Where Secrets Lie is the second in the Tupelo Grove series. More secrets are exposed as Hez and Savannah try to end all the illegal activities at Tupelo Grove University.
Savannah has been named president of the college by her father who hopes she will help keep money flowing from the college to him and his friends. Besides having to deal with that, Savannah thinks Hez is drinking again and her sister Jess is mysterious. All these make for a read you don’t want to put down and anxious for the final in the trilogy.

I enjoy this series and adding a cowriter has made her stories even better. This is a series that needs to be read in order.
I received a complimentary copy of the book thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

Colleen Coble & Rick Acker seamlessly deliver another exciting mystery in the Tupelo Grove series! Where Secrets Lie picks up right where What We Hide left off & packs even more nonstop action & twists as attorney Hez Webster & college professor Savannah Webster try to foil an artifact smuggling ring. The secrets, betrayals, & startling revelations continue in this fast-paced unputdownable mystery!

Hez & Savannah have decided to give their marriage a second chance & things are looking up until Savannah discovers an empty wine bottle in Hez’s trash. Hez has been clean & sober for over a year, but Savannah has her doubts even though Hez insists he didn’t put it there. And despite her family connections, she’s been overlooked for a tenure position.

Just when things seem bleak, Savannah’s offered a director position at Tupelo University. But, the university is in financial ruins & implicated in an artifact smuggling ring. As she & Hez work together to save the university & bring down the smuggling ring, they face unimaginable odds & even death.

This series is an instant favorite! Part romantic suspense & part legal thriller, this book had me on the edge of my seat. It definitely doesn’t hold back the punches with lots of surprises along the way. Along with the gripping mystery is a lovely second chance romance. Hez & Savannah lost a child & Hez blames himself for her death. Their faith journey & struggles are inspiring as they try to find forgiveness & a way forward.

The audiobook was fantastic! I enjoyed how the narrator expertly portrayed such a range of multifaceted characters. I adored Hez, Savannah, & their young nephew, Simon. Simon’s such a darling kid, & he goes through a lot in this story.

The shocking conclusion had me reeling & now I can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series. There are definite twists I didn’t see coming, & the epilogue was absolutely jaw dropping. There were a few clues that weren’t addressed & I can’t wait to see how they play out in the next book. Highly recommend to romantic suspense/legal thriller fans! I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a review. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

I absolutely adore anything that Colleen Coble writes. Her collaboration with Rick Acker was an excellent choice. I fell in love with Savannah and Hex from the beginning. I swooned and cried all in the same book with the grief and loss in this story. I saw two people work through some really hard issues and come out on the other side better for it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a clean, Christian romance with some spine tingling suspense. Thankii you Colleen for another excellent story! I reviewed this book and received a copy #netgalley

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. It is best to read the first novel before reading this one. The financial difficulties have become worse at Tupelo Grove University, and history professor, Savannah Webster, steps up to assume the presidency. A smuggling operation involving university staff adds to the problems. Savannah seeks the help of her ex-husband and lawyer, Hez Webster, and both end up placing their lives in danger. Another solid book by the writing team of Coble and Acker!

Thank You Netgalley for this ARC & ALC in exchange for my honest opinion. I also received the ALC of the First book (What we Hide) through Netgalley as well. I really do love this writing duo. Colleen Coble and Rick Acker . They have created several series together and many many books on their own. I do enjoy the narrator who is one of my favorite (Karen Peakes.) This one did get quite exciting and emotional. I do feel if you wanted to skip the first book you could without to many issues. They also snuck in a part mentioning Ambush which was fun. I do like this style of mystery where you have partners both together and working on it with a hint of romance. I was a bit hesitant about the second chance romance, but it worked because it is real and worked for this story line. This is a fast read and I was able to finish in almost one sitting.

Where Secrets Lie by @colleencoble and @rick_acker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The second book in the Tupelo Grove series and it was even better than book 1!
I truly enjoyed the twists and turns and surprises that this book brought - some things I saw coming but some I didn’t. Even though there are some heavy topics mentioned, I appreciate that these books are clean - no bad or harsh language or sexual content.
This book just released two weeks ago and is available for you to go ahead and read!

Thank you @netgalley, @colleencoble, @rick_acker, and @thomasnelson for the ARC ebook! All opinions are honest and my own.

#netgalley #goodreads #bookstagram #literarypearlsof25 #wheresecretslie #cleanreads

OMG! What a story! The twists and turns within these two families kept me on the edge of my seat. I really love Savannah, Hez, and Simon and can't wait for the next chapter in the story! Highly highly recommend!!!

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

I loved this book! I was intrigued by the twists and turns that kept me guessing as to the outcome. I appreciated the theme of trust and believing the best about someone as Savannah and Hez navigate difficult circumstances. I can't wait to see how this story comes together in book #3. As much as I loved this book, it is a little confusing to follow some of secondary characters and remember what role they play in the story especially since it has been a while since I read the first book in this series. Overall, though, I highly recommend the book if you want a complex mystery with many twists and turns. **I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Book 2 in the Tupelo Grove series picks up shortly after the end of Book 1, and it doesn't waste a moment jumping into the action. From the first few pages to the final “mic drop” moment, this story delivers suspense, emotion, and intensity.

Savannah and Hez face big challenges—both professionally and personally. Their efforts to rebuild trust are tested as old wounds reopen and dangerous threats surface. As they work together to uncover the university’s ties to a smuggling ring, the stakes get higher and more personal with every chapter.

Small spoiler: I’m not going to lie—the results of the car bomb scene shocked me. I had to stop and reread just to make sure I saw it right!

This book peels back more layers of intrigue, family tension, and redemption. You could read it as a standalone and still enjoy the story, but you’ll appreciate it so much more if you’ve read Book 1 first.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.

BOOK: WHERE SECRETS LIE
AUTHOR: COLLEEN COBLE & RICK ACKER
PUB DATE: JUNE 2025
👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼🎓
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.
🎓👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼
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.
👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼🎓
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.
🎓👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼
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!
👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼🎓
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!
🎓👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼
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!