Best, First and Last

Name: Best, First and Last
Price: 22.99 AUD
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ISBN: 9781761639432

Amy Matthews

$22.99

Paperback

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English

Simon & Schuster
24 February 2026

Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945); Adult & contemporary romance; Fiction: special features; Romance

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. To get past her grief, 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. Will they even make it to the summit?

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.

By: Amy Matthews
Imprint: Simon & Schuster
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 128mm,
ISBN: 9781761639432
ISBN 10: 1761639439
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 24 February 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

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.

Reviews for Best, First and Last

‘Snappy dialogue that would put the Gilmore Girls to shame’ * The Sydney Morning Herald * 'sweet, compelling, nostalgic, moving and with the profundity that small moments of romance accumulate over decades. I adored it.’ -- Clare Fletcher ‘Heartfelt, humorous and heartbreaking. A novel that will make you feel it all.’ -- Michelle Upton ‘Sharply observed, witty and tangled, this is intergenerational adventure at its best.’ -- Emma Grey, author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You ‘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.’ -- Kim Lock, author of The Other Side of Beautiful ‘relatable, humorous and incredibly light – all in all a wonderful story about womanhood.’ * The Daily Telegraph * ‘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.’ -- Karina May ‘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.’ -- Laura Hankin, author of The Daydreams and A Special Place for Women ‘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.’ -- Robin Lefler, author of Reasonable Adults