I didn’t realize this was part of a series so I was out of the loop with characters but the story itself was good and I enjoyed it

“Where Secrets Lie” by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series.

I’ve not read the first in the series, but as other reviewers had said it could be read as a stand alone, I wasn’t put off by not having read the first book. However, personally, I wish I had read the first book before reading this one as book two continues on from where book one left off. For this reason, it took me a while to get into the story and to connect with the main characters. Once I had connected with characters I did find them relatable.
It ends with a good cliffhanger which leaves you wanting to read the next book. A great technique in writing a series.

Another technique I like was as readers we knew more than some of the characters themselves were aware of, which made for interesting reading. The plot is interesting and makes you want to keep reading too. Within the plot is the revenge and feud between two key families, the Legares and the Willards. The themes include loss and grief, forgiveness, and redemption even at the last minute.

I recommend this book as a good read for those who enjoy romance and suspense, but would also recommend you read book one, “What We Hide” prior to this one.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in return for my honest review.

Book Two in Colleen Coble and Rick Acker's Tupelo Grove series is just as intense as the first. Savannah and Hez are trying to rebuild their relationship with the promise of marrying again on the horizon. But then Savannah discovers an empty wine bottle in Hez's trash and fears that he is no longer sober. Can she place her trust in the man she loves and who God has brought back into her life. Meanwhile the college where Savannah teaches sinks deeper into financial ruin and scandal, and Savannah's sister Jess keeps an escape bag ever ready at her home. She knows it will be just a few weeks before she and her son need to flee and start again. As the title indicates lies abound in this novel and it will depend on Hez's Justice Project and Savannah's knowledge of historical artifacts to find where the lies are coming from. Note: This story will continue in a third volume, hopefully out soon. I've always liked Coble's writing but her partnership with Rick Acker brings a new authenticity to crime fiction.

Where Secrets Lie is book 2 of a story line featuring Hez Webster and Savannah Webster. Hez and Savannah have been previously married, divorced, and are still working on their relationship. Tie that in with Hez being a lawyer and Savannah who was an instructor at her favorite college. Events unfold even further from book 1 that left some loose ends undealt with. While this book can stand alone, it really is better paired with book 1. A great legal drama/thriller that keeps you guessing and turning the page for more. Can't wait for book 3. I'm a serious fan now!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. If you're a fan of legal, romantic, and family drama, this book might be just right for you!

I've read several of Colleen Coble's books, and I've enjoyed most of them. She writes excellent suspense with immersive settings and lovable characters. However, this book just wasn't my cup of tea. I found the legal jargon a bit tedious. I did enjoy some of the courtroom scenes, though.

Also, the constant drama in the romantic relationship between the two main characters wasn't for me. This felt a bit repetitive. There was also a lot of legal drama, which made me realize that legal thrillers might not be my jam. However, these are just my opinions, and this is not an insult to the authors.

Like her other books, the faith content was superb, and I also enjoyed the family dynamics. I appreciated that Colleen represented both an unhealthy, toxic family and a loving, healthy family.

Again, I think readers who like legal jargon and drama would enjoy this book! I do plan on reading Book 3 when it comes out!

Happy reading,
Bethany the Bookworm Girl

What a great read. Savannah’s and Hez’s story continues. When Savannah is offered the Presidents job at her beloved college, little does she know that the college is going down and it’s up to her to save it. But can they get through the past to beat the future?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for allowing me to review

I enjoy Colleen Coble's writing so much. She is an auto read author for me, so I was excited when I was approved on Net galley and from the publisher to read this latest installment of the Tupelo Grove Series. It had been a bit since I read the first one, so getting into the second book took me a book, but once I was re-introduced to the characters, I was invested in the story. I enjoyed the narrator too, I think she did a good job with the different voices. I'm glad that there was a bit of a faith element woven throughout the story as well. It wasn't a super strong thread, but it was present in parts. There were several twists and turns throughout the story that kept me engaged. I think the authors did a great job with setting up the next book as well. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC for an honest review.

I so enjoyed this continuation of Savannah and Hez's story! I highly recommend starting with book one...

This book takes place after kind of a big reveal in book one! This is fast paced with plenty of suspense, interesting plotline surrounding stolen artifacts, romance, toxic family dynamics, forgiveness...so much happened that kept you on the edge of your seat.

My only minor complaint (slight spoiler) is that Savannah was a little quick to believe Hez had gone back to some of his old ways. It was heartbreaking that there were cracks forming (not in their control) after they had just established a solid foundation. I was so angry at Savannah's sister...grrrr! And the way Simon was caught in the crossfire of her selfish actions.

Love this series and hope we get more from this couple...

5 stars

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a thrilling and suspenseful romantic mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The second installment in the Tupelo Grove series, this novel follows Savannah Webster, a college professor trying to rebuild trust with her ex-husband, Hez, while navigating the dangerous secrets lurking within the university she holds dear. As they uncover a smuggling ring tied to the university’s crumbling finances, their personal and professional lives collide, placing them in the crosshairs of ruthless criminals.

Coble and Acker masterfully weave a tense narrative full of family drama, dark secrets, and unpredictable twists. The stakes are high, not just for Savannah and Hez’s rekindling relationship, but for the survival of the university itself. The dynamic between the two main characters, struggling with trust and forgiveness, adds emotional depth to the fast-paced suspense. Fans of romantic suspense will appreciate the blend of action, mystery, and romance that keeps the pages turning until the very end. Perfect for those who enjoy a good dose of intrigue with their romance.

Another suspenseful, heart pounding story in the Tupelo Grove series. Non-śtop action along with twists and turns to keep the suspense going made for a good story. Hez and Savannah face an uphill battle on the relationship front as outside forces try to sabotage their attempts. And the evil forces attacking them and TGU are closer than they think.

Great characters, continuing plot and storyline, all make for a great 2nd book in this series co-written by Colleen and Rick.

Although I received a free ARC from Net galley and the publisher, the review is my honest opinion.

The characters are so intriguing and believable, even though at times you don’t like some of them very well. The story is one of stolen artifacts, mystery, murder and intrigue set on the college campus of Tupelo Grove University. Can Savannah, the newly named President of the University save the school from its downward spiral? Can Hez and the Justice Chamber find the mastermind behind the stolen artifacts? Will Savannah and Hez’s past relationship derail the mystery?
Find out the answers and many more when you read this highly engaging story.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

Where Secrets Lie is the second exciting installment of the Tupelo Grove series. The betrayals, deception, revenge, and complex family dynamics continue to build in this fast paced, riveting read. The expertly plotted storyline, with masterfully placed twists and revelations, and compelling characters kept me totally invested in the outcome. I enjoyed Hez and Savannah's faith journey of forgiveness and reconciliation and their sweet second chance romance. The "to be continued" ending left me waiting anxiously for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book and series. Note: I recommend that the series be read in order due to cliffhangers and continuous plotline.
I read an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Redemption, high stakes, and a second-chance love story.

I finished the book in less than 48 hours—it had me hooked from the first chapter and kept me turning the pages. The twists and turns were well-placed and compelling, and the fast-paced plot definitely kept the stakes high.

I especially appreciated the second-chance romance between Hez and Savannah—it felt refreshing and hopeful, a reminder that love can sometimes find its way back. In a world where divorce is common, their story offered a sense of redemption that I found deeply moving. I also loved Jess’s son, Simon—his intelligence, energy, and unwavering love for his mom brought warmth and heart to the story.

That said, I didn’t connect with Savannah as much as I have with Colleen Coble’s other protagonists. Something about her felt a bit underwhelming to me—like she didn’t have as much agency or emotional depth. I also felt Hez carried more of the emotional weight in their relationship. His loyalty and sacrifice stood out in contrast to how Savannah treated him at times.

And while the suspense was gripping, there was a moment in the story where something major happened that dimmed my emotional investment. Without giving spoilers, I kept hoping for a particular resolution that never quite came. That plot thread felt unresolved and left me hanging, especially since it was a big part of why I kept turning the pages.

Even so, the ending left me eager to read the next book. I appreciated that I didn’t need to have read the first book (What We Hide) to follow this one—it stood well on its own. I still consider Colleen Coble a favorite author, and I’d pick up anything she writes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

I absolutely loved Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. Once I picked it up and started reading I didn't want to have to put it down.

If you are going to read this book you'll want to read book one first, as there will definitely be spoilers because the story continues right after the first ends. And the first ended on quite the surprising cliffhanger.

The story is told from three points of view, Savannah Webster who is hoping for tenure as a professor at the Tupelo Grove University that has been in her family for generations. Jess who is Savannah's sister and CFO of the university. And Hez, Savannah's newly-ex-husband, though they are working on their relationship.

The university is struggling but Savannah is determined, with the help of those she loves, to save it. But there are dastardly things happening behind the scenes to make it so she can't save it. And there are thoughts that the artifact smuggling that was brought to light in the first book is still going on.

Will Savannah and Hez and their friends be able to bring truth to light and save the university? I needed to know how this was all going to play out. There was a lot going on within their relationship. A relationship it appeared someone was trying to sabotage. The actual suspense wasn't too heavy, but it was there along with a bit of mystery on who was actually behind everything going on. There was definitely action and danger and there was twisting of the truth which always gets me on edge and I can't stop reading as I want to see justice served. And I love that we get to see characters from previous series that are set in the Pelican Harbor area.

This book, like the first, ended with a reveal cliffhanger. And I can't wait for the next book.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

Colleen Coble has written another masterpiece. I thoroughly enjoyed Where Secrets Lie. It’s filled with mystery and suspense and makes you think twice about how things aren’t always the way they seem. I definitely recommend this one!

Having read Book 1 What We Hide, I was extremely eager to read the chapter in Savannah and Hez's story! Let me tell you this did not disappoint! So many breadcrumbs and tension I read much too long into the night needing to know what was going to happen next! I highly recommend this novel to anyone that likes suspense. A very well done novel and I look forward to reading more by Coble and Acker!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Where Secrets Lie
by Colleen Coble; Rick Acker
Book 2 of A Tupelo Grove Novel
Pub DateJun 03 2025
Thomas Nelson Fiction |Thomas Nelson
General Fiction \(Adult\)| Mystery & Thrillers| Romance


Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley sent me a copy of Where Secrets Lie to review:


She's ready to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, and she believes he's finally ready to face their past trials together. When Savannah discovers evidence of Hez's old demons resurfacing, the fragile trust they've built begins to crumble. It's not just their relationship that's at risk--the university Savannah's family poured their lives into is too.


As a mentor at Tupelo Grove University's legal clinic, Hez is determined to put the past behind him. With the clinic, his main goal is to get Savannah University out of debt and fix bad decisions made by the previous leadership, including her father. However, their quest for stability takes a dark turn when they try to trace the dangerous smuggling ring the university is involved in, and their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of criminals who won't stop until they get what they want.


A dangerous world of smuggling and financial instability collides with the complicated dynamics of family and legacy until the last page.


I give Where Secrets Lie five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

2nd in the Tupalo Grove series and just as intriguing and interesting as the first book.

Savannah has decided to try it again with her ex-husband, Hez. He starts a legal clinic and is hoping to give back to the university community. There is a storyline following the ongoing smuggling problems with the university's historical artifacts and it's disappointing and surprise how it all goes down.

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review. I've enjoyed their collaborations!

I’m already awaiting the next book in this series as the ending left us with a big surprise. This was a good resolution to some of the crimes in the first book. I continue to find Simon annoying for someone his age.

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.