Recent Reads and Fall Colours

Black Gum tree in autumn.

Hello and welcome to Weekend Coffee Share #42! I’m glad you’re here. Please come on in, help yourself to a cup of coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate at my coffee station and let’s chat.

It was a mild week with daytime high temperatures ranged from 14C to 21C (57F-70F). The weather was ideal for long bike rides and long walks so I did that most mornings. Nature gives me a new stunning landscape every day.

It was also a fun and leisure week. I cycled to several parks and beaches. I met a friend in High Park for a nice 5K hike and coffee catch-up. I walked another 5K with my neighbour to visit a beautiful garden. I saw new public art exhibits and finished my book of the week.

Recent Reads

Speaking of books, I’m pleased to contribute to the #WhatsOnYourBookShelf challenge, co-hosted by four lovely bloggers Donna, Sue, Jo and Debbie.

I use the Toronto Public Library 2021 Reading Challenge categories to read widely and discover new books, authors, and genres. You can see the full list of books I’ve read and the categories I’ve met so far this year on my Books in 2021 page at the top of my blog.

My recent reads by author’s last name include:

  1. Beartown – Fredrik Backman
  2. The Dark Lake – Sarah Bailey
  3. The Midnight Library – Matt Haig
  4. Lost – Michael Robotham
  5. The Miseducation of Evie Epworth – Matson Taylor
  6. Second First Impressions – Sally Thorne

Sarah Bailey, Matt Haig, and Matson Taylor were new to me authors. I enjoyed all six novels, especially The Midnight Library and The Miseducation of Evie Epworth. Second First Impressions was a light and fun romance comedy fiction. The other three novels were good although I felt that they were a bit long for the story lines.

Fall Colours

October is a beautiful month here with the vivid Fall colours. I feel fortunate to see them every year. This year the warm weather has delayed the leaves changing colours. The late summer flowers are still looking good while the yellow, orange and red start to show.

Here are some photos of Fall colours. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Oak leaves in autumn.
Leaves started to change colours.
Potted mums and pumpkins on haystacks.
Burgundy potted mums and pumpkins on haystacks are common signs of Fall.
Maple trees changing colours.
Two maple trees with pops of Fall colours greeted me on this path.
Dahlias.
These bright dahlias last well into Fall.
Queen Elizabeth rose.
Roses are still doing well in the gardens, like this gorgeous ‘Queen Elizabeth’ rose.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Linking to #Colour2021: Orange, #FOTD, #LifeThisWeek, #SundayStills: Pink.

How was your week? What’s on your bookshelf?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=a8b40ada7693d64e5923

Copyright © 2024 natalietheexplorer.home.blog – All rights reserved.

97 thoughts on “Recent Reads and Fall Colours

  1. leannelc October 22, 2021 / 8:42 am

    It’s quite a lovely blend of Autumn and Summer Natalie – some lovely leaf colour mixed with those pretty flowers – nature turned on quite a show in your area. Interesting to see the books you’ve been reading too – plenty of variety in there as well.

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:04 pm

      Leanne, It’s been a warmer than normal October here. From today on, we’re expecting seasonal temperatures so I hope more autumnal foliage will appear. Every month I try to read different book genres and a mix of authors I like and new authors. I’m drawn to have variety in all my health and leisure pursuits.

      I enjoyed reading your coffee share post this week. You explained the what, how, and benefits of simple living and high thinking well. I believe I’ve been practicing “simple living, high thinking” without using the exact same terms. Thank you for linking up. Have a wonderful week!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Jill Weatherholt October 22, 2021 / 9:42 am

    The colors are magnificent, Natalie! We are still waiting for our leaves to change. I’m afraid many will drop before they have a chance to put on a show. Great collection of books! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your weekend!

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:08 pm

      Thank you, Jill, for your comment. I have similar concern that many leaves will drop before they have a chance to put on a show. The temperatures are dropping here starting today so I’m hoping to see the best Fall colours next week. I hope you’re doing well. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Suzanne@PictureRetirement October 22, 2021 / 10:11 am

    Natalie, thanks for sharing your transition from summer to fall through color. This is the time of year I live vicariously through all of you who experience this beauty first hand. There will be pumpkin stands and a slight change in temps, but other than that, fall will look much like any other season here. Thanks for the book recommendations. I just read a few reviews of The Miseducation…and downloaded it to my reader. Sounds like a fun read. Have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:15 pm

      Suzanne, Fall is beautiful here and it’s one season that I want to be in town to enjoy the cooler weather and vivid colours. I hope you enjoy The Miseducation of EE. I’d love to know your opinion after you finish reading it. Have a wonderful weekend!

      Like

    • Janet Alcorn October 23, 2021 / 11:02 am

      Same here–we don’t get much fall color around here, though I have noticed the ocotillo leaves turning yellow and falling off. But that’s about it.

      Like

      • Natalie October 23, 2021 / 6:09 pm

        I look forward to seeing Fall foliage here every year. The maple trees always put on a good show.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Scribble and Scran October 22, 2021 / 1:01 pm

    Loving the leaves in the pictures you’ve posted, fall colours against the blue sky is so good for the soul. Have a great weekend and thanks for hosting the coffee share

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:19 pm

      Fall colours against the blue sky brighten my day, too. The maple trees are putting on a good show here. Thank you for your Coffee Share. Have a wonderful week!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Liesbet @ Roaming About October 22, 2021 / 1:29 pm

    It’s nice and kind of special to see flowers in bloom at the same time as fall colors. It seems like many areas in North America are having a lovely Indian summer, with delayed leaf turning. It’s the same here in South Dakota. Good to see that you are still very active and enjoying the sunshine. Happy weekend, Natalie!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:23 pm

      We’ve had a warm Fall until today, Liesbet. This weekend and next week bring seasonal temperatures so the trees are putting on a good show. I’ll be going to parks most mornings. I hope you have a good stay in South Dakota. Have a wonderful weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Heyjude October 22, 2021 / 1:34 pm

    The orange autumn tones are a delight, sadly here all the leaves are being blown off already!

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:26 pm

      Jude, Sad to hear your Fall leaves are blown off already. I hope to see a lot more Fall colours as temperatures drop this weekend. Have a great week!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Sue from Women Living Well After 50 October 22, 2021 / 2:06 pm

    I always feel nostalgic at this time of year, Natalie as that is when Mike and I used to travel to the Northern Hemisphere. I love the autumn colours and remember being in Quebec and taking cruise around Nova Scotia. Pumpkins, a riot of gorgeous colours of the leaves and hot chocolate because it was cold! Thanks also for participating in #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge. I’ve only read The Midnight Library from your list so looking forward to reading others that you have enjoyed. Enjoy your week. #weekendcoffeeshare

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:32 pm

      Oh Sue, visiting Quebec and Atlantic Canada in the Fall is a wonderful experience. It’s something that if you live outside Canada and you experience it, it’s memorable. I’m so glad you’ve had positive experiences when you visited Canada. Thank you for co-hosting WOYBS and linking up with Weekend Coffee Share. I enjoy reading book suggestions and add them to my digital bookshelf to read. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  8. Thistles and Kiwis October 22, 2021 / 2:49 pm

    Lovely autumn colours! I feel like I am the only person who hasn’t read The Midnight Library!

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:36 pm

      It’s funny how The Midnight Library pops up in different countries. It was my first time reading a book written by Matt Haig and I enjoyed it.

      Like

  9. Terri Webster Schrandt October 22, 2021 / 3:01 pm

    Congrats on your reading and meeting the challenge, Natalie! I do the Goodreads and Amazon Kindle challenge and I’m on track, but I could read more… Your warm weather is amazing and it shows with all the flowers and sunny days you are experiencing. Thank you for sharing your pink florals. I really love the richness of the Queen Elizabeth rose! Good for you for getting out and getting your steps in! We are having our first “major” stormy weekend and I suppose the Fall colors have peaked already and these winds will likely blow down many of the leaves. Good thing I went leaf chasing the last few days. At least I can share them on the blog for a few more weeks 😉 Thanks for linking up to all the challenges this week!

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:45 pm

      Thank you, Terri, for the Sunday Stills #Pink challenge. We’ve had an unusually warm October and some of the hardy plants still flower like mad around here while the Fall foliage just starts to show slowly. The temperatures are going down to seasonal level next week so I’ll be visiting parks to see the trees. I see Fall colours every year and am still in awe every time 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Ally Bean October 22, 2021 / 3:21 pm

    Such bold colors! I love them all. We are nowhere near as autumnal here yet. I like your book selections. They each look inviting.

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:49 pm

      Welcome back, Ally! I hope you’ve been doing well. I think Fall colours are going to be even more vivid here next week. The six books that I read were all good reads. I’m currently reading Dear Mrs. Bird and so far so good.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Jo October 22, 2021 / 4:02 pm

    Lovely colours. Autumn is my favourite season of the year yet we don’t really get it here. I loved The Midnight Library (as you would have read) & have Sally Thorne’s on my (growing) TBR list.

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:55 pm

      Autumn is one season that I want to be in Canada and enjoy all the good things that it brings. I discovered Sally Thorne’s books last year and have read all three books that she published so far. I enjoy every single one of them. I’d suggest to read her debut novel The Hating Game first. It’s fab.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Lydia C. Lee October 22, 2021 / 4:12 pm

    Nice pics. I liked Beartown but I can see what you mean. It still worked for me tho.

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 7:58 pm

      I liked Beartown. I just thought it could be shorter to convey the same good story. It didn’t keep me reading in one sitting like his other book A Man Called Ove.

      Like

  13. Debbie October 22, 2021 / 4:55 pm

    It’s great to have you join us for our #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge Natalie and I’ve read some of those authors but apart from Midnight Library (which I loved), I’ve not read any of the books you mention.

    Your autumn colours are delightful and you can almost feel the crispness through them. Thanks for having us over for #weekendcoffeeshare

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 8:04 pm

      Thank you Debbie for co-hosting WOYBS with Donna, Jo and Sue and for linking up with Weekend Coffee Share. I enjoy reading book suggestions and selecting a few books here and there to add to my TBR list. It’s interesting to see sometimes we read the same book even though we live in different countries. The cooler weather is a good time for more leisure reading. Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Janis @ RetirementallyChallenged.com October 22, 2021 / 7:19 pm

    I always love to see pictures of the changing leaves so thank you! I have Midnight Library on my hold list from the library (I think on Deb’s recommendation) so it’s nice to get another thumbs up!

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 8:07 pm

      You’re welcome, Janis! More vivid Fall colours will show up here next week as the temperatures start to drop this weekend. I think you’ll enjoy The Midnight Library. Joanne who commented after you also enjoyed it.

      Like

  15. Joanne October 22, 2021 / 7:44 pm

    What beautiful flowers!! I enjoyed The Midnight Library too!

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 8:09 pm

      Looks like The Midnight Library has been a good read for many of us.

      Like

  16. Retirement Reflections October 22, 2021 / 7:50 pm

    Hi, Natalie – Autumn colours and great books — what could be better?
    I love the diversity of your books read. From your selection, the only one that I have read so far is Bear Town. I enjoyed it….but absolutely hated the tv movie series based on it. (Okay, okay..in fairness I only watched the first episode in the series…but it was WAY TOO extreme for me with numrous departures from the book).
    Wishing you an awesome November ahead!

    Like

    • Natalie October 22, 2021 / 8:14 pm

      Hi Donna, I try to read different genres and new authors every month. From your comment, I’m glad that I didn’t watch the Beartown tv movie series. That would ruin my good thoughts for the book. Thank you for hosting WOYBS. I enjoy reading everyone’s book suggestions and choose a few to add to my list to read. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  17. Kirstin October 22, 2021 / 10:22 pm

    Beautiful photos Natalie. I just love fall so much.

    Like

    • Natalie October 23, 2021 / 5:55 pm

      Thank you, Kirstin. Fall is a beautiful season.

      Like

  18. Maria October 23, 2021 / 2:58 am

    Those are some very pretty fall colours! We had our first snow earlier this week, it only lasted for a couple hours though 🙂 Have a fabulous weekend!

    Like

    • Natalie October 23, 2021 / 5:58 pm

      Eventually winter will come, right? The temperatures started dropping yesterday and today we have a frost warning although the daytime high temps are still in the range 9-13C (48-55F) next week. Enjoy your weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Maria October 24, 2021 / 9:29 am

        Yes, it will 🙂 The weekend is great, I hope yours is too 🙂

        Like

        • Natalie October 24, 2021 / 7:08 pm

          Today (Sunday here) is gorgeous with clear blue sky and more Fall colours. I walked 5K with my neighbour then went for a solo bike ride before heading home for lunch. Glad you also have a great weekend.

          Like

  19. Susanne October 23, 2021 / 7:52 am

    You have some amazing autumn colours there, Natalie! We don’t get much of it here, at least in my area, although if you go to certain areas there’ll be some stunning colours – I’ve understood some parks in Dublin will be very pretty in the autumn too.

    Like

    • Natalie October 23, 2021 / 6:02 pm

      Autumn is beautiful here, Susanne. It’s one season that I like to stay in Canada to see the vibrant leaf colours. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  20. Gary A Wilson October 23, 2021 / 10:07 am

    Another great tour Natalie. Thanks for sharing and hosting our weekend get-togethers.

    Like

    • Natalie October 23, 2021 / 6:03 pm

      Thank you Gary for your comment. Glad to see you at this weekend coffee share.

      Like

  21. dawnkinster October 23, 2021 / 11:25 am

    Your colors are beautiful! We don’t have much color this year, the summer was wet, the heat of October strong. I guess all of that made the colors not so bright. I’m currently finishing up Liane Moriarty’s Apples Never Fall. I think you’d like it!

    Like

    • Natalie October 23, 2021 / 6:06 pm

      Thank you Dawn for your book suggestion. Another blogger also mentioned Apples Never Fall. I’ll look for it at my library. Have a great weekend!

      Like

    • Natalie October 23, 2021 / 6:06 pm

      Thank you Deborah. I look forward to seeing Fall foliage here every year.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Antoinette Truglio Martin October 23, 2021 / 10:40 pm

    Beautiful pics and colors.

    Like

    • Natalie October 24, 2021 / 8:13 am

      Thank you Antoinette. Today is sunny so I’ll be out to enjoy Fall colours again.

      Like

  23. AdventurousAngela October 24, 2021 / 12:55 am

    It sounds like you had a lovely weekend! Catching up with friends is always fun! I need to get a handle on my TBR list… 😂 The books you listed look really good! I hope you have a great week! ☕️

    Like

    • Natalie October 24, 2021 / 9:00 am

      Thank you, Angela, for your visit and comment. My friends and I try to meet up before the colder weather and year-end holidays arrive. The books that I shared in this post are all good, different genres written by authors from different countries. Have a wonderful week!

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Inspiring Max October 24, 2021 / 1:04 am

    Love the fall decorations. We don’t have things like this in Australia and it just seems to take mother nature to a new direction for me. Living in our cities makes the changes in the seasons a lot less obvious.

    Like

    • Natalie October 24, 2021 / 9:02 am

      Fall is a beautiful season here. I see Fall vivid colors every year and I’m in awe of mother nature’s work every time.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Diana October 24, 2021 / 1:42 am

    Hi Natalie,
    I just Love Fall and all those beautiful colors you shared. Your photos are AMAZING!! I wish we had that color around where I live but we just don’t get the cold temps to get those colors. I’ll enjoy through photos like yours!!
    My sister finished up a series of books which are mysteries around quilting and crafts and are fun reads she said. I’ve been so bad about reading, I’m hoping I can get into this book series and then I’ll pass them on to my best friend. Thanks for sharing your book reads. I enjoyed the coffee! Have a wonderful week ahead!! 🤠❤️

    Like

    • Natalie October 24, 2021 / 9:05 am

      Hi Diana, Yes, you’d need to go to cooler climate to see these vivid Fall colours. I read a little bit every day in lieu of watching TV. Thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful Sunday and a great week ahead!

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Astrid October 24, 2021 / 10:19 am

    Sounds like you had a good week. Thanks for sharing your recent reads. I’ve heard good things about Midnight Library, it sounds interesting. By the way, it looks like I’ve linked up twice, that wasn’t supposed to happen.

    Like

    • Natalie October 24, 2021 / 10:56 am

      No worries. I removed two of the three links from your blog. Today is sunny and beautiful here. I’ve gone out for a walk with my neighbour and now will go for a bike ride. Have a great week!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Astrid October 24, 2021 / 11:18 am

        Oops, three even, I’m really sorry. Glad you removed the two excess ones. Have a nice day.

        Like

  27. csuhpat1 October 24, 2021 / 1:23 pm

    Such beautiful colors. Very nice. I am reading “You Are Looking Live”, it is about how the NFL Today revolutionized sports broadcasting when it came on air in 1975.

    Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.

    Like

    • Natalie October 24, 2021 / 1:54 pm

      “You Are Looking Live” sounds like an interesting book. Thank you for your coffee share. Have a great week!

      Like

  28. Corina October 24, 2021 / 7:15 pm

    Lovely photos. Our autumn color seemed to arrive overnight this year. One day everything was green and the next we had only reds and oranges!

    Like

    • Natalie October 24, 2021 / 7:38 pm

      Welcome back, Corina. I hope you’re doing well. The reds and oranges are beautiful, aren’t they? We still have a lot of greens here although more reds and oranges are showing up.

      Like

  29. smkelly8 October 24, 2021 / 7:58 pm

    The colors of fall are truly glorious. I always marvel at how many books you finish in a month.

    Like

    • Natalie October 24, 2021 / 8:30 pm

      It was sunny here today and the Fall foliage looked glorious. I aim to read at least one book per week. I hope your weekend is going well. Have a great week ahead!

      Like

  30. Deborah October 24, 2021 / 9:49 pm

    Such beautiful colours. Of course it’s spring here so quite pretty as well.

    I’ve actually read most of those books and very much enjoyed Midnight Library and Evie Epworth (etc) as well!

    Like

    • Natalie October 25, 2021 / 9:13 am

      I’m a regular library user and have been pleasantly surprised to have quick access to popular and current e-books. The cooler and rainy days of Fall are good days for me to stay cozy inside and read.

      Like

  31. Vanessa October 24, 2021 / 10:05 pm

    Ah ha, the second recommendation for The Midnight Library that I’ve seen today. I think that means it has to go on my list! 🙂

    Like

    • Natalie October 25, 2021 / 9:14 am

      Yes, there are several bloggers who have read The Midnight Library and enjoyed it. I hope you’ll like it, too.

      Like

  32. Jennifer Jobes October 25, 2021 / 2:17 am

    Autumn is my favourite time of year. Your colours are so rich and beautiful. I loved the Midnight Library. The last couple of weekends have been full on here so I’ve given #weekendcoffeeshare a miss. I’ve missed it so will be back next weekend

    Like

    • Natalie October 25, 2021 / 9:16 am

      Autumn is a season that I want to stay in Canada and enjoy its beauty. I look forward to your weekend coffee share post. Have a great week!

      Like

  33. restlessjo October 25, 2021 / 2:44 am

    Fabulous colours, Natalie! Happy Halloween to you!

    Like

    • Natalie October 25, 2021 / 9:18 am

      Thank you, Jo. I saw more gorgeous Fall colours on Sunday. Now off to the store for Halloween candies 🙂 Have a wonderful week!

      Like

  34. Julie October 25, 2021 / 9:27 am

    I just finished reading “The Midnight Library”. I enjoyed it too!

    Like

    • Natalie October 25, 2021 / 10:00 am

      Several bloggers in our Weekend Coffee Share blogging community have read and enjoyed TML. I’m glad to hear you did, too. Have a great week!

      Like

  35. Laurie Graves October 25, 2021 / 10:02 am

    Interesting selection of books. Love the fall photos.

    Like

    • Natalie October 25, 2021 / 10:05 am

      Thank you, Laurie, for your visit and comment. I greatly appreciate it.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Mary-Lou Burma October 26, 2021 / 7:52 am

    Beautiful photos. I’ve really enjoyed some of my saunters about to admire the changing leaf colours. Thank you for the book referrals & recommendations.

    Like

    • Natalie October 26, 2021 / 8:46 am

      Thank you, Mary-Lou, for your visit and comment. The Fall leaf colours are beautiful. I love seeing them every year. I’ll hop over to your blog shortly.

      Like

  37. Denyse Whelan Blogs October 27, 2021 / 4:04 am

    Lots of beautiful colours and images here Natalie. Sure can tell your change of season is upon you. We are easing into Spring, with some warm days ahead. At least not too hot (fingers crossed!)

    It’s been great to have you share your post this week for #lifethisweek on Denyse Whelan Blogs. Thank you. I hope you will be back next week, where the optional prompt is “young” but my guest poster, Mr Whelan, is sharing his thoughts for the final time on the blog in 2021 on a different topic. See you there, Denyse.

    Like

    • Natalie October 27, 2021 / 9:35 am

      Thank you, Denyse, for your comment. Fall colours are gorgeous here. Today is sunny so I’ll be outside soon to enjoy nature. Spring is also a beautiful season. Have a great week!

      Like

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.