Love & Saffron: A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love Paperback – February 7, 2023

I recently finished this book. Even after I was done, it stayed by my bedside for a long time. Just picking it up and placing it on my chest feels like hugging Imogen and Joen. It’s so simple, sweet, and effortless—yet feels like a slice of life. I’m so glad I read it; it was a lovely gift to myself.

Love & Saffron by Kim Fay is a delightful and heartwarming epistolary novel about the transformative power of female friendship. The story unfolds through letters exchanged between two women: Imogen, a reserved writer in her late 50s, and Joan, a spirited young journalist in her late 20s. Despite their generational gap and differing life experiences, the two form a deep and meaningful bond as they confide in each other during pivotal moments in their lives.Set during a time of significant change for women, the novel beautifully captures the essence of connection, vulnerability, and personal growth. Through evocative descriptions of food, lush scenery, and heartfelt relationships, Fay draws readers into the lives of these two remarkable women, making their joys and struggles feel deeply personal.The book is light, engaging, and richly rewarding—a sweet story that I devoured in one sitting. I highly recommend Love & Saffron for anyone seeking a tender and uplifting read about the healing power of friendship and the ways we find strength in one another.

Highly recommend, beautiful story

Ok writing, limited story/plot, poor ending. Ending did it seem to fit the story.

Loved this read! Great Epistolary novel. Enjoyable characters, writer pulls you in and you quickly become invested. A joy to read!

This book was recommended by a dear friend. I confess, about 25% of the way through I almost quit. You see, I am not a foodie. Far from it. But I ft there was more coming that I didn't want to miss,and I am so glad I kept reading. It is a beautiful story of friendship and devotion. I fell in love with Immy and Joan and their heartwarming friendship

Kim Fay’s LOVE & SAFFRON is heartwarming and a pleasure to read. It’s an epistolary (written in letters) between two women whose friendship grows through the experiences (and recipes) they share.One woman is older, married, lives in Washington state, and writes a newsy, “down home” column. The other is a single, younger gal living in Los Angeles who works for a local newspaper.The younger begins the correspondence with praise for a column she read and a gift of saffron. The Seattle woman responds with surprise and joy. And so begins a sweet, deep, and lasting friendship. Only once do they actually meet in person.The women share cooking ideas, hopes and dreams, experiences, and heartaches. A few secrets also get passed along. Each is lovingly “there” for the other in their time of need.This is a short book, meant to be read in one sitting, but I listened to it over a few days of travel. I was sorry when it ended. Kim Fay’s writing is smooth and authentic. The research she did for the era (1960’s) was remarkable. (I remember it well.)The narrators for the women, and a snippet of other characters, are easy to distinguish and listen to. I highly recommend this book to women of all ages, especially those who like to write (letters or otherwise) and love interesting recipes and cooking. (There is also a sweet romance “on the side.”)

The title says it all, a story of 2 women sharing their lives through the lost art of sending letters. They share their joys and sorrows and their recipes and love of food as well as their secrets. Lighthearted and fun read if your a foodie..