By April 1944, Lisette has endured almost four years of Nazi occupation. She worked most of that time with the resistance known as the Marquis. She's lost her husband, along with her youthful vitality, and now she's bordering on losing her will to live. Very nearly raped by a Vichy collaborator while carrying an important document on its way to the Allies, she returns home that night, wondering how she could come away from the horrendous experience feeling so numb to it. That night Jack, a downed American pilot, is brought to her for safekeeping until he can be ushered safely back to his lines. With Jack Lisette discovers once again what life is about, and Jack finds more than just a warm bed and a meal with a deeply passionate woman who needs his tender touch more than he could ever have imagined..

A Day in April 1944, a heart-wrenching yet redeeming tale of war and salvation, takes place against the grim backdrop of World War II in German-occupied France. The two main characters meet like two ships passing in the night, both of them hungry to reaffirm life. In each other, they find the strength they need to carry on through the remaining months of the war.

Ursula Grey's two main characters are more fleshed out than you might expect in such a short story. Both Lisette and Jack are thoroughly likeable and engaging. Lisette is especially compelling, as the story is told entirely from her point of view, thereby bringing to light more of the specifics about her life than Jack's. Both are strong, enduring people. Jack's honesty and kindness are apparent. He never tried to push Lisette into having sex with him, nor did he make her empty promises. The sex, including both oral and anal sex, is scorching hot. Jack introduced Lisette to pleasures she never knew existed, and each found comfort and solace in the moment.

Ms. Grey did a wonderful job of capturing the true feel of war and its effects on the lives of the people swept up in its brutality and deprivation. She conveyed so much emotion in such a short number of pages, along with an almost reverent respect for those who prevailed over the hardships of World War II. And what a beautiful ending! If it doesn't bring tears to your eyes, then you don't have a heart. Reading A Day in April 1944 is a truly rewarding experience. Don't miss it.

Reviewed by: Merrylee