Wow🙌🏼 this book was amazing!
Suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you’ve for it figured out…boom, something completely different happens!
This is a fast-paced book that is impossible to put down!

✨Secrets from the Past
✨Unexpected Twists
✨Legal Suspense
✨Stolen Artifacts
✨Romantic Suspense
✨Deadly Ambition
✨Southern Feud
✨Second Chance Romance

I was beginning to wonder if my nerves could take much more in this fantastic series. Wow! This writing dynamic duo know how to pen a mystery that will keep you glued to the pages wondering when the next shocker will happen while also giving you heart palpitations.

Family legacy is at stake as well as a marriage that needs to be rekindled. Pair all of that with smuggling, possible financial collapse and secrets that will shock you to your core, and you have a phenomenal romantic suspense that will stay with you long after you read the last page. I found myself really rooting for Savannah and Hez. They have some major obstacles to overcome before they can fully rekindle their romance. I love both of these characters because they are so realistic with real life troubles and flaws which make them easy to relate to. This book was an emotional landmine with feelings all across the spectrum. Savannah and Hez want to do things right, but have mercy, it seems nothing can go right. At least now I can breathe for a little while. The saga is never ending, and I cannot wait for book 3, if my nerves can hold up.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Having survived a kidnapping and all that went with it, Savannah and Hez are ready to put the past behind them and look to the future - specifically, the renewal of their old relationship. But those plans go sideways when Savannah finds a wine bottle in Hez's bin, suggesting he's turning back to the alcohol that tore them apart. Worse, the university they've been fighting to save is still heading downhill. When Savannah loses her position, she starts to ask whether it's time to walk away, but the university is her family's legacy. With enemies both known and unknown attacking from all sides, can they save TGU, or is anything they can do too little, too late? And as things get hotter, the question of whether they themselves will come out alive doesn't seem too far-fetched...

The previous book left me on a slightly unpleasant note, making me uncertain how I'd feel about this story, but I couldn't resist anyway - and I'm glad I didn't try. This story kept me turning pages far too late because it was so hard to put down. Like the previous book, it's a good combination of relationship development/mending and action/suspense. Savannah and Hez have come a long way, but they've still got a long way to go, and I'm looking forward to the next book already. Relative to the last book, I appreciated the 'bad guys' being more in the open (at least to the reader), because it gave more of a look into their motives, making their actions at least more understandable, if still not right. Note that this is a series that's best read as a series - this builds strongly on the first book and leaves things to be resolved in subsequent book(s), though I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger at all. All in all, a great read and I'm looking forward to the the next book. Recommended.

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

Where Secrets Lie was a true to Colleen Coble action packed, suspenseful story with characters you hope can work through their baggage and trust issues to get to their happily ever after. But then there is not only the troubles the characters created for themselves, but those third parties throw into their paths.

This is a series to be read in order, since book two takes off where book one ended and you will need the full picture from book one to understand everything which is happening now.

Jessica was a character where I really hoped better decisions would be made. I loved her relationship with Savannah and how this impacted a lot of mysteries to be hidden.

There was a very sad ending to one character's story with the results on others beautifully and realistically written.

The cliffhanger at the end wants book three in my hands now.

A good addition to the series. This is the second book set in Tupelo Grove. You would miss out on some of the story if you haven't read the first book in the series. I really like the character of Savannah. She is a well written heroine. Her relationship with Hez is interesting and has me rooting for the two of them to get back together. I like Hez too. He's a smart lawyer and is trying to overcome his past mistakes with Savannah. The mystery of what is going on at the college is done well and has me wondering who is behind everything. The story is paced well and I found it to be a great escape. I read and listened to this story. I found the audio version had good narration and kept me engaged in the story. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

What a story!
College professor Savannah Webster and ex-husband lawyer Hezekiah are back. Their broken marriage and loss of their precious child has caused problems, agony and soul deep scars for both of them. They have been struggling back toward one another, a love that didn't perish. Is love and attraction enough?
Now something is still happening at the university that Hez is trying to help Savannah save. Is the pressure too much for him? Is Savannah really able to trust Hez? Savannah's sister Jessica is hiding a secret. Will the university survive debt and smuggling activity that has come to light?

I want to thank Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for my e-copy of this second book in the Tupelo Grove series. Wow! This is my own opinion of the book. It's a shining five-star read for me. There is so much going on right down to a touching death scene, tastefully written, that brought tears to my eyes. I love the character Bruno Rubenelli and that Blake Lawson makes an appearance too. (Ambush)
There is intrigue, danger, sabotage and more. The power and damage caused by revenge can be beyond words, I think Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have handled the subject very well. In my notes while reading, I jotted down, "the power of revenge is devastating unless it ends in forgiveness."
Coble and Acker, what is next!?

This book hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's well written with wonderful characters and just enough suspense, drama, and mystery to keep you turning the pages. This book was a great read and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love Colleen Coble and how she blends romance, mystery/suspense/thriller along with faith. There really isn't anyone who writes like she does! I had the honor of receiving both the print and audio ARCs for "Where Secrets Lie"--the narrator for this one did a phenomenal job with the different POVs, especially with the British accent of Simon (so sweet!). Some of the dialog was a little cheesy for me, but I will still read anything by her/them. Read (or listen!) to this one if you like: second chance romance (closed door), family drama/secrets, academic setting. Content warnings: alcoholism, family trauma. Looking forward to book 3! **I received a complimentary e-ARC & audio ARC from the author/publishing company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

In this second book in the Tupelo Grove series, the authors captivated me immediately with the romance between Hez and Savannah, Jess’s duplicity and precocious young Simon. The action is non-stop as Savannah tries to save her beloved university and Jess works behind the scenes to thwart her. Hex, a lawyer with a plan and a purpose, begins his Justice Chamber project, investigating corruption and cases that involve the university. In all of their interactions, there are a lot of secretes and twists along with red herrings. The action is riveting as there are more murders and subterfuge, along with the stolen artifacts that are tied to the university. Danger runs rampant through the pages and it was hard to put the book down. I enjoyed learning more of the back story about the characters and the reason they behave the way they do, especially Jess. I found the characters to be mostly likable and totally dynamic, with realistic flaws that made me like them even more. I especially enjoyed how well the threads of the complicated plot were all interwoven and came together perfectly at the conclusion. This book may be read as a standalone, but I think readers would find it more enjoyable if they read the series in order as characters introduced in the first book are the same ones in this one, only with additional details and a few new characters added to the mix. The mystery drew me into the story and kept me reading to try to solve the murders and understand the dynamics of the families involved in the legacy of the university. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series since the setting, the characters and the plot have captured my imagination and my desire to know all of the secrets.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Where Secrets Lie is a fast-paced, twist-filled thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another secret unraveled, pulling me deeper into the mystery. The characters are complex and relatable, and the emotional stakes add depth to the suspense. A compelling, well-written read that’s both thrilling and heartfelt. Highly recommended!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Where Secrets Lie" by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is an absolute gem, earning a well-deserved five stars. As the second installment in this delightful Christian mystery series, it continues to captivate with its inspirational characters and masterfully woven plot. The story is easy to read, yet rich with suspense and heartfelt moments that keep you turning the pages eagerly.

The characters are not only relatable but also embody deep faith and resilience, adding layers of meaning and inspiration. The plot is wonderfully crafted, filled with twists and revelations that keep you guessing until the very end. It’s the kind of book that sparks thoughtful discussions, making it an excellent choice for book clubs.

If you're looking for a mystery that blends intrigue with uplifting themes, "Where Secrets Lie" is a must-read. Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have created a story that lingers in your thoughts long after the final page. Highly recommended for fans of Christian fiction and mystery lovers alike!

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the chance to read the ARC of Where secrets lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. I was eager to read the 2nd book in the Tupelo Grove series as I loved the 1st book Where we hide, which I read with my sister in our bookclub! What we hide ended with a surprising twist (I recommend reading it before jumping into Where secrets lie) and the suspense continues as Savannah and Hez not only try to pick up the pieces of their broken marriage, but continue to try to solve the mystery behind the theft of artifacts, and sabotaging the university. I love the characters, especially Savannah and Hez, and adore Cody the dog!!! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series! Totally recommend this to those who read romantic suspense, and legal thrillers.

Book 2 in the Tupelo Grove series keeps the suspense going. While more bad guys are exposed and some questions are answered, more questions come to the surface. Who is out to kill people, and are people accidentally dying? Are all the villains on the same side, or are there multiple different groups at play? There's still some trust issues. There's also people that should be watched closely and/or be suspicious of. With a bit of a cliffhanger ending, I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was certainly a page turner! It’s a fast moving story. It’s filled with lots of twists and turns. There’s surprises around every corner. You won’t be able to put this book down! I’m anxiously waiting for the next one in this series.

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker craft a masterfully entertaining christian suspense thriller.  Tupelo Grove a picturesque southern college steeped in history, finds itself in the middle of trouble.  Savannah and Hez recently escaped a life threatening situation. Jess is back also with her drama. This is book two in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Very well paced, great chemistry among the characters. These are characters that you want to succeed. 

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the ARC / ALC. Karen Peakes is an amazing narrator. The production quality was top notch.

Where Secrets Lie picks up not long after the first book, What We Hide, leaves us. Savannah and Hez are working on their relationship, trying to overcome the past. Hez continus his work mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University's legal clinic. Savannah takes on the job of Tupelo Grove University President. Her half sister, Jess, becomes the CFO. They are continuing to investigate the smugglers who are stealing valuable artifacts from the University. These people are dangerous and will stop whoever tries to stop them. Savannah, meanwhile, worries that Hez may have fallen back into his old "habits" and what that could mean to their starting over.

This book has it all, thrills, suspense, and romance. The characters are well developed and you can't help but want Savannah and Hez to get their second chance. Colleen Coble and Rick Acker are a fantastic writing team. They know how to keep the reader engaged and turning the pages for what is next. I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story will strongly appeal to readers who seek a compelling blend of passionate romance and gripping criminal suspense. The story masterfully intertwines these two elements, creating a reading experience where the development of deep emotional bonds is set against a backdrop of high-stakes danger and intrigue. Readers will be drawn into a world where characters grapple with personal redemption, striving to overcome past mistakes and build a better future for themselves, often finding solace and strength in burgeoning romantic relationships. Simultaneously, the unraveling of intricate and perilous conspiracies will keep readers on the edge of their seats, with unexpected twists and turns that escalate the tension and raise the stakes. The convergence of these personal journeys of redemption and the exposure of dangerous criminal networks fuels a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and relentlessly thrilling, promising a truly captivating read for those who appreciate stories that delve into the complexities of the human heart amidst extraordinary circumstances.

such a brilliantly written mix of legal, romance and family drama come into this book. and the balance is just spot on. we are back with book two and back with Savannah and her husband Hez who are trying to rebuild all that was lost to them when their marriage came under fire. but they both want to keep it together. they both want to make it work. but there is the underlying issue of corruption happening at the university where Savannah is a professor. so in this book we have some truly relatable factors with the added suspense and legal dramas that both authors bring to the table perfectly.
its a whip smart book. you can love any of the genres and appreciate how good this book is. and its a totally unique and different kind of book for me and i really appreciate the chance i got to read such a book with all the characters involved.
bringing both authors with their respective backgrounds was a really clever idea. and i hope they felt they worked together as much as their writing shows because they must have then had a great time with this.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for introducing me o a new mystery series . I read this as a stand alone which went perfectly well and leaves me eager to read more about these characters. It was easy to pick up the back story of these characters.
The first thing that surprised me was that very early on the reader was privy to what was going on. For me it did add to the interest of the plot as the reader then learned how Savannah and Hez worked things out to solve the mystery.
The setting of a college campus ( one having problems with finances as well as corruption with archeological pieces ) was very interesting.
This is also very much a family drama with the romance of Savannah and Hez, her family troubles and the clashing of the families responsible for starting the university. It also has elements of a legal drama as well. Great assets to the story’s interest.
After reading I understand that is a genre Christian fiction. The writers definitely displayed an agenda that I was not always comfortable with . Some of the references seemed a bit contrived.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to mystery enthusiasts.

I almost stopped reading this book before I hardly got started. It had been some time since I read the first one. This book sounded so familiar, but then I realized that it was a new story. I'm glad I kept reading. The twists and turns keep the reader engaged. You feel like you are back in the small town of Pelican Harbor. A lot of times when there is a series of books, the ending resolves the story line. I guess the ending did resolve the main story line, but it does end with a real cliff hanger.