The article below appeared in the Newark Star-Ledger, September 30, 2004, jerseyink

The starry romance of a meteor hunter

Author: Nancy Herkness
Book: “Shower of Stars” (Berkley Sensation, $5.99, paper)

Jersey ties: Herkness graduated from Princeton as an English major, writing poetry as her thesis. After a stint on Long Island, she and her husband moved to Nutley and Montclair, then settled in Glen Ridge 18 years ago. She often speaks and signs books at local bookshops, libraries and women's clubs. “Shower of Stars” is set in New York City and New Jersey. Herkness previously published the romance “A Bridge to Love,” “firmly” set in the state, and is at work on her third romance, the hero of which is a New Jersey Devils hockey player, the heroine a poet.

Overview: Reporter Charlotte “Charlie” Berglund manages to arrange an interview with meteor hunter Jack Lanett about a spectacular discovery of his that could make his fortune and could determine whether there is life on Mars. Endless complications ensue, starting with Charlie rescuing a dog hit by a car and spiraling on from there.

How did she choose the topic? “I saw an ad from someone selling a meteorite. I'm a 'Star Trek' fan. I wondered who sells meteorites. …I read books about meteorites and one had a chapter or two on meteorite hunters. This seemed an extremely interesting profession.”

What should readers take from the book: “I write romance. It's an optimistic kind of fiction. Two characters have worked through serious problems and intend to continue to work through their problems. The Romance Writers of America has a definition for a romance: A love story is central to the plot, and the ending is positive. 

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