Special to the eagle Matlacha novelist, Robert Macomber will autograph copies of his newly released novel, The Darkest Shade of Honor, and share tales of his adventures during the eighth annual Book Bash to be held this weekend.

Touted as the biggest party of the season, Matlacha author Robert Macomber is inviting fans from near and far to join him for his annual “Big Book Bash Party.” On Saturday, March 27, the party will be staged at Woody’s Waterside Restaurant in St. James City from noon to 8 p.m. Pine Islanders will get their first opportunity to purchase a copy of the newest edition of the Honor Series when Macomber presents “The Darkest Shade of Honor” which was released to book stores on March 1.

“I worked very hard to create this novel and we’re going to party hard to celebrate its birth,” Macomber said. “These annual parties are far more fun than any ordinary book event and every year about 600 people come by and relax for the day and evening. I welcome everyone to come join us.”

As in years past, the featured performers will be the Yard Dogs, along with other special appearances by a few local performers.

Each year duing the Book Bash, Macomber dedicates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of his latest book to a charitable cause. This year, Macomber has chosen Haitian relief.

“The tragedy in Haiti is beyond comprehension and a lot of folks have asked me what they can do to help,” said Macomber. “My answer is simple, donate to your faith’s charity. If you don’t have a church, synagogue or mosque to send donations to or if you’d like to do more, then send a donation to the Christian clinic and mission I support in northern Haiti.”

During the event, Macomber will set aside money to be donated to the United Methodist Committee on Relief Haitian fund.

“Everyone buying a copy of my book will receive a brochure telling them about UMCOR’s efforts to provide help to the hundreds of thousands in Haiti who need it,” said Macomber. “I don’t intend to harangue people about what is needed in Haiti, but I do hope my readers will be encouraged to help the victims of this tragedy. Haiti is so close to us, both geographically and culturally, that we can’t ignore their suffering. I support the efforts of UMCOR as they have been in existence, providing assistance to the people of Haiti for decades. They are not a fly-by-night organizations and don’t have to jump through hoops or re-invent the process to get things done.”

During his research for “The Darkest Shade of Honor,” Macomber traveled around Florida and New York City, but his most interesting research led him to deep inside Cuba.

“In the new novel, readers will learn about my life-long ties to the people of Cuba and its rich history,” Macomber said. “At the book party, I’ll be happy to share my experiences in Cuba.”

“The Darkest Shade of Honor” is set in 1886 beginning in New York City. His main character, Peter Wake, then travels to Havana, Key West, Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers and the islands of Southwest Florida. Wake finds himself engulfed in a catastrophic event set in Key West when over half of the city was destroyed. According to Macomber, the end of this tale will reveal a shocking surprise for his avid readers.

“This one was very personal for me and readers will find out why at the end of the novel,” he said.

Macomber has also scheduled other book signings at Sanibel Bookshop, on Sanibel Island from at noon and at One For the Books in Cape Coral at 4 p.m. on April 3, before setting sail for his next adventure.

For more information about Robert Macomber and other books from his Honor Series, visit his Web site at robertmacomber.com