Shower of Stars

by Nancy Herkness

While interviewing Jack Lanett, a meteorite hunter who has just made an incredible scientific discovery, journalist Charlotte Berglund proposes a marriage of convenience so that she can adopt a child, but their special understanding is put to the test when love enters the picture. Original.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Marriage Of Convenience

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 6, 2004

About the author

Nancy Herkness is the award-winning, best-selling author of contemporary romance for readers who love richly developed characters and an immersive reading experience. Meet the wealthy, powerful alpha heroes who need down-to-earth women to show them how to find soul-deep love and pulse-racing passion. Nancy’s vivid writing brings to life settings both elegant and homey, while making her flawed but fascinating characters leap off the page and into your heart. Savor the thrill of falling in love by diving into one of Nancy’s books.

Author of the Royal Caleva, Consultants, Wager of Hearts, and Whisper Horse series, as well as several other contemporary romance novels, Nancy has sold over a million books. She is also a two-time nominee for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA® award.

Nancy has received many honors for her work, including the Book Buyers Best Top Pick, the New England Readers’ Choice award, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award. She graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English literature and creative writing.

A native of West Virginia, Nancy now lives twelve miles west of the Lincoln Tunnel in suburban New Jersey with two tabby cats.

For more information about Nancy and her books, visit www.NancyHerkness.com. Sign up for her monthly newsletter—and get a free novella—at: http://www.nancyherkness.com/newsletter/

Social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyherkness
BookBub author: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nancy...
Amazon author: https://amazon.com/stores/author/B001...

Reviews

[TSN ☮ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 35%

Nah. Didn't feel it at all.

[Andria Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. I expected something a bit different tbh but that's my fault not the author's. 3.5 ✨

[Preet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is love story between two people who have not had the best lives and are deeply hurt. They are drawn to each other by desire but fool themselves into thinking they can control what is between them. Charlotte "Charlie" Berglund is a journalist and Jackson"Jack" Burke Lanett is a meteorite hunter. They meet when Charlie comes to interview Jack about a meteorite he's found from Mars that might contain the answer to the question of whether or not Mars has/had life. Instead, Jack is drawn into a rescue operation to save a large dog that was hit by a car.

Charlie is trying to adopt a baby girl from China and is having problems with the case worker and Jack is keeping secrets. Charlie can't help being drawn to him. To complicate matters, Sallyanne a nine year old child is sent to foster with Charlie after her mother is murdered, and her absent father decides to reappear.

This book was extremely well written. It had more depth than expected, but it was all very good. I was impressed by the scientific knowledge in the book in regards to meteorites and space. Nancy Herkness has done a great job with this book!

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journalist "Charlie" Berglund has managed to get an interview with meteorite hunter Jack Lanett. Jack just found a huge meteorite, origin Mars, and is getting ready to auction it off. There's an instant attraction, but Jack has secrets and Charlie's been burned twice.

She's trying to adopt a Chinese baby, but her adoption papers are on hold because of the nature of her freelance work. To persuade her not to dig into his background for a book (and more stable career/income) he suggest marriage in name only. Charlie accepts and things seem to be going well. When a 9-year-old is placed with her on an emergency basis, Charlie falls in love with Sallyanne. At the same time Jack is preparing for the auction. When Sallyanne's biological father shows up and then tries to blackmail Charlie, she handles it on her own. When the meteor is stolen by one of the losing bidders, Jack gets her help. Jack has lots of baggage - he murdered his father at 14 after he severely beat/raped his mom and he thinks that behavior is hereditary. He's also estranged from the brother produced by that rape - also an astrophysicist. Charlie loves them all enough to pull them together and make a family.

Good story, unusual. Some sex.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is after an interview with the elusive Jack Lanett, a meteorite Hunter. On the way, a dog is hit by a car, and the interview is replaced by them taking the dog to the vet.

She’s trying to adopt a child, and is almost approved, but her job is a bit too dangerous, as an adventurer who writes about her experiences.

Once Jack meets Charlie, he’s intrigued enough to give her the interview that was cancelled. But now, she wants to write a book about him, and he has a secret he doesn’t want found out.

His plan? Marry Charlie. He gets her to drop her book idea, she gets the perfect picture for approval for her adoption.

Lots of unforeseen events, which they weather through together, from fostering a nine year old to having a priceless meteor stolen.

Great read, beautiful images and interesting information about meteorites.

KU

[Nikita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, heartwarming, and easy read

Wonderful standalone! I really loved the story in this and I found myself learning so much more about meteorites than I ever thought.

The romance built in a steady way with minimal angst and there were some great steamy moments! Both main characters were very likeable and complex in their own ways and even the side characters had their own parts to contribute to the overall story.
The only reason I am giving 4 stars is because it felt like the ending came quite quickly. All the loose ends were tied up, but in very quick succession, so I would have liked to see that at a more steady pace.
Overall, this was a very heartwarming romance, which was such a lovely and easy read. I will definitely be reading this again in the future.

[Susannah Carleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing and compelling story about a woman who cannot have children and wants to adopt a baby girl from China, the meteor hunter about whom she's writing an article, a little girl who comes into their lives unexpectedly, and a meteor that may be able to prove there's life on Mars that scientists and collectors want for very different reasons.

It's a tale about dreams and goals, about families (of blood ties and of the heart), and about love and friendship. And it's a story that will tug your heartstrings and and bring joy to your heart.

[Anika · Rating 1 out of 5]

For some reason I couldn't get into this book. I liked the premise but the execution left something to be desired. When I read that the main character effectively wanted to marry some random guy so she could get a baby from china, I bailed. A child's not a possession and the character didn't seem particularly interested in meeting the child's needs. It seemed to be all about meeting her needs. This may have been resolved further in the book but I wasn't interested enough to keep reading.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

New find!

Just coming across this author and so happy that I have and that her books are available on Kindle Unlimited! The variety of her stories are great and so different. The level of detail put in to make a great story regardless of meteors or accounting is obvious. Very happy with my new finds!!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Wow, this was a great story! I loved the characters who were totally relatable and real. The storyline was intriguing and had romance, angst, heartfelt emotion and a fabulous HEA! ❤👍❤👍

[NAOMI · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're fascinated by the cosmos and love a romance, then this book is for you! This author is new-to-me. I met her in the Let's Talk Romance Books virtual book club... she's lovely. I look forward to reading more books from this author.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

Lovely romantic novel. Read in one evening and enjoyed from start to finish. Cried at times and feared the worst. Good read!

[Jackie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Fascinating book about meteors. I’ve never read a book about them. I learned a lot. This book was a little different from her other books.

[Debra Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very good book. I couldn't put it down.

[Fionnaigh Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Lots of twists and believable characters
Well written.interesting facts about meteors as well....none of which I had known.really enjoyed it

[Mary Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't finish it

[Barbara Lorusso · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely escape from reality which leaves me wanting to lay in a dark field and stargaze.

[Sai Theagaraj · Rating 3 out of 5]

"To the people who look up the sky and wish, your dreams will come true ❤️"

[Karen Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shower of Stars by Nancy Herkness is a story of a different vein than the other enchanting novels by her that have come across my desk to read and review. Nancy is known for her enchanting romances that sweep you off your feet. She can leave you short of breath, for many reasons, and still have an underlying story-within-the-story that packs a punch and makes it more than another Saturday afternoon fairytale.
But this, Shower of Stars was different from the start. This was the first of Nancy’s books that I would move from the “Romance” genre to the “Women’s Fiction” genre, for though there was romance folded within the pages and she worked her magic at raising the blood pressure and libido within the context of the story - that was not her focus. The focus of this little gem was about one’s longing for love and family and the journey to find family only to discover love in the process.
With each new book, I am finding that Nancy is learning to give more voice to her characters within her stories. With this she is allowing them to tell their stories and share their souls. In turn this is providing a magic of depth and feeling to her books that only the best authors are able to attain. Suddenly, we are no longer just reading Nancy’s stories, we are living them through her characters; feeling, breathing and sensing life from their point of view. That is true magic. That is what lifts the story off the page and gives it life.
I feel that Shower of Stars is a glimpse of some of the wonder that Nancy will be bringing to her readership in the coming months and years. I am looking forward to falling into the worlds she builds and melting into the stories she creates. This wonderful work receives a FIVE STAR Review from this humble reviewer and blogger.
Shower of Stars was provided to Blogging Under the Shade Tree to read and in exchange for a Fair and honest review of the material. Blogging Under the Shade Tree is not associated with the publisher or seller of this product.

[Katarina Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a Plot!

I've read a lot of these fun, mindless romances, and overwhelmingly, they're 95% 'oh, I like him let's have 10 page descriptions of raunchy sex then spend another 10 pages mulling over what the relationship is' and 5% actual character development and plot advancement. All situations are resolved through lots of sex. And I get it, that's the genre. But just because I want a little romance and a happy ending, doesn't mean authors should completely ignore everything they learned in middle school English.
Anyway, this book actually has an interesting premise. A meteorite hunter with a past engages in a marriage of convenience with a nosy journalist hoping to adopt. It's a little far fetched, but fun to read. There are a cast of interesting side characters and lots of different situations that allow you to engage with them and the lead characters. The plot itself wasn't completely predictable, so it was fun guessing where it might lead.
My one complaint is that I feel the plot was a touch rushed. The relationship between the two main characters launched itself pretty unexpectedly, and at the end, one second a lot of pieces are up in the air, the next everything is neatly wrapped up. The author hinted at a lot of backstory then never fully fleshed it out. Since some of those details were glossed over, I feel like I couldn't completely connect to the story or understand the characters' motivations. Overall a good romantic read, with enough going on to get you hooked.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the premise of this book, but the execution fell flat for me. While I could suspend disbelief for the plot, I found the development of the relationship between the MCs to be lacking. Overall, an ok read with a rushed ending.

What I liked:
1) The alternating povs.
2) No ow/om drama.
3) The story featured older MCs. I find the older ones to be more mature and beyond the stupid YA or even NA mistakes.
4) The dialogue and overall writing were very pleasant to read.

What I didn't like:
1) The way the author flits between povs and scenes. There's no indication, physical or written, that cues the changes. It can be very disconcerting reading like that.
2) Not enough relationship development. And not enough development for the H either. That's the tricky thing about writing characters who have secrets they want to keep. They're so mysterious and closed off that you have a hard time connecting with them.
3) The ending felt very rushed.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author and Shower of Stars is yet another of her strong stories. Charlie (Charlotte) is a career woman who is devastated when the man she loves leaves her when she cannot have children. So she sets out to adopt a child only to learn that while she is almost a perfect candidate, her unusual career as an adventure writer may keep her from adopting. She is determine to increase her chances by marrying a "stable" man and settling into a more predictable life. Enter, Jack, a man with an equally unusual career, a mysterious past and a killer smile. Add to this an injured dog, an unexpected opportunity to foster a child, an astrological mystery and you have a great story. What could be a predictable story takes an unpredictable turn that makes it interesting and enjoyable.

[Patricia Camaioni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and had to read it in one sitting, The two main characters damaged in different ways coming together to help each other. The information about meteorites
was so thorough and extensive it makes the reader want to visit the Smithsonian to see the exhibits and learn more. Nancy's writing is so beautiful it reminds me of my favorite Judith McNaught's contemporary novels . Truly more than 5 stars.

[Karen Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the space info, very fascinating. I didn't quite feel the connection between the 2 other than how they jump each other every chance they could. Great secondary characters but that space may have been better used to develop their connection better. Also, Jack is frustrating with his hot/cold behavior.

[Pat and Janet Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch a falling star

How do we deal with disappointment, can we leave the past behind, can there be hope if we wish upon a falling star?
This book demonstrates how different characters can discover peace, happiness and love when they ate willing to put hurts behind a grab the out stretched of a friend.
Truly enjoyed this book that is appropriate for anyone over the age of 16.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved both Charlie and Jack and I enjoyed their budding romance and the unveiling of their secrets. This was a quick read with just enough depth and a few surprises. I would definitely recommend it.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!! I'd reccamend it to my friends or in a book club. A bit unusual and fast paced, but a good story, good characters. A few twists. Dare I say a little bit educational. Sweet romance. Happy Ending. No cliff hanger.

[Lisa Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book by an incredible author!

[Lyn Yanez]

Also great!

[Virginia Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as smooth as her later books but I really liked the characters and their backstories.