As human beings, we are hardwired to search out what we deem as the “perfect life”. We want a spouse who loves us like there is no tomorrow, a plot of land to call our own, and a perfect family with all the trimmings. Elle and Matt are no different. The two high school sweethearts had gone through their fair share of ups and downs. They hadn’t always been together but had always kept each other in their hearts. They had finally gotten married in their early thirties and had tried, with little luck, to start a family. Each attempt, however, seemed mired in tragedy. The couple had seemingly given up hope when Elle falls victim to a freak accident that puts her in a vegetative coma. Beside himself with grief, Matt must face many difficult choices in the following days, including a secret of Elle’s that will change everything. Will he fight to preserve the hopes of a family or will he give in to the pressure coming, seemingly, from all directions?
The Promise of Stardust is guaranteed to take your emotions on a whirlwind of a ride. Priscille Sibley’s charmingly beautiful writing style paired with one of the most difficult topics I’ve seen addressed in recent fiction, will pull you in and make you feel one with the story in all its intense glory. I highly recommend this book and am already eagerly awaiting Sibley’s next novel.
“The lifelong love story of astronaut Elle and neurosurgeon Matt comes to a tragic close when Elle suffers a fall that leaves her brain-dead. Matt is shocked to discover Elle, a woman who always wished for children, but never wanted to remain on life support, is pregnant. Matt will need to fight his own mother in court, the press, and opposing moral views in his quest to keep Elle alive long enough to have their child. Sibley expertly weaves flashbacks of the life Elle and Matt shared together with the present harrowing events, creating a gripping emotional and ethically controversial journey in the process.”
— Cat Wells, The River's End Bookstore, Oswego, NY
Priscille Sibley's The Promise of Stardust is a haunting and unforgettable debut novel about life and death and love, set against a moral dilemma that may leave you questioning your own beliefs.
Matt Beaulieu has loved Elle McClure since he was two years old. Now married and expecting their first child, Elle suffers a fatal accident. To keep the baby alive, Matt goes against his wife's wishes and keeps his wife on life support. But Matt's mother thinks that Elle should be euthanized, and she's ready to fight for what she believes is the right thing.
A stunning, compassionate examination of one of the most intricate ethical issues of our time, The Promise of Stardust, will stay with you, long after the last page has been read.
“I read this first novel two times. The first time, I was intrigued. The second time, I felt privileged to share in such an amazing story.”
-Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of The Deep End of the Ocean
“In The Promise of Stardust Sibley explores an ethical dilemma in a way that might lead you to question your own beliefs. Woven with elegance through a twenty-year love story, the novel takes numerous twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages.”
-Catherine McKenzie, Internationally bestselling author of FORGOTTEN
“Sibley wrestles with the most complex medical ethics in our time and gives us characters who will stay with us long after the last page. She is a skilled story teller.”
-Jacqueline Sheehan, New York Times bestselling author of Lost & Found
“I loved this book. Priscille Sibley manages a delicate and brave balance with this gripping novel.”
-Katrina Kittle, author of The Kindness of Strangers and The Blessings of the Animals
“Sibley does a wonderful job of exploring a complex and controversial moral issue, skillfully giving both sides of the story…. This is a gripping, thoughtful, heart-wrenching, and well-written debut that would be a great discussion vehicle for certain book groups.”
-Booklist
“The Promise of Stardust is a story about love and sacrifice, conflict and hope. I couldn’t put it down and when I open it next time, I’ll read it more slowly. Highly recommended. A winner!”
---Patricia Harman CNM, author of The Midwife of Hope River
“There’s nothing like devastating moral quandary to spark reading, and this trade paperback original would be a great book club choice…”
-Library Journal
“A literate and incandescent Nicholas Sparks-like love story complicated by intense moral and ethical questions.”
-Kirkus Reviews