The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 416
Format: ARC
Buy the Book: Amazon
Goodreads: 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.
Kritters Thoughts: From page one of this book, I was swept in this story involving a man and his wife who in the first few pages has a tragic accident where he is well aware of the outcome as he is a neurosurgeon and her injuries are brain related. As you can read from the synopsis, they find out early on that Elle, his wife, is pregnant and he is determined to keep her alive long enough to keep the baby alive.
Two families at the center who have been intertwined throughout their lives where the lines of each family are completely blurred cause more controversy than normal because the daughter-in-law is more than just a daughter-in-law she is a daughter. As the book progresses each chapter has a heading that gives a timeframe that is always in relation to Elle's accident, so the reader is always aware what is the heart of the story. The moments in the past provide a glimpse as to how these families bonded at the beginning and the ups and downs they have had with spouses dying, a relationship with bumps in the road and the trials of children growing up and old. It made me think about those families that were close to my family and where they are right now and how those relationships affect the way I think now.
With some controversial topics, I definitely think this book is worth a book club read and think that there is room enough for differing points of view and discussion. A book to make you think about the end of your own life and how you may want it to look, if you have any control over it at all. There are so many things I loved about this book. The relationships and the drama behind the right to the death that one should choose - I will definitely be passing this book along to many people as it could appeal to a wide audience of readers.
Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Tuesday, February 5th: Kritters Ramblings
Wednesday, February 6th: Mrs. Q: Book Addict
Monday, February 11th: Peppermint PhD
Tuesday, February 12th: Tiffany’s Bookshelf
Wednesday, February 13th: Broken Teepee
Thursday, February 14th: Walking With Nora
Friday, February 15th: Dreaming in Books
Monday, February 18th: From L.A. to LA
Tuesday, February 19th: Book Addiction
Wednesday, February 20th: a novel toybox
Thursday, February 21st: BookNAround
Monday, February 25th: Tina’s Book Reviews
a book that will appeal to a wide array of readers is a rare gem indeed. Very nice review.
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