Freesia Lockheart's Blog

Synopsis:

When Anna Chelsea Lovette is fourteen, her mother dies in a tragic car accident. With her mother’s reputation tarnished after her death, Anna falls under the deciding eyes of the people. She has trouble facing the world alone, feeling that nothing matters anymore. But when a gentleman comes to her rescue at the day of her mother’s burial, Anna decides to stand up on her feet again.

Now nineteen and made it through high school, Anna can’t help but wonder who is that gentleman who’s been helping her through the years. She heads off to New Waulds, where the return address of the letters is located. Will she finally know the man who helped her? Or will she uncover one dreadful secret?

 

Read it here:

https://radish.app.link/mRwb9I33fC

Hi! On the last day of 2016, I just want to say thank you for everything. I look forward to sharing more stories with you in the years to come! I hope you’re having a wonderful time with your loved ones this season filled with hope and warmth. All the love and with all my heart,Happy New Year from Freesia Lockheart

Since I’m a self-confessed Kdrama/Asian drama addict, here’s my take on the very best of 2016:

AGE OF YOUTH

It’s a coming-of-age drama about five university students who ended up living in one dorm. It’s very easy to fall in love with the characters. They’re all different, but their chemistry is amazing.There are side-story romances, but it hardly even matters. These girls could talk about anything all day and I’d still watch it. They could be with anyone and break-up with anyone whenever they wanted, and I’d still root for them.It’s more about the friendship that has been established while living together. How they started out as strangers to knowing each other’s deepest secrets. How they strive to be a better person, even if they don’t know what that is. How they help each other. All the angst, the struggles and mistakes, you’ll be able to relate some of them (if not all) to yourself. Because we all went through something like that. That’s one of the charms of this show.I love how… it’s real. It will make you laugh and cry. And miss your friends so much. Season 2, please!SOMETHING ABOUT 1%

It’s a typical contract marriage. A cliche, as you would have it. But the show flaunts all that it is so well and it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. In the end, it’s still the show that you’d love to watch.This has been my most enjoyable watch this year, but it ended up in number two because Age of Youth has a more solid and complex story. This show, on the other hand, is like your favorite cup of milk tea. It’s very simple, but it carries the perfect dose of romance and comedy.I love how… giddy this show made me feel.CHEESE IN THE TRAP

This is a story about complexities and all there is. It’s also a story about a boy and a girl and their friends and all life in general. And how the girl is in the middle of everything. But she’ll manage, don’t worry.I’ve heard about the hype going around about this show, but I seriously enjoyed it. With all honesty, I really loved the show. I think the actors did their parts well. As a non-manhwa reader, I have enjoyed the drama as it was. Not much complaints.I love how… it’s different.DOCTORSHow much do I love this show, let me count the ways: infinity.I love Park Shin Hye, period. I adore all her shows. She always leaves a mark for every drama that she makes.This is a story about  a former teacher-student who both ended up as doctors. A troubled high school student and her mentor. A complication. Reunited later on. And .I love how… it’s very straighforward. And how it’s a very easy show to watch.W – TWO WORLDS

Okay, right from the start, I’m already in love with the two cast. This is Han Hyo Joo’s comeback drama. And Lee Jung Suk has always been my favorite. It couldn’t have been more perfect.Then comes their chemistry. It’s either they’re acting so well (since they’re both such wonderful actors), or they’ve fallen in love somewhere along the way. I don’t know. That’s how convincing they’ve been.So this is a story that will make writers fear a bit. You know, just in case one of our characters decide to come out of the story and haunt us. And yes, at some point, it also made me believe that this all might not be real. LOL.First seven episodes was solid. It would get you hooked. For the rest, it’s a rollercoaster ride to the finale. Enjoy.I love how… it’s so believable.DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN

It is a truth universally acknowledged that The Descendants of the Sun is a great show. I feel like I don’t need to say more. A highly fictional tale of a doctor and a soldier. Of abs and soldiers. Of disasters and medics. Of uniforms and syringe. Of everything good there is.I love how… the two episodes every week starts strong and ends strong and opens up to another adventure next week. Constantly good. I love the four leads. *belts* You are my everything…REPLY 1988

I am, still, in a love-hate relationship with this show.I love that… it’s good. It’s a great contender to my favorite, Reply 1997.I hate… the ending. The one she ends up with. I’ll never be able to accept it. I might. Not really. I mean, how? Why? I know Park Bo-gum’s the thing right now, but that’s it? That’s the reason? See the conflict? I’ll never understand.But I still love you, Reply 1988. You’re wonderful. Maybe someday I’ll be able to accept you as you are.SIGNAL

A very gripping show that transcends time. For me, this is the best story of the year.When the past meets the present through a walkie talkie, cold cases will be resolved. But as much as you alter the past, some things are ought to remain the same.I love… how the writer’s a genius.MOONLIGHT DRAWN BY THE CLOUDS

When a girl goes undercover as a boy, count me in! This is a very endearing tale of a girl who needs to hide her complicated identity, that’s why she was raised as a boy. Somehow, she ends up working alongside the prince.Then the complication. Funny moments. And hilarious antics.I love… Park Bo-gum here. I might not have conflicting opinions about Reply 1988, but he owned this show.GOGH, THE STARRY NIGHT

This made it to the top 10 because of the leads’ chemistry. It’s just a simple mini-drama about the struggles of a twenty something office girl about work, life, old flames, and love.I love… the chemistry of the two leads. That episode 16? 

 

Other dramas that I’ve watched this year:

OuroburosWhy?Jealousy IncarnateOkay.Uncontrollably FondWhat happened?Another Oh Hae YoungTried.Drinking SoloCould have been.The EntertainerNot that entertaining.Cinderella and Four KnightsWhat is this?

 

To watch:

Marriage ContractJackpotOne More Happy EndingGoblinThe Legend of the Blue SeaWeightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo

 

2016 has been such a wonderful year for Kdrama fans like me. Looking forward to a wonderful 2017! 

by Sarra Manning

“That was the worst thing about having a relationship with someone, even a pretend relationship. You opened up, let someone in, and when it was over, they had all the ammunition they needed to completely destroy you.”

This pancake relationship. I ship it. She’s a bookish nerd and he’s known to be a ‘manwhore’. Neve and Max. There’s no common ground between them. She’s waiting for her ‘prince charming’ to come back and constantly dreams about their future. But after being slammed by her sister for having no experience when it comes to relationships, she takes up Max’s offer to have what they called as a pancake relationship. It’s test run for the ‘real thing’ she’ll have with ‘prince charming’ later on. Or is it?

So I’m back and doing this book recommendation again. This is a continuation of my disclosure of the books that could be found in my shelf.

Genre: Fiction/Romance

Freesia’s Rating:

For: 18+ (Mature)

This series in five random words…

 Pancakes

 Exercise

 Treats

 Dog

 Letters

Why I think you should read this book…

 Heroine is amazing. Neve is easy to relate with. She actually reminds me of someone. And all her struggles while losing weight and how she sees herself, it’s real. I think that what makes the story enjoyable. She could be frustrating at times, but you would understand where she was coming from. It’s like that. She’s the truth that you sometimes wish doesn’t exist. Her character growth in this book is worth the applause.

 It’s another love story that’s not supposed to happen, but then it did. They’re not supposed to work, but they did. It’s funny like that.

 Sarra Manning’s a great author. I’m always on the lookout for her other books.

What I love about this book…

 Neve and her weight struggle. Because the author nailed it so well. Here’s to you, extra pounds! 

 The dynamics of Neve and Max’s relationship. They called it as pancake relationship. One to prepare Neve for the ‘real one’ when her prince charming comes back. But then, things don’t go as planned most of the time. Max also has a reason why he entered this pretend relationship, but let’s not spoil the story. I’ve always wondered what’s his motive is about. But don’t worry, the ending will reveal it.

 I was off with Max’s character at first. This manwhore persona. He’s not exactly my type. But I warmed up to him as the story goes on. A person is a person, and he could be more.

 The side characters. It’s the perfect blend.

 Max’s dog. I don’t know why, but I adore him. Especially the part when Neve took care of him while he’s away.

Favorite quotes from the book…

“What you look like is just one part of who you are – but it’s not all you are.”

“I guess they’re called moments because they don’t last very long.”

“The thing about love was that it caught you unawares, turned up in the most unexpected places, even when you weren’t looking for it.”

“I suppose the things that you always take for granted, that you don’t even notice, are what you miss the most.”

Book Description:

Sweet, bookish Neve Slater always plays by the rules and the number one rule is that good-natured fat girls like her don’t get guys like gorgeous, handsome William, heir to Neve’s heart since university. But William’s been in LA for three years, and Neve’s been slimming down and re-inventing herself so that when he returns, he’ll fall head over heels in love with the new, improved her.

So she’s not that interested in other men. Until her sister Celia points out that if Neve wants William to think she’s an experienced love-goddess and not the fumbling, awkward girl he left behind, then she’d better get some, well, experience.

What Neve needs is someone to show her the ropes, someone like Celia’s colleague Max. Wicked, shallow, sexy Max. And since he’s such a man-slut, and so not Neve’s type, she certainly won’t fall for him. Because William is the man for her… right?

(from: goodreads)

 

by Sarra Manning

“That was the worst thing about having a relationship with someone, even a pretend relationship. You opened up, let someone in, and when it was over, they had all the ammunition they needed to completely destroy you.”

This pancake relationship. I ship it. She’s a bookish nerd and he’s known to be a ‘manwhore’. Neve and Max. There’s no common ground between them. She’s waiting for her ‘prince charming’ to come back and constantly dreams about their future. But after being slammed by her sister for having no experience when it comes to relationships, she takes up Max’s offer to have what they called as a pancake relationship. It’s test run for the ‘real thing’ she’ll have with ‘prince charming’ later on. Or is it?

So I’m back and doing this book recommendation again. This is a continuation of my disclosure of the books that could be found in my shelf.

by Sarah Dessen

“There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. So you’d better learn the sound of it. Otherwise you’ll never understand what it’s saying.”

Just Listen is a close contender to The Truth About Forever being my favorite Young Adult novel. I’m a huge fan of Sarah Dessen, and I read all of her novels. Like if I could read book from one author, I would pick Sarah Dessen. Or make that two. I need Sophie Kinsella’s humor in my life.

So back to the book, when it comes to Sarah Dessen’s novels, my top picks are (this is kind of hard to do because I love all of her works):

The Truth About Forever(closely followed by) Just ListenAlong for the Rideall her other books

I would really recommend her books to teenage readers out there. Try once and maybe, like me, you’ll fall in love with the way she writes her words.

Genre: Young Adult

Freesia’s Rating:

For: 16+

This series in five random words…

 Music

 Radio

 Family

 School

 Listen

Why I think you should read this book…

 If you’re in love with words like me, some of Sarah Dessen’s most notable quotes could be found in this book.

 It’s a teen story. With all the imperfections thereof. I love how the author could touch the lives of her readers by placing a character that is so relatable that you could see yourself in her from time to time.

 When it comes to creating the perfect summer story, Sarah Dessen is a pro. Family. Friends. Love. All in one book.

What I love about this book…

 Annabel and Owen. The music and static between these two.

 The quotes. Hands down.

 The theme of the story, the characters, their individual lives, and how that played well in creating this perfect story.

 The love story and how it developed. Oh, I already said that. But it was really noteworthy to repeat. You’ll love those two, no matter how imperfectly perfect they are. Because their flaws could be yours. And in those moments that you’re being honest with yourself, I hope you also realize that there’s something that could be done about them.

 That being said, I’d also say that the character growth was one of this story’s highlights. Like with all of Sarah Dessen’s books.

Favorite quotes from the series…

“Don’t think or judge, just listen.”

“There has to be a middle. Without it, nothing can ever truly be whole. Because it is not just the space between, but also what holds everything together.”

“Music is a total constant. That’s why we have such a strong visceral connection to it, you know? Because a song can take you back instantly to a moment, or a place, or even a person. No matter what else has changed in your or the world, that one song says the same, just like that moment.”

“Because this is what happens when you try to run from the past. It just doesn’t catch up, it overtakes … blotting out the future.”

“I wondered which was harder, in the end. The act of telling, or who you told it to. Or maybe if, when you finally got it out, the story was really all that mattered.”

“All you could do was take on as much weight as you can bear. And if you’re lucky, there’s someone close enough by to shoulder the rest.”

Book Description:

Last year, Annabel was “the girl who has everything” — at least that’s the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf’s Department Store.

This year, she’s the girl who has nothing: no best friend because mean-but-exciting Sophie dropped her, no peace at home since her older sister became anorexic, and no one to sit with at lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong.

Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen’s help, maybe Annabel can face what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.

(from: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51...)

by Sarah Dessen

“There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. So you’d better learn the sound of it. Otherwise you’ll never understand what it’s saying.”

Just Listen is a close contender to The Truth About Forever being my favorite Young Adult novel. I’m a huge fan of Sarah Dessen, and I read all of her novels. Like if I could read book from one author, I would pick Sarah Dessen. Or make that two. I need Sophie Kinsella’s humor in my life.

So back to the book, when it comes to Sarah Dessen’s novels, my top picks are (this is kind of hard to do because I love all of her works):

The Truth About Forever
(closely followed by) Just Listen
Along for the Ride
all her other books

I would really recommend her books to teenage readers out there. Try once and maybe, like me, you’ll fall in love with the way she writes her words.

Genre: Young Adult

Freesia’s Rating:

by Sarah Dessen

“There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. So you’d better learn the sound of it. Otherwise you’ll never understand what it’s saying.”

Just Listen is a close contender to The Truth About Forever being my favorite Young Adult novel. I’m a huge fan of Sarah Dessen, and I read all of her novels. Like if I could read book from one author, I would pick Sarah Dessen. Or make that two. I need Sophie Kinsella’s humor in my life.

So back to the book, when it comes to Sarah Dessen’s novels, my top picks are (this is kind of hard to do because I love all of her works):

The Truth About Forever
(closely followed by) Just Listen
Along for the Ride
all her other books

I would really recommend her books to teenage readers out there. Try once and maybe, like me, you’ll fall in love with the way she writes her words.

Genre: Young Adult

Freesia’s Rating:

The words you said to me before you left,


They’re all scattered in my dreams,


And before I awake, I pick them up,


Placing them in a jar that contains,


All our long-forgotten memories.


 


F.L.

I was back to Zambales for the weekend! I missed the place. It’s so easy to get there, and the beaches are so serene and relaxing. For a day or two, we get to experience a sense of tranquility, being close to nature, and setting ourselves free from the the usual life that we know, with all its rush and rumbles.

Nagsasa Cove

This time, my friends and I headed to Nagsasa Cove. Go camp! And beach bumming, of course. The following day, we went to Capones Island and other islets. We got back home all tanned and happy.