Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson

Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson is an enjoyable summer read of historical fiction set during World War II. Unlike many other novels set during this period, this one offers a new perspective of what it was like for female singers entertaining the troops during the war.

Book Description

“FROM THE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF EAST OF THE SUN, A POWERFUL LOVE STORY SET AGAINST THE UNSTABLE AND EXOTIC CITIES OF CAIRO AND ISTANBUL DURING THE HEIGHT OF WORLD WAR II

At twenty-three, Saba Tarcan knows her only hope of escaping the clamor of Cardiff Bay, Wales, lies in her voice. While traveling Britain, singing for wounded soldiers, Saba meets handsome fighter pilot Dom Benson, recovering from burns after a crash. When Saba auditions to entertain troops in far-off lands, Dom follows her to London. Just as their relationship begins to take root, Saba is sent to sing in Africa, and Dom is assigned a new mission in the Middle East. As Saba explores Cairo’s bazaars, finding friendship among the troupe’s acrobats and dancers, Dom returns to the cockpit once again, both thrilled and terrified to be flying above the desert floor. In spite of great danger, the two resolve to reunite.

When Saba learns that her position makes her uniquely qualified for a secret mission of international importance, she agrees to help the British Secret Service, concealing her role from Dom. Her decision will jeopardize not only her safety but also the love of her life.

Based on true accounts of female entertainers used as spies during World War II, Jasmine Nights is a powerful story of danger, secrets, and love, filled with the colors and sounds of the Middle East’s most beautiful cities.” – Jasmine Nights

My Thoughts

Jasmine Nights is historical fiction that keeps you entertained. Once I started reading it, I felt the characters come to life, especially Saba who is a singer that joined ENSA to entertain troops during the war in North Africa. While she is away from home, she falls in love with Dom, who I found to be a great character that I personally would have liked to have seen more of in the story. Their love story isn’t a hot and steamy romance read; it is more on a young love and cute side, which I think worked out well for this book.

I really loved the settings in the book that surrounded Egypt, such as the Bosphorus at night, the Nile River, and the pyramids at Giza. As a reader, it made me want to visit there (not during wartime of course) even more.

This is the type of book that you can get lost in on a warm summer night. I definitely recommend this novel for anyone that enjoys historical fiction, enjoys a good love story, and likes reading about an extraordinary female character.

* Thank you to the publisher of Jasmine Nights, Touchstone, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.