Debra Lee Won't Break: A Novel

by Katherine Pickett

“Moving, inspiring, gorgeously written...Debra Lee Won't Break is the ride of a lifetime!”
—New York Times bestselling author Michael Levin

“An electrifying tale of grit, heart, and unshakable resolve.”
—Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Review

A Reckoning Awaits
Debra Lee's life is overflowing—widowed at 38, raising a son, supporting a daughter in college, and caring for a mother with dementia, all while managing her multiple sclerosis. Determined to seize the moment, she sets out to conquer the 150-mile Chesapeake Challenge bike ride before her MS slows her down.

But just as she gathers the courage to push forward, ghosts from her past resurface. Caroline Cook—the friend who once betrayed her—wants back in her life. And the man who shattered her world as a teenager is suddenly appearing in unexpected places.

As old wounds reopen, will she find the strength to cross the finish line, or will the past derail her journey?

This fast-paced story of resilience and inspiration in the face of chronic illness will keep readers turning the pages. Fans of Eleanor Oliphant and Elizabeth Zott will be rooting for Debra Lee.

“Heartwarming. . . . An inspiring tale of an unlikely heroine who discovers a wellspring of strength within herself, encouraging us all to push past our limits with persistence and grit.”
—Lisa Doggett, MD, Author of Up the Down Medicine, Motherhood, and Multiple Sclerosis

Reading Guide inside!

349 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

Katherine Pickett is the owner of POP Editorial Services, LLC (www.POPediting.net), and the author of PERFECT BOUND: Navigate the Book Publishing Process Like a Pro, Revised Edition. Her debut novel, DEBRA LEE WON'T BREAK, published in May 2025.

Katherine offers editing and coaching services to authors and publishers across the country. She has been involved in the publishing industry since 1999, including five years as an in-house production editor with McGraw-Hill in Chicago and two years with Elsevier Inc. in St. Louis.

Throughout her career Katherine has edited more than 300 titles, including nonfiction trade books; fiction; memoirs; academic books and journals; and corporate reports. She is a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, the Maryland Writers’ Association, and the Authors Guild. You can find her blog at www.thePOPnewsletter.com. She lives in Silver Spring, MD, with her handsome and strong husband, Chris, and their two awe-inspiring daughters.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

*paperback

🚴🏻‍♀️💪🏼𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 💪🏼🚴🏻‍♀️𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥

𝗗𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔 𝗟𝗘𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗡'𝗧 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞

𝗯𝘆

𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗧

Publisher: Hop On Publishing

Pub Date: 05/15/2025

“Sometimes Deb really appreciated her son‘s outgoing personality. She’s been outgoing too, when she was young, married, and healthy. All of the baggage she now carried could get in the way of making friends.”

“I should be doing everything I can while I can.” (This is my exact perspective!)

“My advice? Set a goal just above what you think is possible, and then get to work meeting it.”

Thanks to Kate Rocks for giving me the opportunity to snag a #gifted copy of this so I could start it before it was out in the wild. I’m so hyped to be on this tour.

I could relate to so much in this book, especially Debra Lee’s struggles with wanting to do things that her body fights her on. Debra Lee has MS and longs to bike and I have RA and love to run. Unfortunately our diseases can throw up so many obstacles keeping us from doing the things we love. We have to walk that fine line of being strong & resilient, but also listen to our body…balance is key. I think a lot of people struggling with these types of diseases/disorders or any other health hindrance would really appreciate this book. I also gained more insight into Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

I also thought Debra’s old bestie, Caroline and her son Jacob (10 yo) were super relatable. My son is the same age and just as grumpy. Caroline and her son had a strong bond but as of late it’s been changing.

I also had a soft spot for Debra Lee’s mom because she reminded me of my own grandmom.

There were so many people dealing with so many different struggles and life issues in this book so a lot of readers will appreciate the relatability.

This book has a lot of layers to it but it was a little bit longer than I think it needed to be however it was an overall solid read and something that is important to gain insight.

#debraleewontbreak #katherinepickett #hoponpublishing #katerocksbooktours #ms #multiplesclerosis #msawareness #multiplesclerosisawareness #strongfemaleprotagonist #mswarrior #WhatAreYouReading #Goodreads #goodreadschallenge

[Jennifer Kelly]

Debra Lee Won’t Break is a touching novel about the limits we all face—in our own bodies, hearts, and minds as well as in our relationships—and how we overcome them. As Deb manages life and single parenthood with Multiple Sclerosis, trains for a bicycle race to raise money for the disease, faces a great loss, and navigates a fraught decades-old friendship, her story sheds light on the true importance of friends, family, and perseverance. Like the bike race at its center, this book is a journey well worth taking.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debra Lee is an inspirational character. A widow, a mother, a woman battling the effects of MS, and now a caretaker for her mother, she is determined not to let life pass her by - not to let life break her.

I’m always looking for books that I can relate to on a personal level. My best friend from childhood lost her partner to Multiple Sclerosis, so Debra Lee’s journey touched me deeply.

This is a story of determination and strength—physically, mentally, and emotionally—as Debra trains for a 150-mile MS bike challenge and her will is tried and tested. The author does a great job of examining the burdens Debra Lee is carrying and the effect the stress is having. She is pushing her body to the limits, and wounds from past trauma are reopened. She must juggle being a parent and a caregiver while still finding the time to care for herself.

Debra Lee's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of a strong support system. It's a heartwarming narrative that displays the value of being surrounded by those who believe in you. Debra Lee is a character you'll love to root for!


Thank you @KateRockLiteraryServices and @kpickett_editor for the gifted book.

[Amy Spungen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s tempting to call Debra Lee Won’t Break a great summer read, given its clever plotting, brisk pacing, and summertime fundraising event that propels the narrative. But this first novel by Katherine Pickett would be a great read any time of year, even as it addresses such heavy topics as rape, disease, and death. Debra, a single mother caring for her own mother, must deal with all of these issues and—perhaps worst of all—the burden of keeping secrets from family and friends. She relocates from one US state to another, assessing her own physical and mental states as she navigates the daily challenges of MS and the triggering reminders of her hometown trauma. Creating characters so real they practically step off the page, Pickett explores family conflict and friendships lost and found—and almost lost again. Here’s hoping for a sequel!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up
"This ride was about accepting it (MS) as part of her life and doing the things she loved anyways."

Debra Lee is juggling alot of things in life. Her Multiple Sclerosis symptoms, her single motherhood, her mother who now needs care and has required Debra to quit her job and move home to care for her, a new job and a host of other issues. Although I do not have MS I have have a host of other chronic illnesses that interfere with my function, so I sympathized with this characters spirit and her determination to do as much as she can despite her symptoms. I found this to be an interesting story with characters I cared about.

[Sheila's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this heartfelt book about one woman's quest to take part in a 150-mile Chesapeake Challenge bike ride while dealing with MS.

It's a heroic story of determination, resilience, and strength and will resonate with many who are challenged by debilitating diseases or injuries. It might even empower others to push their limits .

It was truly inspirational and shows the importance of having a good support system, the importance of family and cherished friends.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated a gifted copy of this book from the author and Kate Rock Literary Services in return for an honest review!
I really liked this novel. I felt it was well written and I took interest in each character. I appreciate being able to learn more about MS through this book in a natural way! Overall this touched on various tough subjects that would make this book emotional and/or relatable for many. If you’re looking for a hopeful book to read, this is the way to go.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engrossing read that explores the complexities of midlife through the eyes of Debra Lee, who finds herself back in her high school town after a long time away. The book touches on many heavy topics - Debra and those in her community are navigating new/revitalized friendships, parenting, work, marriage, elder care, grief and illness. The author weaves it all together with relatability, care and humor. It's a great read!

[Peggy Nehmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read fiction, but wanted to read Katherine's first novel. The story moved quickly and I enjoyed the authentic dialogue. Love the cover artwork!

[Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a lovely, feel good, hope filled novel!

Debra Lee is a middle aged woman in the "sandwich" generation. Stuck between taking care of her children and caring for her aging mother. Not to mention, she also has to manage her own health and wellness as a person living with MS and as a survivor of past trauma.

This book is filled with so many good, strong messages about parenting, positive communication, healthy boundaries, and determination. You can't help but root for Debra, even when life keeps throwing her curve balls.

"When you have MS, the future is a black box. I should be doing everything I can, while I can."

On a side note, I really enjoyed learning more about MS through Debra's journey. I have a friend with this disease, and it made me really think on how I can be a better friend to her. This book tackles multiple tough subjects - lost friendships, difficult work relationships, issues with our kids, trauma - yet it never bogs down the story. Rather it uses these themes as a way to consider how we can best move forward, living life to the fullest while we can.

Thank you to Kate Rock Literary Services for sharing this novel with me!