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Oakland #1
A Court of Contempt
As Canada’s first female lawyer, Cora has battled hard to be a barrister. With three months left to finally be sworn in, she’s tasked with representing a crime boss’s wife in divorce court. Cora faces unimaginable danger — and an impossible choice… A gripping historical read that’s first in a series.
601 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2018
572 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 12, 2020
A secular book with no sign of a faith theme, but this was very clean with a great story!
1904 Toronto, Canada
Cora was the first woman lawyer in Canada with two weeks left to become a barrister. This was a time when women had few rights, but were hoping to see changes through protests and rallies with the WCTU and DWEA. Male lawyers in her firm, including the partners, wanted her to fail. Females thinking they can do what only a man could! The nerve of these uppity women! So she was given a divorce case she could not win, plus her life and that of her client were in danger. Anyone going up against Eli Pitman suffered consequences.
Priscilla Marcus was escaping a dangerous husband who seemed to attain great pleasure in cheating on her as well as pummeling her regularly.
These two women, along with Eli Pitman's wife, Adeline, will battle for their lives.
This was suspenseful, sometimes funny, always interesting, and two sweet romances added to create a very, very good book.
1904 Toronto, Canada
Cora was the first woman lawyer in Canada with two weeks left to become a barrister. This was a time when women had few rights, but were hoping to see changes through protests and rallies with the WCTU and DWEA. Male lawyers in her firm, including the partners, wanted her to fail. Females thinking they can do what only a man could! The nerve of these uppity women! So she was given a divorce case she could not win, plus her life and that of her client were in danger. Anyone going up against Eli Pitman suffered consequences.
Priscilla Marcus was escaping a dangerous husband who seemed to attain great pleasure in cheating on her as well as pummeling her regularly.
These two women, along with Eli Pitman's wife, Adeline, will battle for their lives.
This was suspenseful, sometimes funny, always interesting, and two sweet romances added to create a very, very good book.
January 7, 2021
A great story with a strong female character (Cora) who is set to become the first female lawyer in Canada. Mix in her distraught past, add a volley of men who believe men own their wives, Ada (who befriends Cora and keeps her grounded), and a bodyguard who is smitten with Cora and you have the ingredients of an excellent read.
December 23, 2020
I was gifted A Court Of Contempt, a mere few days ago, as I was to be stuck indoors, dealing with a ten day long insolation period (that feels like it's lasted ten weeks already), and today I opened it on my Kindle to read, and today, I finished it, too!
Set in Canada in the early 1900s, this historical fiction story highlights the true plight of women and their lack of rights, at that time, following the story of Cora, a woman who ends up the first female lawyer and barrister on Canada and Great Britain.
She's been through a lot to even get to the place she stands at, at the beginning of the novel, almost ready to give in on her dream, when her services are demanded, by another woman, wanting a divorce from her mobster husband.
I won't go into the story, too much, after all, that is your job, to read the book, yourself, but what I will say is that I was swallowed into the world of Cora, and her eventual determination to get where she wants to be, and, with a host of amazing characters to support her, along the way, as well as after, I'd say this was a brilliant read!
Off to read another...!
Set in Canada in the early 1900s, this historical fiction story highlights the true plight of women and their lack of rights, at that time, following the story of Cora, a woman who ends up the first female lawyer and barrister on Canada and Great Britain.
She's been through a lot to even get to the place she stands at, at the beginning of the novel, almost ready to give in on her dream, when her services are demanded, by another woman, wanting a divorce from her mobster husband.
I won't go into the story, too much, after all, that is your job, to read the book, yourself, but what I will say is that I was swallowed into the world of Cora, and her eventual determination to get where she wants to be, and, with a host of amazing characters to support her, along the way, as well as after, I'd say this was a brilliant read!
Off to read another...!
April 20, 2021
Unbelievable Except for the Evidence!!
A real page- turner/can't put down!
In this age of employment opportunities and equal pay for women, we HAVE really come a long way! You only have to read this book to realize that - in the mid 1900s, women were only just beginning to be treated as human beings!! WW11 changed many attitudes and slowly they became more than possessions but the outright battle for women to become lawyers, doctors, architects & engineers, has exhausted many along the way!
Yes there are more battles to be won, but let us remember to be thankful for the many who have bravely dug the trenches before us!!
Historical fiction is a great way to learn about history and in her appendix, Rebekah has named the heroines whom her book is based on. Let's also celebrate, our literary heroines, like Rebekah, who have sought to share history on a credible background and to help us understand where our gains have come from!
This is a 'must read' for both sexes and all walks of life!! It should be required reading in secondary schools!
A real page- turner/can't put down!
In this age of employment opportunities and equal pay for women, we HAVE really come a long way! You only have to read this book to realize that - in the mid 1900s, women were only just beginning to be treated as human beings!! WW11 changed many attitudes and slowly they became more than possessions but the outright battle for women to become lawyers, doctors, architects & engineers, has exhausted many along the way!
Yes there are more battles to be won, but let us remember to be thankful for the many who have bravely dug the trenches before us!!
Historical fiction is a great way to learn about history and in her appendix, Rebekah has named the heroines whom her book is based on. Let's also celebrate, our literary heroines, like Rebekah, who have sought to share history on a credible background and to help us understand where our gains have come from!
This is a 'must read' for both sexes and all walks of life!! It should be required reading in secondary schools!
September 15, 2021
DNF I couldn’t take the ridiculous drama of the characters that overshadowed the potentially interesting plot. From the start I noticed the author has a habit of blatantly making sure you know exactly how her characters are feeling. Missed it the first time? Let’s hit you over the head a few more times just so you can really know how afraid or how helpless or how anxious they are. There’s no trusting the reader. There’s no subtle use of description or language. She uses the word fear in constant repeat. And don’t get me started on the tears. So. Many. Tears. It’s like she accidentally made her characters be exactly the opposite of the way she insists they are. And of course let’s throw in a couple of heroic men to safely shield the poor, helpless, afraid women. Ugh it’s just so patronizing and I only made it a third of the way in. I cannot make myself go on. There’s nothing I can see that will redeem this. Which is too bad because first female Canadian lawyer had such promise.
February 11, 2021
An interesting look at our not too distant past and the battles fought by brave women to procure equal opportunity for women. These battles included choice of profession and recognition and correction of double standards with regard to legal rights. The travesties and prejudices toward women was costly for those willing to challenge the system. Disdain and resistance was expected from males, but also exhibited by a surprising number of their own gender. I enjoyed this look into the past and rejoice for the progress that has been made. Toward the end of the narrative I found a few escapades for gathering evidence that were a bit hard for me to swallow, but overall enjoyed the book and would recommend it. It is a good jumping off point for further research on these topics.
February 16, 2021
Hypocrisy
I despise hypocrisy in any form, in any era. The double standard in the law in the early 1900’s is unbelievable. That women could be beaten and whipped in the name of correction is horrific. That they had to prove adultery and abuse in order to divorce is inexcusable. All in all, this book really made me mad.
On the other hand, there are stories of hope included as well. It was offered by kind and generous men and women. They are what led me to finish reading, because some of the events were just a little too far fetched in my mind. Read the book to see what you think.
I despise hypocrisy in any form, in any era. The double standard in the law in the early 1900’s is unbelievable. That women could be beaten and whipped in the name of correction is horrific. That they had to prove adultery and abuse in order to divorce is inexcusable. All in all, this book really made me mad.
On the other hand, there are stories of hope included as well. It was offered by kind and generous men and women. They are what led me to finish reading, because some of the events were just a little too far fetched in my mind. Read the book to see what you think.
June 6, 2021
Sappy
This book does an excellent job of explaining the plight of women back in the day when the law made women the property of her husband. Women could own nothing, nor divorce their husbands for brutality, abuse or adultery. If she left or divorced him she had no right to her children. The author paints a very vivid picture of what misery a woman’s life could be and was very informative.
However it was very repetitive about women’s rights or rather the lack of them. Also the dialog was very maudlin and much too long. Fewer words would have made a better novel. This would be a good book if what you read is Romances with a box of Kleenex beside you.
This book does an excellent job of explaining the plight of women back in the day when the law made women the property of her husband. Women could own nothing, nor divorce their husbands for brutality, abuse or adultery. If she left or divorced him she had no right to her children. The author paints a very vivid picture of what misery a woman’s life could be and was very informative.
However it was very repetitive about women’s rights or rather the lack of them. Also the dialog was very maudlin and much too long. Fewer words would have made a better novel. This would be a good book if what you read is Romances with a box of Kleenex beside you.
February 21, 2020
A very well written story depicting a courageous young woman taking on the male dominated profession of lawyer in the early 1900's. Some of the events are disturbing and should be if you have any feelings, however they are widely present in our society and it is a good thing that some laws have been changed to deal with these issues. I enjoyed the character of Cora as she struggles to come to terms with a chosen path that challenges every aspect of her life. I love the variety of characters along side her in her journey, Sol is a softie at heart! Thank you Rebekah for a great read.
January 31, 2021
Looks like fiction
Sadly more than a hundred years have passed in this fiction books the first time females are aloud to vote in canada(1917). Nowadays we can vote ,we can be lawyer and divorce, but not equal yet . Not talking about Canada or USA, but in the entire world. Even having double journey( be a mother and a professional) we don't equal salary. We still have to fight for our rights. Thank you Rebekah for all the time researching and writing this and other books. And for whom read this review take your time reading the book it is great.
Sadly more than a hundred years have passed in this fiction books the first time females are aloud to vote in canada(1917). Nowadays we can vote ,we can be lawyer and divorce, but not equal yet . Not talking about Canada or USA, but in the entire world. Even having double journey( be a mother and a professional) we don't equal salary. We still have to fight for our rights. Thank you Rebekah for all the time researching and writing this and other books. And for whom read this review take your time reading the book it is great.
February 12, 2021
Desolation, denegration, insult, injury but nothing stopped them
The protagonist, first female barrister in Canada and Great Britain, walked the talk, suffered the indignity of brutality at the hands of misogynistic constables while jailed for protesting the lack of votes for women, succomed to the overwhelming power of fear for her life and lost her will to continue her pursuit/qualifying for right to be sworn in as a barrister. The villains deserved their fate, the protagonist earned her victories. Whatta read!
The protagonist, first female barrister in Canada and Great Britain, walked the talk, suffered the indignity of brutality at the hands of misogynistic constables while jailed for protesting the lack of votes for women, succomed to the overwhelming power of fear for her life and lost her will to continue her pursuit/qualifying for right to be sworn in as a barrister. The villains deserved their fate, the protagonist earned her victories. Whatta read!
April 28, 2021
This book was hard to put down. Cora, Priscilla and Adeline. Three women in difficult situations. This story is loosely based on the woman who became Canada's first woman attorney and the journey to get there. It reminded me again of how far women have come and the fight to get there. This also reminded me of how much evil is in the world and always has been and the issue of domestic abuse (in whatever form that takes) is not a new issue at all. This was a new author for me and I would read more books by her.
October 20, 2020
Outstanding!
What a treat for the soul, this story was. I deviated from my usual mystery thriller books to read a story set in an earlier period. Fantastic, strong characters, superbly written detail. What's strange is that I really never developed full pictures of the characters' faces in my mind, but yet I could picture being with them in the story. These women are inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly seek out more from Ms. Jenkins.
What a treat for the soul, this story was. I deviated from my usual mystery thriller books to read a story set in an earlier period. Fantastic, strong characters, superbly written detail. What's strange is that I really never developed full pictures of the characters' faces in my mind, but yet I could picture being with them in the story. These women are inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly seek out more from Ms. Jenkins.
January 31, 2021
Interesting history of the rights (or lack of rights) women had in Canada, early 1900's. But "I get it, I get it". By the end of the book I was tired of the same identical harangue. It was a terrible law, women effectively had no rights. I'm sure it was hard work getting the laws changed. It took courage women to battle it, but as I said, I get it. Other than that it was your typical love story. I finished it. It was ok.
February 8, 2021
Great book
I love historical novels. Although the book was written as fiction, it did include facts. Names are changed. This is a story that needed to be told to see how far women have come on equally. But there is still work to be done. It saddened me to learn how difficult it was for women. These are our ancestors who suffered. Thank you to I first woman lawyer in Canada who started this revolution.
I love historical novels. Although the book was written as fiction, it did include facts. Names are changed. This is a story that needed to be told to see how far women have come on equally. But there is still work to be done. It saddened me to learn how difficult it was for women. These are our ancestors who suffered. Thank you to I first woman lawyer in Canada who started this revolution.
July 8, 2018
Rebekah Jenkins has written an important book. She has presented a historical accurate
account of the challenges, and outright injustices, married and non-married women faced in the early 1900’s. She has also presented these facts with her eyes-wide-open. She has also slipped in some humour too.
account of the challenges, and outright injustices, married and non-married women faced in the early 1900’s. She has also presented these facts with her eyes-wide-open. She has also slipped in some humour too.
November 11, 2018
This could have been a great read rather than a good one - there is a contrivance in the plot big enough to drive a stagecoach through and the story suffers because of it. Things could have happened a little differently without affecting or changing any outcomes. That said, it's still a very entertaining story and I don't hesitate to recommend it.
September 9, 2020
FANTASTIC book!
I was riveted by this book! What a great story. I know a lot was fiction, but it was based on some true events. Every young woman today should read this book, to know what horrors women faced before we had any rights. I thank God for the women brave enough to make the path for us.
I was riveted by this book! What a great story. I know a lot was fiction, but it was based on some true events. Every young woman today should read this book, to know what horrors women faced before we had any rights. I thank God for the women brave enough to make the path for us.
February 1, 2021
A Court of Contempt review
I rated this with 5 stars because when I bought a house in Louisiana in 1971with my then husband, the Headmaster law was still in effect. I said at the signing it's a good thing we're friends. This book spoke volumes to me. Thank you MS. Jenkins for this still timely story.
I rated this with 5 stars because when I bought a house in Louisiana in 1971with my then husband, the Headmaster law was still in effect. I said at the signing it's a good thing we're friends. This book spoke volumes to me. Thank you MS. Jenkins for this still timely story.
February 6, 2021
How lucky woman are than someone stood for us!
I loved the book, the reason I, my way of thinking only, thought for a strong woman that took stand against the law, she cried too much and made her look like a wimp. That’s my opinion, other than that, the book was hard to put down! I am looking forwards to reading the second. Thanks to the author, for the hours of entertainment.
I loved the book, the reason I, my way of thinking only, thought for a strong woman that took stand against the law, she cried too much and made her look like a wimp. That’s my opinion, other than that, the book was hard to put down! I am looking forwards to reading the second. Thanks to the author, for the hours of entertainment.
April 6, 2021
Historical thriller
Exciting thriller about the first female lawyer in Canada in early 1900’s. Strong characters. The abuse the women endured was difficult to read sometimes - yes we get it the law was grossly unfair to women - but overall a good read and I would read more in this series.
Exciting thriller about the first female lawyer in Canada in early 1900’s. Strong characters. The abuse the women endured was difficult to read sometimes - yes we get it the law was grossly unfair to women - but overall a good read and I would read more in this series.
April 26, 2021
NEVER GIVE UP
I have always believed in equality with women and different races. Things are better in the USA, but not what they should be. One disparity is income. Women should be paid the same. I was surprised how bad it was in the early 1900’s. I can’t believe that men owned their wives. Thank God for people like Cora.
I have always believed in equality with women and different races. Things are better in the USA, but not what they should be. One disparity is income. Women should be paid the same. I was surprised how bad it was in the early 1900’s. I can’t believe that men owned their wives. Thank God for people like Cora.
June 21, 2021
The subject is difficult to deal with. I know many will not enjoy the conent,
I struggled with it but managed to finish. It’s distressing to know how even now there are things like this happening.
I am glad I read that but I need a pure fluff book to feel less stressed, so sad to think it’s still happening but we know it is.
I struggled with it but managed to finish. It’s distressing to know how even now there are things like this happening.
I am glad I read that but I need a pure fluff book to feel less stressed, so sad to think it’s still happening but we know it is.
February 23, 2020
Very Interesting Read
Book was written using real life criminal law files from the 1909's from Canada. It is amazing that still today women are viewed as less than men; not entirely equal under the laws. I enjoyed the story. Thank you.
Book was written using real life criminal law files from the 1909's from Canada. It is amazing that still today women are viewed as less than men; not entirely equal under the laws. I enjoyed the story. Thank you.
September 15, 2020
4.5 star
The reality on which this story is founded makes it pretty much a horror, although it does have a positive ending. It is one thing to know the lack of rights for women in history. It is another to read such a vivid account with such compelling characters.
The reality on which this story is founded makes it pretty much a horror, although it does have a positive ending. It is one thing to know the lack of rights for women in history. It is another to read such a vivid account with such compelling characters.
February 6, 2021
Engrossing read
I got this novel via a special offer on BookBub and I am glad I did. Immediately buying the next in the series. It is occasionally a little bit preachy, but the story is a good courtroom drama.
I got this novel via a special offer on BookBub and I am glad I did. Immediately buying the next in the series. It is occasionally a little bit preachy, but the story is a good courtroom drama.
February 14, 2021
Every Woman should read this book
This is a book every Woman should read and be thankful that they live in the 21st century. One line in this book made me go cold. " Women are second class citizens until they marry, then they have no rights. "
This is a book every Woman should read and be thankful that they live in the 21st century. One line in this book made me go cold. " Women are second class citizens until they marry, then they have no rights. "
February 14, 2021
I probably would have liked this book if I liked romance novels, but I really hate romance novels. I read a couple chapters but the stories of the different characters were too forced for me to finish it. Life is too short to read a mediocre book.
July 24, 2021
Shocking
I am thankful for being born later than the time of this book. I knew women didn't have a lot of rights but I didn't know it was this bad. Even though it was partly fiction it brought to light the tremendous inequalities of women of that day.
I am thankful for being born later than the time of this book. I knew women didn't have a lot of rights but I didn't know it was this bad. Even though it was partly fiction it brought to light the tremendous inequalities of women of that day.
September 1, 2021
Wonderful
Well written. A story depicting the injustices of the law in the early 1900's. Interesting, intense, sensitive to women. Grips you from the first page. Best I've read in a long time.
Well written. A story depicting the injustices of the law in the early 1900's. Interesting, intense, sensitive to women. Grips you from the first page. Best I've read in a long time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews