Best, First, and Last: A Novel By Amy T. Matthews

In this heartfelt narrative, three generations of women embark on a transformative journey to heal their wounded hearts amidst personal turmoil. Heather Russo, at twenty-five, grapples with the aftermath of a breakup and the complexities of working from home, which exacerbate her sense of despair. Meanwhile, her mother Sandy is navigating a bitter divorce, feeling she's wasted her life. Heather's grandmother Bonnie mourns the loss of her third husband and carries his urn everywhere, symbolizing her profound grief.

Inspired by a friend's adventurous grandson, Bonnie, determined not to let her 70th birthday pass in sorrow, proposes an audacious plan: hiking the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu. Despite initial reluctance and the weight of their emotional baggage, the trio embarks on this physical and emotional odyssey. As they trek through rugged terrain, they confront long-held secrets and deep-seated resentments, gradually releasing the pain that has held them captive.

With each challenging step towards Machu Picchu's summit, the women find solace and strength in each other's company. Their conversations along the trail become cathartic, fostering understanding and forgiveness. They discover that healing isn't just physical but emotional, as they shed layers of the past and embrace the possibilities of the present.

Through this stirring journey, marked by breathtaking landscapes and poignant revelations, the women discover resilience, renewal, and the potential for new beginnings. Ultimately, they find that their shared adventure leads not only to Machu Picchu but to a rediscovery of themselves and the prospect of a brighter future, rich with hope and possibility. 📚❤️