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.
Buy a copy of Best, First and Last here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Lovely story, I really like the writing style, it grabs you from the very first page and takes into the story line. I really like how the author delves into the feelings of the characters, how they perceive their experiences. The book is a nice analysis of how love relationship can change over time, not just for an individual, but across generations, and makes us think about who we are and what we really want and look for in love. Great holiday read, it’s easy to get ‘lost’ in this book, watching the characters, and forget the real world. Margareta, SA, 5 stars
What better way to deal with life’s issues than for three generations of women in a family going on a hike on the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. While on the hike in Peru past secrets are revealed and the trek becomes more than just a hike. These women share love laughter and tears. I couldn’t put this book down, the characters were so credible just like members of my own family. . Debbie, VIC, 5 stars
Best, First and Last is a gorgeous story about travelling. Travelling to learn something new and travelling to find out more about yourself. The story is centred around three generations of women, all running from something. A surprise trip to Peru brings the family together and during the trip they learn a lot about not only themselves, but also the other women in the family. Each women has their stories told, helping build each characters personalities, and the flow down effects of these are seen in each subsequent generation. Heather, the daughter and granddaughter, is the main protagonist within the story and growing relationship with her Romeo, met at the start of her journey, is a lovely sub story of kismet and accepting fate. I really enjoyed this book, finding it hard to put down, just waiting to see where the next step went. It is well worth a read and definitely a book worth running to. Jodie, WA, 5 stars
I have read one of Amy Matthews’ other books and I loved it. This book, Best, First and Last, is a story about three generations of women, told over three different time periods. I am not usually a fan of flashbacks, but Amy managed to make them interesting and they blended in perfectly with the storyline. I especially loved the character of the grandmother, Bonnie. She was a strong and colourful character and also full of heart. Melanie, SA, 5 stars
Best, First and Last is a beautiful story of family bonding. A cheeky grandmother that makes you laugh out loud from the very beginning to a reluctant granddaughter who doesn’t want much to do with the family but gets thrown into it head first. Another Beautifully written book by Amy Matthews – I can not wait to see what she writes next. Karen, VIC, 5 stars
I loved this. I felt so many emotions reading it and was so enthralled, I couldn’t put it down. A book for every woman to read. Samara, QLD, 5 stars
How I would have loved to have had a holiday with my mother and grandmother..but the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? I was intrigued from the beginning to end.. laughing one minute, sharing their doubts the next. How could Heather resist such an offer from her grandmother, a fully paid adventure in unknown places…and as always, with her grandmother’s late husband’s ashes. Her mother wasn’t keen at first..but couldn’t disappoint her mother and daughter. So many stories woven into one grand adventure.. a wonderful tribute to family ties..a book to reread even if only to empathise that family bonds should be treasured. Chris, QLD, 5 stars
Amy Matthews’ Best, First and Last is a beautifully written novel about love, loss, and the connections that shape us. The protagonist is incredibly relatable—navigating life’s uncertainties in a way that feels authentic and deeply human. Matthews’ storytelling is heartfelt and evocative, drawing readers into a journey of self-discovery. The writing captures moments of tenderness, heartbreak, and quiet triumph, making it impossible to put down. The novel explores relationships and timing in a way that lingers long after the final page. Without revealing too much, Best, First and Last is a deeply satisfying and emotionally rich read—perfect for fans of character-driven fiction. A wonderful addition to the Better Reading Preview lineup! Rachael, QLD, 5 stars
I read this book in 1 day, it’s the first easy to read inspirational story I’ve read in a long time. I almost cried along with the characters at one point but I finished the book inspired. Michelle, WA, 5 stars
A lovely read. I really enjoyed how the author interwove everyone’s stories with her flashbacks. The characters were all very realistic. They could be your friend, your mum or your grandmother. Kay, QLD, 5 stars
A very relatable story of three generations of women from one family. Each woman holds secrets that are gradually revealed as they trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This book will make you laugh and maybe cry a little as their secrets are revealed. I thoroughly enjoy this book. Marion, VIC, 5 stars
A lovely cast of characters with Heather, Sandra and Bonnie being the daughter, mother and grandmother in the story. Living separate lives but influenced by the life and love choices each makes. Bonnie sets up an enforced trip for the three of them. It becomes an invitation to get out of their routine lives with all its limitations and frustrations and leads them on a trip to Peru together. Some good insights and reflections as the characters learn more about each other and reflect on their own lives. The way they influence and react to each other under stress is very relatable. I felt onside with each of the characters and wanted them to feel empowered to make good choices in their lives. Grief and loss is a theme which is explored from different perspectives. An easy read which transports you onto the Machu Piccu trail and surrounding areas. I enjoyed it because I could see the invitation to myself to go towards, rather than away from, life and its challenges, to go with the flow of life, and to embrace new opportunities as well. To learn from the past and make wiser choices in the present and future. To put in place appropriate boundaries with family members who can trigger hurt, anger and fear. An invitation to engage with family members, even the ones that make us react in negative ways, they can teach us a lot about ourselves. Christina, VIC, 5 stars
Amy Matthews’ book, ‘Best, First and Last’, was a joy to read. I picked it up and hardly put it down again until I had finished it. Likeable and relatable characters and set in an interesting location.Definitely recommend this book. Joanne, QLD, 5 stars
An engaging and relatable read! Heather’s journey with her family was heartfelt and emotional with some humour and arguments along the way. I felt like I was a part of the story line, and this book makes you realise we only live once. I love how she was pushed a bit out of her comfort zone. It was a really good page turning read with scenic descriptive makes you feel like you’re on a trip with them. Julie, NSW, 5 stars
This was an amazing read. The characters were likeable and relatable. This is a story of a Grandmother, daughter and granddaughter. Their stories are remarkable. They have many secrets that finally come out and it will change lives forever. One of the best reads of 2025. Highly recommend Judy, NSW, 5 stars
Based on three generations of heartbroken women, Bonnie, Sandy and Heather. Heather (25) has just broken up with her boyfriend again, he won’t leave her alone. She doesn’t want to be with him but keeps sleeping with him. She is lonely and unhappy. Her Mum Sandy is divorcing Heather’s cheating father. Sandy feels as though she has wasted her life with him. Heather’s grandmother (Sandy’s Mum) Bonnie has just lost her third husband. Bonnie is grieving and carries his urn everywhere. The author delves into the past of each character. Bonnie meets her neighbour’s handsome grandson who is preparing an adventure of a lifetime, hiking the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu. Bonnie has decided to spend her 70th birthday doing the same and taking her daughter and granddaughter with her. At first, they decline but Bonnie persuades them and they embark on the adventure where they challenge themselves hiking, finding themselves and finally talking and sharing their stories and past secrets. You feel the character’s emotions and see them grow and shed their pain and move onto a brighter and happier future. Renae, QLD, 5 stars
Beautifully written generational read. Reading the characters lives unfolding through stories was an absolute joy. WELL DONE. Rene, WA, 5 stars
A great intergenerational adventure with a hint of romance, with fun characters to boot. Especially fun Grandma Bon who provided fun and laughter. This books shows you can jump out of your comfort zone. I loved it, like a hidden gem. Rylee, QLD, 4 stars
This read was a lovely escape, imagining the trip and the characters was entertaining. I did find some of their characteristics predictable but the story itself provided me with a lovely adventure. I really enjoy books that change character chapter by chapter, and this was done very well. Danielle, SA, 4 stars
Matthews again brings family love, adventure and humour to life in this brilliant new novel. Perfect for worldwide or armchair travellers alike, you will fall in love with these three generations as they repair their bond as they traverse mountainous peaks Kathryn, VIC, 4 stars
I loved Amy’s last book and this one didn’t disappoint. I laughed and I cried. The characters and the setting of Machu Picchu were brilliant. Mark, QLD, 4 stars
Love this book. A new author for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect but it did not disappoint. Shirley, VIC, 4 stars
This is my first time reading a book by Amy Matthews. I did enjoy the book but not one of my favourites. It is an easy read, not too heavy or shocking in anyway. Some funny times, few dramas but not something that is upsetting at all. I like the characters but did not relate personally but did not matter because it was interesting enough to hear their stories, I liked the background stories of the mother and grandmother and how they got to where they were. I wasn’t show sure about it when I first started reading it but got more interested once the holiday romance started and wanted to see how it played out in the end. It reminds you that riffs can be fixed with a bit of travel and open talk leading to better relationships and to take a leap of faith to do something different. Well written, but would have liked more about the actual hike and what they saw explained more. Linda, VIC, 4 stars
Sometimes you just need a book where you can relax and just be entertained. Matthews has delivered a novel where you can have a laugh and cringe at some awkward moments! Bonnie’s lack of filter is quite entertaining and Heather’s way of dealing with conflict and uncomfortable situations is something we have all done! Sandy’s pain is written with compassion. Above all it is great to see the way that the journeys of each of these incredible characters converge in a heartwarming way where each has learnt something about the other that they never expected. This is a great read and you just might shed a tear or two! Diana, NSW, 4 stars
Bonnie, the family matriarch, is at a loss after the passing of her third husband—whose urn she now carries everywhere. In an attempt to shake things up, she decides to book a trip to Peru. But there’s a catch: her daughter, Sandy, and granddaughter, Heather, are coming along—whether they like it or not. Sandy is in the midst of a divorce, and Heather is stuck in an on-again, off-again relationship, making this spontaneous girls’ trip feel almost necessary. Enter Owen—the unexpected delight of the story. His presence adds warmth and charm, weaving seamlessly through the narrative. Amy Matthews is a brilliant storyteller, and the book’s quirky, fun cover perfectly matches the tone of the story. I loved Best, First and Last so much that I immediately picked up her previous book, Someone Else’s Bucket List, in audio format—and it was fantastic! After reading both books, I’ve decided I need to travel more, and a bucket list is now a must. I’ll definitely be exploring more of Amy’s work. Highly recommend! Sharron, QLD, 4 stars
Loved all the characters in this one. All the foibles and flaws that real families have. Nobody can get under your skin like a parent or a child. Really got swept up by the romance, felt the heartbreak of past secrets coming to light and just felt for all the characters and what they went through. A lovely journey to be on. Richard, VIC, 4 stars
A fluid witty novel, that many will draw their own comparisons from their life experiences of love and family antics. The way these two subjects intertwine are funny, raw, and truthful. Add to that a once in a lifetime trip to Peru with three generations of women thanks to grandmother Bonnie, you have yourself a great read with a balance of love, life, romance and lol moments. If you like Rachael Johns you would be on the right track with this author. Thoughtful without being too heavy, humour weaved in and out, with a sprinkle of historical facts. Binge worthy or slow burn. Either way it’s enjoyable and entertaining. Emma, WA, 4 stars
Best, First, and Last is a witty story about love between mothers and daughters, men and women and the one we hold for ourselves. It takes a reader on a journey not only through the amazing Peru, but also on a journey through the lives of its characters with lots of family squabbles, emotional turmoil and laughter. While I found all of the three women a little frustrating at times, the flashbacks to their pasts made me understand the emotional baggage they all hauled all the way up to Machu Picchu! I loved the humorous dialog, the scenery of Peru (although I longed for more!) and the happy ending. All in all, it was an enjoyable read. Ewa, VIC, 4 stars
This was a fun look at the complexities involved in family relationships. It’s a light hearted book, with plenty of amusing moments. We follow three generations of women on a hiking holiday to Machu Picchu, though the destination is secondary to looking at aspects of their relationship, and learning their back stories. A number of previously held secrets are revealed to each other as they work on ensuring their future relationships. This is an easy read, and I’m sure many people will identify with elements of the difficulties inherent in travelling with generational family. Karen, VIC, 4 stars
I loved Amy’s previous book and had high expectations when I received this one and yet again another engaging story that interweaves past and present into a story that you just have to keep reading to see how it all fits together. The female leads in this are strong, independent women who throughout their journey come to see just how amazing they are and how their life can change when they choose a different path than what was always expected. The scenery descriptions are so real you feel you’re walking right alongside them on their trip. I love how Amy ties all the different strings together without rushing towards the end. It flows in a great way that keeps you engaged and not wanting to put the book down until you’ve reached the end. Would highly recommend. Tracy, WA, 4 stars
Best, First and Last by Amy Matthews is a delightful read. It is about three generations of women, all with messy, complicated lives going on an impromptu holiday to hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Bonnie, the Grandmother, is feisty, unapologetic and charismatic. She was my favourite character. Her third husband has recently died and she is carrying him everywhere in his urn and talking to him, ignoring societal expectations. Sandy, her daughter, has had a horrendous on-again off-again relationship with her ex-husband who has cheated on her repeatedly. She wallows. She is a social worker, assisting others, and yet, can’t help herself. You will want to give her a kick to wake herself up. Heather, the 25 year old granddaughter, sick of her mother’s despair, and also being stalked by her ex-boyfriend who won’t take no for an answer. What a great time for a hike up a huge mountain, and that is not all they were unprepared for. Bonnie drops some clangers along the way. The twists and turns keep coming until the end, with a few laughs thrown in. Once you start reading it, you won’t want to put it down! Larissa, NSW, 4 stars
Amy Matthew’s new novel is a witty story about three generations of women on a girls trip to hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Along the way they reflect on their relationships and better understand their own. Krystine, VIC, 3 stars
Interesting read about families and how they manage life and relationships, along with the ups and downs. Intertwining of the back story of grandmother and mother gave a understanding of their current position. Danielle, VIC, 3 stars
I have mixed feeling about this book. It was an easy read and the story flowed but I didn’t find the characters (Bon, Sandy and Heather) likeable or relatable. There was a little too much unnecessary drama for my liking which made it just an ok read for me. 3 stars Natalie, NSW, 3 stars
Bonnie organises for her daughter Sandy and granddaughter Heather on a trip to Peru to climb Machu Picchu to celebrate her 70th birthday. What she really wants is an opportunity for her daughter and granddaughter to get closer and enjoy some family time. There are twists along the way and as in all families there are many dynamics which come into play with Machu Picchu in the background. Overall Heather finds a lot about her grandmother, her mother and herself over the few days spent together. I found the plot slow at times and predictable. Overall ‘Best, First and Last’ by Amy Matthews is an entertaining romantic novel. Marie, NSW, 3 stars
This is the story of the trials and tribulations of three generations of women travelling together on an exotic adventure to Inca Trail. As they take on us on their journeys, reminiscing the highs and lows of each their love lives, before long it feels like you’re right there in Machu Picchu. This book was a fantastic, light and fun holiday read. Justine, NSW, 3 stars
The sense of place in this story is evocative and the descriptions of Peru, particularly the Peru Hop experience were very enjoyable. However, the bickering between grandmother, daughter and granddaughter for the first half of the book, I personally found tedious. Although obviously loving each other, the constant criticism did not make me want to read further. The adult granddaughter’s romance could sweep you along but the meddling of the older women into her life, made me angry! Catherine, QLD, 2 stars
The holiday for the three women- Bonnie the grandmother, Sandy the mother of Heather, her 25 year old daughter – hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Piccu, allows for plenty of opportunity for past and present secrets to be revealed – and there are indeed some unsettling ones! The women in “Best, First and Last”certainly have had complicated, and at times unrealistic, love lives which are gradually conveyed through the perspectives of the three. However, much of the novel involves arguments, tantrums and tears between these family members which become repetitive and diminish this reader’s empathy for the characters. Disappointing also is the lack of the authentic atmosphere of Peru. Not until they almost reach Machu Piccu does the feeling of being in Peru become a reality. The male characters, all former or present lovers, are shown from the perspective of the three women which makes them two-dimensional. There are some heart warming moments when the women begin to understand what each has gone through, which leads to greater support for each other. An unusual family holiday indeed! Frances, NSW, 2 stars
I loved the image the author painted of Peru. Clearly a lot of research and knowledge of this area. Best, First and Last is a story of three generations of strong-willed ladies who have all experienced heartbreak. They head off on a holiday together, hiking in Peru. Complex mother/daughter relationships are unveiled. They do squabble a lot which is repetitive but it does come to a good conclusion with surprising secrets revealed. Helen, QLD, 2 stars
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