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.

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.