Review: The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley

Filled with grace, sensitivity and compassion, The Promise of Stardust is an emotionally resonant and thought-provoking tale that raises profound questions about life and death, faith and medicine, and illuminates the power of love to divide and heal a family in the wake of unexpected tragedy "In this brave novel, a family making choices about death with dignity finds themselves in uncomfortable opposition...explores with compassion and insight, how political and personal needs align and shift." -Randy Susan Meyers, author of The Murderer's Daughters Matt Beaulieu was two years old the first time he held Elle McClure in his arms, seventeen when he first kissed her under a sky filled with shooting stars, and thirty-three when he convinced her to marry him. Now in their late 30s, the deeply devoted couple has everything-except the baby they've always wanted. When an accident leaves Elle brain dead, Matt is devastated. Though he cannot bear the thought of life without her, he knows Elle was afraid of only one thing-a slow death. And so, Matt resolves to take her off life support. But Matt changes his mind when they discover Elle's pregnant. While there are no certainties, the baby might survive if Elle remains on life support. Matt's mother, Linney, disagrees with his decision. She loves Elle, too, and insists that Elle would never want to be kept alive on machines. Linney is prepared to fight her son in court-armed with Elle's living will. Divided by the love they share, Matt and Linney will be pitted against each other, fighting for what they believe is right, and what they think Elle would have wanted resulting in a controversial legal battle that will ultimately go beyond one family . . . and one single life. Quite possibly one of the best books I have read in a long time! The Promise of Stardust grabs you from the first page. It is an emotional read about what one would do in unforeseeable circumstances. There are many characters invested in the outcome and you find yourself relating to all the characters and their point of view. I am almost beyond words about how much I enjoyed this book. The characters were so well developed and the story so tense and compelling that I almost jumped ahead to see how it turned out. I did not do that and instead embarked on the emotional roller coaster of hope, sadness, promise, opposing forces and love in various forms! This is a novel not to be missed. I cannot wait to read more by Sibley! I highly recommend this book and rate it 5 stars!