Forever Friends

by Drienie Hattingh

When Johannesburg attorney, Annette Lamphier, inherits the destitude family vineyard, in Franschhoek, South Africa, she doesn’t know what to expect. Her late grandmother had put everything into the vineyard, even at the cost of her one true love; and though the three-century-old vineyard is in shambles, Annette wants to honor her grandmother’s wish to keep it in the family. Soon after Annette moves to her new home, she discovers letters penned in the 17th century by the three best friends of her ancestor, Antoinette Louise Lamphier. Compelled to fulfill the wishes revealed in the letters, Annette decides to find the present-day relations of the Forever Friends. The past and the present collide in the most unexpected of ways when Annette travels to America, desperately seeking guidance from Gene Fairfield, who owns a respected Napa Valley vineyard. She hopes what she learns will help her save her inheritance. Then she meets the arrogant, yet devastatingly handsome, Jacques Fairfield. Will history repeat itself?

410 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2015

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of the four young French friends and of their lives after three had to flee from religious persecution. The scenes in South Africa, the vineyard, the animals, the antiques, the family...so inspiring!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story that follows Annette as she inherits her family's vineyard, Boschkloof, in Franschhoek, South Africa. She discovers a box of letters from her ancestor Antoinette in the attic and learns that she and her three best friends had to flee France at the end of the 1600s. Annette is about to lose Boschkloof because of financial difficulties, but ends up contacting an American man who has his own vineyard and asks for ideas to help her keep her vineyard in the family. She continues reading the letters from the friends and feels as if she's part of the group and hopes to find Antoinette's friends' ancestors some day. There is some romance included in Annette's story as well.

I will not spoil the ending because it's just too wonderful. I loved reading this book. I wanted to find out more about the Forever Friends just as Annette did and I couldn't wait for her to read another letter and then another. I really like historical fiction and this being set different locations (South Africa, France, the U.S.) was really neat. I also love how at the end of the book there are traditional South African recipes. I can't wait to try some of them!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Hattingh grew up in South Africa, and her description of the land, plants, animals, ocean life are all beautiful. The story itself spans generations of friendships. The friendship in the letters Antoinette finds carry love and romance through the ages. When the forever friends of today link with the forever friends of the past, unforgettable love and devotion blossoms. This well-crafted romance will linger in your heart long after you finish reading.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Drienie's books and I have not been disappointed in any of them. Her new one "Forever Friends" was outstanding.
Her description of South Africa was great. I felt I was there walking along side Annette as she found out about her family history. It brought tears to my eyes as I read it.
Another hit. Great job.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read!

[Jodi Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found myself staying up late to read this delightful book. I loved the friendships, the connections between generations, and the little mysteries that carried from page one until the end.