Three generations of women set out to heal their broken hearts on a grand adventure of hiking the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu in this stirring, spirited, and ultimately joyful journey of love and self discovery for fans of Rebecca Serle and Josie Silver…
When twenty-five-year-old Heather Russo breaks up with her boyfriend - again - she can’t figure out if she’s to blame or he is. Either way, she’s miserable, and working at home via Zoom meetings is only making it worse. What’s more, all the women in her family are struggling. Mom Sandy is convinced she’s wasted her life and is nursing a giant grudge against Heather’s father, whom she’s now divorcing. Grandmother Bonnie is reeling with the grief of losing her third husband, and is carrying the urn everywhere she goes, even the supermarket. The bottom has fallen out of their lives so abruptly, the trio is clinging to any handhold they can – and slowly but surely losing their grip…
Inspired by a friend’s adventurous grandson, and determined not to spend her 70th birthday wallowing, Bonnie is ready to take extreme measures. Even if it means dragging her beloved girls along by the hair, they’re going to hike the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu! Of course, their emotional baggage gets packed along with their lightweight jackets, but as they make the trek, the women also talk, sharing stories and secrets that have been festering for far too long. With every arduous step toward the famed summit, each woman sheds some of the past and its pain, and opens up to the extraordinary possibilities of the present – and a future that just might include a new happily ever after.
‘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 Fancies
‘Sharply observed, witty and tangled, this is intergenerational adventure at its best.’ Emma Grey, author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You
‘I have a new icon for ageing: Bonnie is the irrepressible, irreverent grandma of my dreams with a past full of secrets and saucy lovers. Amy Matthews writes three generations of women with their own griefs and dreams, relatable struggles and loving messiness. Sweet, compelling, nostalgic, moving … I adored it.’ Clare Fletcher, author of Love Match
‘One for the wanderlusters: a beautifully vivid, adventurous, and messy love story about love in all its forms … 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, author of That Island Feeling
‘Heartfelt, humorous and heartbreaking. A novel that will make you feel it all.’ Michelle Upton, author of Emergency Exit Only
‘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
‘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
For queries about Amy’s availability, or questions about rights, permissions, interviews or endorsements please contact her literary agent Sarah Younger here.
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