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Table of Contents
About The Book
A young woman stuck in a rut is dragged by her grieving grandmother to hike the Inca Trail – but can a holiday heal heartbreak, or will longtime secrets tear them apart? A heartwarming novel from the acclaimed author of Someone Else's Bucket List .
Heather Russo is miserable – work is non-stop, her love life is in tatters and she's in a total rut. But Heather's not the only struggling woman in her family. Her mother, Sandy, is finally separating from Heather's womanizing father, while her grandmother, Bonnie, is grieving her third husband by carrying his urn everywhere she goes… even the supermarket. She's had enough of wallowing, though, and plans a surprise girls' trip: they're going to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
Heather is a reluctant hiker – until she meets charming Owen on the trail and things start to get interesting. But, of course, that's when Bonnie decides to share some long-held secrets that just might send Heather and Sandy over the edge. Will they even make it to the summit?
With every twist on the trail, Heather learns more about her family – and herself – than she anticipated. And as her time with Owen becomes precious, she's forced to reconsider what she really wants for her future.
Heather Russo is miserable – work is non-stop, her love life is in tatters and she's in a total rut. But Heather's not the only struggling woman in her family. Her mother, Sandy, is finally separating from Heather's womanizing father, while her grandmother, Bonnie, is grieving her third husband by carrying his urn everywhere she goes… even the supermarket. She's had enough of wallowing, though, and plans a surprise girls' trip: they're going to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
Heather is a reluctant hiker – until she meets charming Owen on the trail and things start to get interesting. But, of course, that's when Bonnie decides to share some long-held secrets that just might send Heather and Sandy over the edge. Will they even make it to the summit?
With every twist on the trail, Heather learns more about her family – and herself – than she anticipated. And as her time with Owen becomes precious, she's forced to reconsider what she really wants for her future.
About The Author
Photo credit: Sia Duff
Amy Matthews is an award-winning author, an academic at Flinders University, and the co-host of the podcasts Word Docs and Love on Campus. Amy lives in Adelaide with a collection of beloved people both real and imagined, and you can find her on Instagram @amymatthewsauthor.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia (March 5, 2025)
- Length: 336 pages
- ISBN13: 9781761425059
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Raves and Reviews
‘Sharply observed, witty and tangled, this is intergenerational adventure at its best.’
– Emma Grey, author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You
‘Matthews evokes the tangled legacy of mothers in this vibrant and addictively readable tale of heartbreak, desire and adventure. With larger-than-life characters, the drama of multi-generational healing, a charming love story and a dash of travel, Best, First and Last is a colourful and thoroughly enjoyable read.’
– Kim Lock, author of The Other Side of Beautiful
‘One for the wanderlusters: a beautifully vivid, adventurous, and messy love story about love in all its forms. You'll be kicking your feet under the table one minute, and wiping away tears the next. Amy Matthews is the queen of writing heartwarming family dynamics, and her complex, kick-ass female characters will stay with you long after you’ve reached your destination.’
– Karina May
‘Best, First, and Last by Amy Matthews is equal parts witty and wise. The family members at the centre of this warm-hearted novel might have their doubts about vacationing together, but I loved being along for the ride.’
– Laura Hankin, author of The Daydreams and A Special Place for Women
‘Best, First, and Last took me on a JOURNEY. The lush setting is the perfect backdrop for this multi-generational story of the many ways love – romantic and familial – can shape our lives. At turns both funny and heart-wrenching, this is another gem from one of my must read authors.’
– Robin Lefler, author of Reasonable Adults
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Best, First and Last Trade Paperback 9781761425059
- Author Photo (jpg): Amy Matthews Photo credit: Sia Duff(0.1 MB)
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