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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.

This story was so well done and I really enjoyed it. I enjoy reading from this author and I'm looking forward to the next book. The plot was really well explored and I enjoyed the overall story. The characters were great and I was able to dive myself into this book. It was well done and I highly recommend. This book was so good.

Where Secrets Lie was my first read by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, and overall, I did enjoy it. The premise pulled me in right away—a struggling university, a rekindled romance, and a smuggling ring woven into a web of family secrets and financial danger. The stakes were high and the pacing kept the story moving.

I appreciated the closed-door second-chance romance between Savannah and Hez, and how their personal growth was challenged by both internal struggles and external threats. The dynamic between legacy, faith, and loyalty added nice emotional layers.

That said, a few elements fell a bit flat for me. Some plot developments felt a little rushed or conveniently resolved, and I wanted deeper emotional exploration—especially given the heavy themes of addiction, betrayal, and redemption. The suspense was engaging but didn’t always feel as tightly plotted as it could have been.

Still, this was an entertaining and clean read with a unique setting and a compelling premise. I’d consider reading more from the authors in the future!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It took me a while to get into this book, starting with the first chapter. It has been a year since I read the first one, and I had forgotten most of the plot. Savannah and Hez are finding their way back to each other, but have to deal with artefact smuggling and an upcoming bankruptcy with the university where they work. Add in betrayal from an unexpected source.

I thought book one was wrapped up until the epilogue, and now the same with book two. Had I known before I read the first one I would not have even started it. I do not enjoy waiting a year between instalments and may not read the third one. I feel as though the story is complete.

Having said all that, I did enjoy the book, and gave it four stars.

I was gifted this copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review

This is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series, and it picks up where “What We Hide” ended. I recommend that you don’t read this book if you haven’t read the first book yet because you won’t fully understand what is going on. You might not want to read this review either. I wouldn’t want to write anything that will spoil book 1 for you.

Savannah is divorced from Hez, but she is ready to give him another chance. They share the grief of losing their little girl, and they also have to overcome the trust issues that Savannah has about Hez’s past addiction.

Savannah is also facing the threat of losing her family's university because it’s running out of money. As Savannah and Hez work to figure out how to stabilize the finances and save the university, they find that there is a smuggling ring within the school, and they are running out of time.

The story has romance, suspense, courtroom scenes, and family dynamics. It has themes of forgiveness, love of family and belonging, and fighting for truth. It’s a good story, but I had trouble getting into it at first and felt like something was missing compared to book 1. I honestly loved the first book more.

I wondered if this might only be a duology series, but there is more to explore ahead.

*I received an advanced reader’s copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I received a copy of this book.
Full of action and plot twists.
Great Characters.
Could not put it down.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Definitely recommend.

Where Secret's Lie is the 2nd book in a series, and you must read book#1 (What We Hide) first. This book has all of the suspense that we know & love from Colleen Coble & Rick Acker. To make it even better, there are several plot twists that you may not see coming.
We continue to follow Hez, Savannah & Jess through this story & are set up for book #3 at the end. You wont regret reading this series if you enjoy suspense/mystery at all!

Thank-you NetGalley for the ebook Review Copy and Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @tnzfiction for the physical book copy as part of the Bibliolifestyle Book Tour.

What is your favorite book series?

Savannah Webster and her ex-husband Hez are trying to give their love a second chance. They had previously been married, but their marriage broke when they lost their child and Hez turned to alcohol. Things look bright until Savannah finds an empty wine bottle in Hez’s garbage. Has he turned back to alcohol? Savannah takes on a new role as the president of her beloved Tupelo Grove University and Hez starts a new legal clinic. Together they discover many problems with finances at the university including someone at the university using it as a front for a smuggling ring. Will they be able to save the university?

My thoughts on this novel:
• This is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. I enjoyed the settings, characters, and suspense in the first book and was excited to read more in the series. I would definitely recommend reading both books in order in this series.

• There is a theme of forgiveness throughout the novel paired together with the desire for revenge.

• This novel also showed that the path of love is not always simple and takes work.

• This was a great family drama that was action packed and showed the importance of family.

• It was a clean read.

• There were faith elements throughout the novel relative to forgiveness and a character’s death.

• Colleen Coble and Rick Acker are a great writing team. Colleen is an experienced writer and Rick knows the legal ins and outs.

• The novel had a fantastic ending with a mic drop moment. I can’t wait to see what happens next and look forward to the third book in the series.

• I also like the authors note at the end which included interesting information about artifact smuggling.

Overall, Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a great Southern romantic suspense novel. I highly recommend this enjoyable series.

This is the second in a series that should be read in order because there is much information in the first that contributes to understanding the second installment.
The story is full of drama about a legacy of Tupelo Groves University that Savannah wants to preserve. When things get dangerous, she and Hez, her ex and soon-to-be husband, must track down a band of artifact smugglers as well as safeguard the University and keep it from going bankrupt.
Lots of intrigue because Hez and Savannah do not realize where the threat is coming from. But they know there is a leak that is making things difficult.
They are also trying to mend from the past that drew them apart. Hez and Savannah are still working through those problems but they are committed to eachother and to God and rely on Him to work out the details.
This was very exciting as well as informative about ancient artifacts. It kept my interest until the end.
This was a great collaboration. I cannot wait to read the next one.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

I loved the first book of the Tupelo Grove series and had to get my hands on this one as soon as I had the chance. I was able to get multiple copies of it so I was able to rotate through formats and read it in a day. Returning to the drama of Tupelo Grove University and the lives of Savannah and Hez was exciting. I like reading the legal parts of this story. I haven’t read a lot of books with that side of criminal cases. And of course, there’s a little romance involved.

I already can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Thank you NetGalley, Bibliolifestyle and Thomas Nelson Fiction for my copies of this book.

This second book in the Tupelo Grove series immediately follows the events in What We Hide. Coble and Aker hooked me with the opening sentence and twists and plenty of action kept me turning pages to the end. There was tension in the sister’s relationship as Susannah is planning a future while her sister Jess is plotting revenge. I also appreciated the real aspects of loving an alcoholic and laughed out loud at the camera scene. While best enjoyed if you’ve read the first, this can stand alone and the epilogue clearly sets up a sequel. Recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker are a dynamic duo as a writing team. Each time I read a new book in their Tupelo Grove series, I am unsure how they could ever top it, and then they do! Where Secrets Lie is an amazing piece of romantic suspense, but if you haven't read the first two books, please do yourself a favor and begin at the beginning. Each story, and most especially this latest release, has multiple storylines that intersect. The plot is most definitely not predictable, which fascinates me. The characters are realistic with weaknesses and past sorrows that work to assert themselves when least welcomed. They are also prone to seeking hope even when it seems blocked at every turn, something that would benefit us all.

The writing in Where Secrets Lie is crisp and focused. It evokes strong emotions of many kinds. The authors' voices consistently meld forming a harmony that creates a strong, singular voice. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Savannah and Hez are trying to put the past behind and rekindle their marriage but nothing is simple, besides working through their feelings and issues of trust and respect they are confronted with the harsh reality that surrounds them. The story is fast-paced and they'll face deceit, lies, financial problems, corruption, and a network of stolen artifacts that's linked to the University. Where Secrets Lie is one of those books that you just cannot put down and as the end is a cliffhanger another book in the series is guaranteed. It has a good plot, is well-written and proves to be great entertainment!
I thank the authors, their publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This mystery is so cleverly plotted and executed.
And with the well-developed characters I was eagerly turning the pages.
The character development is on point.. the way the story unravels is effortlessly gripping.
I was honestly captivated by it all.

Where Secrets Lie is the second book in the Tupelo Grove Novel series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. This story is a continuation of the first book in the series, What We Hide. The stories center around Jess Legare, CFO for Tupelo Grove University; her sister Savannah Legare Webster, a history professor at TGU; and Savannah’s husband, attorney Hezekial Webster.

Jess’s duplicity backfires as she works to exact her revenge on Pierre Legare. Due to her mother’s infidelity and Jess’s resulting birth, Pierre had treated her late mother horribly and wasn’t much better with Jess. Her physical needs were met—food, clothing, shelter, education, but her childhood, with the exception of her sister Savannah, was emotionally traumatic. Now Jess has aligned herself with other Legare enemies, and is robbing the historical artifacts of the university while creating providence for recently discovered and stolen artifacts from Central American jungles.

Savannah and Hez have no idea there is a mole in their trio and that all of their plans to thwart those trying to bring down the university are being leaked straight to the adversaries. That is until a plan is hatched while Jess is out of town. With inside information and federal help, the smugglers’ plans are thwarted, smugglers perish, and the course of events are altered.

This is another well written thriller by Ms. Coble and Mr. Acker. With well drawn characters, an ever twisting plot line, and surprising events, this story takes the reader on a wild ride. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

I'm a simple reader. I want a mystery, some suspense and a little romance. Give me those elements and I'm happy. I don't care about complex or deep psychic reasonings. That stuff is lost on me. This book spent a lot of time all up in the character's heads and lost me at several points. It wasn't about mercy and justice; it was all about vengeance. I really didn't like knowing this baddie from the beginning. The baddie laid waste to a lot of things that can never be repaired all the while calling it mercy and justice. It just annoyed me.

College professor Savannah Webster and her ex-husband Hez survived a murder attempt and came out of that with a renewed commitment to their love for each other and a vow to make it work this time. But there are forces that want to tear them apart and destroy Tupelo Grove University where they both work. TGU has several problems and is under siege from the inside. Smugglers are using the university's reputation to authenticate stolen antiquities, administrators and board members are using the university as their own piggy bank and someone wants to devastate the institution from the inside.

Into all this Savannah accepts the job as university president and is leaning on Hez for legal advice and her sister, Jess, for financial expertise. She has no idea of the forces working against her as she tries to save TGU or the insidious hate that can fester in a person's soul. But love can transform, and the love of Jesus can heal any soul withered by hate.

My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
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