Sunday, July 6, 2014

YA Read Blog Tour, Interview, & Giveaway: Summer At Paradise Ranch (R. Barri Flowers)

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From R. Barri Flowers, author of the bestselling teen novels, COUNT DRACULA’S TEENAGE DAUGHTER, TEEN GHOST AT DEAD LAKE, and OUT FOR BLOOD, come the start of an exciting new young adult adventure series, SUMMER AT PARADISE RANCH.
Four months shy of turning sixteen, Lexi Montoya was still trying to come to terms with her parents’ divorce and her mom’s remarriage to a man she met online, relocating to Maui, Hawaii.
Choosing to remain with her dad in Seattle, Lexi had planned to spend her first summer since the divorce hanging out with her boyfriend, Matt, and best friend, Robin. But her dad had other plans, insisting she spend the summer visiting her mom and stepdad at his ranch called Paradise Ranch in Wailuku, in west Maui.
Lexi went there with an attitude. Then she meets a cute Hawaiian guy named Mitsuo, is thrown into a love triangle, become friends with a teen girl living on a ranch next door, April; rides her first horse– an Arabian mare named Poppy– learns to hula dance and surf, and finds herself embroiled in a dangerous rescue mission when Poppy and another horse named Casper go missing from her stepfather’s ranch.
By the time her tropical summer adventure comes to an end, Lexi hates to leave Maui and say goodbye to Mitsuo. But can she stay when Matt is waiting for her back at home to pick up where they left off? Or will he lose her to a summer romance?
SUMMER AT PARADISE RANCH is a great coming of age adventure with young romance and mystery in paradise. Now in eBook, print, and audio.


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 R. Barri Flowers is the bestselling author of young adult novels, including OUT FOR BLOOD, COUNT DRACULA’S TEENAGE DAUGHTER, TEEN GHOST AT DEAD LAKE, GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY, DANGER IN TIME, andCHRISTMAS WISHES: Laura’s Story. His novels can be found in print, eBook, and audio. In addition to bookstores, many of the titles can be found at public libraries across the country.
The author has also written a number of bestselling teen and young adult related nonfiction books as well, including RUNAWAY KIDS AND TEENAGE PROSTITUTION, KIDS WHO COMMIT ADULT CRIMES, and CHILDREN AND CRIMINALITY.Follow R. Barri Flowers on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest Goodreads, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube, LibraryThing,Flickr,and www.rbarriflowers.net. And learn more about the author in Wikipedia.





Twitter: https://twitter.com/RBarriFlowers



What gave you the inspiration to write this book?

Living part time in Hawaii and experiencing the adventure of a lifetime was my primary inspiration for SUMMER AT PARADISE RANCH. I wanted to take readers along on the adventure my teenage protagonist experiences in this coming of age novel with teen angst, drama, romance, mystery, and suspense.


Who is your favorite character in the book?

That would have to be the protagonist, Lexi Montoya, who is an almost sixteen fish out of water, but quickly adapts to her Maui, Hawaii surroundings and culture, even as she deals with parent and relationship issues.


Which came first, the title or the novel?

The title came first. I wanted a title that could immediately capture the potential readers fancy and imagination. I think that with SUMMER AT PARADISE RANCH, I accomplished that. It also made it easier for me to develop the plot, with the title a working guideline.


What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?

That is a great question. Let’s see… I would have to say that I am most proud of the scene where Lexi first learns how to ride a horse. It is never as easy as it seems on television, but Lexi displays courage and humor in accepting the challenge of becoming a true cowgirl. It also set the stage for other adventures for Lexi on the island, such as hula dancing and surfing.


Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

Another great question. The most important thing I have learned over the years as a writer is to pursue your passion in life with all you have, leaving nothing on the table, and the end will almost surely justify the means. Also, learn from your mistakes and always accept constructive criticism as a way to improve your craft rather than run away from.


What do you like most about the cover of the book?

I love how the cover shows my protagonist leaning against a wooden fence and wearing a cowgirl hat. It is a great image that fits the theme of SUMMER AT PARADISE RANCH.


What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2014?

The highly anticipated second book in my Leila Kahana Hawaii mystery series, titled, MURDER ON KAANAPALI BEACH, sequel to MURDER IN MAUI.


What was your favorite book in 2013?

JAMAICA INN by Daphne du Maurier.


What’s up next for you?

I am working on KULA’S REVENGE, the third book in my Transylvanica High vampire series for teenagers; as well as a new cozy mystery.


Is there anything that you would like to add?

I invite YA readers to read my teen mysteries and romances, including COUNT DRACULA’S TEENAGE DAUGHTER and OUT FOR BLOOD (the first two in the Transylvanica High series), as well as my YA haunted house series, GHOST GIRL IN SHADOW BAY and TEEN GHOST AT DEAD LAKE. All are available in eBook, print, and audio.

Learn more about my writings and sign up for newsletter at www.rbarriflowers.com and www.rbarriflowers.net.








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