Best, First, and Last

An Arizona woman celebrating a milestone birthday takes her daughter and granddaughter on a memorable vacation in the endearing latest from Matthews (Someone Else’s Bucket List). Bonnie Jenkins approaches her 70th birthday in deep mourning for her third husband, but she’s inspired by her neighbor’s photojournalist grandson, Owen, to mark the occasion by hiking Machu Picchu. Bonnie invites her daughter, Sandy, who is going through a tough divorce, and Sandy’s daughter, Heather, who just broke up with her clingy boyfriend, Shawn, to join her on the climb. Twenty-five-year-old Heather arrives in Peru first, where she meets and falls for a man who calls himself Romeo after she says her name is Juliet. When Sandy and Bonnie, with her husband’s urn in tow, get to Peru, Heather learns that Romeo is actually Owen, whom Bonnie invited to encourage Sandy to have a divorce recovery fling. The already tenuous relationship between the three women frays a little more, especially when Shawn arrives, having been invited by Sandy. Matthews authentically captures the intergenerational dynamics, making it all the sweeter as frank discussions and shared understanding heal some of the rifts between them as they trek on. Readers will have no trouble rooting for the Jenkins women to find their fresh starts. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. (July)