Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson

All Saba Tarcan wants to do is sing. But, it is The Second World War and her ambitions will lead her down an unexpected and dangerous path.  Whilst singing for some injured airmen in a hospital she meets Dom, who himself becomes star struck with the beautiful half-Turkish Saba. 

Saba is signed up by ENSA, an organisation providing entertainment to the troops on the frontline. Her father is horrified by the idea but Saba defies him and soon finds herself in North Africa, on the greatest adventure of her life.  Dom cannot forget the beautiful singer who lifted his soul and helped him on the road to recovery and needs to see her again. Can love be found amongst the chaos of war? Saba soon finds that there are others who are interested in her but possibly for all the wrong reasons and this may ultimately impact on the course of Saba and Dom’s love story.

This is an intriguing and atmospheric book. I loved the backdrop of exotic and far flung places described in such a way to transport the reader making them feel part of the many cultures caught up in the conflict and understand their suffering.  Saba is an instantly likeable character and many other interesting and animated characters are introduced throughout the book. Some are not all they may seem.  Gregson’s descriptions of the haunted frontline soldiers and airmen brings to life the difficulties endured during the Second World War and the sacrifices made by many. 

This review appeared on www.lovereading.co.uk