Gentian Hill — Elizabeth Goudge

They met as children--in a lush, enchanting land where anguish and strife did not exist. Even then, Zachary and Stella knew that one day they would be lovers.

As they grew up, the world rushed into their magic kingdom. War raged--a war to challenge the bravest of men. Zachary answered that challenge, knowing it would sweep him far away, into the depths of danger. Yet he vowed to return to Stella, no matter what, no matter how.

Novel set in England at the time of Napoleonic Wars. A lovely retelling of the legend of St. Michael's Chapel at Torquay.