Cassie DeNisco

The Summer of ’69 Book Review!

September 18, 2023

It might not be summer anymore but I’ll always love a good beach read! I recently discovered Elin Hilderbrand over the summer and I’ve been reading through her books. I’m excited to jump into my Summer of ’69 book review because this was my first read by her!

As always this post contains an affiliate link so if you purchase the book through me I make a small commission but no pressure to purchase!

Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand

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The iconic title of this book really just takes you back to a nostalgic era. I was craving a book about summer with depth and this was just that. The writing is so good as we follow along the summer of 1969 with a mother and her 3 very different daughters.

I loved that each of these women were in very different phases of their lives. Each had such a unique story to read about due to what they were going through. I’ve personally never been to Nantucket but Elin’s writing is so descriptive you really get a feel for what it’s like.

The story is set against the back drop of the war in Vietnam and the eldest son is sent off to war. It leaves the mother with anxiety and grief. As the story unfolds we begin to see the lengths that she goes to to protect him even though he’s so far away.

What I enjoyed most about this book was how it was surprisingly geared towards historical fiction. Elin was able to really touch on the social issues that were going on at the time but it wasn’t in a heavy way. The book was fascinating and I really found myself not being able to put it down.

Because this was the first book that really opened the door to this author for me. I have since added a few more to my to be read list! I hope you liked this review of the Summer of ’69! You can read more book reviews here!

I’m almost at my Good Reads goal for the year! Feel free to leave book suggestions in the comments below!

The Most Beautiful Girl In Cuba- Book Review!

May 11, 2022

This month I’m sharing with you my book review of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba by Chanel Cleeton! I have fallen in love with Chanel’s books based around historical fiction. As a child, this was my favorite genre and to be honest, finding her books has opened my eyes to it again.

If you read my book review for 2021, I shared my thoughts on Next Year in Havana and When We left Cuba both by Cleeton. These books are connected and are such great reads. I decided to pick this book up at my local book store because I seriously just love her writing.

I was definitely not disappointed by this book and am excited to share my thoughts with you! Historical fiction has seriously become some of my favorite books to read so this was perfect for me.

The Most Beautiful Girl In Cuba- Shop Here

The themes of this book are that of girl power, bravery, and love. This book takes place during the Spanish invasion of Cuba in the late 1800s. This backdrop of war really shows how tough it was for women.

We follow the stories of 3 women: a writer in the US, a rich woman turned war prisoner, and a woman who has to live in an encampment. I love that each chapter discusses how different each’s life is. This book is actually based around a true story about a woman who American media deemed “The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba”.

As the story progresses we learn more about the conflict and see how American media is trying to influence the war after the American government does nothing. I couldn’t help but be in awe of the bravery of these women.

The writer is trying to make a name for herself in a male dominated industry. One woman is acting as a spy and smuggling notes into the war prisons. The beautiful woman in prison eventually gets aid from the writer and the spy to break out of being wrongfully imprisoned.

I loved this story because it kept me on my feet and really made me think. Chanel Cleeton does a great job of weaving a great story into actual historical events. If you are interested in history, this book is seriously for you!

Wrap Up

Let me know in the comments below if you like these posts! If I’m being honest, they’re some of my favorites to write. Be sure to subscribe here to my mailing list so you never miss a post from me! Stay tuned for next month’s book, it’s a good one!

My June Favorites 2021

July 16, 2021

I can hardly believe that this is the third Friday of July! I wanted to take some time today to talk about some of my June favorites of products that I just couldn’t live without. These are seriously my all time favorite posts to read and write because they expose you to some new products you might not have heard of before. There’s products in all different categories so sit back, relax, and enjoy the post!

Billie Razor

This Billie razor has been life changing. With me shaving more often in the summer, the quality of this razor and the shave is literally everything. I was pleasantly surprised that this was also so affordable and they automatically ship you the razors you need for a refill. If you’re looking to step up your shaving game, check these out this summer!

DryBar 100 Proof Oil

This hair oil from Drybar has become my instant favorite this summer. I find that my hair gets so dry over the summer and this seriously smooths some flyaways and helps hydrate my hair. This is pricy but a little oil does go a long way and I’m still on my same bottle from May!

Not Your Mother’s Purple Hair Mask

I wish I found this Hair Mask sooner. This mask does wonders to refresh my hair and combat the brassiness my hair tends to get. You leave this in for 5-10 minutes and it helps to brighten and lighten your blonde. Even though I am not fully blonde anymore, I still love this product on my ends to keep them bright and not too orange.

The Intimacy Experiment

This was my most recent read so I had to include it here. I read Rosie Danan’s first book and loved it so I knew this one would be another great one. This is a light and fun read perfect for the summer time. I love this book and think it’s one to add your your reading list!

Highline Wellness CBD

I initially tried this CBD on a whim when my anxiety was really bad. I never could have imagined that it seriously works and helps to just relax me. This doesn’t have the THC so it’s not a drug, it’s just the healing properties of CBD. Highly suggest trying this if you struggle with anxiety like me!

As you can see, these favorites have a little bit for everyone. I have been really into taking good care of my skin and hair so I have been loving trying new products. I hope these June favorites inspire you to try something new or check out a new product!

You can read my last favorites post here!

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!

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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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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