Best, First and Last (Amy Matthews, S&S)

Best, First and Last is a fun romance novel that has everything you could ask for: an unexpected, all-expenses-paid holiday, a charming stranger, a nosy family with no concept of boundaries, and sudden, emotional gut punches that land when you least expect them. The story follows three generations of women: the widowed matriarch Bonnie, her recently divorced daughter, Sandy, and Sandy’s newly single daughter, Heather, as they take a spontaneous trip to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Amy Matthews (Some Else’s Bucket List) vividly brings Peru to life on the page, and the stunning landscape serves as a backdrop for the women’s emotional journeys. The narrative switches between each of the three women’s perspectives, focusing mostly on Heather but ensuring each voice is heard. These perfectly imperfect characters feel incredibly authentic, making it easy to both critique their actions and root for their success. The palpable tension between love interests, the thoughtful use of familiar genre tropes—such as forced proximity and a good old-fashioned love triangle—without ever relying on them to advance the plot, and the gradual unveiling of family secrets all culminate in a feel-good story about the different kinds of love. With its themes of womanhood, love, death and grief, Best, First and Last would suit readers who enjoy Emily Henry or the thrill of a romance alongside introspective growth.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Tierney Khan is a freelance book reviewer and writer from Naarm/Melbourne. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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