Leighton Kirby RichardsLeighton Kirby Richards grew up in a small town in Southern Virginia, much like the fictitious one in Between the Sun and Rain. She earned her bachelor of arts in English literature from Washington & Lee University and her law degree from Drake Univesity Law School. She practiced law for several years in Virginia before moving to Iowa. She currently resides with her husband and three children in Des Moines. Read More Read Less