Fall Festival: Wrap-up & Final Contest

Thanks to everyone who helped out with Fall Festival! Since today is the final day, I'm wrapping up with the largest contest!

Check out Giveaway #1 and my favorite Halloween Movies here!
Check out Giveaway #2 and an author interview with Kim Askew & Amy Helmes Here!
Check out Giveaway #3 and Small-town Fall Activities here!
Check out Giveaway #4 and my anticipated fall releases here!
Check out Giveaway #5 and a guest post by L.T. Getty here!

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Fall Festival: Waiting on Fall Relseases & Giveaway #4

One of the great things about fall is the huge number of amazing releases! I feel like every February/March I end up adding a ton of books to my Goodreads that are due out September-November...and I'm a super impatient person. Here are my most anticipated books of the fall (please note that the setup, for the sake of timeliness is inspired by Kristi at The Story Siren and her fabulous Books to Pine for posts): 

Relativity by Cristin Bishara - Published by Walker/Release Date: September 10 (Out Now!)

 Twinmaker by Sean Williams - Published by Balzer + Bray/Release Date: November 5

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - Published by Disney-Hyperion/Release Date: November 5

Not A Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis - Published by Katherin Tegen Books/Release Date: September 24

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner - Published by Disney-Hyperion/Release Date: December 10, 2013

The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White - Published by HarperTeen/Release Date: September 10 (Out Now!)

Vicious by V.E. Schwab - Published by Tor/Release Date: September 24

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan - Published by Hyperion/Release Date: October 8

Beauty's Daughter by Carolyn Meyer - Published by HMH Books for Young Readers/Release Date: October 8

Hideous Love by Stephanie Hemphill - Published by Balzer + Bray/Release Date: October 1

United We Spy (Gallagher Girls #6) by Ally Carter - Published by Disney-Hyperion/Release Date: September 17 (Out Now!)

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer by Katie Alender - Published by  Scholastic/Release Date: September 24

The Bride Wore Size 12 by Meg Cabot - Published by William Morrow/Release Date September 24

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle 2) by Maggie Stiefvater - Published by Scholastic/Release Date: September 17 (Out Now!)

Check out Giveaway #1 and my favorite Halloween Movies here!
Check out Giveaway #2 and an author interview with Kim Askew & Amy Helmes Here!
Check out Giveaway #3 and Small-town Fall Activities here!

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Fall Festival: Small-town Activities & Giveaway #3

I grew up in a very small town. Sadly, we don't do anything as cool as Stars Hollow, but locally there are a ton of fun activities. Being from Vermont the summer is full of farmer's markets and popup food trucks. Autumn brings out a whole new side to Vermont.

The Haunted Forest

Each year my family and I (yes, I totally would only do this with my family) visit The Haunted forest. During the weekend leading up to Halloween we head out to a local forest with trails, and watch as locals act out plays, jump out of the trees at you, and guide you through the woods. It's amazing. Sure, the acting isn't Hollywood quality, and I've never actually jumped in fright, but it's charming. Plus, I love the hundreds of jack-o-lanterns lining the path.


Applefest & Cinder Donuts

Photo courtesy of Ann Gordon

Sadly, the original Applefest that I went to every year is no longer being held. The owners of the Orchard that hosted were getting too old to continue to do it (plus it was in an extremely small town, so parking was always a mess...especially on the years it rained). I am looking forward to driving to a different Vermont town to attend Applefest this fall. Basically, it's a craft show, 4-H type of event. You can't beat people who are out on a nice fall day to enjoy the community...and there are fresh apple cider donuts. As someone who is actively trying to eat healthy, fall is tough...but I think an exception for a cider donut is a must!


Now on to today's contest:

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Don't forget to check out Bemused Bookworm's post!
Check out Giveaway #1 and my favorite Halloween Movies here!
Check out Giveaway #2 and an author interview with Kim Askew & Amy Helmes Here!

Fall Festival: Interview with Kim Askew and Amy Helmes & Giveaway #2

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Thanks to Kim and Amy for taking the time to answer some questions! You can check out the website for their Twisted Lit series, or it's Facebook page.  

1. Okay, let's start with a this-or-that question. Halloween or Thanksgiving?

Kim: No contest: Halloween. I’d prefer the opportunity to dress up like a Victorian vampire over eating turkey any day of the year.

Amy: Thanksgiving. I love that there’s very little build-up, a lot of sitting around involved, and I believe mashed potatoes trump most Halloween candy.

2. I absolutely love reading mysteries in the fall, and I read Pride & Prejudice every Christmas. Do you have any fall favorites or rituals?

Kim: I like reading Gothic novels, like The Monk and The Castle of Otranto, in front of my fireplace. Every year at Christmas, my family and I have a tradition of watching Mikhail Baryshnikov in The Nutcracker ballet.

Amy: I don’t have any rituals, per se, but I have come to embrace football season because it gives me uninterrupted time to read when everyone else in my house is glued to the TV!

3. What's your favorite spooky read?

Kim: Stephen King’s The Shining still terrifies me. Also, anything by Poe. (Try reading The Tell-Tale Heart out loud before bed — I guarantee you’ll have nightmares).

Amy: Amy: I love all the spooky Victorian stuff; Henry James’s The Turn Of the Screw, The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. But I’ve got to say, James Dickey’s Deliverance is the book that had me most freaked-out in the midst of reading it.

4. Horror movies: yes, no, or only if I can peak through my fingers?

Kim: Yes, I love the thrill of a good horror movie!

Amy: Only if I can peak through my fingers, but still ... it’s a small form of torture to feel that much unnecessary stress! 

5. Of course I can't forget to mention that you have a book coming out this winter. Can you tell everyone a bit about Anyone But You?

Kim: We decided to create a back story that explained why the Montagues and Capulets (in our case, the Montes and the Caputos) so detested one another. In fact, we weave back-and-forth in time between not one, but two love stories in our spin on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. One story takes place in the 1930s and 1940s, while the other is set in modern-day Chicago. You’ll have to read the book to find out how they’re connected!

Amy: There’s also a lot of Italian comfort food that factors in. You’ll want to devour this book, in more way than one! 

Don't forget to check out Debz' Fall Festival post!

Check out Giveaway #1 and my favorite Halloween Movies here!
Check out Giveaway #3 and Small-town Fall Activities here!

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Fall Festival: Favorite Halloween Movies & Giveaway

I wanted to start off fall the right way, by talking about Halloween. I absolutely love it, and it's one of my favorite holidays. The costumes, candy, and decorations are always fun. The movies, however, take the cake. Here are my top five:

5. Arnold's Halloween

Alright, I'm starting off this list by cheating. This is, in fact, not a movie. It is, however, from my favorite childhood show. It's probably one of the reasons why I became so interested in mental health...so thanks Nickelodeon! This episode is a recreation of the War of the Worlds radio broadcast that caused panic in 1938 that cause panic. Something similar happens here, but should you want to seek it out on Youtube (or DVD), I won't spoil it.


4. Casper

I first saw this movie as a pre-teen, and after it totally had a crush on Devon Sawa. Those were the days. Now when I watch it I think about how selfless Casper is, and how it shows the meaning of family. Despite the outdated CGI, it's still a fun family movie. 

3. Don't Look Under the Bed

Back in the Day when Disney Channel released decent movies, there was one that actually gave me the creeps (keep in mind this was during the time I was also watching Are You Afraid of the Dark? on Nick). This movie is about the boogeyman and imaginary friends. I know what you're thinking, how did this rank number three on my list? Well, it instilled the fear of creepy dolls in me. Seriously, never again do I want to see a doll's head turn in any direction...ick. Watching it again as an adult I realize that there are some lines that are insanely inappropriate (someone should have caught those), but I will always secretly (openly, now). 











 2. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Everything about this classic is amazing. The music, the comedic moment, poor Charlie's trouble with scissors. It's a classic and it always finds it's way to the TV during pumpkin-carving activities.

1. Hocus Pocus

For a Disney movie, they use the word Virgin a lot. It is weird to remember that this actually a Disney film, because it deals with some pretty adult themes. Now that I'm an adult (in age, not maturity) I can appreciate the humor in a new way. When I used to work at a video store in high-school/college this movie was constantly on from early October until the day after Halloween. I can happily report that no parents ever complained about it.

Wait, you might say. There aren't any scary movies on this list! You would be right, of course. I had the misfortune of watching 28 Days Later and having recurring nightmares about zombies running across my lawn. SO, hard pass to those type of things. For those who can watch them and enjoy them, I tip my hat to you. 

Don't forget to check out Kristen's post at The Book Monsters here!
Check out Giveaway #2 and an author interview with Kim Askew & Amy Helmes Here!
Check out Giveaway #3 and Small-town Fall Activities here! 

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Fall Festival Sign-Ups

Hello all fellow book bloggers! So, fall is quickly approaching (sorry for that unfortunate dose of reality). Sara at The Hiding Spot and I have come together to host what we are calling Fall Festival.

What is it?

Fall Fest is a chance for book bloggers to come together to host contests, interviews, guest posts, and to post about their favorite books/upcoming fall and winter releases. It's also a great way to spread the word about your blog and to find new blogs to follow! I'll be hosting two contests, one for the general blogosphere, and one specifically for participants.

When is it?

September 14 - 21!

How do I participate? 

Add your blog to the linky below. I will email you with a form to help figure out what you'd like to post during the fest! Grab the button below and display it somewhere on your blog :)  


<a href="http://cornucopiaofreviews.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtJX2pT4-yhPBGftRbD2TCNH1dZltUfy6yMGGxXn9PqEbnZl3Mq-kC50BzFBzTBWrt9HhsE120c7JNMl-58s1g7j0eQ2nuszm_95LEIQ8s7CT15cdtjJlISo-Qxx93K-oD-wYdySXM0uG/s800/FALLFESTIVAL.jpg" border="0" alt=FallFestBlogButton"></a>

Do I need to be in the US?

Nope! The more the merrier, if you're outside of the US that's great :)

I'm an author and I would be willing to donate my time to give an interview or a guest post!
Woohoo, you rock! Please send me an email at Cornucopiaofreviews@gmail.com, and I'll let you know about the process (it's simple, I promise).

Fall Festival Update!

Please note that if you filled out the form in the last two hours, the data was lost. Apparently Google Drive doesn't automatically create a response document anymore...So please, feel free to resubmit and grumble about the Drive along with me!

Fall Festival Info & Sign-Ups

Hello all fellow book bloggers! So, fall is quickly approaching (sorry for that unfortunate dose of reality). Sara at The Hiding Spot and I have come together to host what we are calling Fall Festival.

What is it?

Fall Fest is a chance for book bloggers to come together to host contests, interviews, guest posts, and to post about their favorite books/upcoming fall and winter releases. It's also a great way to spread the word about your blog and to find new blogs to follow! I'll be hosting two contests, one for the general blogosphere, and one specifically for participants.

When is it?

September 14 - 21!

How do I participate? 

Simply fill out the form below, and either Sara or I will be in touch. The form asks all sorts of questions, as you will see. It's the best way for you to let us know what your preferred post would be. Grab the button below and display it somewhere on your blog :)  


<a href="http://cornucopiaofreviews.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtJX2pT4-yhPBGftRbD2TCNH1dZltUfy6yMGGxXn9PqEbnZl3Mq-kC50BzFBzTBWrt9HhsE120c7JNMl-58s1g7j0eQ2nuszm_95LEIQ8s7CT15cdtjJlISo-Qxx93K-oD-wYdySXM0uG/s800/FALLFESTIVAL.jpg" border="0" alt=FallFestBlogButton"></a>

Do I need to be in the US?

Nope! The more the merrier, if you're outside of the US that's great :)

I'm an author and I would be willing to donate my time to give an interview or a guest post!
Woohoo, you rock! Please send me an email at Cornucopiaofreviews@gmail.com, and I'll let you know about the process (it's simple, I promise).

I have more questions? 

I'm happy to answer any/all questions you may have about Fall Festival! Please just send me an email with that in the header and I'll try to get back to you ASAP!