Grace Livingston Hill 
The Search 

John Cameron knew Ruth Macdonald was out of his league. He was a simple soldier, seeking to fulfill his duty. She was the well-known daughter of a wealthy family, surrounded by friends, parties, and glitter. Still, neither of them could forget the special bond they shared, forged in childhood when John had been Ruth’s brave defender against Harry Wainwright, the neighbor bully. Now John and Ruth have rediscovered each other, but can they regain what they once shared? Or will their disapproving families, the war—and the sinister intentions of Harry Wainwright—forever doom their search for God and each other?