Best, First, and Last is a scoff-out-loud, cry-and-reflect novel that makes you appreciate the moms and grandmas in your life. I spent a few days getting through the first 30 pages and then a day reading the 300 or so, that's how enjoyable I thought this book was. A trip to Machu Picchu for a daughter, mom, and grandma leads to hilarious experiences and painful memories that unravel the deepest and darkest secrets they keep from themselves and each other. It flows like a love story and reads like a bit of a self-help book in my opinion (one of my favorite quotes from the book was "...there are no wrong people. Or right people. There are just people.")
The characters may have you wanting to pull out your hair at first, but there is beautiful personal and relationship development between Heather, Sandy, and Bonnie as they go from stop to stop.

Such a lovely read! Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever felt such a simple, strong love since. It just was, and it was good. Nothing’s ever the same as your first real love, but when your first love is lightning…well, it’s a hard act to follow”
Best, First and Last Amy T. Matthews

This is the story of 3 generations of women all at a crossroads. Bon has just turned 70 and lost her 3rd husband, Sandra is going through a divorce and Heather a breakup. In an attempt to help her daughter, Sandra, Bon comes up with a birthday wish to hike the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu. In Peru, secrets of the past are revealed and the trek up the mountain becomes so much more than a hike.

This is my first book by Amy Matthews and it will not be my last!! I enjoyed all the characters. I laughed and cried.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a digital review copy of this amazing book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Best, First, and Last by Amy T. Matthews hit me right in the heart, and I can't wait for this to come out next summer to share with my book club and the other ladies in my life.

Heather, her mom, Sandy, and her grandma, Bonnie, go on an adventure for Bonnie's 70th birthday. Bonnie convinces them they need to hike the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu. As they go on their grand adventure, they share their heartaches, stories, and secrets (as the blurb says) and get to know each other better. By opening their hearts, and letting go of the pain, they set themselves up for happiness to come.

I laughed and cried while reading this book and wish so very much that my mom was still alive to go on this type of adventure, or at the very least read and love this book the way I did. All of the characters are relatable, likeable, and have something worthwhile to share with us.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me have this ARC for an honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.