The Color of Rock

In Miller’s fine debut, a young physician seeks a fresh start at a Grand Canyon clinic and finds more challenges than she’d bargained for. Dr. Abby Wilmore arrives from Phoenix newly sober, grappling with anxiety, and dealing with the fallout from a failed engagement. All she wants is to throw herself into work at the clinic, where the flood of patients includes cases of severe dehydration, squirrel-bitten tourists, and diabetic locals. Her straitlaced, critical boss, too used to handling everything himself, obviously needs more of her help but won’t ask for it. A handsome park ranger, meanwhile, hopes to draw Abby’s focus away from her work. The more Abby gets to know the canyon, its people, and its perils, the more she understands how life reflects the rugged landscape. Miller’s background as a family physician grounds Abby’s experiences, making more poignant the emotions surrounding the community’s medical emergencies and tragedies. Readers will sympathize with Abby, a capable doctor tempered by humility and an earnest desire to make a difference. Part Gray’s Anatomy, part modern western romance, Miller’s enjoyable story marries unexpected diagnoses with the promise of a happily-ever-after and will please fans of Jojo Moyes. (Nov.)