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Steadying the Ark
While Assistant District Attorney Mack Wilson's days are devoted to arguing sex crime cases in the courtroom, her evenings are troubled by a series of disturbing incidents in her neighborhood.As the media madness swirls around her trial, evidence that an unknown stalker is watching her just a little too closely begins to mount. Mack finds herself seeking help from the one person she never thought she would—ex-girlfriend Anna Lapin.When Mack is caught in a deadly situation, the only thing that might save the confident prosecutor is her brilliant analytical mind, her instinct for self-preservation and the uncanny instincts of the woman she once loved.
302 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 20, 2022
Steadying the Ark from Rebecca K. Jones is an impressive debut novel. It follows the work of Assistant District Attorney Mack (Mackenzie) Wilson as she prosecutes the patriarch of a highly respected and connected Mormon family for sexually assaulting his three young daughters. Even though the subject matter is very dark it does not go into disturbing details and leans heavily towards the procedural aspect of prosecuting sex offenders.
Mack is a very engaging protagonist with her heart and head in the right place while working on her trial. She is written as singularly focused and driven while building the case which rings very true to me.
The writing is engaging, so much so that I was hooked from the very first sentence of the prologue. There is a ‘true to character’ issue with the secondary plot line which niggled at me as it approached its climax. In my mind Mack would be more aware of dangers than how she reacted to them. The knowledge from her work and experience would have factored into her reactions. This is a very minor quibble from me and I did immensely enjoyed this novel.
I must mention the book cover art is what drew me to this novel. It is stunning. As well the title, once it is explained deep into the story, is a thought provoking religious conundrum of faith. And it is the perfect fit for the novel.
I wholeheartedly recommend this new author be added to your to be read lists.
I received an advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mack is a very engaging protagonist with her heart and head in the right place while working on her trial. She is written as singularly focused and driven while building the case which rings very true to me.
The writing is engaging, so much so that I was hooked from the very first sentence of the prologue. There is a ‘true to character’ issue with the secondary plot line which niggled at me as it approached its climax. In my mind Mack would be more aware of dangers than how she reacted to them. The knowledge from her work and experience would have factored into her reactions. This is a very minor quibble from me and I did immensely enjoyed this novel.
I must mention the book cover art is what drew me to this novel. It is stunning. As well the title, once it is explained deep into the story, is a thought provoking religious conundrum of faith. And it is the perfect fit for the novel.
I wholeheartedly recommend this new author be added to your to be read lists.
I received an advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2022
After reading Steadying the Ark by Rebecca K. Jones, I must tell you how impressed I am with this book and the author. This is the debut novel for Ms. Jones, and honestly, I’m having a really hard time finding anything to criticize. The story is practically flawless and very entertaining.
This is a tale of intrigue and mystery with lots of thrills (and chills) woven into the story. Assistant District Attorney Mackenzie (Mack) Wilson works in the Sex Crimes Unit for Tucson, Arizona. Her days are spent prosecuting crimes that range from simple voyeurism to some of the most hateful crimes you can imagine. This book will focus on one of the latter. When a young girl shows up in a convenience store naked, obviously abused, and traumatized, Mack is brought in to help the investigation and hopefully the prosecution of the perpetrator. Little does she realize at the time just how big and important this court case will be. At the same time Mack has to deal with the threat of home invasions happening in her neighborhood that come closer and closer to her door. And then she picks up a stalker. Danger swirls around Mack from every direction.
The prosecution of the abuser of Schyanne (the young girl) is the predominant case in this tale, and we get to live it from the very beginning to its final resolution. To me, this part has the feel of a really great episode of “Law and Order” with a lesbian main character. We get to experience the investigation, the preparation, and the daily events inside the courtroom. All the characters in the novel are well-developed and realistic. I especially connected with Mack. The courtroom scenes are true-to-life and riveting. In fact, I could use the term “riveting” to describe how I feel about this whole novel.
I can’t wait to read more from this author. If you love a courtroom drama filled with excitement, suspense, and thrills, then this is the book for you.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
This is a tale of intrigue and mystery with lots of thrills (and chills) woven into the story. Assistant District Attorney Mackenzie (Mack) Wilson works in the Sex Crimes Unit for Tucson, Arizona. Her days are spent prosecuting crimes that range from simple voyeurism to some of the most hateful crimes you can imagine. This book will focus on one of the latter. When a young girl shows up in a convenience store naked, obviously abused, and traumatized, Mack is brought in to help the investigation and hopefully the prosecution of the perpetrator. Little does she realize at the time just how big and important this court case will be. At the same time Mack has to deal with the threat of home invasions happening in her neighborhood that come closer and closer to her door. And then she picks up a stalker. Danger swirls around Mack from every direction.
The prosecution of the abuser of Schyanne (the young girl) is the predominant case in this tale, and we get to live it from the very beginning to its final resolution. To me, this part has the feel of a really great episode of “Law and Order” with a lesbian main character. We get to experience the investigation, the preparation, and the daily events inside the courtroom. All the characters in the novel are well-developed and realistic. I especially connected with Mack. The courtroom scenes are true-to-life and riveting. In fact, I could use the term “riveting” to describe how I feel about this whole novel.
I can’t wait to read more from this author. If you love a courtroom drama filled with excitement, suspense, and thrills, then this is the book for you.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
April 16, 2022
I believe this is Rebecca k.jones debut novel and it is an impressive first book.
Steadying the ark focus’s on Mack Wilson's life, at work and her personal life. Mack is an assistant district attorney for the crimes cases. THIS IS A HARD READ. But, it's not graphic. Two stories are being told in the book, Macks courtroom case which is centred around young girls being sexually abused. And Mack's home life, whereas from the blurb you'll read that some serious disturbing incidents take place in and out of her home.
All in all, even tho I found some chapters hard to read, (let's face it, nobody likes to hear the words child sexual abuse, rape etc ) the book has a strong storyline. It's gripping and worth the read.
I've given Steadying the Ark a 4/5
Steadying the ark focus’s on Mack Wilson's life, at work and her personal life. Mack is an assistant district attorney for the crimes cases. THIS IS A HARD READ. But, it's not graphic. Two stories are being told in the book, Macks courtroom case which is centred around young girls being sexually abused. And Mack's home life, whereas from the blurb you'll read that some serious disturbing incidents take place in and out of her home.
All in all, even tho I found some chapters hard to read, (let's face it, nobody likes to hear the words child sexual abuse, rape etc ) the book has a strong storyline. It's gripping and worth the read.
I've given Steadying the Ark a 4/5
March 20, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Mack is an ADA who argues mostly about sex crimes. As she working on case involving a abuse teen she disturbed by things happening in her neighborhood and to top it off she has a stalker. I enjoy this read I like how she and co-worker and friend Jess work the case how they involved in every expect to make sure everything go their way. This was more of intriguing suspense then a romance because although Mack and Dr. Anna have a past romantic relationship they are more best friends then anything romantic. I can’t wait for next book with this author.
Mack is an ADA who argues mostly about sex crimes. As she working on case involving a abuse teen she disturbed by things happening in her neighborhood and to top it off she has a stalker. I enjoy this read I like how she and co-worker and friend Jess work the case how they involved in every expect to make sure everything go their way. This was more of intriguing suspense then a romance because although Mack and Dr. Anna have a past romantic relationship they are more best friends then anything romantic. I can’t wait for next book with this author.
March 29, 2022
Honestly, I don't know what to think about this book. As far as I know, this is a debut but I feel like I am missing a book that gives me the background information about Mack and Anna's relationship as well as any non-relationship-related background information about the characters.
This book follows Mack's work as an ADA in Tucson and while it grabbed my attention in the first few chapters I grew bored with it very quickly as well. The author goes into a lot of detail and a lot of explaining about the judicial system in Tucson, Arizona. Aside from these frequent mentions, the previous relationship between Anna and Mack is something that keeps coming back. We get told by either one of the characters or just as part of the story that they didn't work as a couple, why exactly? I don't know. Now they are best friends? Sorta? At least that is what Mack says. I do believe Mack's colleague Jess is more of a best friend, but as mentioned before we don't really know enough about these characters and their relationships.
Listed as a mystery/ thriller I would have expected a little more of that. The main storyline, the case that the book opens with and has Mack and Jess in the courthouse for months is rather clear and again has a lot of telling about the judicial system and some other things relating to this case. The side storyline involving Mack is something I figured out rather quickly as well and didn't bring any tension either. The best way for me to describe this book is bland and a lot of telling. It almost felt like reading a scholastic book about being an ADA in Tucson.
I'm sure there are people out there who enjoy a story like this, it just isn't me. Please read other reviews as well to form an opinion about this book.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
This book follows Mack's work as an ADA in Tucson and while it grabbed my attention in the first few chapters I grew bored with it very quickly as well. The author goes into a lot of detail and a lot of explaining about the judicial system in Tucson, Arizona. Aside from these frequent mentions, the previous relationship between Anna and Mack is something that keeps coming back. We get told by either one of the characters or just as part of the story that they didn't work as a couple, why exactly? I don't know. Now they are best friends? Sorta? At least that is what Mack says. I do believe Mack's colleague Jess is more of a best friend, but as mentioned before we don't really know enough about these characters and their relationships.
Listed as a mystery/ thriller I would have expected a little more of that. The main storyline, the case that the book opens with and has Mack and Jess in the courthouse for months is rather clear and again has a lot of telling about the judicial system and some other things relating to this case. The side storyline involving Mack is something I figured out rather quickly as well and didn't bring any tension either. The best way for me to describe this book is bland and a lot of telling. It almost felt like reading a scholastic book about being an ADA in Tucson.
I'm sure there are people out there who enjoy a story like this, it just isn't me. Please read other reviews as well to form an opinion about this book.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
March 18, 2025
It's never a good sign when you get to the end of a book and wonder that the point of the story was. Or when you feel thoroughly duped by the synopsis.
The synopsis led me to believe that I would be getting a fast-paced legal thriller with a whiff of a second-chance sapphic romance. And I wish I got that, because there's a real dearth of that kind of story in this space. Instead, I felt like I was prodded along for 300 pages, through a detailed but straightforward building of a legal case through preparation and trial, lacking in stakes. The prologue flashed a bit of promise; you get a well written, high-tension pov of the victim that sets up the basis of the story, and that was unfortunately where the book peaked and then dipped off soon after. It is admittedly an multifaceted and fascinating case with some religious elements around the LDS/Mormon church and some harrowing child abuse. But you get told who the culprit is within the first 25% of the book and then you sit there watching ADA Mack Wilson do her job with little pomp or fanfare.
The ex-gf is a close friend and sounding board who offers her (often material) support here and there, but continuously rebuffs the MC's half-hearted advances. That's it. No tension, no chemistry. The extent of her involvement in the case itself is to offer a few pieces of professional consulting (which is simply her job) that don't make or break the case. I could have done without her in all honesty. And in the end, the MC's co-counsel felt like a cooler character than she did!!
Everything proceeds entirely smoothly and narrated frankly. There was a bit of reprieve in a subplot where Mack is being stalked by an unknown person, but that wraps up neatly too. Not to mention that the MC's repeated denial when it became glaringly obvious she was in danger just made me frustrated at her obtuseness on top of finding her a bit bland to begin with.
The story was just enough to get me to the end, but I was left feeling frustrated and hoping for something more substantial for my next read.
The synopsis led me to believe that I would be getting a fast-paced legal thriller with a whiff of a second-chance sapphic romance. And I wish I got that, because there's a real dearth of that kind of story in this space. Instead, I felt like I was prodded along for 300 pages, through a detailed but straightforward building of a legal case through preparation and trial, lacking in stakes. The prologue flashed a bit of promise; you get a well written, high-tension pov of the victim that sets up the basis of the story, and that was unfortunately where the book peaked and then dipped off soon after. It is admittedly an multifaceted and fascinating case with some religious elements around the LDS/Mormon church and some harrowing child abuse. But you get told who the culprit is within the first 25% of the book and then you sit there watching ADA Mack Wilson do her job with little pomp or fanfare.
The ex-gf is a close friend and sounding board who offers her (often material) support here and there, but continuously rebuffs the MC's half-hearted advances. That's it. No tension, no chemistry. The extent of her involvement in the case itself is to offer a few pieces of professional consulting (which is simply her job) that don't make or break the case. I could have done without her in all honesty. And in the end, the MC's co-counsel felt like a cooler character than she did!!
Everything proceeds entirely smoothly and narrated frankly. There was a bit of reprieve in a subplot where Mack is being stalked by an unknown person, but that wraps up neatly too. Not to mention that the MC's repeated denial when it became glaringly obvious she was in danger just made me frustrated at her obtuseness on top of finding her a bit bland to begin with.
The story was just enough to get me to the end, but I was left feeling frustrated and hoping for something more substantial for my next read.
March 19, 2022
I got this ARC yesterday and because it comes out next week I moved it to the top of my read pile. This is a smart and riveting story of a few months in the life of a busy prosecutor. Mack Wilson is an Assistant District Attorney in Tucson, AZ. The primary focus revolves around the discovery of a malnourished and sexually abused teen. It shows the ADA being involved from the police finding the girl all the way through the trial. A smaller case also goes to trial of a first offense for a voyeur charged with taking a photo up a skirt of an unsuspecting woman. The last situation is an ongoing stalking of Mack.
I love legal stories. They are a guilty pleasure of mine. The author, Rebecca K. Jones, is a lawyer in Arizona and she makes the cases easy to follow and believable. I learned new things such as in Arizona jurors can ask their own questions of witnesses and defense attorneys have to share their discovery and potential witness lists. The characters are very likable. Mack is a typical overworked by devoted ADA. Jess, another ADA, is a friend and she co-chairs on Mack’s big trial. Dr. Anna Lapin is a psychologist who consults and testifies for the prosecution. Mack and Anna were involved five years earlier but the relationship now is as best friends.
This book is mislabeled (on NetGalley) as a romance. There is no romance in this book! This is a story about a prosecutor that happens to be a lesbian. There is no instant attraction with a hastily thrown in intimate scene like you would find in a Carsen Taite novel. I would call this a legal thriller. The blurb makes it sound like Mack turning to her ex is a big thing when in reality they have an ongoing friendship.
The Defendant in the main case is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints otherwise know as Mormons. Full disclosure, I am Utah born and raised member of that faith. Mack realizes the defendants actions do not reflect the teachings of mainstream Mormonism. The author does a good job explaining his rationality and how it ties into historical Mormon doctrine. I like how the title ties in with a scripture story. She does make some factual errors regarding Mormon numbers, books and ecclesiastical titles. Because I’m reading an ARC, I am able to give feedback to the publisher but wont know if anything can or will be changed for the final book publication. The errors do not impact the flow of the story or make any difference in how the case plays out. It is noticeable only by someone who is familiar with the Mormon faith.
Overall I enjoyed Jones debut novel as a legal story. I will remember Mack and her legal work in the trials. The thriller/mystery part was less interesting only because I felt it was predictable. It was a little menacing but I never felt my tension level rise. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love legal stories. They are a guilty pleasure of mine. The author, Rebecca K. Jones, is a lawyer in Arizona and she makes the cases easy to follow and believable. I learned new things such as in Arizona jurors can ask their own questions of witnesses and defense attorneys have to share their discovery and potential witness lists. The characters are very likable. Mack is a typical overworked by devoted ADA. Jess, another ADA, is a friend and she co-chairs on Mack’s big trial. Dr. Anna Lapin is a psychologist who consults and testifies for the prosecution. Mack and Anna were involved five years earlier but the relationship now is as best friends.
This book is mislabeled (on NetGalley) as a romance. There is no romance in this book! This is a story about a prosecutor that happens to be a lesbian. There is no instant attraction with a hastily thrown in intimate scene like you would find in a Carsen Taite novel. I would call this a legal thriller. The blurb makes it sound like Mack turning to her ex is a big thing when in reality they have an ongoing friendship.
The Defendant in the main case is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints otherwise know as Mormons. Full disclosure, I am Utah born and raised member of that faith. Mack realizes the defendants actions do not reflect the teachings of mainstream Mormonism. The author does a good job explaining his rationality and how it ties into historical Mormon doctrine. I like how the title ties in with a scripture story. She does make some factual errors regarding Mormon numbers, books and ecclesiastical titles. Because I’m reading an ARC, I am able to give feedback to the publisher but wont know if anything can or will be changed for the final book publication. The errors do not impact the flow of the story or make any difference in how the case plays out. It is noticeable only by someone who is familiar with the Mormon faith.
Overall I enjoyed Jones debut novel as a legal story. I will remember Mack and her legal work in the trials. The thriller/mystery part was less interesting only because I felt it was predictable. It was a little menacing but I never felt my tension level rise. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2024
3.5⭐️ Good courtroom drama that kept me interested. I’m hoping for a bit more romance in the next one.
May 22, 2022
Assistant District Attorney Mack Wilson is a prosecutor in the sex crime unit, and although this book features a case that is pretty awful, the book is not graphic in any way. For that, I am so thankful as I don't think I would've enjoyed it as much.
The beauty of this book (for me, anyway) was that this book was a novel purely on the procedural aspect of prosecuting cases. We follow Mack as the lead prosecutor, from the very beginning of this one case all the way through to her opening address, introducing evidence, cross-examination of witnesses and experts and then to closing arguments. I loved following this trial, as it was so engaging following all the ins-and-outs of courtroom life.
This book doesn't feature a romance and to be honest, I think this was the right decision by the author. This book had two very interesting storylines intwined, the court case and then Mack's creepy stalker. Although I found the stalker aspect a tad unrealistic and predictable, I was still on the edge of my seat and thought it was a great additional to the procedural plot. It broke the book up so it didn't become stale. Although Anna was a decent side character, I didn't particularly warm to her in the novel.
Steadying the Ark is a fantastic debut - I cannot wait to read more from Rebecca K. Jones in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The beauty of this book (for me, anyway) was that this book was a novel purely on the procedural aspect of prosecuting cases. We follow Mack as the lead prosecutor, from the very beginning of this one case all the way through to her opening address, introducing evidence, cross-examination of witnesses and experts and then to closing arguments. I loved following this trial, as it was so engaging following all the ins-and-outs of courtroom life.
This book doesn't feature a romance and to be honest, I think this was the right decision by the author. This book had two very interesting storylines intwined, the court case and then Mack's creepy stalker. Although I found the stalker aspect a tad unrealistic and predictable, I was still on the edge of my seat and thought it was a great additional to the procedural plot. It broke the book up so it didn't become stale. Although Anna was a decent side character, I didn't particularly warm to her in the novel.
Steadying the Ark is a fantastic debut - I cannot wait to read more from Rebecca K. Jones in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2022
This read examines some tough subjects. For example religion, sexual abuse, and rape. District Attorney Mack Wilson, argues sex crime cases in the courtroom and what a case the author challenges the reader with. There is an ex-girlfriend, Anna Lapin. Anna is a psychologist and from the read and Mack, a very good one. There is much to appreciate about both of them. Caring and supportive is what first comes to mind. There is also a secondary crime taking place in her neighborhood. She does not spend that much time looking at it because she is busy with the high profile case. I enjoy and learn so much while reading legal stories. Although a tough read subject matter wise, I still enjoyed it.
ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley
October 25, 2023
An entertaining court room drama which held my interest throughout. Looking forward to ADA Mack Wilson’s next case.
April 18, 2022
My friend wrote this <3
At its heart this a basic legal thriller, with all the gruesome details and drama that you would expect. What makes it really pop is that Jones herself is an attorney and she lifts the curtain to show what that life is really like. Which she is not shy about -- when one member of our book club expressed interest in going to law school she was unceremoniously told not to by Jones, our book club leader (the real life inspiration for Jess Lafayette), and a third lawyer in our group. They tell it like it is, and that makes this book fun.
I'd expected maybe more pitfalls in the case to heighten suspense and more romance, but I really loved that the story was set in Arizona, and all the little local jokes made it fun.
At its heart this a basic legal thriller, with all the gruesome details and drama that you would expect. What makes it really pop is that Jones herself is an attorney and she lifts the curtain to show what that life is really like. Which she is not shy about -- when one member of our book club expressed interest in going to law school she was unceremoniously told not to by Jones, our book club leader (the real life inspiration for Jess Lafayette), and a third lawyer in our group. They tell it like it is, and that makes this book fun.
I'd expected maybe more pitfalls in the case to heighten suspense and more romance, but I really loved that the story was set in Arizona, and all the little local jokes made it fun.
April 2, 2022
FULL DISCLOSURE: I only bought the Kindle version of this book through BellaBooks because the author is the daughter of my wife's first cousin, Josh Pachter. I have followed the mainly-mystery writing Josh has put out over the years and just thought to support the family, so to speak. All I can say is that "the apple didn't fall far from the tree". I can't believe that this is the first book Rebecca Jones has published and look forward to following Mack Wilson's future adventures should this be the first in a series, which I expect will definitely be the case. I admired the way Rebecca was able to weave the threads of widely disparate cases and personal threats Mack was facing into a page-turner that I finished in a single reading. I kick myself for not having seen the ending much earlier than I did. All the clues were there. I loved the details of the legal processes inherent in bringing a case like this to court, although other reviewers did not share that view. I would have given the same five-star rating to this book, without any family connection to the author. I think you'll love it. I know I did. Cheers...Ed Baisden
March 22, 2022
I feel like I'm missing something, like there was/is another book to explain things in regard to Mack Wilson and Anna, specially when they kept mentioning that they tired and did not work !. furthermore, there was no chemistry between them and honestly as per the description I thought they were not speaking to each other until the stalking started however that was not the case, Anna felt very cold and not even BFF level to me I felt like she a friend who sometimes you go to dinner with, you dont need to tell them all your deep secrets or even be personal with them, I felt like Jess is more of a BFF, she was worm and had more emotions toward Mack than Anna.
the legal part was super fun, and I liked it a lot you won't feel bored or like the book is too dark even tho it's handling a very sensitive subject
Highly recommended but dont read it if you're looking for romance because there's nothing in the story of such
the legal part was super fun, and I liked it a lot you won't feel bored or like the book is too dark even tho it's handling a very sensitive subject
Highly recommended but dont read it if you're looking for romance because there's nothing in the story of such
November 11, 2023
This is so exciting because I actually KNOW this author! I must say, the synopsis on the back does not do this book justice so even if you're on the fence because of it READ IT!
This is what I call a true court/legal drama book. It follows a really insane case where a daughter of a prominent member of the LDS community has been sexually abused and mistreated for much of her life. The book follows Mac Wilson, the ADA put in charge of the case, and how she has to navigate political minefields as well as personal challenges outside of the courtroom.
Much of the story follows the trial, and you can tell that the author is a lawyer herself, because it is so chock-full of detail--sometimes to a dense degree. But this is the type of court drama I crave--because we're not seeing just the initial statements, maybe a witness or two, and then the verdict. We get to experience all of it, and see how much goes into a "trial of the century." It was awesome to read and learn as much as being entertained by the characters.
There is a secondary plot within the book, but honestly, I felt that it was a bit rushed, and I would have loved the book just as much without the extra goings ons.
With that being said, I am in LOVE with Mac Wilson and I really hope that this is a series because with her and her ex, Anna Lapin and her friend Jess I could easily just fall in love over and over again.
This was an excellent debut and I am so proud of Becca and her hard work!
This is what I call a true court/legal drama book. It follows a really insane case where a daughter of a prominent member of the LDS community has been sexually abused and mistreated for much of her life. The book follows Mac Wilson, the ADA put in charge of the case, and how she has to navigate political minefields as well as personal challenges outside of the courtroom.
Much of the story follows the trial, and you can tell that the author is a lawyer herself, because it is so chock-full of detail--sometimes to a dense degree. But this is the type of court drama I crave--because we're not seeing just the initial statements, maybe a witness or two, and then the verdict. We get to experience all of it, and see how much goes into a "trial of the century." It was awesome to read and learn as much as being entertained by the characters.
There is a secondary plot within the book, but honestly, I felt that it was a bit rushed, and I would have loved the book just as much without the extra goings ons.
With that being said, I am in LOVE with Mac Wilson and I really hope that this is a series because with her and her ex, Anna Lapin and her friend Jess I could easily just fall in love over and over again.
This was an excellent debut and I am so proud of Becca and her hard work!
April 5, 2022
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
2.75 stars
This was a tough review to write. This book follows Mack, a prosecutor in Arizona who landed a major case while also dealing with a possible stalker. I was really excited for this book. I love procedural books (cops and court dramas) and second chance romances, and based on the synopsis this book should have been right up my alley. Unfortunately, I was unable to connect with this book.
The biggest issue I had was that the book had a LOT of info dumping/exposition. The story is mostly given by Mack recounting events rather than showing the scenes play out. I found myself noticing how many big blocky paragraphs of information there were and how few dialog lines. Outside of Mack, many of the other characters were hard to get a read on (pun intended) because so much of characterization comes from dialog and scenes, that were not present.
From what I can see, this appears to be Jones debut novel and it hit several debut novelist roadblocks. There was a lot of info that lend to authentic information on the legal system in Arizona, but there is a fine line to authenticity and entertainment. Radclyff has talked about this balance when she has talked about some of her medical books. Too much authentic information can bog the narrative down, which is what happened here.
All in all, not a terrible debut novel. There was potential but was hampered by too much authentic information and telling not showing the story. I look forward to see what Jones does next.
I will make note, unless this turns into a series, if you are interested in this book because of any romance element, beware there is no romance. It's mostly a courtroom drama.
2.75 stars
This was a tough review to write. This book follows Mack, a prosecutor in Arizona who landed a major case while also dealing with a possible stalker. I was really excited for this book. I love procedural books (cops and court dramas) and second chance romances, and based on the synopsis this book should have been right up my alley. Unfortunately, I was unable to connect with this book.
The biggest issue I had was that the book had a LOT of info dumping/exposition. The story is mostly given by Mack recounting events rather than showing the scenes play out. I found myself noticing how many big blocky paragraphs of information there were and how few dialog lines. Outside of Mack, many of the other characters were hard to get a read on (pun intended) because so much of characterization comes from dialog and scenes, that were not present.
From what I can see, this appears to be Jones debut novel and it hit several debut novelist roadblocks. There was a lot of info that lend to authentic information on the legal system in Arizona, but there is a fine line to authenticity and entertainment. Radclyff has talked about this balance when she has talked about some of her medical books. Too much authentic information can bog the narrative down, which is what happened here.
All in all, not a terrible debut novel. There was potential but was hampered by too much authentic information and telling not showing the story. I look forward to see what Jones does next.
I will make note, unless this turns into a series, if you are interested in this book because of any romance element, beware there is no romance. It's mostly a courtroom drama.
April 17, 2022
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢⚖️👩💼👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received (via NetGalley) an ARC of "Steadying the Ark" by Rebecca K. Jones from Bella Books. So, here it is !!!
My rating: 2⭐️
So … As much as I wished to like it, this book didn’t work for me.
I found the blurb very promising and this story should have been right up my alley. The plot let me (us ?) think this could have been a good romantic (second chance) thriller BUT, and I’m saddened about that, it was a disappointment because I was totally unable to connect with this novel. Why? Because, there’s :
° no real MC. Yeah … I have to say, that’s the first time I read a book where the announced MC appears more like a secondary character (and not even a very strong one sometimes) in her supposed own story. Do I really need to precise that I didn’t click with Mack? I just couldn’t connect with her. She is supposed to be a good prosecutor and have good friends but even if she’s supposed to be smart, she acts like a fool when bad things begin to happen and she does the opposite of what she’s supposed to do (dismissing the gravity of things, hiding info, etc). Were we supposed to feel sympathy for her when things become nastier? Sorry but I couldn’t do that. I could have, if the story had been different …
°no suspense, at all, about the stalker arriving ‘‘out of nowhere’’ (and, of course is miraculously erased off the planet’s surface at the end … how convenient!). The story could have had an interesting side if Mack had done everything right and THEN the perpetrator outsmarted the security details, and other protective measures. Now that would have been a good thriller, and very stimulating for the brain, trying to figure out who did this to poor Mack. But nope, sadly, it’s not the way the book has been written and it didn’t work for me because I figured out right away who the culprit was. So that part was even more tiresome that the rest.
° no romance, at all !!! Based on the blurb, we could have thought that Mack and Anna would have ended up back together … But, nope !!! (again!!) They aren’t back together for a HEA … and this part was also annoying because Mack and Anna’s friendship is not even convincing due to all the sexual tension between them all the time (despite their affirmation that they aren’t working as a couple…)
° no real thorough police work and no real investigation (everything seems to magically come to the cops), no twists and turns
° no emotional feeling despite the heaviness of the topics because everything is told in a very clinical way. Trust me, being a very sensitive person myself and having known victims of sexual abuse, it’s a surprise for me (and not a good one…)
There were some slight touches of humor found here and there and the writing style is not that bad but things are way too detailed when it comes to the trials… Damn, all the courtroom ‘‘drama’’, that was like reading the scenario of a season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a TV show I’m not fan of (at all)... so I mostly found it boring.
Long story short : IMO , there’s not a lot of interesting things in there and even the timing doesn’t seem credible … too quick to be believable (but maybe that point is just because of the very long timings found in France for this kind of case)…
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => No
- Did I find the characters believable? => No
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => No
- Will I purchase the paperback? => No
- Would I read another book by this author? => She’s a newbie so, maybe I’ll give her another try, someday…
- Would I recommend this book => I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢⚖️👩💼👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received (via NetGalley) an ARC of "Steadying the Ark" by Rebecca K. Jones from Bella Books. So, here it is !!!
My rating: 2⭐️
So … As much as I wished to like it, this book didn’t work for me.
I found the blurb very promising and this story should have been right up my alley. The plot let me (us ?) think this could have been a good romantic (second chance) thriller BUT, and I’m saddened about that, it was a disappointment because I was totally unable to connect with this novel. Why? Because, there’s :
° no real MC. Yeah … I have to say, that’s the first time I read a book where the announced MC appears more like a secondary character (and not even a very strong one sometimes) in her supposed own story. Do I really need to precise that I didn’t click with Mack? I just couldn’t connect with her. She is supposed to be a good prosecutor and have good friends but even if she’s supposed to be smart, she acts like a fool when bad things begin to happen and she does the opposite of what she’s supposed to do (dismissing the gravity of things, hiding info, etc). Were we supposed to feel sympathy for her when things become nastier? Sorry but I couldn’t do that. I could have, if the story had been different …
°no suspense, at all, about the stalker arriving ‘‘out of nowhere’’ (and, of course is miraculously erased off the planet’s surface at the end … how convenient!). The story could have had an interesting side if Mack had done everything right and THEN the perpetrator outsmarted the security details, and other protective measures. Now that would have been a good thriller, and very stimulating for the brain, trying to figure out who did this to poor Mack. But nope, sadly, it’s not the way the book has been written and it didn’t work for me because I figured out right away who the culprit was. So that part was even more tiresome that the rest.
° no romance, at all !!! Based on the blurb, we could have thought that Mack and Anna would have ended up back together … But, nope !!! (again!!) They aren’t back together for a HEA … and this part was also annoying because Mack and Anna’s friendship is not even convincing due to all the sexual tension between them all the time (despite their affirmation that they aren’t working as a couple…)
° no real thorough police work and no real investigation (everything seems to magically come to the cops), no twists and turns
° no emotional feeling despite the heaviness of the topics because everything is told in a very clinical way. Trust me, being a very sensitive person myself and having known victims of sexual abuse, it’s a surprise for me (and not a good one…)
There were some slight touches of humor found here and there and the writing style is not that bad but things are way too detailed when it comes to the trials… Damn, all the courtroom ‘‘drama’’, that was like reading the scenario of a season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a TV show I’m not fan of (at all)... so I mostly found it boring.
Long story short : IMO , there’s not a lot of interesting things in there and even the timing doesn’t seem credible … too quick to be believable (but maybe that point is just because of the very long timings found in France for this kind of case)…
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => No
- Did I find the characters believable? => No
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => No
- Will I purchase the paperback? => No
- Would I read another book by this author? => She’s a newbie so, maybe I’ll give her another try, someday…
- Would I recommend this book => I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢⚖️👩💼👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
March 26, 2022
Mackenzie Wilson, a Tucson, AZ assistant district attorney with the sex crimes unit, is living her best life. She’s very successful at prosecuting abusers of every ilk, she has close friends, including her ex, Anna, a successful psychologist. Late one night, Mack is called to a Circle K because a nude child has wandered into the store but won’t speak to anyone and screams whenever a man enters the store. Mack recognizes the possibility of child abuse but can’t do much until she knows more about the child. When it becomes evident that child has been abused by her father, a highly placed member of a local Mormon group with friends in high places, the case gets more difficult. Mack and her colleagues persist, and the father is arrested, and the case goes to trial.
While most LesFic is romance centered, there is no romance in Jones’ debut novel. Simply put, this is a novel about a trial. If potential readers are looking for a romance amongst women in the legal field, look elsewhere. This book is single minded in that it goes to great detail about the trial and what the attorneys do to get ready for the trial. There is an almost insignificant stalker issue that seems to have been added to diffuse the tension. However, for someone as savvy as Mack is supposed to be, she handles the stalker issue poorly.
With the emphasis solely on the trial, the author gave the reader a detailed look at the working of an ADA and Arizona laws regarding trial work. The reader will learn more than she ever wanted or needed to know about how trials go in Arizona. The author will undoubtedly lose readers because while the details may be interesting to her, her readers may be less interested in the minutiae.
The ending was less than satisfying and was rushed because once the trial was over and the stalker issued resolved, the author had no choice but to end the book. There were loose ends that should have been tied up but weren’t, perhaps because this is intended to be a series.
While the author spent a lot of the book explaining what Mack and her colleagues do for a living, she failed to develop any of the characters in any depth. Readers will not know Mack any better on the last page than she did on the first page.
If you’re looking for a LesFic romance set in the legal world, look elsewhere. If you’re interested in the inner workings of a district attorney’s office in Arizona, then this is the book for you.
My thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for an eARC.
While most LesFic is romance centered, there is no romance in Jones’ debut novel. Simply put, this is a novel about a trial. If potential readers are looking for a romance amongst women in the legal field, look elsewhere. This book is single minded in that it goes to great detail about the trial and what the attorneys do to get ready for the trial. There is an almost insignificant stalker issue that seems to have been added to diffuse the tension. However, for someone as savvy as Mack is supposed to be, she handles the stalker issue poorly.
With the emphasis solely on the trial, the author gave the reader a detailed look at the working of an ADA and Arizona laws regarding trial work. The reader will learn more than she ever wanted or needed to know about how trials go in Arizona. The author will undoubtedly lose readers because while the details may be interesting to her, her readers may be less interested in the minutiae.
The ending was less than satisfying and was rushed because once the trial was over and the stalker issued resolved, the author had no choice but to end the book. There were loose ends that should have been tied up but weren’t, perhaps because this is intended to be a series.
While the author spent a lot of the book explaining what Mack and her colleagues do for a living, she failed to develop any of the characters in any depth. Readers will not know Mack any better on the last page than she did on the first page.
If you’re looking for a LesFic romance set in the legal world, look elsewhere. If you’re interested in the inner workings of a district attorney’s office in Arizona, then this is the book for you.
My thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for an eARC.
July 2, 2022
Quite a good debut. The plot was well developed and paced. However, the principal characters weren't compelling enough for me to be thoroughly invested in the outcome of the story.
May 3, 2022
A.D. Mack Wilson’s has been fighting sex crimes cases for a few years and it doesn’t get any easier but the satisfaction of putting behind bars the people who would commit such heinous crimes. When a child turns up in her neighborhood with obvious trauma Mack along with her partner Dave work the case.
The case revolves around a family with lots of pull and friends in the right places. With the added help of fellow A.D. Jess Lafayette and Dr. Anna Lapin has her hands full trying to find the person responsible for the assault and put them behind bars for as long as possible. She feels like she just might have a chance at changing the lives of not just the one child but many others too.
Hard to believe this story came for someone who has never had a book published, it’s that good. Excellent writing that keeps you unable to lay the book down. If this is a sample of Ms Jones skills as an author I look forward to reading her next book because I’m sure there will be others.
Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bells Books
The case revolves around a family with lots of pull and friends in the right places. With the added help of fellow A.D. Jess Lafayette and Dr. Anna Lapin has her hands full trying to find the person responsible for the assault and put them behind bars for as long as possible. She feels like she just might have a chance at changing the lives of not just the one child but many others too.
Hard to believe this story came for someone who has never had a book published, it’s that good. Excellent writing that keeps you unable to lay the book down. If this is a sample of Ms Jones skills as an author I look forward to reading her next book because I’m sure there will be others.
Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bells Books
October 23, 2023
Love a good legal procedure read and this fits the bill. I just found the main character to be frustrating in her decision making throughout, but enjoyed regardless.
April 9, 2024
for a debut novel this is very impressive and very well put together
April 27, 2022
I just finished binge reading Steadying the Ark. I couldn't put it down! I enjoy a good thriller, and this had fascinating ties to crime, the court, suspense, and even a bit of romance sprinkled in. If you enjoy these things you'll love this one!
April 5, 2022
Great first novel by this author. This book was a quick read and hard to put down.
April 2, 2022
Rebecca Jones has worked as a sex-crimes prosecutor in Arizona, and her years of experience are right there on the page. This is an utterly believable novel — it's fiction, but it reads like it could have been ripped right out of today's headlines. Highly recommended!
March 27, 2022
I'd popped this title on my "to-be-read" list recently so was happy to see if appear on NetGalley for review. Not a true "whodunnit" as we know who the main villain is, but a good courtroom procedural that takes you through the ups and downs of a criminal trial. This is the first novel by Rebecca K Jones, and it doesn't necessarily have the consistent flow of a novel, but the story was engaging. If you enjoy novels about lawyers, then this is a good choice. I'm hoping that there will be other stories with Mack Wilson because I'd like to how the character develops.
Thanks to Bella Books for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.
Thanks to Bella Books for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.
October 22, 2024
I’m a retired lawyer and I haven’t done any criminal law since my law degree, so my knowledge of the criminal legal system is limited. My knowledge of the US criminal legal system is even more limited. However, this meticulous courtroom drama focused on ADA/ Prosecutor, Mack, felt like it was true to life.
The main plot is that Mack is leading the prosecution of a Church-going ‘family man’ who has been abusing his female children (and others). In the background however is another case she has successfully prosecuted against a Peeping Tom. And meanwhile, Mack, an attractive blond femme, is being stalked by an unknown individual.
So often, when sapphic fiction writers try to write something like this, a courtroom drama with some thriller elements mixed in, they do their best but miss. But giving the job to someone who certainly seems to know what she’s talking about lifts this to excellent. Yes, Mack is a lesbian and there is some interaction with an ex, but this is in no way a romantic thriller. It is though a tightly-plotted page turner that I had trouble putting down. If I’m splitting hairs I’d have liked more detail about Mack’s girlfriend who was murdered back in college and since this started with Schyanne I’d have liked to have ended with her too. But all in all this was great and I’m very much looking forward to returning to Mack’s world in book 2…
The main plot is that Mack is leading the prosecution of a Church-going ‘family man’ who has been abusing his female children (and others). In the background however is another case she has successfully prosecuted against a Peeping Tom. And meanwhile, Mack, an attractive blond femme, is being stalked by an unknown individual.
So often, when sapphic fiction writers try to write something like this, a courtroom drama with some thriller elements mixed in, they do their best but miss. But giving the job to someone who certainly seems to know what she’s talking about lifts this to excellent. Yes, Mack is a lesbian and there is some interaction with an ex, but this is in no way a romantic thriller. It is though a tightly-plotted page turner that I had trouble putting down. If I’m splitting hairs I’d have liked more detail about Mack’s girlfriend who was murdered back in college and since this started with Schyanne I’d have liked to have ended with her too. But all in all this was great and I’m very much looking forward to returning to Mack’s world in book 2…
July 10, 2022
What a fantastic debut novel this was.
What I loved: The novel reads real from the office politics to the relationships formed in this small world of people dedicated to working in the Sex Crimes Unit. I was quickly absorbed in the case and wanted to get to the end as quickly as possible to see how it all turned out.
This is not a romance although it has romantic elements. It is a tense courtroom drama that brings real insight into the world of an ADA.
What I loved: The novel reads real from the office politics to the relationships formed in this small world of people dedicated to working in the Sex Crimes Unit. I was quickly absorbed in the case and wanted to get to the end as quickly as possible to see how it all turned out.
This is not a romance although it has romantic elements. It is a tense courtroom drama that brings real insight into the world of an ADA.
July 19, 2023
Solid story, strong characters and good editing make this an impressive debut novel. Having worked in a criminal courtroom I can attest to the accuracy of the atmosphere, tension and gut wrenching situations portrayed in this novel. The author captured the dilemmas that prosecutors face in their job and how it can sometimes bleed over into their personal lives. I’m anxiously awaiting the sequel.
October 30, 2022
You can’t finish the book leaving us (me) unsatisfied. We(me) need a book 2 asap
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