Sometimes, I just need a break from hard reading.

I’m talking about the gut-wrenching books, the ones that are tough on the soul either for the content — “The Women” by Kristin Hannah and “By Any Other Name” by Jodi Picoult — or the ugliness of human nature woven through every dystopian novel I’ve ever read.

Those are the books that require a recovery of sorts, a break that soothes the mind until I dive into another tearjerker.

My choice? “Love & Saffron: A novel of friendship, food and love” by Kim Fay.

It was just what I needed.

The book’s story is told in a series of letters. The correspondence begins in October 1962 when Joan Bergstrom, a young food writer in Los Angeles, sends a letter to Imogen Fortier, an experienced columnist who lives on Camano Island outside Seattle.

Joan’s letter was sparked after reading Imogen’s latest “Letter from the Island” column, which detailed a humorous experience of digging for clams. Along with her letter, Joan enclosed a packet of saffron and a recipe for steamed mussels.

Imogen mails a reply 12 days later (how impatient we would be today with such a delay!) and so begins a 2½-year span of letters between the two women.

They write about food, and share recipes, ingredients and local delicacies — saffron and Mexican recipes from Joan (carne asada and mole), a box of Aplets & Cotlets from Imogen.

Up north, Imogen shares the new recipes with her husband, Francis, who suddenly develops a keen interest in cooking (he sets about to conquer every dish in “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by Julia Child).

The women’s friendship deepens with every letter as they share exciting news and secrets. They eventually meet face-to-face and visit long into the night while enjoying quesadillas (a cheesy treat Imogen had never tasted before).

We learn about their lives through the letters — Imogen’s trip to Paris and life as a long-time married woman, compared to Joan’s adventures around LA and her new love.

I love cooking and trying new recipes, and I’ve noticed over the years how easy it is to bond with others over food. (Ever notice how the kitchen becomes a main gathering place in a home?)

Although not many people write letters these days, email has become a tolerable substitute. Go! Eastern Oregon covers six counties and I rely on freelance writers around the region to help me keep track of events. We mostly stay in touch through email, and sometimes our messages branch into different topics that give a glimpse of our lives.

I treasure these notes as bright spots in my day.