Between the Sun and Rain

by Leighton Kirby Richards

"A powerful, wise, and intricate gift to readers. . . . This is a big-time book."-MARTIN CLARK, author of The Plinko Bounce and The Substitution Order

"This modern Southern Gothic thriller is compulsively readable and utterly unputdownable." -HEATH HARDAGE LEE, author of The League of Wives and The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon

One summer night in 1985, twelve-year-old Julia Pemberton disappears without a trace from a friend's backyard birthday party. Everyone in the sleepy town of Chatham, North Carolina, believes she was taken while hiding in the woods during a game of kick the can-but the truth is much closer to home.

In the days following Julia's disappearance, the small town's residents grapple with the new circumstances, so disparate from the slow-paced Southern tranquility they'd grown accustomed to. Dell Jenkins, Julia's lifelong best friend, has to start sixth grade without her, and as the months go by, she feels like everyone is moving on with their lives too easily. The only person that seems to feel Julia's absence as keenly is Tommy, Julia's father. But after weeks of searching, Tommy begins to lose faith that his daughter will ever come home alive, shutting himself up-and the rest of the world out-in his woodshop. Meanwhile, Betsy Glass, the hostess of the party, worries the whole town feels she is responsible for Julia's disappearance. But just as her guilt begins to dissipate, she uncovers evidence of her husband's infidelity, unknowingly setting all three characters on a path to discovering the truth.

Genres: Fiction, Suspense

246 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2026

About the author

Leighton grew up in a small town in southern Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Washington & Lee University and her law degree from Drake University Law School. After practicing law for several years in Virginia, she eventually traded the mountains for the Midwest and now lives in Des Moines, Iowa with her husband and three children.

Reviews

[Caz (Underlined) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
This is a slow-burn mystery novel about a 15-year-old girl who disappears at her friend’s party, and from there the story unfolds.

It’s such a gripping read and so cleverly and vividly written. I honestly felt like I was there in the moment with each character, feeling every emotion along the way.

It really makes you stop and think about how you would cope in the same situation, which made it even more impactful for me.

This is definitely a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it.

⸻

Thank you to the author, Koehler Books, and NetGalley for sending me the e-ARC for my honest review

Publishing date: 1st April 2026

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Köehler Books, for sending me this ARC. The premise sounds very interesting.

This was such a gripping read. The author has a brilliant way of capturing the plot's events, making you feel as if you are right there in the book. This was a bit of a slow burn, but I love the mystery component. With multiple POVs, it held my attention. Great for a debut novel in my opinion.

I'd love to revisit in the future. 3.5-4 stars for now.


Pub Date Apr 01 2026

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Köehler Books for the ARC.

August 1885, the 12-year-old Julia suddenly disappears during the birthday party of a classmate, no trace of her anywhere. As months go by and the town slowly loses interest in the search for her, strange things are starting to get discovered no one thought of before. May Julia still be alive?

On the search for Julia, the reader accompanies her best friend Dell, her father Tommy, and the mother of her classmate, Betsy. The book switches between these three point of views in exactly that order and it is especially great because that way the author is able to build tension, keep the reader wanting to read and makes them participate in solving the mystery because it feels almost like one gets those insights in real-time.
In the beginning, the book feels a lot more like a literary fiction and mystery mix than a thriller/mystery, which is why I have had my doubts about this being classified as a thriller on various reading-trackers. In the end, especially because of the built-up tension, I completely understood why it was classified that way though and I found myself actually quite liking the, in comparison, slow beginning.
Another thing the author did a great job at is having the characters act like themselves, it was very in-character and to me this also made the characters themselves feel more real. Unfortunately I found myself not really liking the characters and not being able to tell if it was supposed to be that way. If it was, props to the author. Generally speaking, the plot is both character- and plot-driven, switching between the two in the way of focusing on relations between the characters and exploring their minds and then suddenly moving on to the hunt for Julia again.
One last thing I have to mention is, the audience for this book is not people who need a set of lovable main characters, as well as people who already read a lot of thrillers. I would recommend this to new adults, who would like to get into reading mysteries and thrillers or are new to them. The right audience will absolutely devour this book, I loved it too, but for this reaction it definitely needs to be marketed to this audience and not the general mystery thriller audience. For a debut novel, this is a masterpiece.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from Koehler Books. I am so glad I did, because it was such an enjoyable read.

It’s a multiple POV story, and the thing I loved most about it is that each character’s chapter was a different voice. The writing style across chapters varied significantly and it made the story very believable. It was wild reading this set in the 1980’s because I forgot that DNA evidence, internet/google, and other modern crime solving devices were just non-existent then, and it makes you feel extra stressed about solving the case.

There was a point in the book where I nearly forgot it was wholly about a missing girl, because the writer did such a good job sucking me into each character’s mind. My heart broke for Tommy and I felt his pain through the writing. I felt the total chaos and confusion in Betsy’s mind. I loathed Debbie based on Tommy and Betsy’s POV. I rooted for Dell to find answers. The writer painted such a vivid picture without dragging the story on.

My two complaints: first, I felt there were too many characters to keep track of. Switching between calling them Betsy/Roger and Mr/Mrs Glass had me a bit confused at first as to who was who. I also had trouble following Debbie, Mandy, and Betsy’s relationship to their husbands and who had previously loved who. I wish there was a little more clarity there. I found myself having to work to remember the relationships.

Finally, I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have loved to find out the process of Julia going missing. How did it happen? When did it happen? I feel that for all the character POV, the abductor (and maybe even Julia) should have also had a POV to follow.

I believe this is a debut story for this author and I will follow her because she can only grow from here and I feel like her stories will become better and better. I look forward to more from Leighton Kirby Richards.

[Melissa Smith]

This book absolutely blew me away! Parts read like a thriller as far as there being a missing child but it really touched on the aftermath and how it affects the community impacted by this disappearance. We hear from the missing girls parents, best friend and the couple whose house she disappeared from throughout the chapters.

This was a short read that I couldn’t put down so I finished it in about a day. This is a very character driven story while still having the elements of a high stakes mystery. I found the ending very satisfying. I really loved everything about this book.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes, God knows when it’s best to erase something, turn it back to dust.”

I can't believe this is a debut novel! Leighton Kirby Richards has created a gorgeous mystery about a young girl named Julia, who disappears from a classmate's birthday party in 1985. Told through multiple points of view, including her best friend Dell, father Tommy, and more, we learn all about this small southern town and all it's people. I really enjoyed each chapter being in the voice of a different character, as it really helps put the reader in the story, and helps to understand all the characters, and their roles within the town. Dell’s determination to find Julia was incredibly written and equally heartbreaking. Watching Tommy struggle with the loss of his daughter in a town with so many secrets was so emotional. The tangled history among the parents feels realistic for a town like this, even if a little confusing at first. Clues about Julia's disappearance are woven throughout perfectly. While I was suspicious of the guilty party early on, and didn’t stray, I was never quite sure until much later. I was completely hooked from the start and couldn't put it down until I learned how things would be resolved! The only thing missing for me, and to make this a five star read, was the perspective of Julia herself. I really wished we could've gotten her perspective, or a bit of her experience. That said, it was still some of the best writing I have read in a while. It was heartbreaking and deeply emotional. I highly recommend for anyone who is a fan of a slow-burn mystery (though I feel it leans almost more lit-fic), an atmospheric setting, incredibly well-written characters, and writing that really pulls you in and doesn't let go. Definitely check trigger warnings. I really look forward to what this author does next!

Great thanks to NetGalley and Koehler Books for the eARC of Leighton Kirby Richards' impressive debut novel, Between the Sun and Rain.

[Jess Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to TLC Tours and the author for the gifted copy of this Southern Fiction debut.

This book follows three points of view over a span of a year after the disappearance of a twelve year old girl from their small North Carolina town. I really enjoyed that the author focused on these characters getting through their day to day life instead of the investigation into the disappearance. The character development was fantastic as the author focuses on their greif, loss and in some cases selfish desires. Despite being a character driven novel the characters are not likable, which is something that I also found refreshing.

The suspense aspects of this novel were heavily foreshadowed, in my opinion, making it not much of a mystery. That did not take away from my enjoyment of getting to know these characters though. It did, however, make this novel feel more like historical fiction than a thriller/suspense.

I think this was a good debut, and I would read another book by this author in the future.





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[Kayla Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Koehler Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
This book is the perfect pick for someone starting out in the thriller genre! Set in the 1980s, the story follows three POVs. The best friend, the grieving father, and a suspicious wife. Richards masterfully builds a small-town atmosphere, grief, and I loved the day to day lives of each POV. . Between The Sun and The Rain easily became one of my top reads of 2026.

[Jacquie Ornelas · Rating 4 out of 5]

So grateful for NetGalley and KoehlerBooks! This was my very first ARC ever and I fear I have been missing out. I absolutely loved this book, especially because of the three different points of view—it made the story feel so layered and engaging. I actually had my suspicions about how it might end, but honestly, that didn’t take away from the experience at all. If anything, it made me even more invested because I just had to keep reading to see if I was right.

My favorite perspective was Tommy, the dad. His chapters were both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The way his love for his daughter came through just pulled at my heartstrings—I felt every emotion right along with him.

Dell’s point of view brought so much light to the story. She had me laughing, but at the same time, she felt incredibly wise beyond her years, which made her voice really stand out.

And then there’s Debbie, the mom. I won’t lie—she was pretty unlikable at first. But as the story went on, her paranoia, risk-taking, and overall character development really grew on me. In the end, her journey played such a huge role in tying everything together.

Seriously, y’all need to pick this up as soon as it releases!

[Ruth Keyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished it in 24 hours. Loved the character development and each of the characters

[Jess]

*Paperback

This was a slow burn thriller, so if that’s your jam the you’ll definitely enjoy this one.

I had a hard time keeping all of the characters straight. I’m more of a “page turner” fast paced kinda gal.

This had a nice even pacing from start to finish with lots of small town drama.

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books with the theme of a child gone missing and most of them are the same with possibly a few twists and turns. But I have to say, although I figured this story out, I absolutely loved it.

Dell Jenkins and her bestie, Julia Pemberton, were each other’s ride or die. Whenever you saw one of them, the other wasn’t far behind. They were soon approaching sixth grade and hanging out and doing what kids their ages do and were excited about going to their school friend’s birthday party.

Mrs. and Dr. Glass were hosting the birthday party for their beloved son, Allan. Most of the children that grew up in Chatham, North Carolina were a close-knit community with a southern charm vibe. So, none of the parents in Chatham had an issue with dropping their children off to the Glasses. After all, Dr. Glass was a dentist and cleaned and maintained most of the children’s teeth.

While the kids were playing games and enjoying the festivities, after the fun had concluded, it soon became apparent that one of their school friends didn’t return to the backyard. Dell immediately wanted to know where Julia went. So did the other kids. Mrs. Betsy Glass assured the children that Julia would be fine and that she must have found a great spot to hide and for them to go and keep searching for her. Although Dell heard what Mrs. Glass said, in her gut she knew something horrible had happened to her best friend. When the worst was discovered, Dell literally flew to Julia’s parents to tell them what had happened and the story explodes with each tapping of my Kindle page.

I could not get enough of this story. I'm always drawn to classic Southern novels, and this one truly lived up to my expectations. I’m just sorry I read it that fast, but it was that good. What an incredible story. Richards put just the right amount of detail into the story to bring each of the character’s stories to life.

I loved how she wove each character’s perspective into the story, especially since every viewpoint revealed new pieces of the mystery. For example, Dell’s sense of loss and determination pulled me in, while Betsy’s guilt added a layer of tension that made her chapters stand out. The author told each section in such a compelling way that I couldn’t wait to return to that character’s voice and see how their experiences shaped what happened next.

I’m a fan of this book. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I plan to recommend it to my book club after it is released for publication. What an amazing story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Köehler Books for the ARC.

Between the Sun and Rain by Leighton Kirby Richards is one of those quietly gripping novels that pulls you in not through spectacle, but through its deeply human core. At its center is the abduction of a young girl, Julia, an event that ripples outward and reshapes the lives of multiple families. Rather than focusing solely on the crime itself, the novel lingers in the aftermath: how people cope, fracture, endure, and, in some cases, begin to rebuild.

I knew almost right away who was responsible for Julia’s abduction. Whether that’s because I’ve read so many books in this genre or because the author did such a wonderful job weaving in a subtle undercurrent of distrust around that character, I’m not entirely sure. But it didn’t take away from the experience; if anything, it added a kind of quiet tension, watching everything unfold with that awareness in the background.

What really stood out to me is how much of the story is devoted to the families and relationships affected by what happened. Richards spends time with each set of characters, and she writes them with such care and nuance. Every couple feels deeply human: imperfect, complicated, and believable, and the way their relationships intersect captures the messy, layered, and often contradictory ways we show up for one another in real life.

I especially appreciated how she portrayed Julia’s parents. Their grief doesn’t look the same, and they don’t always handle it well, but that’s exactly what makes it feel so real. The strain, the miscommunication, the attempts to keep going. It all reflects the very human ways people try (and sometimes fail) to survive something unimaginable.

More than anything, this author just has a way of capturing real life. There’s nothing overly polished or artificial about the emotions or interactions. Everything feels lived-in and honest. It’s less about the mystery itself and more about the people left in its wake, and that’s what makes the book linger long after you’ve finished it.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the Sun and Rain is a character-driven novel that explores the emotional aftermath of a young girl’s disappearance in a small town. The story begins with Julia vanishing during a classmate’s birthday party and follows those closest to her over the course of the first year as they navigate grief, uncertainty, and the difficulty of moving forward without answers.
One of the novel’s strengths is its shifting perspective.

By moving between multiple characters, Richards creates a layered portrayal of loss and allows readers to see how differently individuals process the same tragedy. I appreciated how each character’s emotional journey felt distinct, and how their relationships with Julia shaped their responses to her disappearance.

At times, however, the pacing felt uneven. Portions of the beginning and middle of the novel moved slowly, and some chapters felt as though they lingered without significantly advancing the search or the narrative. There were moments where the focus on the supporting characters, while impactful, seemed to overshadow the progression of the central mystery.

That said, the later part of the book was especially compelling. The tension builds effectively toward the end, creating a sense of urgency that made it difficult to put down. The emotional investment developed earlier in the novel ultimately pays off in these final chapters.

I did find myself, however, wishing for more clarity around certain plot elements. Some details introduced earlier in the story - particularly surrounding secondary characters and pieces of potential evidence - did not feel fully resolved. Expanding on these threads could have strengthened the overall cohesion of the narrative and provided a more satisfying sense of closure.

Overall, Between the Sun and Rain offers a thoughtful exploration of grief and community in the wake of loss. While the pacing and resolution may leave some questions unanswered, the novel’s emotional depth and character-focused storytelling make it a compelling and reflective read that I enjoyed overall.

[Andria Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story! It starts out at a party and a young girl goes missing, but this isn't your typical thriller. This is so much more! Over the span of about a year, you get insights in how her best friend feels, how her mom and dad feel and how they react to themselves and to others, you basically see how the community and other characters are also affected. You see relationships from the past to the present and all the while you wonder when they are going to find the young girl that's missing. It's so real and so emotional. The story is set in a small town with small town vibes, where everyone seems to know everyone, but yet evil walks among them and they just don't know who it is. There is such richness in the storytelling, I was hooked from the beginning and all the way to the end. This is a real storytelling book and I love any book that can tell me a story that makes me also feel something! I loved how each character was presented and how each character dealt with their grief and with trying to get through day-to-day life after a child goes missing. Highly recommend this book especially if you like thrillers that are so realistic and the writing is so deeply rich! If I could give 10 stars I would! Thank you netgalley and Koehler for the complimentary copy of the story. Thank you Leighton Kirby Richards for such a beautiful storytelling book, you were meant to be a writer!

[Justyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

​The Hook: The initial months following Julia’s disappearance are incredibly tense. The mystery surrounding Julia’s disappearance and the subsequent claustrophobia of the small-town setting kept me genuinely unsettled and invested. Richards does a fantastic job of casting suspicion across the cast, making you feel the same doubt and discomfort as the characters.
​The Setting: The small-town atmosphere is a character in itself. It heightens the stakes perfectly.​The Slump: The middle 50% shifts focus away from the mystery. While exploring the long-term ripple effects on the town was a strong concept, the execution felt mundane. The narrative shifted away from the central mystery into domestic details that felt unimportant compared to the initial hook and therefore made me disconnect from the characters.
​The Resolution: The ending provided some answers, but they come too quickly. The ending felt a bit too tidy, leaving me wishing for more grit and perhaps a POV chapter from the suspects or even better from Julia herself to add that final emotional punch. 
A solid read, but it lacked the stamina to maintain its initial brilliance.

Thank you NetGalley and Koehler Books for the arc.

[Cathichou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between The Sun and Rain was a 3.5 stars for me. I enjoy the story and the rythme that was created by the different narrators through the story. However, from time to time, I lacked interest and had to push through. I am happy I did push through the part I had a harder time to bear with, because overall I did enjoy this book, the characters, their relationship and the intrigue.

The beginning of the story hook me quickly and I was eager to find out what happened to Julia. I also was touched to see how her best friend Dell, her father Tommy and one of her classmate mother, Betsy, tried to keep going after Julia's abduction. The middle of the story was harder to keep with from time to time for me as I felt like the intrigue was kind of push aside and there were some lengthy passages , but overall, it strucked me to see how the event aftected the three character, how their interpersonal relations were going and how they all tried, in their own way, to find out what happened to Julia. The last chapiters drawn me back into the story and I liked that the intrigue seems to be back at the center of the story.

Overall, I will recommend this book as even with it's kind of slow pass, it was entertaining and it moved me.

[Sarah Stull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just read an ARC of Between the Sun and Rain by Leighton Kirby Richards, from NetGalley and it's Publisher. I have to say it took me 2 days to ready and I was hooked right away. It wasn't just that the story was intriguing and held my attention but that the Author managed to capture each characters perspective so spot on weather from the view point of the young girl who's friend Julia has disappeared from their classmates summer Birthday Party or the Dad, Tommy who's daughter is now missing and even the perspective of Alan's Mom, Betsy who was the host of the party that Julia disappeared from.

Such drastically different feelings - male, female, adolescent young girl and they all felt like you were watching real life unfold before your eyes.
Seeing just how they would truly feel as time passed and unfolded under so much sadness, pain and loss.

This was an excellent read and I absolutely loved it! It gave you small tid bits to cling to as you read to try to figure out the who, when, where and how and none of it was obvious until you read it and THEN it was just whoa!! At least it wasn't obvious to me!

But I do enjoy a conclusion that I wished I had seen coming but didn't. That just means there is enough going on to distract you from that crescendo that comes and grabs you by the heart and catches you in your throat and you can't read fast enough yet you also don't want to finish because isn't this the very best part!!

I truly enjoyed the writing it was so smooth like cruise control in a cadillac! I loved the nostalgic pull back to my own 1980's childhood, so easy to see the entire picture! I would love to read more just like this!! Job Well DONE Leighton K. Richards! Bravo! and thank you!!

[When Books Speak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between the Sun and Rain by Leighton Kirby Richards is the kind of book that lingers with you long after you've turned the last page. The 1985 small-town Southern setting felt completely immersive, atmospheric and nostalgic in the best way.

What really drew me in was the multi-POV storytelling. Following Dell, Tommy, and Betsy gave the mystery such incredible depth, and each perspective added a new layer to Julia's disappearance. The emotional weight of grief was handled so beautifully, Tommy's heartbreak in particular hit really hard.

The mystery itself kept me genuinely invested and unsettled throughout, and the small-town tension was palpable. The middle section does slow down a bit, and I had a feeling about where the twist was heading, but neither of those things took away from how much I enjoyed the overall experience.

For a debut novel, this is truly impressive. Highly recommend for readers who love character-driven mysteries with real emotional depth!

Pub Day: Apr 1, 2026
Categories: Mystery & Thrillers, General Fiction (Adult)

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Koehler Books for the ARC.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

This is a slow-burn mystery about a girl who goes missing in 1985 Chatham. Emphasis on slow-burn, because we rotate between a few POVs that often discuss details about their individual lives that do not directly relate to the missing girl. It's a book where you really have to concentrate while reading, perhaps because the writing style tried to match the time period this takes place, but there were quite a few characters who played similar roles, so there were a few times when I had to pause to recall who exactly we were talking about.

This book was less than 300 pages, which I appreciated, but I thought we could've spent more time on the ending. I, personally, did not see the twist coming at all, to the point where it took me a couple pages to realize what was happening after we learned who the culprit was, so the reveal felt a bit sudden to me. The climax and everything after that happened so quickly, I ended up with more questions than answers.

But besides that, if you're up for a slow-burn, character-driven mystery featuring middle class white families from the 1980s (because they say/think things sometimes), this is for you. Thank you to NetGalley and Koehler Books for the arc!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between the Sun and Rain by Leighton Kirby Richards
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
This story had a really strong start—the opening pulled me in right away and made me eager to see where things were going. The premise felt engaging, and I quickly became invested in the characters and their journeys.
As the story moved into the middle, it did begin to feel a bit drawn out. The pacing slowed, and there wasn’t as much action or momentum as I had hoped for, which made parts of it feel like they lingered longer than necessary. The plot also became somewhat predictable at times, which took away from some of the tension.
That said, where this book really shines is in its character development. I genuinely connected with the characters and appreciated the depth given to their emotions and relationships. Their growth and interactions kept me engaged even when the plot slowed down.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a compelling beginning and strong character work..

Thank you Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC of this book for my honest review

[Full of Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. There was something special about it that just kept me turning the pages. There was a dual POV which offered great perspectives and helped to see the story in different views. The writing was phenomenal and made the story feel very real. It almost felt like I was watching a movie. I loved so many of these characters because of how real they felt and how relatable they were. The mystery surrounding Julia’s disappearance was solid because nothing stuck out where I could guess what had happened to her so this was really well done. Also it was interesting having parts of it actually in Columbia which is where I am. This is such a hidden gem and I hope more people discover it!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at the first sentence. It’s such a soulful book as it pulses with grief but then lets in the sun as well.

Twelve year old Julie Pemberton disappears from a party at a classmate, Alan Glass. Dell Jenkins, her best friend is devastated. Alan’s mother, Betsy, feels guilty that the disappearance occurred at her house and is crushed by this. But no one else except her father, Tommy, feels her absence more keenly. In the small Southern town of Chambers, Julie’s disappearance takes a life on its own. Time passes with no findings until DNA emerges and maybe there is a lead. Tommy’s sadness is palpable. Will he ever see his daughter again?

This is a slow burn thriller told from the perspective of three characters, Dell, Tommy, and Betsy. The author has done a fine job in creating a taut atmosphere in these three POVs. The pacing is pretty good - though I think the denouement may have occurred too quickly (but it’s a good as I don’t see it coming) - but it’s that tension of the unknown that makes this story so good.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Koehler Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A debut historical fiction tale, Between The Sun and Rain (2026) by Leighton Kirby Richards, is set in 1985 Chatham, North Carolina. Dell Jenkins is a ten-year-old about to start sixth grade when her best friend, Julia, goes missing from her own birthday party. Dell is a key witness to her disappearance, but the search reveals little as the town moves on. Narrated by different characters, including Dell, her father Tommy and Betsy, Julia’s mother, we learn what happens over the following year. Part murder mystery and part coming-of-age story, with its enjoyable characters, and twisted finale whodunnit, makes for an enjoyable a three and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.

[Leah Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the Sun and Rain was incredible. It was so well written, and I loved how each perspective added depth to the story. It was existentialism and nostalgia wrapped in one captivating mystery. The mid-80s setting gave it a very cinematic feel, and the depth of the community of characters came alive more and more with each chapter. This book felt like an ensemble cast of real people, with real thoughts and problems, all of whom intersect in pivotal ways. The epic suspense will drive you to keep reading until you figure out what happened to Julie Pemberton! I would especially recommend this to those who love mystery, small town gossip, and anyone who wants to remember the vibes of the 80s.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, and once I started I couldn’t put it down! The characters are compelling and keep the story moving along quickly. Ms. Richards is a talented author who is able to make you not only understand the character’s perspective but also their feelings, and she did a superb job of capturing the essence of small-town living. I was transported to the 1980s and could place myself in the shoes of each character and walk in their steps while their lives were turned upside down and sideways, and they tried to figure out how life goes on after a tragedy. Wonderful read, and I can’t wait for her next book!

[Courtney Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between The Sun And Rain is a thrilling and emotional read. The multi POV gives you tremendous insight into the way the disappearance of a young girl completely rocks the community. Throughout the book, I had speculations on the person responsible and while I was correct, this did not hinder my enjoyment of the story. The path that the story takes is full of anger, revenge & unadulterated grief as a response to the loss. The ending leaves you with all the emotions, wondering how you would react if you found yourself in their position.

[Gwynn M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different type of mystery, if you will. Not heart-pounding but emotional and very in depth. Told in multiple POVs, a story of a small town and a missing girl. Every character in this book gives their own perspective of living both before and after this tragedy. The story builds right up to the end. This was a good read. Thank you to NetGalley and koehlerbooks for an ARC of this book.

[Carrie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the Sun and Rain is an engaging read for anyone who loves layered, character‑driven fiction. Having grown up in a small Southern town in the 1980s, I found Richards’s setting vividly authentic, pulling me back in time. Told through multiple perspectives, the novel allows readers to feel how each character grapples with grief, guilt, and the uneasy tension between hope and resignation following Julia’s disappearance.

[Kylee Grace]

12-year-old Julia’s disappearance wreaks havoc on her small town, but none more so than her best friend Dell, her father Tommy, and Betsy, whose house was where Julia was last seen. Told through their alternating POVs, we see the year after Julia disappears.

This was a fascinating approach to a mystery, a touching exploration of grief, and just as the title implies, there’s a balance of darkness and light.