Christian Fiction Romantic Suspense in which a once engaged couple, an arborist and a retired military operator, and his K-9 team up to escape an earthquake ravaged Yosemite and evade a killer to find the child he didn't know about.

DNF – 1/5 stars: I'm a fan of Mentink's Cozy Mystery series, so I jumped at the chance to read a gritter mystery. Unfortunately this book ultimately wasn't for me, leading me to DNF it at 36%. Von experience as a Grey Beret serving in the USAF Special Recon as a combat weatherman & K-9 handler is incredibly interesting and not something I'd read about before. The wintery setting in California's Yosemite National Park after an earthquake makes for a compelling and fraught read. But the Von and Stella's romantic situation, the secret baby, and Stella's mental health just added up to way too much angst for me. In addition, I did not realize that Love Inspired was a Christian Fiction imprint and I'm just not interested in reading that genre. There are some very tough topics broached, so take care and check the CWs. I will still be reading Metnick's Cozies and will look out for other non-Christian Fiction releases from them in the future.

I received this eARC thanks to Harlequin – Romance, Love Inspired Trade in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

These books are so hard to put down. At times it feels a little unrealistic that all of these bad things happen to the characters in such a short period of time but this is the only negative. The characters of Hannah, Von, Bear and Stella were so good. I enjoyed the suspense and was left guessing until the end.



Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

An adventure that will have you reading as fast as you can in order to find out who did it, what’s going to be happening next, and will they survive? If you like breath-holding suspense then this book is a must read!

Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink starts off with a bang. I thought the author captured the setting of Yosemite National Park. I was unable to connect with the two main characters, Stella and Von. I did not like Stella’s deceit and her justifications. Vonn was a tough nut to crack. I did like seeing the characters grow (personally, emotionally, and spiritually) by the end of the story. There are a number of characters introduced. It takes time to learn about them and keep them straight (which does not help the pacing). The way the characters talked and acted, it made me believe that Trapped in Yosemite was part of a series (it’s not). After the action at the beginning, the story slowed down for a spell. I was happy that the pace picked up in the second half along with the suspense. I did not enjoy the scenes where the two main characters evade discussing their feelings and Stella avoids telling Von about their baby (while everyone around them knows about it). There is tension, lies, gunshots, and extreme weather. Stella and Von work to uncover why someone wants to kill Stella. Faith is woven throughout the story. Two of the main themes are redemption and second chances. My favorite character in the story was Von’s dog, Bear. Trapped in Yosemite had an uplifting and satiating ending.

This was my first Dana Mentink book, and it drew me in right away. I loved how it started off with a bang (literally!) and just kept going. Mentink has a compelling writing style that kept me turning pages, and coupled with the back-to-back action that didn't let up until the end, I finished it within a couple of days. However, I thought the "whodunit" part was a bit convoluted and a bit convenient when it was all revealed. At the end, there were some loose threads left hanging, which felt like an oversight. I also wasn't a huge fan of the religious aspect. I consider myself a Christian, but I'm not super religious, and I felt like it really slowed down the story... but if that's your thing, no judgment! I just wasn't expecting it at all (does anyone else think NetGalley's sub-genre tagging is a bit lacking?), and at times it was a bit "in your face." Even so, I would definitely read another book by this author.

This is the first book I have read by this author. I am so glad I gave it a try.
This book was well written, it hooked me from the beginning, and it kept me guessing the entire book.
I loved these characters, they felt real and relatable. They were the kind of people I'd like to know in real life.
I will definitely be checking out more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own *

The beginning of this book immediately grabs the reader. Stella, an arborist has been lured to a remote area where she witnesses a murder. The killer turns now on her and she fleeing for her life. Oddly enough her rescuer is her former fiancé, Von who has been absent for a long time from her life.
How convenient. Stella and Von’s past and breakup are complicated to say the least. Now a major earthquake has occurred and they are trapped with a killer at bay. But who’d want Stella dead? The cast trapped includes a beloved aunt caring for Stella’s 9 month old baby. And the baby by the way you learn early on, is Von’s, Stella, unwisely, has never shared this fact with the father.
Dana Mentink has penned a thrilling story with a complex plot, that’s sure to keep you guessing. The tension is compounded by the devastation of the earthquake and severe weather. Then a bone chilling discovery reveals a tangled web of lies and some unforeseen surprises.
My favorite character was Von’s trained dog, Bear. Stella annoyed me with her deceits about the baby, and Von was hard to crack.
Romance novels aren’t my favorite and at times I slugged through the never ending scenes until the end and was glad I did.

Loved loved this fast action book that I couldn't put down!
This will be my favorite by by Mentik.
She's such a good storyteller that I felt like I was included in Von and Stella's adventure.
Lots of twists and turns to keep you invested in here. Your heart will be thumping through most of it.
This story has a few surprises along the way. Those surprises are what makes the story good.
I too loved the faith filled themes that were interwoven in these characters' lives. I really appreciated that the author shows how imperfect they are.
Bear is awesome! He was my favorite character. I loved how Von and Bear work together in perfect harmony.
Mentik also shows us that God's timing is always perfect no matter what happens in a relationship.
I adored the setting! It was what made me want to read this book. I've always wanted to visit Yosemite. Such beautiful descriptions! Wow!
5 stars for an awesome adventure! I highly recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harliquen for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Readers who like action packed mysteries will enjoy this story. Unsuspecting Stella is targeted by a killer when out on a job in Yosemite. The question is why? Lots of twists and turns will keep readers engaged throughout this complex mystery. Will Von and Stella's past relationship be given a second chance? Very realistic descriptions of the volcano and aftershocks. Enjoyable. Recommended.

An action-packed romantic suspense story! Set in the beautiful yet treacherous area of Yosemite National Park, with snowy mountains, raging rivers and major earthquakes. Add in a murder, unknown stalker, and a group of people stuck together by a disaster, all of whom seem to harbor secrets.
This was a fast-paced story with plenty of drama, danger and a mystery. It felt like part of a series with a lot of characters to sort out, but after a bit of background was given, it was easy enough to follow. A strong ex-military hero with a well trained dog made a good counterpart to a younger single mom struggling to keep her child from harm. The danger keeps coming, adding tension all the way through, with a surprise plot twist revealing the final piece of the mystery. I liked how the author added a bit of spiritual inspiration throughout the story as the main characters worked out their personal grief and looked to God for help. The ending was satisfying and hopeful.
Recommend to fans of clean romantic suspense with inspiration. 4.5 stars

Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink started with a bang, literally, and didn’t let up until the very end. This story kept me guessing the entire time. I could not figure out who was trying to kill Stella or why.

Stella and Von were once engaged, but things didnt work out. When they meet up again in this story, so many things are going on! There are secrets- so many secrets! A killer who can’t seem to be stopped or found, add in a massive earthquake that basically traps our group in Yosemite and you have non stop questions and action! It took me a bit to warm up to Von. He has a tough/grumpy demeanor, but I loved seeing his growth throughout the story and how he changed by the end. Stella had a tough, heartbreaking road to recover from. I was so happy for her to finally find some peace once all was said and done. Bear was a great character of the K9 variety! I always love how Ms. mentink writes dogs into her stories.

If you’re looking for a fast paced, keep you guessing until the end story, this is the one for you!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 4 stars.

Trapped in Yosemite is a gripping suspense that keeps you guessing throughout secrets revealed and confessions made amongst the vividly described backdrop of an earthquake-torn Yosemite National Park.
Arborist Stella Rivers is hired to meet a man about some trees. But when the man in question is killed right in front of her and now someone is after her, all she can think about is getting back to her infant daughter. When she’s run off the road into a creek, it’s a lucky break (or was it God?) that brings Air Force K9 handler Von Sharpe to her rescue. Except…they used to be engaged, and haven’t seen each other in over a year.
A massive earthquake right at their reunion propels them to MOVE. They make their way back to the Wilderness campground where Von has been the last 3 months.
This doesn’t bring the safety they hope, though. Someone is after Stella, and will stop at nothing to get her. But why? There’s a number of players in this riveting story, and it seems most of them have something to hide.
But Stella has the biggest secret of all. Von and his K9 promise to protect her, no matter the cost, despite their past history. But can this intense time of danger, discovery, learning to lead on the Lord again turn past history into a hope for the future…together?
You will want to find out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

Stella Rivers just witnessed a murder and is on the run. She is trying to get to her aunt's house where her daughter is staying. Von Sharpe witnesses Stella is former fiancé being forced off the road in her car.
There is an earthquake, and everything is chaotic, and no one is getting anywhere soon. Von and Stella are trapped at his brothers' camp and seems the killer is still after her and everyone is a suspect.
When Stella brings her daughter to camp along with her aunt and has to finally let Von know he is the father things are still in a mess with a killer on the loose.
This is a great suspense romance, and I just loved the twist and turns.

This suspense story has everything - interesting characters, suspense/action that make you hold your breath, magnificent setting, and so many twists and turns that you have to keep reading to figure out who the "bad guy" is - and why someone is trying to kill Stella, the main character. Oh, and how could I forget Bear?! I want a dog just like him. This is definitely a page-turner and I hope there will be more stories about these characters because several of the "secondary" ones need their own story!!! I received an advance copy but all opinions are my own.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀. 𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲?

True wilderness survival is about understanding the environment you’re in, respecting it, and being prepared for the unexpected. New-to-me author, Dana Mentink, explores the mindset needed to be resilient and helps us understand what sets one’s survival instinct apart from another’s.

Trapped in Yosemite is a fascinating story on so many levels, but the 𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚. Yes, there’s running to/from a natural disaster and snipers, a sudden storm, family drama, relationship drama, jarhead mindset, hidden secrets, and a secret baby trope, but in each subplot, there’s a situation presented where a character must choose between what’s right and what’s easy. If there’s ever a moment where you’re prone to think that (1) it wouldn’t happen to me or (2) I’d always choose to do what’s right, Mentink is here to warn us that in survival/trauma situations, we are all responsible for our choices (and we don’t always make the right choice under pressure) and that our survival depends on believing in humanity and believing in the resilience of others. Of course, of utmost importance, this is a 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 and Mentink hopes we’ll be reminded of God’s great love and care for us.

This is my first book featuring a K-9 handler and a 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 -𝒐𝒑𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒈. I learned so much about their bond and was in awe of the canine companion's vital role in Von Sharpe’s life. I’m not a dog person, but this brought something new to the narrative and solidified my emotional attachment to the characters Bear protected.

I loved how Stella Rivers and Von Sharpe’s relationship was portrayed. I’m not a big romance reader, so I breathed a sigh of relief that this wasn’t a lovey-dovey book. What I enjoyed was the awkward tension between them. It was written so authentically. The reader knows more than Von and it endears us to him; Mentink plays on it well. In the middle of all the noise and chaos is a pair of hearts that are beating softly and quietly pleading to be accepted again and loved. If this scenario could be painted, I’d frame it. So wonderfully written! I also liked that they were 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 (38 and 27 years old), learning to deal with painful adjustments and change, grief, heartache, and know going into survival mode that often love isn’t enough. I appreciated how Mentink brought them to the realization that their’s was a God of second chances and that they were put on this planet to learn how to love.

“If you aren’t tied together by God, the world will tear you apart in short order.”

The mystery and thriller aspects were superb. The 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔. I love a great adventure because it gives me an opportunity to read about the mental mindset needed, reminds me why we perform acts of heroism, and what I can do to become a better decision-maker and a resilient person during the unexpected. Mentink dishes it up in spades.

“Focus on the next thing and only the next thing.”

I loved the thrill ride of this 𝒂𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆-𝒇𝒖𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, resonated with her masterfully crafted characters and appreciated the reminders about relying on our faith. Mentink is now an auto-read author for me.

You need to get swept away by this unputdownable masterpiece!

I'm hoping this will become a series, or have a sequel at best....please?!

Trapped in Yosemite was my first Dana Mentink novel. This book had a romantic suspense vibe with the added twist of a natural disaster to complicate things even further! Earthquakes! Say it isn’t so! On a personal note, just days before I started this book we had several large-ish earthquakes in our town, so this one was like, yikes, really? However, the earthquake added a definite sense of unpredictability to this plot and the forced proximity allowed these characters to really acknowledge and confront some of their past issues and fears. There were several near death incidents which kept me as a reader craving answers. These characters are mainly in survival mode for the majority of this story, however the conclusion brought answers and clarity to their circumstances. I had a little trouble visualizing some of the scenes, which could possibly just be my personal issue, but I felt like I couldn’t picture some of what I was reading based on the descriptions. I also felt like the issue of them being “trapped” was more problematic at certain times than others and I would have liked there to be more of a clear cut distinction that we are cut off completely or we are not. My favorite character was obviously Bear. I know, I know. He’s a dog. But, he was heroic on more than one occasion and was loyal, dependable and just easy to love! I think this book is the first in a series and I would like to read more from this author and see where the series goes!

I've read and enjoyed many of Mentink's books, and this was no exception. I loved the setting (Yosemite National Park). There's a lot going on to keep readers engaged, from secrets to earthquakes to attempted murder. The action started from the beginning, and the pace stayed active throughout. I loved Bear, Von's dog. It took me a bit to connect with Von and Stella, but the changes (emotional, personal, and spiritual) in them by the end of the story are inspiring.

I just finished Trapped in Yosemite by Dana Mentink. I know I said it many times before but I have to say it again. THIS IS HER BEST BOOK SO FAR. I can’t wait to read her next ones. It was like watching a movie. Everything was so vivid. I’ve never been to Yosemite, but in my mind it was so beautiful even after the earthquake. I hated for the book to end but I want to let her get onto writing the next one.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

This new to me author has a new fan! This book captured my attention and made it extremely difficult to put down. It is full of suspense, intrigue, and drama that kept me guessing until the end. The rich details in the scenery of Yosemite makes you feel like you are actually there living the story with the characters.

Full of characters with a lot of personality, make this story an interesting read. Both main characters Stella and Von have a lot of heart heavy things they have to deal with all while trying to keep Stella safe from a killer. She was definitely my favorite character due to the incredible strength with which she tackled life. It was such a great group of characters in Camy, Tate, Kip, & Zoe that it would make a great series to expand on their stories.

This book will not disappoint! I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Plot
This book is a total thrill ride from start to finish! Imagine jumping into a whirlwind of ceaseless action, heart thumping, eyes glued to the pages. The plot hooks you, the flow’s smooth as silk, every piece fits just right.

Setting
Yosemite in winter – could there be a better backdrop for an unforgettable reading experience? I think not! The setting was utterly compelling, almost as if Yosemite itself was a character in the book.

You could feel the shivers of the blizzard, the tremors of the earthquake. It was powerful, raw, and captivating. It did more than just provide a backdrop; it forced the characters into a unique set of circumstances, like trapped players on a stage.

Characters
Reading this book was like stepping into a world where characters felt like old friends instead of fictional constructs. I absolutely adored the characters – so real, so raw, with problems that struck a chord with my own experiences.

What really hit me was the delicate interweaving of faith themes into their lives. Dana, the author, didn’t just tell a story; she wove a rich tapestry of belief and self-discovery that was both beautiful and profound.

Both main characters evolved so beautifully throughout the narrative. Their second chance at romance wasn’t just sweet – it was the perfect culmination of their individual journeys.

Tropes
-Second chance romance
-Surprise baby
-New to faith Christians

Writing Style
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, and I’ve encountered many writers in my lifetime. Yet, Dana’s work stands out like a beacon. It’s apparent she’s been at this for a while; her writing has such an elegant flow, it’s like a well-choreographed dance.

You just get swept along with the rhythm. The way she weaves each plot point, one after the other, it’s like watching a master at work – seamless and captivating.

My overall thoughts
The moment I opened Trapped in Yosemite, I was completely hooked. Seriously, this book was an absolute gem. And if you’re like me, a sucker for complex characters and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is the book for you.

The characters were so brilliantly crafted that they felt like old friends by the end of the first chapter.
But the real kicker? That surprise twist ending. I’m telling you, it left me so shocked. One minute I’m engrossed in the story, the next I’m reeling from the unexpected turn of events.

It was a plot twist masterstroke that kept me guessing and flipping the pages like there was no tomorrow.