What a ride! I was caught off-guard so many times while reading this (in all the best ways). There were quite a few shocking twists and turns! I enjoyed the continuing story of Savannah and Hez’s second chance romance and I’m rooting for them so much! So many things trying to derail them but it seems like they’re really coming through. But I’m so nervous about the bombshell in the final pages!! I can’t wait for book 3 to find out how everything is going to turn out.

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker was a great Christian suspense novel. In some ways, it gave me National Treasure and Night at the Museum vibes because of the treasure smuggling ring. Of course, it was much more serious and heavy than those family movies. Unfortunately, I somehow missed the fact that it was book #2 in the Tupelo Grove series, so I felt like I spent the first bit of the book trying to catch up on the storyline. I loved the book, “I Think I Was Murdered”, by the same duo of Christian suspense authors, so when I saw this one available on Netgalley I immediately requested it (with little research obviously, haha).

Audience
Older Teens & Adults

Genre
Christian Suspense

Author
Colleen Coble and Rick Acker


Savannah Webster and her ex-husband, Hez, have been through a lot together. They lost their daughter and were almost murdered by a smuggling ring, just to name a few things. Now it seems they’re finally able to process their grief together and maybe even remarry. But then things start going wrong. Something’s off at the university Savannah was recently chosen to be president of. On top of that, someone planted a wine bottle in Hez’s trash can and now Savannah’s afraid he has relapsed into alcoholism.

Read this Christian suspense novel to see what happens next!

A few of my favorite things…
The main couple learning to process grief together.
A suspenseful ending that demands another book in the series.
Unexpected plot twists and turns.
An adorable little British boy named Simon.
Southern culture and scenery.
Fun dog side characters.
Complex family history.
Know that…
There are heavy topics. Adultery is mentioned in someone’s family history, a couple who divorced but is trying to get back together, smuggling, murder, alcoholism, grief…definitely for an older crowd.
Perfect for…
Someone looking for a Christian suspense series.

Amazon

Notes: I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I’m also an Amazon Affiliate, so I receive a commission on anything purchased through links I share.

What another great story from this author.
She writes such great twists and turns within all of her books but the one between these two families kept me wanting more. I really enjoyed the characters, Savannah, Hez, and Simon and am looking forward to seeing where things go next. I always recommend her books.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

Where Secrets Lie is the second book in the Tupelo Grove Series by Colleen Coble. Savannah Webster is a college professor at the University in Tupelo Grove. She had been on the outs with her ex-husband, Hez, but she would like to try to make things work out again. Hez is mentoring law students at the University as he continues to try to work things out with Savannah after a messy break up.
Unfortunately. the financial situation at the university is tenuous, and part of what Savannah is coming up against is that her sister is in charge of the finances and doesn't always want to keep her books open to whoever wants to see what's going on. Add to this the nefarious behavior of an unknown person that's stealing from the university. It's a book that's quite well rounded and fun to read. It's suspense with no blood and guts, no steamy scenes, just good writing. I think you'll like it.

In this captivating second installment of the Tupelo Grove series, readers are treated to a heartwarming second chance story intertwined with an intriguing mystery. Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have crafted a remarkable writing partnership that brings this thrilling series to life. The series began with What We Hide, which I eagerly listened to as an audiobook.

In this second book, Savannah Webster, a college professor, decides to give her ex-husband, Hez, a second chance. Their marriage was tumultuous, and after a devastating loss, it ended in divorce. We first encountered Savannah and Hez in the first book of the series.

As Savannah and Hez’s relationship blossoms, they find themselves entangled in another intriguing mystery. A smuggling operation is in full swing, and another artifact has gone missing. While they embark on a quest to locate the missing artifact, they face danger at every turn. What makes both books in this series so captivating is the intense drama surrounding the missing artifacts. Amidst this suspense, Savannah and Hez also confront powerful personal challenges that test their relationship.

I am a fan of Christian fiction, and the publisher Thomas Nelson is an excellent resource for such books, especially if you enjoy closed-door romances as much as I do. Adding the mystery element further enhances the mix of romance and suspense, creating a truly captivating read.

The university where Savannah works serves as the setting for this story. Surprisingly, there is a level of corruption that shocks Savannah, and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing how the plot unfolded. This is a truly remarkable story that can be easily devoured in a single sitting. Having listened to both books as audiobooks, I was thoroughly impressed with Karen Peakes’s exceptional narration. Her ability to keep readers fully engaged is truly remarkable. I eagerly anticipate the possibility of more books in this series.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for this ARC for review this is my honest opinion

Another great book in the Tupelo Grove series! We immediately pick up where the first book, What We Hide, left off as seamlessly as if we had started another chapter of the same book.
Savannah and Hez are coming together to solve another mystery and to save the university that Savannah loves. As they delve into the mysterious events taking place, they find themselves in danger. Can they find the culprit before they become the victim?
A fast-paced mystery with intrigue and murder with a touch of romance. Lots of twists, turns, surprises and an explosive ending!

Thank you Netalley, the publisher and authors for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Where Secrets Lie is the second in the Tupelo Grove series. More secrets are exposed as Hez and Savannah try to end all the illegal activities at Tupelo Grove University.
Savannah has been named president of the college by her father who hopes she will help keep money flowing from the college to him and his friends. Besides having to deal with that, Savannah thinks Hez is drinking again and her sister Jess is mysterious. All these make for a read you don’t want to put down and anxious for the final in the trilogy.

I enjoy this series and adding a cowriter has made her stories even better. This is a series that needs to be read in order.
I received a complimentary copy of the book thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

Colleen Coble & Rick Acker seamlessly deliver another exciting mystery in the Tupelo Grove series! Where Secrets Lie picks up right where What We Hide left off & packs even more nonstop action & twists as attorney Hez Webster & college professor Savannah Webster try to foil an artifact smuggling ring. The secrets, betrayals, & startling revelations continue in this fast-paced unputdownable mystery!

Hez & Savannah have decided to give their marriage a second chance & things are looking up until Savannah discovers an empty wine bottle in Hez’s trash. Hez has been clean & sober for over a year, but Savannah has her doubts even though Hez insists he didn’t put it there. And despite her family connections, she’s been overlooked for a tenure position.

Just when things seem bleak, Savannah’s offered a director position at Tupelo University. But, the university is in financial ruins & implicated in an artifact smuggling ring. As she & Hez work together to save the university & bring down the smuggling ring, they face unimaginable odds & even death.

This series is an instant favorite! Part romantic suspense & part legal thriller, this book had me on the edge of my seat. It definitely doesn’t hold back the punches with lots of surprises along the way. Along with the gripping mystery is a lovely second chance romance. Hez & Savannah lost a child & Hez blames himself for her death. Their faith journey & struggles are inspiring as they try to find forgiveness & a way forward.

The audiobook was fantastic! I enjoyed how the narrator expertly portrayed such a range of multifaceted characters. I adored Hez, Savannah, & their young nephew, Simon. Simon’s such a darling kid, & he goes through a lot in this story.

The shocking conclusion had me reeling & now I can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series. There are definite twists I didn’t see coming, & the epilogue was absolutely jaw dropping. There were a few clues that weren’t addressed & I can’t wait to see how they play out in the next book. Highly recommend to romantic suspense/legal thriller fans! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a review. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

I absolutely adore anything that Colleen Coble writes. Her collaboration with Rick Acker was an excellent choice. I fell in love with Savannah and Hex from the beginning. I swooned and cried all in the same book with the grief and loss in this story. I saw two people work through some really hard issues and come out on the other side better for it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a clean, Christian romance with some spine tingling suspense. Thankii you Colleen for another excellent story! I reviewed this book and received a copy #netgalley

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. It is best to read the first novel before reading this one. The financial difficulties have become worse at Tupelo Grove University, and history professor, Savannah Webster, steps up to assume the presidency. A smuggling operation involving university staff adds to the problems. Savannah seeks the help of her ex-husband and lawyer, Hez Webster, and both end up placing their lives in danger. Another solid book by the writing team of Coble and Acker!

Thank You Netgalley for this ARC & ALC in exchange for my honest opinion. I also received the ALC of the First book (What we Hide) through Netgalley as well. I really do love this writing duo. Colleen Coble and Rick Acker . They have created several series together and many many books on their own. I do enjoy the narrator who is one of my favorite (Karen Peakes.) This one did get quite exciting and emotional. I do feel if you wanted to skip the first book you could without to many issues. They also snuck in a part mentioning Ambush which was fun. I do like this style of mystery where you have partners both together and working on it with a hint of romance. I was a bit hesitant about the second chance romance, but it worked because it is real and worked for this story line. This is a fast read and I was able to finish in almost one sitting.

Where Secrets Lie by @colleencoble and @rick_acker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The second book in the Tupelo Grove series and it was even better than book 1!
I truly enjoyed the twists and turns and surprises that this book brought - some things I saw coming but some I didn’t. Even though there are some heavy topics mentioned, I appreciate that these books are clean - no bad or harsh language or sexual content.
This book just released two weeks ago and is available for you to go ahead and read!

Thank you @netgalley, @colleencoble, @rick_acker, and @thomasnelson for the ARC ebook! All opinions are honest and my own.

#netgalley #goodreads #bookstagram #literarypearlsof25 #wheresecretslie #cleanreads

OMG! What a story! The twists and turns within these two families kept me on the edge of my seat. I really love Savannah, Hez, and Simon and can't wait for the next chapter in the story! Highly highly recommend!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this book! I was intrigued by the twists and turns that kept me guessing as to the outcome. I appreciated the theme of trust and believing the best about someone as Savannah and Hez navigate difficult circumstances. I can't wait to see how this story comes together in book #3. As much as I loved this book, it is a little confusing to follow some of secondary characters and remember what role they play in the story especially since it has been a while since I read the first book in this series. Overall, though, I highly recommend the book if you want a complex mystery with many twists and turns. **I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Book 2 in the Tupelo Grove series picks up shortly after the end of Book 1, and it doesn't waste a moment jumping into the action. From the first few pages to the final “mic drop” moment, this story delivers suspense, emotion, and intensity.

Savannah and Hez face big challenges—both professionally and personally. Their efforts to rebuild trust are tested as old wounds reopen and dangerous threats surface. As they work together to uncover the university’s ties to a smuggling ring, the stakes get higher and more personal with every chapter.

Small spoiler: I’m not going to lie—the results of the car bomb scene shocked me. I had to stop and reread just to make sure I saw it right!

This book peels back more layers of intrigue, family tension, and redemption. You could read it as a standalone and still enjoy the story, but you’ll appreciate it so much more if you’ve read Book 1 first.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.

BOOK: WHERE SECRETS LIE
AUTHOR: COLLEEN COBLE & RICK ACKER
PUB DATE: JUNE 2025
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REVIEW- 3.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🎓👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼
I read and liked the first book in the series and I was looking forward to reading about Tupelo Grove again. This book started from where the last book ended.
👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼🎓
This book is what I would call slow and steady. The pacing of the book was slow, but I had no issue reading it, I kept turning the pages so I could know what would happen in the end. However, in the mystery aspect, the ending was disappointing. I felt like there was not much going on, and I didn't see the point of 300+ pages. The art smuggling ring is still active with people they didn't catch the last book although two people were exposed, but I felt like they were low bottom.
🎓👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼
The suspense was a let down,but the romance was much better. I loved seeing how much Hez and Savannah were doing, healing together and being there for each other. Hez finally proposed,and started his legal clinic while Savannah is up to her neck with being the university's president. I love them together and i can't wait to see what's next for them!
👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼🎓
For Jess, her situation was sad and i would have loved to actually see her character development, but it is what is. There are still a lot of secrets Jess kept, especially with her other family. And with the cliff hanger at the end, I really want to see what the Willards have up their sleeves!
🎓👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼
This book was okay, I wanted more, but still okay. I read the first book last year and almost forgot what happened, but I wasn't really confused because the authors kinda explained what happened previously. So, you can read this without the first one with no confusion. And I would definitely read the next book in the series. I can't wait!

Savannah and Hez Webster have been through a lot. The loss of a child. Hez turning to alcohol in an attempt to cope. Their divorce. Now, they are attempting to reconcile. Can Savannah trust Hez? Love him, that's an easy 'yes.' Trust is another matter.
Savannah is diligently trying to save Tupelo Grove University. Unbeknownst to her, her sister, is doing everything she can to completely destroy it. Even going to illegal lengths.
Stolen artifacts, an empty liquor bottle in Hez's trash can, a car explosion. Lots of edge of your seat things in this story that will keep you guessing.
Loved this story. Colleen Coble teamed with Rick Acker makes for a wonderful story!
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Oh. My. Goodness. I knew Where Secrets Lie was going to be good based on a) how much I enjoyed What We Hide and b) the stunning way that first book ended. But once again I was not expecting some of the twists that we encounter on this second visit to Tupelo Grove University. Well… to be more specific, I knew there would be some shocking plot turns to navigate but I really couldn’t predict what they were going to be. Let me say this first – if you haven’t yet read What We Hide, put this review down and go read that instead because Where Secrets Lie will be more impactful for you if you’ve been with this series from the beginning. I guess you COULD read this as a standalone if you really have to but I don’t think you really truly want to.

Where Secrets Lie picks up with Hez and Savannah a little bit after the events of What We Hide, and we’re immediately immersed once more in the complex dynamics of their own renewed relationship and those of Savannah’s family, as well as the criminal minds who are continuing to weave their web of lies and smuggling – and murder – at Tupelo Grove. I could not have put down this story if I’d wanted to, which is fine because I didn’t want to. Every time I thought I might be able to let my guard down just a teeny bit … nope, the brilliant writing team of Coble and Acker threw in another bombshell reveal or unexpected development to keep me on my toes. And I loved every pulse-raising word of it! I also loved spending time with these characters again, getting to know a couple of new ones, and visiting with some familiar faces from Coble’s other adjacent-set series. Every layer in this story is well-placed, and based on the ending (which punched the breath out of me just like the ending of What We Hide did) I am hoping there is much more to come!

Bottom Line: The title of Where Secrets Lie is absolutely perfect for the story inside this latest Tupelo Grove suspense novel from Colleen Coble & Rick Acker. Secrets & deception abound on this quaint campus of higher learning, some of which may leave your jaw on the floor and your heart skipping a beat. I was deeply invested in how everything would play out for Hez and Savannah on several different fronts – from their families to their romance to their respective spiritual & personal growth arcs and, of course, the various suspense threads weaving expertly together into one edge-of-your-seat story. I am loving this setting, these characters, and these two authors writing together. Consider this my order for at least 10 more Tupelo Grove novels and whatever else Coble & Acker want to write in addition.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and all of the twists and turns it took. I was initially very overwhelmed with the plot and characters since I didn't read the first book. But, the author did a good job catching everyone up and I soon felt like I had a decent handle on the storyline. I especially appreciated how the themes of redemption and forgiveness were woven throughout the story.

**I received this book from netgalley in exchange for this honest review

This is the second of the Tupelo Grove series about Hez and Savannah Webster. Overwhelmed by the impending bankruptcy of the college as well as the legal issues dealing with the artifact smuggling that had been traced to the university, Hez and Savannah are struggling to mend their relationship, find the thieves and save the college. Dark secrets that are hidden by Savannah's family members threaten to destroy them at every turn. The story ends in a cliffhanger, pointing in a new direction to aspects of the case believed to be settled. This was a shocking ending and I can't wait for the third installment.

Coble has created a world in Tupelo Grove and the surrounding area, link this series and others to friends and family members in the area. I really enjoyed the world and the characters that are part of the stories. Looking forward to everything the author puts forth from this area.