Suzanne Woods Fisher loves stories worth telling about people worth remembering. With over a million copies of her book sold worldwide, this bestselling, award-winning author of more than 30 books is always on the lookout for the unsung hero with an untold story.

Her latest book is Capture the Moment, and she takes us behind the scenes into the national park visits that inspired her to write her new series, National Parks Summers. Suzanne hopes that readers will be inspired to visit the national parks themselves after reading her books.

FF: Please tell readers about your new book, Capture the Moment.
Kate arrives in Grand Teton National Park on a mission to capture a one-in-a-million photo of the world’s most famous bear. She’s ready for adventure—isn’t she? When a handsome park ranger offers to lend a hand, Kate is grateful, attracted—and conflicted. There’s the small matter of the unresolved relationship she left back home.

FF: Capture the Moment is the first book in your new National Parks Summers series. How many books are in this series and what is the connection between all of the books in your series?
There are three books planned for the National Parks Summers series, each set in a different national park. While each book stands alone, some of the NPS rangers will appear across the series, creating a sense of continuity. Readers are going to feel inspired to visit these parks themselves! After all, national parks are America’s great backyard, and they belong to all of us.

FF: Your protagonist, Kate Cunningham, makes a huge leap from zoo photography to wildlife photography. What sparked the idea for this unique career transition?
Kate’s move from zoo photography to wildlife photography comes from her belief that everything she’s learned about animal behavior in a controlled environment can translate to the wild. She’s spent years reading the subtle cues of animals and is confident those skills will help her capture their beauty in their natural habitats. Hmm. Think she’s right?

FF: Many of your books explore finding purpose. How does Kate’s journey reflect this recurring theme?
I think readers will really connect with Kate. She was raised in a highly academic, traditional family, yet school was very difficult for her. She always felt like the odd one out—a square peg in a round hole. Photography is the one thing she feels she does well. Making the leap from zoo photography to wildlife photography is more than just a career change for Kate; it’s her chance to break away from the familiar and embrace the unknown.

To portray Coop’s role as a seasonal park ranger, I interviewed several rangers to get a sense of their work. One memorable interview was with a schoolteacher who spent every summer in Yosemite, which provided great insights into the lifestyle and responsibilities of a seasonal ranger. Those interviews helped me capture some authenticity of the seasonal ranger experience.

FF: How has your own experience with national parks influenced the way you captured the Grand Teton’s landscape in the story?
My trip to Grand Teton National Park was the spark for this entire series. The landscape is unlike any other—majestic mountains, vast wildlands, and wildlife thriving in every corner. It left a lasting impression on me, and I wanted to capture that sense of awe and wonder in my story. The Tetons are a place that should be on everyone’s must-see list.

FF: Capture the Moment touches on wildlife poaching. How did you research this darker element while keeping the story’s hopeful tone?
Poaching is a serious problem, but I wanted to focus on the ongoing efforts to combat it. There are so many organizations and individuals working tirelessly to protect wildlife. Their passion and dedication are the heart of the story’s hopefulness.

FF: What surprised you most during your research about wildlife photography and National Park
operations?
Wildlife photography takes immense patience. It’s not just about getting a great shot but about understanding the animals and being in the right place at the right time—often waiting for hours or days to capture that perfect moment. As for national parks, I was surprised to learn that a lot of the real work happens during the summer, when crews tackle maintenance tasks. But that can lead to chaos added to big crowds. Here’s my best tip: Visit during the shoulder seasons for a quieter, more peaceful experience!

FF: The story emphasizes conservation. How do you hope this aspect resonates with readers?
I hope readers are inspired to see the beauty and variety of wildlife as a reflection of God’s creativity. Our actions matter. In protecting nature, we honor the Lord who made it all.

FF: What challenges did you face in balancing the romantic elements with the suspenseful wildlife photography plot?
I tried to use both to drive the plot forward. Hopefully, the romantic moments didn’t overshadow the tension and high stakes surrounding the suspenseful undercurrent in the story. Two teen characters, Frankie and Maisie, helped keep a light touch in the book. Readers will see those two in the next book. Still bantering.

~~~

Capture the Moment
National Parks Summers #1
Suzanne Woods Fisher
Publisher: Revell
Genres: Children’s Book
Release Date: May 6, 2025

ISBN-10: 0800745310
ISBN-13: 978-0800745318

Book Summary:
Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild.

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

A clean, kisses-only contemporary romance and summer read by Suzanne Woods Fisher for wildlife, travel, and photography enthusiasts set in Grand Teton National Park.

CLICK TO BUY

Buy Capture the Moment from the FamilyFiction Amazon Affiliate HERE!