A Venetian Launch Party!

posted by Aunty Cindy aka Loucinda McGary

YIPEE!!!

HUZZAH!!!!

and BRAVISSIMO!!!

Aunty's Launch Party for The Treasures of Venice is finally here!

Aunty is so excited she can scarcely keep her straw gondolier's hat on her head. Yes, my Banditas, Buddies, and curious on-lookers, this celebration has a Venetian theme! The cabana boys are serving up gelato and lots of bubbly champers (or Asti Spumati if you prefer) while dressed in their striped gondolier shirts and sparkly Carnevale masks.

Meanwhile, Demetrius and the other gladiators are giving gondola rides out in the moat. (No, Aunty did not make them dress up, their tunics are quite festive enough!) The line forms to the left of the entrance.

I am soooo excited to finally see this book on the shelves! In case you hadn't heard, The Treasures of Venice was the story that finalled in the 2006 Golden Heart and led to me meeting all the other wonderful finalists. And of course, that ultimately led to the founding of THE ROMANCE BANDITS! Is it any wonder this story has such a special place in my heart?

Here's a brief blurb about the story (and a peek at the gorgeous cover): When American librarian Samantha Lewis and Irish rogue Keirnan Fitzgerald set off to find priceless jewels, they become embroiled in a 500-year-old love story that eerily prefigures their own...

In 15th century Venice, beautiful and wealthy Serafina falls in love with Nino, a young Florentine sculptor. They decide to flee to Padua, and to fund the trip, Nino copies a set of jewels that then disappear.

In modern-day Venice, Keirnan needs Samantha's help to locate the jewels so he can pay his sister's ransom. Samantha must decide whether the man she's so drawn to is her soul mate from a previous life...or are they merely pawns in a relentless quest for a priceless treasure?

Here's what our own dear Le Duchesse Jeanne Adams had to say: "A fast paced, intricate plot, a deliciously dangerous hero and a smart, intriguing heroine. What more could you want than to be immersed in the delicious adventure that is The Treasures of Venice? Loucinda McGary has done it again with a brilliant novel that looks to the past, entwines it in the present and makes you wonder at every twist and turn if the hero and heroine will get out alive. Snap this one up, it's a keeper!"

Meanwhile, that squealing sound you hear would be yer olde Aunty, who learned a few days ago that Romantic Times magazine gave The Treasures of Venice a 4 star review! The reviewer said: " Samantha and Keirnan's romance is the stuff dreams are made of, and their adventures while trying to track down the jewels and rescue his sister will keep you on the edge of your seat."

Aunty spins giddily out of control and collapses into the waiting arms of Sven and Lars who carry her to the nearest fainting couch. Thank goodness for our historical author Banditas who have furnished some rooms of the Lair in period furniture.

WHEW! Where was I? (Aunty fans herself vigorously.) Oh yes! This Launch Party!

Since The Treasures of Venice is all about hidden jewels, we need to celebrate with a good old fashioned treasure hunt!

So please, tell Aunty and the rest of us where in the Lair (or the world, for that matter) would you look for jewels hidden for 500 years? And whom would you like to bring along to assist you in your search?

Aunty will be giving away an autographed copy of The Treasures of Venice to one clever treasure hunter. And an autographed copy of The Wild Sight, or a box of chocolates (if you already have one or both books) to another successful treasure hunter.

GOOD LUCK! And PAR-TAY!!!