What do you think?
Rate this book
Best, First and Last
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.
Twenty-five-year-old 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 womanising 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’ 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 in 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.
Twenty-five-year-old 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 womanising 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’ 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 in 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.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2024
131 people are currently reading
15922 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
August 18, 2025
Thanks to @simonschusterau and #BetterReadingPreview for the copy 💛
A cute, chaotic, and heart-warming intergenerational holiday where everything that could go wrong... absolutely does. But in between the drama, there’s so much love, laughter, and healing.
Three women—grandmother, mother, daughter—hiking the Inca Trail (yes, really!) with grief, frustration, and a literal urn in tow. Bonnie, the matriarch, is a force of nature and drags them all into this wild trek. Miscommunication galore, real hurts, and messy relationships make this story feel raw and real. I was so hopeful for them to find their way back to each other.
There’s also a simmering romance in the background and a touch of improbability, but overall, it’s a feel-good read with a message. A sweet read.
A cute, chaotic, and heart-warming intergenerational holiday where everything that could go wrong... absolutely does. But in between the drama, there’s so much love, laughter, and healing.
Three women—grandmother, mother, daughter—hiking the Inca Trail (yes, really!) with grief, frustration, and a literal urn in tow. Bonnie, the matriarch, is a force of nature and drags them all into this wild trek. Miscommunication galore, real hurts, and messy relationships make this story feel raw and real. I was so hopeful for them to find their way back to each other.
There’s also a simmering romance in the background and a touch of improbability, but overall, it’s a feel-good read with a message. A sweet read.
April 23, 2024
4.5⭐️
Best, First, and Last is a fun journey filled with adventure and emotion. Heather, her mother Sandy, and grandmother Bonnie travel together through both Peru and their pasts. Family dynamics prove more difficult to conquer than Manchu Picchu. Difficult, but not impossible. This story is filled with romance and conflict and humor and family love, and Heather is particularly easy to root for- even when certain others in her life aren’t so much. A great reminder that sometimes traveling well outside your comfort zone can help you find where you belong.
Thank you Amy T. Matthews, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Best, First, and Last is a fun journey filled with adventure and emotion. Heather, her mother Sandy, and grandmother Bonnie travel together through both Peru and their pasts. Family dynamics prove more difficult to conquer than Manchu Picchu. Difficult, but not impossible. This story is filled with romance and conflict and humor and family love, and Heather is particularly easy to root for- even when certain others in her life aren’t so much. A great reminder that sometimes traveling well outside your comfort zone can help you find where you belong.
Thank you Amy T. Matthews, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 8, 2024
I was excited about reading this book for 2 reasons:
1) It's the first Book Give Away I have won
2) I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, as part of a delegation of 16 female intergenerational nursing students, in 2001.
After reading the first 236 pages in one sitting my excitement fizzled.
The read starts out promising a tale of an intergenerational hike of monumental proportions but (unfortunately for me) has degenerated into a cheezy soap-opera-like intergenrational melodrama of disheartening proportions.
1) It's the first Book Give Away I have won
2) I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, as part of a delegation of 16 female intergenerational nursing students, in 2001.
After reading the first 236 pages in one sitting my excitement fizzled.
The read starts out promising a tale of an intergenerational hike of monumental proportions but (unfortunately for me) has degenerated into a cheezy soap-opera-like intergenrational melodrama of disheartening proportions.
March 5, 2025
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Best, First and Last by Amy T. Matthews
This delightfully charming family relationship drama features three generations of women who gather together (reluctantly) for a vacation in Peru and a hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to celebrates Bonnie’s 70th. Best, First and Last is a story that will warm your heart and make you smile, it’s gorgeous.
We have our main characters, matriarch Grandmother Bonnie Jenkins, grieving her deceased and third husband Junior who has accompanied her on the trip in a small wooden box. Daughter Sandra is a social worker and going through a divorce with her womanising husband. Granddaughter Heather is miserable, works from home and has just broken up with her boyfriend.
The banter and wit between these ladies was fabulous and fun and there was lots of bickering. I loved the back stories and long-held secrets that came pouring out once they got to the fabulous setting of Peru. I also enjoyed the brewing romance for one of the trio with Owen.
Publication Day 05 March 2025
Publisher Simon & Schuster Australia
A huge thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia for a copy of the book and promo pack.
Best, First and Last by Amy T. Matthews
This delightfully charming family relationship drama features three generations of women who gather together (reluctantly) for a vacation in Peru and a hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu to celebrates Bonnie’s 70th. Best, First and Last is a story that will warm your heart and make you smile, it’s gorgeous.
We have our main characters, matriarch Grandmother Bonnie Jenkins, grieving her deceased and third husband Junior who has accompanied her on the trip in a small wooden box. Daughter Sandra is a social worker and going through a divorce with her womanising husband. Granddaughter Heather is miserable, works from home and has just broken up with her boyfriend.
The banter and wit between these ladies was fabulous and fun and there was lots of bickering. I loved the back stories and long-held secrets that came pouring out once they got to the fabulous setting of Peru. I also enjoyed the brewing romance for one of the trio with Owen.
Publication Day 05 March 2025
Publisher Simon & Schuster Australia
A huge thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia for a copy of the book and promo pack.
December 19, 2023
I laughed, cried and reflected throughout this entire book! It really makes you appreciate moms and grandmas! This feels like a love story with some extra self-help thrown in there.
Like any family, the characters make you want to pull your hair out but have you laughing while they do it. The personal and relationship developments were beautiful and it was a joy to witness the characters open their hearts and let go of their pain.
I absolutely loved that this book is set in Peru! Machu Picchu is at the top of my travel list so I thoroughly enjoyed the characters going on my dream trip!
I loved this book even with a little lull in the pacing at about the 70% mark.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book! I absolutely loved it!
Like any family, the characters make you want to pull your hair out but have you laughing while they do it. The personal and relationship developments were beautiful and it was a joy to witness the characters open their hearts and let go of their pain.
I absolutely loved that this book is set in Peru! Machu Picchu is at the top of my travel list so I thoroughly enjoyed the characters going on my dream trip!
I loved this book even with a little lull in the pacing at about the 70% mark.
Thank you so much to Kensington Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book! I absolutely loved it!
April 5, 2024
I was very excited to get an ARC of this book. I had previous read Amy’s last book, “Someone Else’s Bucket List,” and loved it. I had high expectations picking up her second book to read, and the book did not disappoint. The book covers three generations of women (grandmother, daughter and granddaughter) who deal with life’s adversity in various ways. Bonnie, the grandmother, decides that she needs to do something to mend the riff between her daughter, Sandy, and her granddaughter, Heather. Her brilliant idea of taking them on the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu is as challenging as the hike, opening old wounds but trying to heal them as well.
Read
July 11, 2025I had the loveliest time reading this book. I alternated between the physical book and the excellent audiobook. It’s the story of three generations of women who go on a trip to Peru and take ALL their shared family baggage with them. Delightful reading.
June 12, 2024
Won this in a goodreads giveaway so I hate to DNF but I just can’t finish. I’m so bored at page 180. I don’t like any of the main characters. They are boring, bland and just annoying. Too much woe is me for me. Really wanted to like this because I love Peru and adventure.
March 6, 2025
Best, First and Last is a contemporary dramedy by an Australian author, about a widow from Arizona who decides to walk the Inca trail with her daughter and granddaughter. I was invited to request an ARC by the publisher and liked the sound of a travel story about Peru, a place I visited years ago. This explores the lives, loves and secrets of three very different women from the same family.
Bonnie makes a rash decision to take her divorced daughter Sandra, unhappy granddaughter Heather and the ashes of her recently deceased husband, Junior, on her bucket list trip to Peru to celebrate her 70th birthday. Things don’t quite go to plan when Heather, trying to extricate herself from a relationship with a man she doesn’t love, meets a handsome stranger on her first night, while Sandra can’t let go of the her philandering ex who keeps breaking her heart. Can three damaged women find healing in the Andes when they can barely stop bickering long enough to draw breath?
This was sometimes moving, and sometimes funny. I enjoyed the varied characters and the relationships between them, even if I would hate to go on holiday with any of them! It’s well written and brought back happy memories of a beautiful and unique country. I found the flashback scenes slowed the pace down a bit, but they were actually essential to understand each of the women’s motivations and behaviour, and I liked the way it ended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for the ARC. Best, First and Last is available now.
Bonnie makes a rash decision to take her divorced daughter Sandra, unhappy granddaughter Heather and the ashes of her recently deceased husband, Junior, on her bucket list trip to Peru to celebrate her 70th birthday. Things don’t quite go to plan when Heather, trying to extricate herself from a relationship with a man she doesn’t love, meets a handsome stranger on her first night, while Sandra can’t let go of the her philandering ex who keeps breaking her heart. Can three damaged women find healing in the Andes when they can barely stop bickering long enough to draw breath?
This was sometimes moving, and sometimes funny. I enjoyed the varied characters and the relationships between them, even if I would hate to go on holiday with any of them! It’s well written and brought back happy memories of a beautiful and unique country. I found the flashback scenes slowed the pace down a bit, but they were actually essential to understand each of the women’s motivations and behaviour, and I liked the way it ended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for the ARC. Best, First and Last is available now.
March 23, 2024
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC copy. This was my first Amy T. Matthews novel, and it won't be my last. While it was a little slow in the beginning, the plot quickly picked up and I finished the book within 3 days. All three women are well-written and their relationships to each other are frustrating and will likely remind you of your own family. Each woman has faced their own recent heartbreak and carries their emotional baggage along this trip. Their intergenerational trauma comes to a head leading up to the hike of Machu Picu, and the scene at Dead Woman's Pass had me tearing up.
August 11, 2024
2.5 stars. Sorry ladies, wasn’t in the mood for family squabbling up, or down, a mountain.
August 14, 2024
5/5
Well FRICK. I loved this book. That’s it. That’s all I got. I loved it.
Well FRICK. I loved this book. That’s it. That’s all I got. I loved it.
September 3, 2024
kinda overdramatic at times but made me wanna go to peru and i do love a good intergenerational story with flashbacks 🤌 remember girlies your mom was a person before you! 🥲
June 24, 2024
Best, First, and Last by Amy T Matthews. Thanks to @kensingtonbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Three generations of women, all dealing with their own grief and trauma, go together to climb Machu Picchu.
Life is full of synchronicity. I was reading this and another book, alternating every 100 pages or so and oddly that book also had a Machu Picchu connection. If you enjoy stories focusing on generations of women within a family, this is a great one. There’s a lot of grief and bitterness to work though, but also a lot of rebuilding. It’s a vacation where secrets are revealed and grandmother, mother, and daughter all get to know each other in new ways. The story was even more emotional for me when I learned Bonnie’s character was based on the author’s grandmother.
“I want some damn fun. I want to embrace something different, to run toward something, rather than waiting out my final days watching the clocks secondhand tick toward death.”
Best, First, Last comes out 6/25.
Three generations of women, all dealing with their own grief and trauma, go together to climb Machu Picchu.
Life is full of synchronicity. I was reading this and another book, alternating every 100 pages or so and oddly that book also had a Machu Picchu connection. If you enjoy stories focusing on generations of women within a family, this is a great one. There’s a lot of grief and bitterness to work though, but also a lot of rebuilding. It’s a vacation where secrets are revealed and grandmother, mother, and daughter all get to know each other in new ways. The story was even more emotional for me when I learned Bonnie’s character was based on the author’s grandmother.
“I want some damn fun. I want to embrace something different, to run toward something, rather than waiting out my final days watching the clocks secondhand tick toward death.”
Best, First, Last comes out 6/25.
July 1, 2024
4 or 4.5 stars, I just finished the book 30 seconds ago so I need to let it sit before I assign a solid rating.
Honestly, i did the exact thing you’re not supposed to do and I picked up this book because I liked the cover and I started reading it on a flight and I haven’t been able to put it down since. The characters are all insufferable in their own ways, one more than the others, but I loved this book and immediately found myself googling “hiking to Machu Picchu” and wanting my own transformative travel experience with my mom and sister.
I feel like this book did something other romance books often miss, and it talked about a non-romantic kind of love. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
Honestly, i did the exact thing you’re not supposed to do and I picked up this book because I liked the cover and I started reading it on a flight and I haven’t been able to put it down since. The characters are all insufferable in their own ways, one more than the others, but I loved this book and immediately found myself googling “hiking to Machu Picchu” and wanting my own transformative travel experience with my mom and sister.
I feel like this book did something other romance books often miss, and it talked about a non-romantic kind of love. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
February 24, 2025
Big thanks to Simon & Schuster for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Three generations of women come together for a holiday in Peru where healing and long time secrets are shared.
Best, First And Last is a delightful and enjoyable family saga that will warm the heart.
Grandmother Bonnie, after the loss of her third husband Junior, has decided to take a trip.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Added to the guest list is her daughter Sandy, who is going through a divorce from a man who is a womaniser and Heather, her granddaughter, who has no love life and works all the time.
The trio of women begin a journey of self discovery, mending, bonding with a splash of romance as well.
A little bit holiday romcom, a little bit contemporary drama and a whole lot of fun.
The witty banter and group dynamics between the three ladies was humorous, lively and cheeky.
Amongst all the storyline the reader gets beautiful descriptions of the location.
A drama in the mountains where opening old wounds could cause chaos…….
Three generations of women come together for a holiday in Peru where healing and long time secrets are shared.
Best, First And Last is a delightful and enjoyable family saga that will warm the heart.
Grandmother Bonnie, after the loss of her third husband Junior, has decided to take a trip.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Added to the guest list is her daughter Sandy, who is going through a divorce from a man who is a womaniser and Heather, her granddaughter, who has no love life and works all the time.
The trio of women begin a journey of self discovery, mending, bonding with a splash of romance as well.
A little bit holiday romcom, a little bit contemporary drama and a whole lot of fun.
The witty banter and group dynamics between the three ladies was humorous, lively and cheeky.
Amongst all the storyline the reader gets beautiful descriptions of the location.
A drama in the mountains where opening old wounds could cause chaos…….
July 30, 2025
It has been a long time since a book has made me laugh out loud, cry in public and resonate with characters. This book holds so many quotes that made me re-read pages and feel so deeply. It holds a sense of dark humour that had me giggling in the first chapter. The plot line with the ladies visiting Peru held such sentimental value to me that triggered memories of my time there with Tom, making me love the book even more. A classic beach read or heartwarming cosy winter read. A new favourite.
April 22, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn't particularly like any of the characters; Sandra being least likeable.
October 18, 2024
I would give this a solid 4.5. If someone wrote a book about my grandmother, mother and myself going to Peru to hike Machu Pichu together, this could not be more similar. There were times through the book it may have hit slightly too close to home. There were laughs and cries. Anyone that has lived in familial trauma could relate to this one! This is the second book i’ve read of hers and they’ve both been great!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
I could have used some more Bon banter cracked me up and maybe a little more spice with Heather. But loved it and need to add Someone else’s bucket list to my list.
December 31, 2024
started the book, hated it, didn’t have anything else to read on vacation so i picked it back up and finished it. it grew on me, but i still don’t think it’s a book i would recommend.
September 13, 2025
4.5 stars.
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!
I adored this book! The idea of a girls’ trip with your mother and grandmother is super interesting, and I knew it’d be a compelling story just from this premise alone.
Each woman in the story had their own strong story arc, which I really liked. Heather’s sizzling rom-com plot with Owen was so much fun, Sandy’s second coming-of-age was empowering, and Bonnie’s quirkiness and past secrets were the highlight for me. There was so much emotion packed in the story - I went from giggling to getting teary towards the end.
Bonnie was my favourite here, and I loved that she was inspired by Amy’s own grandmother. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Amy Matthews!
(Thanks to Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Australia for the gifted review copy and ALC)
See my bookstagram review.
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!
I adored this book! The idea of a girls’ trip with your mother and grandmother is super interesting, and I knew it’d be a compelling story just from this premise alone.
Each woman in the story had their own strong story arc, which I really liked. Heather’s sizzling rom-com plot with Owen was so much fun, Sandy’s second coming-of-age was empowering, and Bonnie’s quirkiness and past secrets were the highlight for me. There was so much emotion packed in the story - I went from giggling to getting teary towards the end.
Bonnie was my favourite here, and I loved that she was inspired by Amy’s own grandmother. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Amy Matthews!
(Thanks to Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Australia for the gifted review copy and ALC)
See my bookstagram review.
June 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed Best, First, and Last as 3 generations of women embark on an experience where they learn more about each other. We have Bonnie (Bon), the Grandmother/mother, who just lost her third husband Junior, around the same time as her 70th birthday. Then there is Sandra (Sandy), Daughter/mother, going through a divorce after being cheated on for years. Finally there is Heather, Daughter/granddaughter, who is trying to break up with her boyfriend, but keeps finding herself sleeping with him.
Bon, spurred on by her next door neighbour's grandson, Bonnie takes Sandy and Heather to Peru to hike Machu Picchu. Bon was such a fun character, despite all she had been through, she was determined to make the most of it. The story is mostly told from Heather's point of view, but we do get some chapters from Bonnie and Sandy. Over the trip we learn more about each of the women and I quite liked the relationship they had where they annoyed each other, but you could tell they really cared for each other.
The holiday romance for Heather added fun to the story. I found their banter and texts amusing. Plenty of twists and revelations along the way, the story was a great read.
Bon, spurred on by her next door neighbour's grandson, Bonnie takes Sandy and Heather to Peru to hike Machu Picchu. Bon was such a fun character, despite all she had been through, she was determined to make the most of it. The story is mostly told from Heather's point of view, but we do get some chapters from Bonnie and Sandy. Over the trip we learn more about each of the women and I quite liked the relationship they had where they annoyed each other, but you could tell they really cared for each other.
The holiday romance for Heather added fun to the story. I found their banter and texts amusing. Plenty of twists and revelations along the way, the story was a great read.
June 9, 2024
Amy T Matthews sophomore outing into women's fiction is as good or better than her first novel. I was happy to feature Someone Else's Bucket List in ANZ hoopla book club in 2023. Now she's back with a new novel of strong women and the men they love.
Bonnie is mourning the loss of her third husband, Junior. If mourning is carry his ashes in a box and talking to him all the time. I told my husband that I was going to do this to him.
Best, First, And Last follows the generations of women and the generational trauma that impacts them all.
Bonnie is inspired to take her daughter and granddaughter to Peru in hopes of repairing their relationships but they learn about their own stories and how they impact each other. It all trickles down to Heather and how she can change her own story.
This story is not about the destination but their journey.
Bonnie is mourning the loss of her third husband, Junior. If mourning is carry his ashes in a box and talking to him all the time. I told my husband that I was going to do this to him.
Best, First, And Last follows the generations of women and the generational trauma that impacts them all.
Bonnie is inspired to take her daughter and granddaughter to Peru in hopes of repairing their relationships but they learn about their own stories and how they impact each other. It all trickles down to Heather and how she can change her own story.
This story is not about the destination but their journey.
December 29, 2024
Best, First and Last is a beautiful and heartwarming novel that tackles intergenerational trauma that our response to love and loss can unintentionally inflict on those we love most.
Matthews is a fantastic storyteller, creating characters that are easy to empathize with, making you feel the highs and lows that they go through alongside them. Matthews writing style is beautifully descriptive and well paced and I thoroughly enjoyed Someone Else's Bucket List also by this author. But in this instance, for me, there was just a little too much family bickering and it started to take away from the overall storyline after awhile. I also felt that the healing journey was a little rushed at the end and could have benefited from reflection after the trip to round out the argumentative family undertone of most of the novel. It would have been nice to see more of the change in dynamic of the group as they made their way home.
Overall though, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a relatable read that will remind you just how very short life can be.
3.5 ⭐
Thank you to Simon & Schuster (Aus) and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Matthews is a fantastic storyteller, creating characters that are easy to empathize with, making you feel the highs and lows that they go through alongside them. Matthews writing style is beautifully descriptive and well paced and I thoroughly enjoyed Someone Else's Bucket List also by this author. But in this instance, for me, there was just a little too much family bickering and it started to take away from the overall storyline after awhile. I also felt that the healing journey was a little rushed at the end and could have benefited from reflection after the trip to round out the argumentative family undertone of most of the novel. It would have been nice to see more of the change in dynamic of the group as they made their way home.
Overall though, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a relatable read that will remind you just how very short life can be.
3.5 ⭐
Thank you to Simon & Schuster (Aus) and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2025
Cute book that details all the weird ways you can you love someone. Had some good messages, nothing life altering. Made me want to travel more & made me miss Arizona <3
Good filler book that I was gifted by a family friend.
Not much else to say on this.
QOTB: “…And second, there are no wrong people. Or right people. There are just people. You’re overthinking things. Trust me, there’s no rulebook and no map of traps. You meet people, you love them or you don’t — or you love them and you don’t — you stay with them or you don’t. Sometimes they leave you and sometimes they stay with you, and sometimes they leave and stay all at once. Stuff is just stuff.”
Good filler book that I was gifted by a family friend.
Not much else to say on this.
QOTB: “…And second, there are no wrong people. Or right people. There are just people. You’re overthinking things. Trust me, there’s no rulebook and no map of traps. You meet people, you love them or you don’t — or you love them and you don’t — you stay with them or you don’t. Sometimes they leave you and sometimes they stay with you, and sometimes they leave and stay all at once. Stuff is just stuff.”
June 25, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
This was the kind of book that I deliberately slowed down my reading for just so it could go on a little longer.
It’s a love story - love for your family, for your self and then yes, romantic love. I was so intensely invested in the characters and their stories and actually felt like I was on the trip with them. You really experience the emotions they felt and cheer for them when something good happens and feel frustrated when it’s something bad.
This is a must read for anyone who likes strong FMC’s.
This was the kind of book that I deliberately slowed down my reading for just so it could go on a little longer.
It’s a love story - love for your family, for your self and then yes, romantic love. I was so intensely invested in the characters and their stories and actually felt like I was on the trip with them. You really experience the emotions they felt and cheer for them when something good happens and feel frustrated when it’s something bad.
This is a must read for anyone who likes strong FMC’s.
June 25, 2024
I was delighted to win this book on Goodreads. I enjoyed her first book and this was definitely on my list to read.
Amy T Matthews has a knack for embracing the dysfunctional family with love and humor without shying from the pain.
This female generation story is explorative, adventurous, courageous, and compassionate.
I will read whatever Amy writes.
Amy T Matthews has a knack for embracing the dysfunctional family with love and humor without shying from the pain.
This female generation story is explorative, adventurous, courageous, and compassionate.
I will read whatever Amy writes.
August 2, 2024
What a fantastic, fun read!
I loved the grandmother, who was witty, strong, and vulnerable.
I embrace the multiple POV structure. It especially works well here.
The romance element felt minor to me, the central focus the relationship of three generations of women, unpacked on a trek to Machu Picchu.
Having travelled within Peru many years ago, it was fun to relive that experience in a way. I was reminded of the strenuous part of my hike, the amazement at seeing Machu Picchu, along with all the fun moments with others.
I loved the grandmother, who was witty, strong, and vulnerable.
I embrace the multiple POV structure. It especially works well here.
The romance element felt minor to me, the central focus the relationship of three generations of women, unpacked on a trek to Machu Picchu.
Having travelled within Peru many years ago, it was fun to relive that experience in a way. I was reminded of the strenuous part of my hike, the amazement at seeing Machu Picchu, along with all the fun moments with others.
February 18, 2025
Oh my heart! I loved this story. It was so warm and wholesome.
Three generations, grandma, mum and daughter head to Peru to do the Machu picchu trek and this becomes an adventure no one expected!
I laughed, I cried and I wanted to scream, because I could feel their unresolved issues, their frustrations, the difficult conversations, the conflict.
There was alot for them to unpack and let go of on this journey. It was written beautifully and I adored the touch of romance to give us some hope throughout the book.
The grandma was my absolute favourite . Bon was so witty, fun, full of love and such a bright spark. Never a dull moment and she made this book the gem it was. She was the best.
This story is about taking chances, setting boundaries, stepping out of your comfort zone, marriages, complicated family relationships and love. I definitely recommend it!
Thank you @simonschusterau and @netgalley for sending this early copy to me in exchange for an honest review.
Three generations, grandma, mum and daughter head to Peru to do the Machu picchu trek and this becomes an adventure no one expected!
I laughed, I cried and I wanted to scream, because I could feel their unresolved issues, their frustrations, the difficult conversations, the conflict.
There was alot for them to unpack and let go of on this journey. It was written beautifully and I adored the touch of romance to give us some hope throughout the book.
The grandma was my absolute favourite . Bon was so witty, fun, full of love and such a bright spark. Never a dull moment and she made this book the gem it was. She was the best.
This story is about taking chances, setting boundaries, stepping out of your comfort zone, marriages, complicated family relationships and love. I definitely recommend it!
Thank you @simonschusterau and @netgalley for sending this early copy to me in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews