I am a huge fan of survival anything–shows, books, true stories. So of course I’m looking forward to romantic suspense author Dana Mentink’s upcoming release, Trapped in Yosemite!

Dana’s joining us today to share about her love of national parks and the inspiration behind Trapped in Yosemite.

Trapped in Yosemite takes place in one of the West Coast’s most beautiful national parks. I’ve only been once, but I’d love to go back. What is your favorite national park? 

Well, Yosemite is definitely at the top of my list. We’ve enjoyed so many amazing trips there and it really is breathtaking no matter what season you arrive.

My favorite park is going to sound like an odd choice, but it’s Death Valley National Park. Definitely NOT a park you can visit all year long, but it’s the most intriguing place I’ve ever experienced. Salt flats, sand dunes, twisted rock formations and canyons, and there’s a surprising amount of wildlife in that hostile place. There’s actually a teeny tiny fish that has only been found in a secluded pool in Death Valley. So incredible!

Your story involves wilderness survival. According to recent polls, most Americans believe they could survive the wilderness for 16 days. Do you think you could? 

I would survive for approximately five minutes. Seriously. I live in Northern, California so I’m not weather sturdy. Plus, I am perpetually lost. I can’t even find my car in the mall parking lot. I’d be completely useless in the wilderness, but I would have a snack in my purse so that’s a positive. 

What do you hope readers will take away from Trapped in Yosemite? 

As with all of my books, I pray my readers will enjoy a suspenseful thrill ride, encounter characters that resonate with them, and have a gentle reminder of the vast love of our Lord.