I chose 'Breaking Point' from my shelves in order to meet the April TBR Challenge prompt of a book cover in my favourite colour. How could I possibly not? This pink cover is both visually stimulating and vibrant. There is no end to this read's greatness. Its concise chapters and gripping narrative earned it well-deserved awards. I can't believe I have not read this before now! The writing is well-crafted, and it held me in suspense from the initial chapters. The reader is quickly immersed in the story and the fast-paced plot continues to unfold throughout the storyline. High praises for the author for navigating delicate plot issues adeptly, a testament to their writing acumen. I will definitely be looking out for future work. Although the protagonist's struggles are understandable, her critical decisions may cause difficulty for some readers. Please ensure you are aware of any trigger warnings before reading. If you enjoy legal and moral questioning writing, this book is for you!

Susannah is a successful paediatrician, and parenting guru, with a nice husband and two lovely daughters. One day, too many thoughts in her head and changes of drop off and travel to work plans results in her forgetting to drop her baby at the crèche. In sweltering temperatures, she sees patients, unaware of what she has done. The ensuing court case reveals misogynistic attitudes to women at work, successful mothering and the dichotomy of an ambitious working mother. A gruelling and insightful book investigating the attitudes that pervade society towards parenting and the role of the mother, set against the unrealistic view that working mothers care less for their children than they should, whilst showing than men who are ambitious in the workplace are rarely portrayed as uncaring fathers.

When tragedy strikes, Dr Sue’s life is thrown into disarray as charges of manslaughter and neglect are put to her, and the trial quickly becomes a witch-hunt as the press and prosecutor pile on the blame. This is a deft, heart-wrenching, and taut examination of tragedy and the impossible standards to which society holds its people - especially working mothers - told through the stories of Dr Sue, and the journalist covering the trial. The characters are very human - flawed, not always likable, but relatable nonetheless - and it is that extra layer of reality which makes the book such compelling reading, not to mention the tension of the trial. I read it in one sitting, glued to the pages - it is one that is going to linger in my mind for some time, I’m sure.

4.25⭐️ An emotional thriller by a debut author. It’s a very strong debut. Susannah Rice has it all, with a hectic schedule that is timed to the second to achieve everything. She has a high social profile as Dr Sue who gives parenting advice as well as her job as a paediatrician and mom to 2 young children. One diversion from her routine coupled with an emergency call was enough for her to make a dreadful mistake with the worst consequence. Her baby is dead from being left in a hot car. The gamete of emotions are portrayed brilliantly and the reader is totally immersed into the emotional fallout of this one tragic mistake. The other main character is Adelaide Gold who is covering the media frenzy. The second thread is her domestic story and problems. The beginning of the story is similar plot premise to a book I read recently (next of Kin by Kia Abdullah which was executed even better) It’s something that given the right set of circumstances you can really imagine happening. The characters are so well written and I found Adelaide especially engaging. I didn’t feel for Susannah as much as I expected. I think it was her frosty demeanour. It is very character driven and very well delivered. The ending increased my score. A favourite quote ‘A good old fashioned witch hunt’ I would recommend this book.

How can one minute change a life ? The answer is easily. Susannah is a very senior doctor specialising in Paediatrics. She loves her career and is extremely committed. Her family and her job are her whole life and she manages to perfect a balance where she can devote time to both. The fact that her husband is very successful and financially they are very, very secure, helps her maintain her image with expensive clothes and jewellery. One morning Susannah's strict morning routine is disrupted. Her husband requires to be dropped off at work as his car will not start, she has to drop her two children off at childcare and the hospital has contacted her saying their is an ill child in the emergency room which she needs to see as soon as possible. Susannah makes it to the hospital and starts her day but she has left her baby Louise in the back seat of the car with unimaginable consequences, on the hottest day of the year. Susannah's life is put under the microscope as she is charged with negligence and stands trial. This novel certainly promotes food for thought as it explores the thoughts, views and opinions of her husband, her colleagues, the lawyers, men in general, other mothers, the press and the jury. Susannah made a mistake that will haunt her for the rest of her life but does the jury think she should be free ? Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.