This was amazing - debut book? Never! A tragic, desperately sad story that at times was a hard read, but so captivating. The book focuses on Susannah, a first class paediatric doctor, and Adelaide, a journalist. Their paths had crossed 9 years previously over a tragic event, and now they are drawn into each other’s lives because of another tragedy. This book is extremely well written, the story flows at a fast pace and it’s a real page turner. The scenarios of women in the workplace are eerily accurate, especially regarding new mothers. The way in which the media revere and glorify someone who is high profile, then reduce them to nothing after one (horrendous) mistake is so typical of these times, a real trial by media. I read the book in one sitting, unable to leave it alone. A proper story, with a beginning, middle and perfect ending, I would thoroughly recommend.

Susannah has it all - wealth, style, looks, the perfect family and a truly glittering career: She's the top Paediatrician at a busy hospital, is a celebrity writer of 'how to raise your child' type books and, a recognised 'guru' in her field, has been on TV many times to share her expert knowledge. Her world turns upside down on the fateful morning when she leaves her baby to die in the back seat of her car on a baking hot day. Was it deliberate? Did she knowingly kill her Child? This was for me is a highly emotive and difficult read. I was incensed by the intrusive and merciless 'trial by media' coverage of this case, I actually HATED the snidy, misogynistic barrister for the prosecution, I was horrified by the lack of support given to working mothers in the USA and beyond frustrated by the impossible standards which professional women in our modern world have to live up to. BUT this is a truly brilliant book, I honestly could not put it down, I only started late last night thinking I would just read a couple of chapters - I was 52% into the book when I very reluctantly gave into sleep and began reading again as soon as I had my first coffee this morning, my poor dogs were crossing their legs until I finished it ... OMG the outcome of the trial! AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ Bravo Edel Coffey - I am eagerly awaiting your next offering Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and give my honest review

Well this book is not for the faint-hearted so prepare to sit up and take note of this debut novelist. One hot and frantic morning Susannah Rice gets into her car, drops her husband off and then drives to work, what she forgot in this busy day would change her life forever. This is big news as Susannah is a well-respected paediatric doctor with her own television show and Adelaide Gold is the journalist tasked with covering the story. The only trouble is she is battling her own linked issues from years earlier. This is a well-written and thoughtful story which takes the reader behind the headlines whilst never forgetting that the purpose is to entertain the reader. Definitely a debut not to miss.

Breaking Point by Edel Coffey is an outstanding book, with an interesting storyline, which will resonate with many readers. I found it absolutely fascinating and found the stories and histories of the doctor and the journalist enhanced the story. I believe this is a debut book by the author and look forward to reading other books from Edel Coffey with interest. Highly recommended

Dr Susannah Rice, aka Dr Sue, well-known celeb doctor known for her expertise with children's wellbeing, leads a hectic schedule where she balances being a successful career woman with being mother to two small children. It takes a lot of juggling, and one day she drops one of the balls with devastating results - her beautiful baby daughter dies. Worse is to come as she is brought to trial as her culpability for her daughter's death is to be decided by jury. It's an emotional and harrowing exploration of the nature of modern life and the pressures put on everyone, but particularly women, to be all things at all times. Edel Coffey's story is a powerful indictment of current laws in the USA, one of the few countries in the world with no legal rights to any paid maternity leave at all, and illustrates just how much pressure modern women are when they have to balance being both a member of the workforce and a mother, and how there is no escaping the inevitable judgement of elements of society who think that somehow they ought to be doing something differently. I thought it was an excellent novel, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.