. And that is a hard pill to swallow when you know the path they are on and how most cases end.
I think you would be hard pressed to find a woman who either has not experienced this herself or knows of no one that has. It can happen to any of us, even if we think it never could. So know your worth, ladies! Speak up and stay strong. Always!
Thank you to @booksparks for the #SummerPopUp gifted copy.
Standing Up is a memoir written by Mary L Devine, a domestic abuse survivor. This book is so important as it strips down and lays bare how women get manipulated, why it’s normal to wonder “why didn’t she just leave??”, and the many reasons why women struggle to do just that.
Taking her own experiences and channeling those into her new career as a police detective took such strength and grit. And now she, who was once helped by a nurse that changed her life, can pay it forward to other women.
The sad and depressing fact is that not only can not all women be saved, sometimes they just don’t want to be saved. And that is a hard pill to swallow when you know the path they are on and how most cases end.
I think you would be hard pressed to find a woman who either has not experienced this herself or knows of no one that has. It can happen to any of us, even if we think it never could. So know your worth, ladies! Speak up and stay strong. Always!
Thank you to @booksparks for the #SummerPopUp gifted copy.
April 14, 2025
Standing Up: making the best out of surviving the worst by Mary L. Devine is a fascinating memoir from a domestic violence survivor who becomes a police detective in the domestic violence unit.
When she was 23 Mary Sweeney-Devine got involved with her abuser. After surviving the first marriage she gets involved with a recovering alcoholic with dark secrets of his own.
After overcoming the odds and horrific abuse, she joins the police force with the aim of helping others who are where she has been. This is her story.
Huge thank you to Mary for telling your story, for your resilience and for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
This amazing book will be in stores May 6 2025
When she was 23 Mary Sweeney-Devine got involved with her abuser. After surviving the first marriage she gets involved with a recovering alcoholic with dark secrets of his own.
After overcoming the odds and horrific abuse, she joins the police force with the aim of helping others who are where she has been. This is her story.
Huge thank you to Mary for telling your story, for your resilience and for working with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
This amazing book will be in stores May 6 2025
May 6, 2025
This started out as a very hard book to read. Mary documents the domestic violence that she endured and when I was only about one-fifth of the way through the book, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to continue. I feared that the rest of the book would be more of her trauma and beatings that would end up with her going back to the monsters in her life.
I'm glad I stuck it out though, as Mary overcomes her past and makes a difference in her present—and the future. The journey she takes is long and hard but she is determined to persevere. Standing Up is a positive look at the possibilities to overcome high hurdles when surrounded by the right circumstances and the right people. You just never know when your kindness will change a person's life for the better.
I'm glad I stuck it out though, as Mary overcomes her past and makes a difference in her present—and the future. The journey she takes is long and hard but she is determined to persevere. Standing Up is a positive look at the possibilities to overcome high hurdles when surrounded by the right circumstances and the right people. You just never know when your kindness will change a person's life for the better.
April 24, 2025
*Trigger Warning: DV*
This book is a memoir of a DV survivor who leaves her abusive husband(s) and becomes a police officer in the DV unit to help other victims. Mary is very young when she meets her first husband, and once they marry, red flags start appearing. After surviving a night of abuse, she leaves. This journey is not without challenges as she works to get her life back on track and figure out what she wants. Years later, she meets another man, who on the outside has it all together. But, he has a lot of secrets.
Mary’s storytelling is both honest and compelling; she pulls you right into her experience. It was raw and, at times, hard to read. Mary shows that it’s possible to leave after abuse and stop the cycle.
Thank you @booksparks + Mary L Devine for the gifted copy! #summerpopup
This book is a memoir of a DV survivor who leaves her abusive husband(s) and becomes a police officer in the DV unit to help other victims. Mary is very young when she meets her first husband, and once they marry, red flags start appearing. After surviving a night of abuse, she leaves. This journey is not without challenges as she works to get her life back on track and figure out what she wants. Years later, she meets another man, who on the outside has it all together. But, he has a lot of secrets.
Mary’s storytelling is both honest and compelling; she pulls you right into her experience. It was raw and, at times, hard to read. Mary shows that it’s possible to leave after abuse and stop the cycle.
Thank you @booksparks + Mary L Devine for the gifted copy! #summerpopup
April 25, 2025
First of all, I want to say that this book may be triggering for some, as it gives detailed accounts of domestic violence. Here are some trigger warnings I found:
Domestic violence – descriptive, on page
Mention of rape of a minor
Miscarriage
D&V procedure
Death of an infant
Drug use
Alcoholism
Gaslighting
Manipulation
This is the story of a woman who went through not one but two marriages that would shape her into the incredible detective she would become.
It takes such courage and someone who has gone through a tremendous amount of healing to be able to tell their story, especially when it’s as devastating as Devine’s. After surviving her first husband, who was very physically abusive, she ended up in a second marriage with a recovering alcoholic who went back to alcoholism and had some pretty heavy secrets he had been hiding from her. Yet, given her experiences, she used what she knew, what she felt up to that point in her life, and she chose to become a detective who would help other victims of DV. It truly takes a special person to enter a profession like that without having experienced anything akin to it. But for someone to have gone through the trenches and then come out on the other side, ready and willing to hear and help these other victims… that is something remarkable.
Not everyone has someone who will help them stay away from their abuser and see reason. Not everyone has the patience to deal with someone who can’t stop going back to their abuser, much less the ability to understand why they do it. It’s such a hard thing. For everyone. The way Devine approaches it when she’s on the outside looking in on these situations, as law enforcement, is so spot on. It’s so easy to get frustrated and try to take matters into your own hands, but that’s not the way to do it. All we can do is channel our inner Nurse Sarah and hope they remember the compassion, care, and concern we show them. In hopes that they come to realize what that compassion, care, and concern really mean, and they can understand what to do next.
Odds are, the abuser isn’t going to always get the punishment they deserve, and that’s something else this book brings to light. The decision to get out is such a heavy one, as it is still so hard in some states to bring the abuser to justice. However, I think Devine does a beautiful job of showing us that, regardless of the legal system, it is possible to get out and create a better situation for oneself. As she shows in her story, there are going to be hard questions in the beginning, but there will always be answers, even if they aren’t available right away.
We all need a Nurse Sarah. When a DV survivor writes a book like this, chances are, the author acted as someone’s Nurse Sarah. More books like this. More recognition of this harsh reality that many people face. More support from each other. I’m here for it. I’m here for this book. I hope this book will be a tool to help more DV victims muster the courage to leave and make a better reality for themselves. Sometimes a DV survivor’s powerful story is all it takes.
**Thank you to the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!**
Domestic violence – descriptive, on page
Mention of rape of a minor
Miscarriage
D&V procedure
Death of an infant
Drug use
Alcoholism
Gaslighting
Manipulation
This is the story of a woman who went through not one but two marriages that would shape her into the incredible detective she would become.
It takes such courage and someone who has gone through a tremendous amount of healing to be able to tell their story, especially when it’s as devastating as Devine’s. After surviving her first husband, who was very physically abusive, she ended up in a second marriage with a recovering alcoholic who went back to alcoholism and had some pretty heavy secrets he had been hiding from her. Yet, given her experiences, she used what she knew, what she felt up to that point in her life, and she chose to become a detective who would help other victims of DV. It truly takes a special person to enter a profession like that without having experienced anything akin to it. But for someone to have gone through the trenches and then come out on the other side, ready and willing to hear and help these other victims… that is something remarkable.
Not everyone has someone who will help them stay away from their abuser and see reason. Not everyone has the patience to deal with someone who can’t stop going back to their abuser, much less the ability to understand why they do it. It’s such a hard thing. For everyone. The way Devine approaches it when she’s on the outside looking in on these situations, as law enforcement, is so spot on. It’s so easy to get frustrated and try to take matters into your own hands, but that’s not the way to do it. All we can do is channel our inner Nurse Sarah and hope they remember the compassion, care, and concern we show them. In hopes that they come to realize what that compassion, care, and concern really mean, and they can understand what to do next.
Odds are, the abuser isn’t going to always get the punishment they deserve, and that’s something else this book brings to light. The decision to get out is such a heavy one, as it is still so hard in some states to bring the abuser to justice. However, I think Devine does a beautiful job of showing us that, regardless of the legal system, it is possible to get out and create a better situation for oneself. As she shows in her story, there are going to be hard questions in the beginning, but there will always be answers, even if they aren’t available right away.
We all need a Nurse Sarah. When a DV survivor writes a book like this, chances are, the author acted as someone’s Nurse Sarah. More books like this. More recognition of this harsh reality that many people face. More support from each other. I’m here for it. I’m here for this book. I hope this book will be a tool to help more DV victims muster the courage to leave and make a better reality for themselves. Sometimes a DV survivor’s powerful story is all it takes.
**Thank you to the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!**
Trauma creates change you don’t choose.
Healing is about creating change you do choose.
-Michele Rosenthal
May 5, 2025
📚 ARC REVIEW & BOOK TOUR 📚
Standing Up: Making The Best Out Of Surviving The Worst
By Mary L. Devine
Publication Date: May 6, 2025
Publisher: She Writes Press
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much to BookSparks, She Writes Press, and the author for the invitation to be a part of this book tour and this #gifted book in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
Standing Up was a poignant memoir that spoke truthfully and authentically about domestic violence, both from the perspective of a victim and the perspective of law enforcement. Devine's story was an inspiring read, the epitome of resilience and taking back one's power.
Devine's memoir shared her very personal experiences about a first marriage in which she stumbled into the clutches of her abusive husband, and a second marriage to a recovering alcoholic in which she encountered a myriad of dark secrets and unexpected challenges. Through it all she persevered, determined to be a survivor and rise above being labeled a victim. Her book detailed her empowered choices of becoming a black belt in tae kwon do, going to college, and being accepted in the police academy. Ultimately, she became a dedicated detective and worked with victims of domestic violence and crimes against children, propelled by her own personal experiences as a survivor of domestic violence.
Devine's memoir was incredibly well-written in a manner that flowed easily and was a fast read for me. She wrote about very difficult and sensitive topics in a way that didn't sensationalize her experiences, but instead shared them matter-of-factly with the reader. Despite the factual accounting of her memories, there was an emotion to this book which led to my eyes brimming with tears on several occasions. Sometimes because of sadness, sometimes because of tragedy, and mostly because of pride: Devine's story is one in which she rose like a Phoenix from the ashes. While it may have been far easier to turn inward and accept being a victim -- in either of her marriages -- she knew she wanted and deserved more from her life. This is an empowering read about taking difficult life circumstances and making them into an impactful life of resilience and strength -- and above all else, choosing yourself.
I appreciate Devine's inclusion of domestic violence resources at the book's conclusion, along with a Danger Assessment tool for anyone wondering about their own situation, or the situation of a loved one. This was a beautifully written memoir and I was honored to be a part of this book tour.
#StandingUp #MaryLDevine #SheWritesPress #booksparks #summerpopup #booktour #bookreviews #bookrecs #memoir #truecrime #womensfiction #booklover #bookaddict
Standing Up: Making The Best Out Of Surviving The Worst
By Mary L. Devine
Publication Date: May 6, 2025
Publisher: She Writes Press
📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you so much to BookSparks, She Writes Press, and the author for the invitation to be a part of this book tour and this #gifted book in exchange for my honest review!
📚MY REVIEW:
Standing Up was a poignant memoir that spoke truthfully and authentically about domestic violence, both from the perspective of a victim and the perspective of law enforcement. Devine's story was an inspiring read, the epitome of resilience and taking back one's power.
Devine's memoir shared her very personal experiences about a first marriage in which she stumbled into the clutches of her abusive husband, and a second marriage to a recovering alcoholic in which she encountered a myriad of dark secrets and unexpected challenges. Through it all she persevered, determined to be a survivor and rise above being labeled a victim. Her book detailed her empowered choices of becoming a black belt in tae kwon do, going to college, and being accepted in the police academy. Ultimately, she became a dedicated detective and worked with victims of domestic violence and crimes against children, propelled by her own personal experiences as a survivor of domestic violence.
Devine's memoir was incredibly well-written in a manner that flowed easily and was a fast read for me. She wrote about very difficult and sensitive topics in a way that didn't sensationalize her experiences, but instead shared them matter-of-factly with the reader. Despite the factual accounting of her memories, there was an emotion to this book which led to my eyes brimming with tears on several occasions. Sometimes because of sadness, sometimes because of tragedy, and mostly because of pride: Devine's story is one in which she rose like a Phoenix from the ashes. While it may have been far easier to turn inward and accept being a victim -- in either of her marriages -- she knew she wanted and deserved more from her life. This is an empowering read about taking difficult life circumstances and making them into an impactful life of resilience and strength -- and above all else, choosing yourself.
I appreciate Devine's inclusion of domestic violence resources at the book's conclusion, along with a Danger Assessment tool for anyone wondering about their own situation, or the situation of a loved one. This was a beautifully written memoir and I was honored to be a part of this book tour.
#StandingUp #MaryLDevine #SheWritesPress #booksparks #summerpopup #booktour #bookreviews #bookrecs #memoir #truecrime #womensfiction #booklover #bookaddict
May 12, 2025
I knew this one was going to hit me hard emotionally. Standing Up is a memoir that explores a very dark and painful subject—a woman finding her strength after enduring domestic violence.
If this is a topic you’re not comfortable reading about, this may not be the book for you.
Tragically, too many women have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic abuse, and this memoir dives deeply into Mary’s personal journey. There were moments I wanted to curl up and cry or even throw the book across the room out of anger and heartbreak at the betrayals and trauma she endured.
Because of my own past relationships, I found myself relating closely to her story. I consider myself lucky to have found my wonderful husband now, but seeing Mary’s continued struggles really hit home—it made this read feel incredibly personal. What truly moved me was that Mary not only survived, but went on to work in a DV unit, confronting cases that mirrored her own trauma. That kind of courage is nothing short of remarkable.
Though this was a tough read for me emotionally, it’s a powerful and deeply personal memoir. If you’re able to see it through, you’ll witness a raw and transformative journey of survival, strength, and hope.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If this is a topic you’re not comfortable reading about, this may not be the book for you.
Tragically, too many women have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic abuse, and this memoir dives deeply into Mary’s personal journey. There were moments I wanted to curl up and cry or even throw the book across the room out of anger and heartbreak at the betrayals and trauma she endured.
Because of my own past relationships, I found myself relating closely to her story. I consider myself lucky to have found my wonderful husband now, but seeing Mary’s continued struggles really hit home—it made this read feel incredibly personal. What truly moved me was that Mary not only survived, but went on to work in a DV unit, confronting cases that mirrored her own trauma. That kind of courage is nothing short of remarkable.
Though this was a tough read for me emotionally, it’s a powerful and deeply personal memoir. If you’re able to see it through, you’ll witness a raw and transformative journey of survival, strength, and hope.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2025
I just finished reading Standing Up: Making the Best Out of Surviving the Worst, and honestly, I’m still sitting with all the emotions this book stirred up.
Mary L. Devine doesn’t tell her story like a polished, distant memoir—she invites you into the mess, the fear, the heartbreak, and eventually, the hope. It’s raw and real in a way that hits you deep. Her journey through domestic abuse is painful to read at times, but it’s also incredibly inspiring to watch her rise from it—not just to survive, but to step into a career protecting and empowering others as a police officer.
This isn’t just a story of trauma. It’s a story of transformation. And what really stuck with me was how she doesn’t frame herself as a victim—she frames herself as a fighter, someone who learned to stand up not just for herself, but for others still stuck in the silence.
If you or someone you love has ever faced abuse, or if you simply want to understand the strength it takes to heal and fight back, Standing Up is worth every page. It’s personal, it’s emotional, and it’s unforgettable.
🌟 5/5 — for honesty, courage, and heart.
#BookReview #StandingUp #MaryLDevine #Memoir #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivorStory #WomenWhoInspire
Mary L. Devine doesn’t tell her story like a polished, distant memoir—she invites you into the mess, the fear, the heartbreak, and eventually, the hope. It’s raw and real in a way that hits you deep. Her journey through domestic abuse is painful to read at times, but it’s also incredibly inspiring to watch her rise from it—not just to survive, but to step into a career protecting and empowering others as a police officer.
This isn’t just a story of trauma. It’s a story of transformation. And what really stuck with me was how she doesn’t frame herself as a victim—she frames herself as a fighter, someone who learned to stand up not just for herself, but for others still stuck in the silence.
If you or someone you love has ever faced abuse, or if you simply want to understand the strength it takes to heal and fight back, Standing Up is worth every page. It’s personal, it’s emotional, and it’s unforgettable.
🌟 5/5 — for honesty, courage, and heart.
#BookReview #StandingUp #MaryLDevine #Memoir #DomesticViolenceAwareness #SurvivorStory #WomenWhoInspire
July 11, 2025
I just finished reading Standing Up by Mary Devine, and I’m glad I did. This isn’t one of those self-help books that pretends everything will get better if you only follow these seven easy steps. Instead, the author shares her story in a way that feels real and relatable. She’s upfront about how messy and confusing it can be to heal from life’s traumatic experiences.
Even though Devine has survived domestic violence and tremendous loss, she doesn’t pretend she has all the answers. Nor does she sugar-coat the hard parts. Her voice is down to earth even when she’s describing her worst moments.
Devine does share the practical steps that helped her cope: like the routine of running, going back to school, reaching out to friends, or just letting herself feel what she needed to feel. She shows us that resilience isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up again, even when you’d rather hide under the covers.
If you’ve been through tough times (or know someone who has), this book is a comforting reminder that you’re not alone. It’s heartfelt, honest, and surprisingly uplifting by the end. That’s when Devine, who has become a police detective, needs to call on her own trauma in support of other women.
Even though Devine has survived domestic violence and tremendous loss, she doesn’t pretend she has all the answers. Nor does she sugar-coat the hard parts. Her voice is down to earth even when she’s describing her worst moments.
Devine does share the practical steps that helped her cope: like the routine of running, going back to school, reaching out to friends, or just letting herself feel what she needed to feel. She shows us that resilience isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up again, even when you’d rather hide under the covers.
If you’ve been through tough times (or know someone who has), this book is a comforting reminder that you’re not alone. It’s heartfelt, honest, and surprisingly uplifting by the end. That’s when Devine, who has become a police detective, needs to call on her own trauma in support of other women.
December 20, 2025
Standing Up is a raw, courageous, and deeply compelling memoir that refuses to look away from the realities of domestic violence and, just as powerfully, refuses to let trauma have the final word. Mary L. Devine writes with clarity, grit, and emotional honesty as she traces her journey from survivor to police detective, placing readers inside both the personal devastation of abuse and the institutional fight to stop it.
What makes this memoir especially gripping is its dual perspective. Devine does not merely recount survival; she examines how lived trauma collides with professional duty when her first major case mirrors her own past. The narrative balances tension and reflection, revealing the psychological toll of abuse, the complexities of recovery, and the resilience required to rebuild a life that feels truly one’s own.
Unflinching yet hopeful, Standing Up offers validation to survivors and insight to readers who want to understand the hidden dynamics of abusive relationships. It is a powerful testament to endurance, accountability, and the courage it takes to reclaim agency after violence. An essential read for fans of survivor memoirs and true-crime narratives rooted in lived experience.
What makes this memoir especially gripping is its dual perspective. Devine does not merely recount survival; she examines how lived trauma collides with professional duty when her first major case mirrors her own past. The narrative balances tension and reflection, revealing the psychological toll of abuse, the complexities of recovery, and the resilience required to rebuild a life that feels truly one’s own.
Unflinching yet hopeful, Standing Up offers validation to survivors and insight to readers who want to understand the hidden dynamics of abusive relationships. It is a powerful testament to endurance, accountability, and the courage it takes to reclaim agency after violence. An essential read for fans of survivor memoirs and true-crime narratives rooted in lived experience.
May 16, 2025
Thank you Partner @booksparks for the gifted book. All opinions are my own. #summerpopup
Let me start by saying this book is A LOT. There is zero attempt to sugarcoat the brutality the author endured from her abusers. If domestic violence is a trigger for you or you are disturbed by graphic violence, please skip this book.
If, however, you are inspired by against all odds success stories or tales of women reclaiming what has been stolen from them, consider reading Mary L. Devine’s heroic story. From abuse victim to law enforcement officer pursuing abusers, this is a truly incredible story of not only survival, but thriving. Using her own experiences as a guide, Devine becomes the champion she so desperately needed.
Mary L. Devine is a survivor and this is her story.
Let me start by saying this book is A LOT. There is zero attempt to sugarcoat the brutality the author endured from her abusers. If domestic violence is a trigger for you or you are disturbed by graphic violence, please skip this book.
If, however, you are inspired by against all odds success stories or tales of women reclaiming what has been stolen from them, consider reading Mary L. Devine’s heroic story. From abuse victim to law enforcement officer pursuing abusers, this is a truly incredible story of not only survival, but thriving. Using her own experiences as a guide, Devine becomes the champion she so desperately needed.
Mary L. Devine is a survivor and this is her story.
February 23, 2025
Standing Up by Mary L. Devine is a powerful and inspiring memoir of resilience, survival, and strength. Devine’s journey from victim to survivor—and ultimately to a detective in the domestic violence unit—is both gripping and deeply moving. Her storytelling is raw and compelling, pulling readers into her experiences with honesty and courage. This book is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unbreakable human spirit, making it a must-read for true-crime fans and anyone seeking a story of triumph over adversity.
April 20, 2025
Thank you, @booksparks and @shewritespress for the gifted ARC.
This is a powerful memoir of a domestic violence survivor turned police detective. Mary Sweeney has had not one but two failed marriages but is still putting herself through night school to achieve her ultimate dream, becoming a police officer. This memoir was raw, honest, and gripping. I could not stop reading her story and also admiring her for her perseverance and strength. This was not an easy read and may be triggering for some.
This is a powerful memoir of a domestic violence survivor turned police detective. Mary Sweeney has had not one but two failed marriages but is still putting herself through night school to achieve her ultimate dream, becoming a police officer. This memoir was raw, honest, and gripping. I could not stop reading her story and also admiring her for her perseverance and strength. This was not an easy read and may be triggering for some.
May 16, 2025
This book was an entertaining, emotional, and inspiring read. I commend the author for putting herself out there by sharing her darkest experiences and greatest triumphs in hopes of spreading awareness about domestic violence. She also includes a danger assessment tool for people who may find themselves in an abusive relationship.
May 19, 2025
Standing Up is an amazing story of hope, courage, and survival as the author makes her way from domestic abuse victim to Mid Atlantic police detective. Eye-opening and inspiring.
May 18, 2025
I loved this book! Such an inspiring story
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