Cassie DeNisco

Death by Dissertation- Book Review!

March 9, 2022

I’m back with my March book of the month! I can hardly believe that it’s March and I’m already sharing my 3rd book of the year! I wanted to switch it up this month and I chose a light hearted mystery. I’ve found that I don’t love heavy books and this one is really fun and an easy read. This month we’re talking all about Death by Dissertation by Kelly Brakenhoff.

Death by Dissertation– Shop Here

I initially was drawn to this book because the main character and I share the same name, Cassandra. Cassandra Sato is an admin at a college where a death happens to one of her students. She finds herself thrown into the investigation and ends up uncovering more clues than the police.

I really enjoyed this book because the mystery was simple and easy to follow. On top of that, Cassandra is a really likeable character that calls her parents and has some love interest in the men she works around. Overall, this book has a little bit of everything: Mystery, friendship, and a hint of romance.

After reading It Happened One Summer and The Light we Lost, I was in the mood to switch of the genre. I actually found this one through the Kindle app and was excited to see it’s a series. I realize that I’m more inclined to choose a book if it at least has one other book in the series. Sometimes one book just isn’t enough for the characters so I gravitate towards series.

The best way I can describe this is like an adult Nancy Drew. Cassandra is balancing a full time job with a crazy boss, love life, friends, and making time to call her parents all while solving a mysterious death on campus. You’re really able to relate to her which I really appreciate.

I can’t stress enough that because I read before bed I don’t want any crazy scary books. I like easy reads that have a good story line. Death by Dissertation was perfect for me and gave me that mystery feel I was looking for. I’m excited to read the other books in this series!

I hope you have been enjoying these books of the month! It’s so fun to share my favorite book that I read that month. I actually have a goal of 75 books this year so we’ll see if I make it. I am always looking for more recommendations so let me know in the comments what you’re reading!

The Light We Lost- Book Review!

February 9, 2022

It’s a new month which means a new book! I loved the response from our first book of the month, It Happened One Summer! Not only is it so much fun sharing my book recommendations with you, but it really helps me keep accountable and reading all year long!

When I initially picked this book up in the book store, I thought it was something entirely different. I don’t like to read heavy books so when I realized that’s what this was I was a little worried. However, this book was so captivating that I had to keep going.

The Light We Lost– Shop Here

The Light We Lost really draws you in with the first chapter discussing the characters account of 9/11. Both Lucy and Gabe are in college in NYC in the beginning and they experience this very scary time together. From there, this story evolves into their friendship and love continuing throughout their lives.

As they grow up and get new jobs, the book has them bump into each other here and there. It begins to make you think of fate and maybe they are meant to be together. Even Lucy and Gabe consider it, but never take the jump to explore what that could mean after Gabe takes a job that requires he travel.

I started to think about missed opportunities during this book. Lucy and Gabe clearly have so much love for each other but their lives are like parallel lines running next to each other but never crossing, until the end of the book.

I was not prepared for the ending and if I’m being honest, it’s why I don’t usually pick books like this. Something happens and you realize you can’t keep living life with the idea of something, if you want it you have to work for it. The main theme of this book for me was realizing life is too short and sometimes when you finally get what you want, it’s too late.

Final Thoughts

Timing is truly everything and it seemed like Lucy and Gabe just never got the right timing. Jill Santopolo was a great author and the way she wrote this book from Lucy’s perspective was so unique. At the end you realize what the narration means and I was just speechless. I recommend this when you’re looking for a book with a bit more to it.

These book posts are so fun to write. I hope you’re enjoying them just as much as me! Don’t forget to follow @bookchatswithcass if you want to follow along with the books I’m reading in real time!

Also, feel free to leave your book recommendations in the comments below. I am always looking for books to add to my list and would love to hear what you have read or recommend!

It Happened One Summer- Book Review!

January 12, 2022

I am so excited to be launching this new series on the blog for a book of the month! Reading is one of my favorite things. I know a lot of you have found me because of my book recommendations. I thought I would share one book I read from the previous month as a way for us to form our own book club!

To chronicle this book journey, I made a separate Instagram @bookchatswithcass to not only share these books in real time but keep myself accountable as I read! I hope you’ll give it a follow as we start this new series together!

For the first month of the year, I decided that I was going to share one of my favorite books from December, It Happened One Summer. This is a funny rom com style book that was such a light and easy read that I got through it in one night. You can shop for it here through my affiliate link.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

I have read I think one or two other books by Tessa Bailey but this one seriously was so great. It had me laughing out loud and almost made me feel like I was watching a TV show. The characters she wrote were people that you could really feel what they were feeling.

The review on the back said it is like Schitt’s Creek which is so funny. This was not disappointing because it really was just that.

The main character is a rich girl who gets sent away after partying too hard. She finds herself in small fishing town that is connected to her late father. Through fixing up her family’s old bar and falling in love with an average fishing captain, she realizes the life she was living wasn’t at all what she needed.

I so appreciated the humor and little bit of spice🌶 from this book. This one is great when you’re in the mood to finish a book in one night. Once you pick this up, you can’t put it down until it’s done. Another great part of this book is it is actually the first in the series so you get to meet characters from later books.

This series is so exciting to have on my blog and once a month you’ll get a bonus post, like this one, where I’ll recomend a book! You can read it and leave your thoughts in the comments below! If you’re just here for the review, I hope you’ll give this funny rom com a try!

For more book reviews, click here!

My Book Review for 2021

December 20, 2021

I was so excited to write this book review recap as a wrap up for all the books I read this year. During the pandemic, I fell back in love with reading so I really made it my mission to carve out time to read everyday this year. I have read over 50 books so far and we still have a few more days left in the year.

Any content that has to do with a book review is seriously my favorite so I hope this helps you find some new great books. If I broke down every book I read this year, we would be here all day so I’m going to break down my favorite, least favorite, and a few other honorable mentions.

If you like my book review, I highly suggest you check me out on Good Reads and follow me there because that will update you with every book I read! You can also check me out on instagram @bookchatswithcass for my new book instagram!

Least Favorite 2021 Book: Love & Gelato

This was absolutely my own fault with this book. I gravitate towards YA books and I know this is a series so I thought I could get away with it. The book was so rough to get through not only because it was so young but the story itself was like a Mamma Mia wannabe. Honestly I don’t even have much else to write about it other than I would not recommend this to anyone.

Non- Fiction Must Read: The Forever Dog

If you have a dog or even any pet, I would say run to your nearest book store . This was so hard to get my hands on so I actually have a hard copy and a kindle copy. I love the information in this book. It’s written by vets, backed by science, and easy to understand. I want Sky to have the happiest, healthiest life and this book has helped to make some great changes in her life so far.

Opened the Door to a new Genre: Next Year in Havana

As a kid I was very much into Historical Fiction but as an adult I couldn’t really get myself into it. I found Next Year in Havana on a whim in the bookstore and I am so glad it did. Chanel Cleeton did a fantastic job of weaving in important historical events with a story that was written beautifully. After reading this book, I read the second book in the series, When We Left Cuba, and then started to incorporate more Historical Fiction books into my reads.

Top Recommendation: The Giver of Stars

I honestly believe everyone should read this historical fiction book. This was based on a true story about the women would worked under Eleanor Roosevelt’s library program. This program brought books to everyone, even in the most remote locations. In addition, this book shows the lives that women led during this time period and the friendships they formed. This is probably the book I will tell everyone to read. It shows how powerful books and reading really are.

Favorite 2021 Book: Beach Read

I actually struggled with this category because I thought about putting The Giver of Stars but I thought that book wasn’t necessarily my favorite that I read. It is more of a book that I will always refer to when people ask me what to read. Beach Read is actually the second book I read by this author and I love it. Essentially, two others are both dealing with grief and end up being next door neighbors who essentially fall in love. I just loved the twists and turns that it took to get them to the end of the book. I really love this about Emily Henry’s writing.

There’s nothing I love more than a cozy bed and a good book! I hope this book review gave you some inspo for your next read. Be sure to check out some other posts I’ve done one books recommendations too!

Books to Read this Summer 2021!

April 16, 2021

One of my favorite posts I share each year are the books to read this summer. I love reading. It has become so relaxing to me over the past year and I have read a lot of books. Continuing with that theme, I have a huge list of what I am reading this summer. I thought it would be great to share some of my book recommendations for you to start your list of books to read this summer!

For all of you book worms, I’ll break this up into categories based on book genre so that you can get right to the books you love.

Self-Help

The Defining Decade is definitely a great book for your 20s. I’m not usually big on self-help books. I find them hard to get into because I would much rather read fiction books but this was really inspirational. This book was easy to relate to in so many ways because all of the people Meg Jay talks about are having the same feelings I am having. From work to love, this book helps you to realize you shouldn’t waste away your 20s. This is a decade that can set you up for the rest of your life.

As you can tell I actually don’t have Untamed yet and haven’t read it. I have heard great things about it and I am looking forward to getting my hands on it this summer. From what I gather, it seems this book has Girl Boss vibes which was one I really loved reading. Recently, I’ve been into reading about other people’s lives that are relevant to mine and this book really just spoke to me when I saw it.

Similar to Untamed, Atomic Habits is also one I haven’t read yet but literally have heard great things about. From what I gather, this book is all about making small changes that turn into habits. I love books like these because I feel like they can really show you what small changes can do. I can’t wait to read this book this summer.

Romance

99 Days by Katie Cotugno instantly became one of my favorites. This is definitely YA but that made it easy for me to read in one day. This book follows a girl in love with two brothers and it seriously is so great. I love how honest the main character is with readers and there is actually a sequel to this which will make you happy once you get to the ending. Highly recommend you getting your hands on this guy ASAP.

I haven’t read Love and Gelato yet but I was looking for a series similar to 99 days. This is actually the first book in a series of 3 and I’m excited to get started. This book has travel which is something I think that we’re all looking forward to doing. I love a good quick read like this and I think this is a perfect summer series read.

I just purchased The Proposal and found the back of the book so cute. Also, pro tip: any books with Reese’s Book Club on it are generally so good. I always love the book she recommends so I know that once I read this I’ll love it. Jasmine Guillory also has a few other books that I’m interested to read so I am excited to read my first book by her.

Thrillers

I left this book alone in this category because Liv Constantine does not write a bad book. Every thriller by her is just as good as the other. The Wife Stalker is her most recent and I could not put it down. I read this maybe in like 1 day because it was just that good. I love The Last Mrs. Parrish and The Last Time I Saw You. If you love books with a twist, this author and these books are literally for you. Probably my highest recommendation!!

Best Beach Reads

This last genre is for my best beach reads. Mark Kay Andrews writes the best books for when you’re on vacation. I’ve read a few by her so far but not Sunset Beach. She writes about people on vacation with a mystery they have to solve. These books aren’t heavy but are so interesting. I love making sure I have one by her for my vacations!

** I make a small commission off of these links. There is no pressure to purchase but I do appreciate you supporting me!**

I cannot wait for summer and creating this book list seriously got me so excited. I hope you enjoyed these recommendations. Let me know if have any other book recs for me. I literally go through books so fast so I am always open to new books and authors!

You can read my other book posts here.

Books You Have to Read for Fall

September 18, 2020

Back by popular demand is another book recommendations video! These books you have to read are all different genres and are perfect to cozy up with for fall. If you’re looking for more books you have to read, check out my last book post here!

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Best Books for Summer 2020

May 22, 2020

Although it might not feel like it, summer is right around the corner. Whether we’re still stuck at home or on vacations, there is always time to curl up with a great book. This summer, I’ve put together the best books for Summer 2020 just like I did last year. Here’s that post. I hope this list of best books for summer inspires you to put down your devices and check out a good read.

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

If you’re looking for a great book to motivate you to get things done, then this is for you. Year of Yes not only encourages you to step out of your comfort zone to try new things but it also gives a look into the life of Shonda Rhimes. She’s the creator of some of my favorite shows like Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, and How to Get Away with Murder. She shares with her readers a guide to saying yes and not letting fear get in your way.

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger

I am obsessed with this author and equally as obsessed with this book! Last summer I read When Life Gives You Lululemons and it is just as great as this book. I love how Lauren Weisberger creates characters that are so relatable. As I read her work, I think about how similar it is to Gossip Girl, one of my favorites, but an adult version. Chasing Harry Winston chronicles 3 girls dating journeys at different stages. It’s a great read for the beach because you won’t want to put it down.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

Read this book if you’re looking for something you won’t be able to put down!! Based in Connecticut, this book is about a woman trying to insert herself into another woman’s life. I loved this book because it was so fascinating. Every page had me captivated and the author is amazing at writing. The author is actually a sister duo writing together which I found even cooler. Love this book and definitely will read more by the author!

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This is on my list to read this summer! I have heard great things about this author and book so I am excited to get started. This book was also recommended by Reese Witherspoon which is all the more reason to read it! Based on the back of the book, it seems like a murder mystery coming of age story and I am hooked. This one really seems like it might be the best books for summer!

I hope this list of best books for summer inspires you to find a good book and get to reading. One of my all time favorite things to do is lay out in the sun and read a good book. Let me know what’s on your list of best books for summer and share it below!

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My Summer Favorites

August 7, 2019

I can hardly believe that summer is half over but we still have plenty of time to check things off of our bucket lists. Today I am bringing you my top 7 products/favorite things that I haven’t been able to live without this summer!

EOS Lip Balm

This is by far my favorite lip balm of all time but I love it even more in the summer. It’s super moisturizing and it really lasts all day. Highly recommend buying the stick version because its more convenient to throw in your bag then a ball is! Hawaiian Tropics Dark Tanning Oil

2. Neon Bikinis

Neon swimwear is a huge trend this summer. If you go on any website like Zaful or Revolve, you can see that neon is the major trend. For me, I’m not super into neon so I wanted to be trendy but not spend too much. I found these super cute bathing suits on amazon and I love them so much!

3. When Life Gives You Lululemons

Not only is this book title super cute, I am loving the storyline. This book is a part of the Devil Wears Prada series, which is a great movie/book series. What I love most is that this is such an easy read that it’s perfect to take to the beach and just get lost in the story.

4. Apple Watch

I love going on walks early in the morning in the summer and I seriously have been loving my Apple Watch. I originally purchased it for when I was teaching class so I didn’t have to lug my phone around but I’ve found that now that I have it, I am way more accountable of my workouts and I track what I burn so easily. The watches are definitely pricy but the series 3, other than the fact that it’s not water proof, is the same as the new series 4.

5. Coach Mini Backpack

If you ask any of my friends, I was literally all set to buy the Louis Vuitton Palm Springs Mini Backpack. I loved the size of it and the style but wasn’t too sure if I was going to love it enough for $2,000 and let’s be real, I’m just a college student on a budget. When I found this Coach backpack, I literally fell in love because it’s the exact same size/still of the Palm Springs Mini but without the hefty price tag. I’ve also found that carrying around this bag is so convenient and actually really comfy.

6. It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner

This leave in conditioner is something that I use on and off throughout the year. Sometimes I’ll use it and sometimes it makes my hair too greasy. I have religiously been using it this summer because I find that it really gives your hair back the moisture it loses in the sun. Now I realize this product is pricy, but it’s literally SO worth it. It leaves my hair exactly how it says it will on the package which is why I keep coming back to it.

7. Method Body Wash

Getting sunburn is awful but I love coming in and taking a good shower afterwards. I’ve found that Method body wash is literally great and really cools and moisturizes your skin. I especially love the green tea one because I find it counteracts my redness and just soothes my sunburn. Not to mention, it smells AMAZING.

I couldn’t imagine my summer without these products. I seriously love them and they make live so much easier. Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of these or if you have any summer favorites that I might have missed!

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What I’m Reading this Summer

June 10, 2019

I always have been such a huge reader but there is just something about summer time and reading that sparks a huge desire to read even more. To me, there is nothing better then laying out in the hot sun on a beach with a great book . This post is dedicated to some of the books I’m planning to read this summer or have read but may reread because they’re just that good.

My first book should be no surprise if you saw my GOT review. I am absolutely going to be started the Game of Thrones books series with the first book, A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. I am really looking forward to taking the time to site and read this book and find all the hidden foreshadowing of the finale’s events that I missed in only watching the TV series. Most of the time, I do read the books before I watch the TV or movie versions but for some reason GOT just didn’t seem that appealing to me until I saw the series. I have only heard great things about the books so they are definitely my top must read for the summer.

One genre that I have really found myself loving as I have gotten older is self-help. I think a lot of people probably shy away from it because the name seems like a turnoff but I think these types of books really provide great guidance and motivation as I grow older. One book series that I LOVE is the You Are a Badass collection by Jen Sincero. I have read the yellow one about how to stop doubting yourself but this summer I have my sight set on the green one called You Are a Badass at Making Money. I just loved her first book so I am sure that this one will be just as insightful and provide the guidance I am looking for.

Staying in the realm of self-care, I really recommend reading Eat Pretty by Jolene Hart. I know I mentioned it in my Skin Secrets post but I think if you are like me it’s totally worth the read. The summer is the best time to pursue your goals and if cooking more and living a healthier lifestyle are on your list this book is right up your alley. Not only is this book broken down into seasons of the year to tell you what fruits and veggies to eat for what you’re looking for but it also gives you recipes on how to incorporate them into your diet. I am just so obsessed with this book and I reread it at least once or twice a year because its basically a food bible.

A few other books that are on my must read list are When Life Gives You LuluLemons, Make Your Bed, and of course The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Every time I walk by these books in Barnes and Nobles I am so tempted to pick them up but I just know I already have such a long list of books to read. If you have an book recommendations leave them in the comments below.

Happy Reading! – C

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