Books have a magical ability to transport us to different worlds, evoke a myriad of emotions and provide an escape from reality.

Whether you're feeling adventurous, contemplative or in need of a good laugh, there's a book out there waiting to be your perfect companion.

In this blog, we'll explore the concept of mood-based book recommendations, offering a curated list of reads to suit various emotional states. So, let's embark on a literary journey and discover the perfect book for your current mood.

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If you’re feeling romantic…

My Margaret, Your Toshie by Keith Adamson

Sometimes love becomes the anchor that holds everything together. Keith Adamson's My Margaret, Your Toshie invites readers into a captivating tale of romance, resilience and reinvention set against the backdrop of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's self-imposed exile during tumultuous times.

My Margaret, Your Toshie is not merely a romance novel; it's a canvas painted with the hues of love, resilience and artistic reinvention. As readers delve into the intertwined lives of Margaret MacDonald and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, they embark on a journey through war-torn landscapes and artistic havens, discovering the transformative power of love in the face of adversity.

This novel is a celebration of the enduring spirit of human connection, the resilience of love and the ability to find beauty even in the darkest of times. For those seeking a romance novel that transcends the ordinary, My Margaret, Your Toshie promises an exploration of passion, art and the boundless capacity of the human heart.

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If you’re feeling hungry…

Magnaccioni: My Food… My Italy by Anne Pia

For those who believe that the way to the heart is through the stomach, Anne Pia's Magnaccioni: My Food... My Italy is a literary banquet waiting to be devoured.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of Italian music, pour a generous glass of wine and step into the kitchen with Anne Pia. Her approach to cooking is not just about following recipes; it's about embracing the joy of the process. Through Magnaccioni, she invites you to become Magnaccioni yourself – to savour the flavours, appreciate the simplicity and revel in the communal experience of cooking and dining.

For those feeling the pangs of hunger for a good read, Magnaccioni: My Food... My Italy promises to satisfy both the literary and gastronomic cravings. Anne Pia's passion for food, coupled with her inviting writing style, creates a culinary symphony that resonates with the true essence of magnaccioni. So, don your apron, turn up the Italian tunes and let the journey into the heart of Italian cuisine begin. Buon Appetito!

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If you’re feeling adventurous…

The Reluctant Rebel by Barbara Henderson

For those seeking an adventurous escape into the pages of history, Barbara Henderson's The Reluctant Rebel beacons with the echoes of a tumultuous past. This gripping tale follows the journey of 13-year-old Archie MacDonald as he grapples with loss, despair and unexpected responsibility in the face of a rebellion that refuses to be extinguished.

In the aftermath of the defeat, Archie and his spirited cousin Meg seek refuge in Lochaber, hoping to escape the clutches of a world turned hostile. Little do they know that their plans for anonymity will be thwarted when the fugitive Prince Charles Edward Stuart's fate becomes intertwined with their own. The young stable boy and his cousin are thrust into a perilous game of hide-and-seek, where the stakes are higher than ever.

Plunge into the heart of a historical tumult, a thrilling adventure that captures the essence of survival against all odds. For those yearning for an adrenaline-pumping, page-turning escape, Archie MacDonald's Reluctant Rebellion is a tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning pages late into the night.

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If you’re feeling poetic…

Habitat by Bashabi Fraser

In the realm of poetry, the spaces we inhabit go beyond the physical; they extend into the realms of emotions, experiences and the very essence of our existence. Bashabi Fraser's enchanting collection, Habitat, calls to those who find themselves feeling poetic, inviting them into a world where words are not just written but inhabited.

This collection is, at its core, a poetic exploration of our journeys—past, present and future. Fraser invites readers to reflect on where they have been, where they are going and the intricate tapestry of experiences they are moving through. The poems become waypoints in the landscape of our lives, each verse a marker in the journey of self-discovery.

Fraser's verses become not just poems but habitats, where readers can find solace, inspiration, and a deep resonance with the diverse landscapes of their own lives. Prepare to be captivated by the poetic allure of Habitat as you embark on a journey through the written word.

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If you’re feeling the need for a good cry…

Fade Into You by Catriona Child

There's a certain catharsis in shedding tears over a beautifully written story, allowing emotions to flow freely as you immerse yourself in the lives of its characters. Catriona Child's Fade Into You offers a poignant exploration of '90s nostalgia, childhood friendships and the bittersweet echoes of first loves.

Fade Into You is a snapshot of the '90s and early 2000s spirit, a poignant exploration of how childhood friendships and first loves reverberate through the years. As you immerse yourself in the lives of Alex, Gavin and Banny, let the tears flow freely, for within the pages of this novel lies a symphony of emotions that resonate with the beauty and pain of the past. Prepare for a heart-wrenching yet profoundly beautiful exploration of the impossibility of moving on.

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If you are feeling inspirational…

The Tongue She Speaks by Emma Grae

In the heart of Glasgow, amidst the thriving Emo culture of 2007, Emma Grae's The Tongue She Speaks beckons to those seeking inspiration in the midst of personal challenges. This novel unfolds a tale of resilience, dreams and the transformative power of unexpected encounters.

As Cathy faces different kinds of bullies at the big school, the novel delves into her internal struggles and the resilience that blossoms within her. The narrative becomes an inspirational journey of self-discovery, encouraging readers to reflect on their own dreams, aspirations and the strength found within when faced with adversity.

Glasgow's vibrant backdrop, coupled with Cathy's journey, becomes an invitation to embrace challenges with determination and find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. Prepare to be uplifted by Cathy, where dreams and resilience triumph over the echoes of bullies and doubt.

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If you’re feeling the comfort of something familiar…

Animal Fairm by George Orwell, translated by Thomas Clark

There's a certain warmth in the familiar, a comfort found in revisiting a timeless classic that has resonated across generations. George Orwell's masterpiece, Animal Farm, has now found a new home in the rich embrace of Scots, thanks to the translation by Thomas Clark, Animal Fairm.

For those who find comfort in the familiar, the characters of Animal Farm are like old friends, characters who have etched themselves into the literary landscape. Manor Farm, the rebellion, and the rise of Napoleon and Snowball—all unfold once again, but this time with a linguistic twist that adds a layer of familiarity and intimacy to the narrative.

For those who yearn for the comfort of the familiar, this Scots translation invites you to rediscover the timeless tale of Animal Farm with a linguistic embrace that adds a touch of home to the narrative. Join us in revisiting the farmyard allegory where familiar characters unfold a story that transcends time and echoes with the wisdom of the ages.

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At Luath Press we have plenty more books to match every mood!