Yesterday's Journey, by LaJoyce Martin (paperback)

"Sold!" When the autionerr's gavel hits the porch rail of Rotan Meredith's old home, he is thrust into an enfriendly world-alone. Thus the struggles begin. Awaiting him are trouble, tested faith, and fierce temptation. What keeps him going are the memories of his yesterdays: the little girl next door who shared his childhood plans and dreams. Though her name is Jellene Ross, he caled her "Jellybean." Through a gap in the hedge, they had met, with many a happy hour of playing out their fantasies. Then the little girl moved away. When the boy-who has become a man- goes back years later, he finds that the gap in the hedge is closed, overgrown with thick branches. The last entry in Jellybean's journal is the thread that unravels the whole story, so don't read it ahead of time...