The Promise of Stardust

A Novel

By: Priscille Sibley

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 they wed. Now in their late thirties, the deeply devoted couple has everything - except the baby they've always wanted.

When a tragic accident leaves Elle brain-dead, Matt is devastated. Though he cannot bear losing her, he knows his wife, a thoughtful and adventurous scientist, feared only one thing - a slow death. Just before Matt agrees to remove Elle from life support, the doctors discover that she is pregnant. Now what was once a clear-cut decision becomes an impossible choice. Matt knows how much this child would have meant to Elle. While there is no certainty her body can sustain the pregnancy, he is sure Elle would want the baby to have a chance. Linney, Matt's mother, believes her son is blind with denial. She loves Elle, too, and insists that Elle would never want to be kept alive by artificial means, no matter what the situation.

Divided by the love they share, driven by principle, Matt and Linney fight for what each believes is right, and the result is a disagreement that escalates into a controversial legal battle, ultimately going beyond one family and one single life.

Told with 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, with beauty and grace, the power of love to wound...and to heal.

©2013 Priscille Marcille Sibley (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Loved this Story. I may listen to it again!

The girl next door and her lifetime love! After a tragic teen love and pregnancy, this couple separate, grow up, find other loves, then come back together only to be torn apart again. The story was never gloomy, although it was sad and tough, there is a sparkle that kept me interested and involved. I loved the characters, the situations, how everything was described. The timing was perfect, the story kept me involved, and in the end, I left with a smile. That is what I want in a story even if it is uncomfortable.

Lots to ponder

Read this for book club and very excited to discuss - SO many topics worth exploring. It’s a sad read and will be tough for those that have experienced loss but it really makes you think.

FIVE STARS!!!!

Would you listen to The Promise of Stardust again? Why?

Absolutely!!! The book was perfect! The narrator was perfect for this book. Beautifully written.

What did you like best about this story?

The story could have been a true story!!! It seemed so real. It makes you think about life and death and what you would do.

Which character – as performed by George Newbern – was your favorite?

The main character

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I cried in several different parts.

Any additional comments?

This book is a very touchy subject. I read a previous comment about being pro choice, and so they couldn't read it. The book is wonderful whether you are pro life or pro choice. It is a MUST listen!!!!

Heartbreakingly hopeful!

First off, the narration was magnificent! Me. Newbern did a phenomenal job of giving each character, “character”. I was completely enveloped in the story as a medical professional. This book gave me chills. You will be heartbroken, angry, empathic, and your morals will be questioned, but this book will also give you so much HOPE!

Tender

A very dear story, well presented. This book provided me with many complicated concepts in which to grapple and with the sweetness of uncomplicated love.

The Promise of Stardust

I'm still in tears.... Such an amazing book, I think because there were so many likenesses to my own maternity life... I too have the same blood disorder and lived through 4 miscarriages and 2 full term infant deaths..... So, yes, I'm still in tears, I'm so happy this story ended the way it did!!! 💐💕

The Promise of Stardust

What did you love best about The Promise of Stardust?

The way it made you question (What would I do in this situation?)

What did you like best about this story?

The ending, and the willpower of the husband.

What about George Newbern’s performance did you like?

He just had a. way of making you feel he was the husband.

If you could rename The Promise of Stardust, what would you call it?

I tried to think of one, I couldn't!

Any additional comments?

INTERESTING BOOK, MADE YOU THINK******

Heart-wrenching and thought-provoking

There aren't enough words to describe how much I loved this book. I loved how real the story is and how the arc of the book makes you look at your own thoughts and beliefs. I loved how it yanked on my heart strings and kept me needing to turn each page, unable to stop reading just to find out more. It's not an easy book to read due to the emotions it can bring up, but I still highly recommend this book.

Page turner ethical drama

This is a great beach read because it's fast-paced and has an ethical question at its core... but it was a bit over the top in terms of the set-up. I think it would've seemed a bit less fantastical if the main character hadn't been an astronaut.

Boring

This story was boring and lacked any depth. The concept was heart breaking, but I didn't feel sad. Bad writing.

Brilliant listen - be warned it’s not an easy listen!

I absolutely loved this book. Hit every emotion in my body. Truly amazing story and well worth it!