Beneath Us the Stars — David Wiltshire

This title is set in 1944. Mary Rice is a young academic at Cambridge University and Bill Anderson, an American fighter pilot, is stationed in East Anglia. Ordered to rest, he chances upon Mary in the library of her college and their attraction is instantaneous - and life changing. The urgency of the war leads to days and nights of tenderness and passion that neither thought possible, ending all too soon when Bill has to return to his squadron. Fearing for his safety, Mary's nightmare comes true when Bill is shot down. Although classified as missing and presumed dead, she refuses to believe he is gone forever. As the war ends Mary's search for her kindred spirit begins...