Where Secrets Lie is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. I also read the first book, and I thoroughly enjoyed both of them. While I believe there is enough background information that it could work as a standalone, you would be better off starting with the first one in the series.

This duo of authors worked to produce a thriller that kept me fascinated by the twists and turns throughout the book. The characterization was well done showing how each person reacted to the events in their lives. There was one character that I wish the authors would have kept around because since this is a Christian book, the person seemed to be on the way to making an important faith step, and it would have been good to see.

Overall, like all of Coble's books, this was another great story.

I would have enjoyed this book more had I read the first book in the series. While the
characters were well described and defined I felt a bit lost in some of the relationships.
I also had no idea of the genre of the story and did not fully understand this until I
read the end notes. My unknown question was answered. The story was decent
and while the story was fine, I never felt part of the story. I don’t feel any special
curiosity in the next book. I am certain many, many readers enjoy these books, and
I am glad I read the book because I now have another genre to investigate.
My thanks to Thomas. Nelson Publisher via NetGalley for the download copy
of the book for review purposes.

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
This was a phenomenal book!
Savannah Webster tries to put her life back on track with a second chance for her ex-husband, Hez. She believes they are ready until she finds evidence that his past demons are back. With their complex family issues, they also face the danger of taking on an international smuggling ring that the University is entangled with.
Savannah takes charge at the helm to try and rescue the University after complete financial devastation. Danger is everywhere, in every direction.
There is so much suspense packed in and I was hooked early on! This is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. Hez is still my favorite character!
The story is so well layered with wonderful characters that are so well developed, the reader just exists as part of the story. I loved it! I can’t wait for more! The duo of writers is truly gifted, the writing is seamless.
Twists and turns will keep you turning pages until the end! 5/5⭐

This second book in the Tupelo Grove series could be a stand alone narrative but I feel it would be best to be able to read the first in the series to get better connection of the characters, such as of Jess, Simon, Savannah, and Hez, among others.

There are growing tensions as Savannah tries to save Tupelo Grove University (TGU) from going belly up, all the while attempting to figure out how the artifact smuggling chain continues. She does so with the help of Hez and Simon along with a few others. There is murder, with shocking reveals and the comfort of Cody the unique, likeable dog.

As usual, I like the faith-based input and how Jesus figured in some of the peoples' lives. This is always a plus for me. What's more, book club readers will find helpful discussion questions at book's end. In my opinion, readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers will no doubt enjoy reading this novel and feel the satisfaction of a story well told.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

March 2025

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

Where Secrets Lie is a continuation of the Tupelo Grove series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. I was shook by the cliff hanger at the end of the first book, and could not wait to get my hands on this story. As the smugglers ring continues to battle against the good that Savannah and Hez Webster are trying to carry out a war is being fought for life and the university. Coble and Acker seem to be the masters of creating a backstory that you do not see coming, and I wouldn't be surprised if they have the entire series plotted out to the end and began writing backwards in order to create such buried and well-thought out storylines.

While I absolutely loved book one, this book was a bit harder for me to stay engaged in. It's not that there was a lack of things happening, however this storyline was just not quite as engaging as the first storyline. I can assume it's continuing to move us forward in the overall story, but I missed some of the dialogue and interactions between characters from the first book. The characters this time did not feel as well rounded.

Where Secrets Lie is the second book in the Alabama-based Tupelo Grove series. This one seemed more fast-paced than What We Hide. Coble and Acker write seamlessly together. The plot, while a bit far-fetched at times, was intriguing. We learn a lot more about Jess and her life in this one, which really made me sad. I appreciated how trauma and addiction are handled.

If I hadn't read the first book, I would have been lost with this one so I definitely suggest reading What We Hide first. Now I'm patiently waiting for what comes next because that cliff-hanger....

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

Coble & Acker have done it again! The second book in the Tupelo Grove series is absolutely fantastic! It takes you on thrilling ride of intense danger, tangled secrets, intrigue, and family drama. It is impossible to put it down with a shocking ending that left my mind spinning and anxiously awaiting book three!

This book continues with Savannah and Hez navigating their way back to a relationship after much trauma and a divorce. The danger surrounding them as they fight to save TGU quickly ramps up as they begin to uncover many secrets leaving you guessing where the danger is coming from and who is behind it.

This series is a must read! As an avid reader, I can honestly say this is a favorite new series. I was already a Coble fan, but these two authors together are absolutely amazing.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I received a copy of Where Secrets Lie from NetGalley and settled in to read it. The teaser ads said it's a stand alone novel, but I could tell from the first page that there was a complicated backstory and I felt lost. So, I put it down and got a copy of the previous book, What We Hide, from my local library. I'm so glad I did! There is so much you need to know about the plot and characters before reading this book! You will enjoy it much better if you start at the beginning!

Where Secrets Lie is the continuing story of Hez and Savannah Webster. After agreeing to divorce in the previous book, Hez and Savannah realize they still love each other and want to get married again. In the midst of their rekindled romance, they team up to find out who is stealing and selling priceless artifacts with certificates of authenticity on university letterhead. As they continue to dig, someone doesn't want the truth to come to light and will do anything, including murder, to stop them.

There is much more to the story, but I don't want to reveal some of the surprises! The authors have written a truly suspenseful Christian fiction novel that kept me guessing until the end! The ending leaves an opening for a next book so I will definitely be waiting for the next one! I recommend any fans of Colleen Coble, Dani Pettrey, or Lynette Eason read this book! I think you will enjoy it as much as I did!

Where Secrets Lie
by Colleen Coble; Rick Acker
Pub Date: June 3, 2025
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Colleen Coble continues to captivate with the second installment of the Tupelo Grove series, Where Secrets Lie. As a fan of her suspenseful romances, I found this book to be another thrilling addition to her collection.

The story picks up where the first book left off, delving deeper into the mystery surrounding Savannah and Hez. Their journey is not just about unraveling secrets but also about personal growth and resilience. Coble does a wonderful job of weaving suspense with heartfelt moments, making it hard to put the book down.

The setting of Tupelo Grove once again plays a vivid role, immersing readers in a world full of intrigue and small-town charm. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end, and I can’t wait to see where Savannah and Hez’s story goes next.

If you're a fan of Colleen Coble or love a blend of romance and mystery, this book is a must-read.

I really enjoyed this newest read by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. It was a fast paced romantic suspense novel. I enjoyed the chemistry between Hez and Savannah. I believe this is my favorite book, so far, in the series. I look forward to the next one!

I really loved this book. It was fast paced and had lots of little twists to keep me guessing. I love that the characters have depth and are intertwined in different ways. A must read! I am already looking forward to seeing what comes next
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is an exhilarating second book in the Tupelo Grove series that picks up right where the first book left off. With nonstop suspense, the story keeps you hooked from start to finish as the characters face escalating danger and unravel a web of secrets. The shocking twist at the end will leave you wanting more, while the second-chance romance woven through the narrative adds a heartfelt touch that will make your heart happy. This fast-paced, gripping tale balances tension and emotion perfectly, making it a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.

3.5- I couldn't put it down. The mystery picks up where the first book left off, and there's a lot of suspense. The point of view switches between Hez and Savannah and Jess, which is very interesting as the puzzle pieces are put together. So, why three stars? The romance was a little meh for me. I thought it was overly dramatic.

Heads up, once again the last chapter is a cliffhanger that will result in me reading the next book.

I really enjoyed this newest read by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. It was a fast paced romantic suspense novel. I enjoyed the chemistry between Hez and Savannah. I believe this is my favorite book, so far, in the series. I look forward to the next one!

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

The plot thickens. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys?
Everyone suffers loss and yet life must continue.
For Hez, Savannah, and Simon, the danger is far from over.
Can they save the college? Grudges run very deep.
This book will keep you turning the pages!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Where Secrets Lie is a well written romantic suspense. Fast paced plot with good character dynamics. I throughly enjoyed this book. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

This book was a quick read for me. Coble doesn't disappoint. Lots of suspense and action amidst the character issues she weaves into the book, makes it a winner. The ending is satisfying, too. Well done.

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a gripping romantic suspense novel that blends intrigue, danger, and emotional complexity. The story follows college professor Savannah Webster, who is cautiously reopening the door to a second chance with her ex-husband, Hez. As they begin to rebuild their relationship, Savannah uncovers evidence suggesting Hez's past demons are resurfacing, threatening both their fragile trust and the university that her family has worked tirelessly to build.

As Hez steps into a role mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University, his focus is on stabilizing the institution, which is teetering on the edge of financial collapse. But when their investigation into the university’s involvement with a dangerous smuggling ring brings them into the line of fire, they find themselves battling not just for their relationship but for their very lives.

The authors expertly weave a tale of family loyalty, redemption, and betrayal, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every twist and turn. The tension between the couple, combined with the escalating danger from external threats, creates a thrilling narrative that is hard to put down. With well-crafted characters and high stakes, Where Secrets Lie is a compelling read for fans of romantic suspense, filled with unexpected revelations and a relentless drive toward justice.

In depth characters, a plot with all the twists and turns you never see coming and seamless writing by two wonderful authors make this a book you won’t put down. Can’t wait for the last book in this series!

"Secrets never lie buried, do they? They always rise to the surface like stones in a New England field." (Jess from Where Secrets Lie.)
Secrets abound, suspects grow, suspense builds, and family drama interspersed all made for a story that pulls the reader in. I throughly enjoyed this book and had difficulty putting it down.
While this story can read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading "What We Hide (Book One) first as it will give background and introduces the characters.

This is an excellent read where the action keeps moving and includes some romance. It is a continuation of the first book so some questions get answered and some remain for the next book. I'm usually not a fan or books where the stories continue over the whole series. I prefer books that can be read as a stand alone but also has characters from other books. Because I read them when they come out, I can't get into the book right away when there's too much I can't remember from their stories. However, I did eventually get reengaged with both the story and characters after several chapters.