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 long-held 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, and her love life is in tatters. But she's not the only one struggling. Her mother, Sandy, is finally separating from Heather's womanising father, while her grandmother, Bonnie, is grieving her third husband by carrying his urn everywhere she goes… even the supermarket.
Sick of everyone's moping, Bonnie 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. Of course, that's when Bonnie decides to share some long-held secrets that just might send them all over the edge. With every twist in the trail, Heather learns more about her family – and herself. And as her time with Owen becomes precious, she's forced to reconsider what she really wants. Amy Matthews is an award-winning author of books about complicated people and love. She is Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Flinders University, a podcaster, and a book addict. Amy lives in Adelaide with her favourite people, both real and imagined, and you can find her on Instagram @amymatthewsauthor. 'sweet, compelling, nostalgic, moving and with the profundity that small moments of romance accumulate over decades. I adored it.' 'Heartfelt, humorous and heartbreaking. A novel that will make you feel it all.' '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.' '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.' '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.' '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.' 'relatable, humorous and incredibly light – all in all a wonderful story about womanhood.' 'Snappy dialogue that would put the Gilmore Girls to shame' 'Snappy dialogue that would put the Gilmore Girls to shame'
