This one was a bit of a miss for me. The story was very fast-paced, which helped keep things moving, but the narration wasn't my favorite. I also struggled with Simon's character; for a 10-year-old, he felt overly mature and not very believable.

What bothered me most, though, was how salvation was handled. It felt rushed and lacked depth — more like a convenient plot point than a true spiritual journey. There was no real portrayal of growing faith, prayer, or seeking the Lord. It was just someone who was a liar, theif, and manipulative, but bam, Jesus came to get them as they were dying. No other mention of a growing faith, prayer, church, Bible reading.....nothing to suggest they were seeking the Lord.

WHERE SECRETS LIE is absolutely nonstop. Coble and Acker have created an engaging fast paced plot with characters you care about. The battle between good and bad was thick with suspenseful and moments that had me completely shocked.

Savannah and Hez are back with many characters from the first book. There is danger around very corner and I appreciated how the two worked through the mountainous issues they faced together.

The audio narrator, Karen Peakes, is one I have listened to many times and she does a great job with these characters. Her accents are spot on and her tone fits the story vide so well.

And that ending!! Wow!! I highly recommend this series. That being said, start with the first book WHAT WE HIDE.

Thank you to the publisher for the audio approval and thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @tnzfiction for the #gifted paperback copies!

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, Zondervan Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Where Secrets Lie is the second book in a series but I read it was a stand alone book and it was fine. This book was fast paced and engaging. The narrator was good and easy to listen to. I will be looking at reading the first one in this series. I am thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ALC of this book.

A very enjoyable story with lots of twists.
I saw that this was book 2 in the Tupelo series so I immediately went to the library to see if book # 1 was available and it was. I checked it out and read it before this book in case it was necessary to know that story for book 2. Because of that I can safely say that you do not need to read book 1 in order to enjoy book 2. It was nice to have the background but it is not necessary in order to understand book 2.
The mystery in the book was surprising as well as all that transpired blew my mind at times. I felt sorry for the young boy in the story but in the end I was happy how the story ended.
This book is written by 2 different people and I felt there were definitely parts where you could tell this. It didn't take away from the story though.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Title: Where Secrets Lie
Author: Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
Narrated by: Karen Peakes
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Length: Approximately 10 hours and 16 minutes
Source: Thank-you NetGalley for the Audiobook Review Copy and Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @tnzfiction for the physical book copy as part of the Bibliolifestyle Book Tour.

What is your favorite book series?

Savannah Webster and her ex-husband Hez are trying to give their love a second chance. They had previously been married, but their marriage broke when they lost their child and Hez turned to alcohol. Things look bright until Savannah finds an empty wine bottle in Hez’s garbage. Has he turned back to alcohol? Savannah takes on a new role as the president of her beloved Tupelo Grove University and Hez starts a new legal clinic. Together they discover many problems with finances at the university including someone at the university using it as a front for a smuggling ring. Will they be able to save the university?

My thoughts on this novel:
• This is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. I enjoyed the settings, characters, and suspense in the first book and was excited to read more in the series. I would definitely recommend reading both books in order in this series.

• There is a theme of forgiveness throughout the novel paired together with the desire for revenge.

• This novel also showed that the path of love is not always simple and takes work.

• This was a great family drama that was action packed and showed the importance of family.

• It was a clean read.

• I really enjoyed the audiobook narration. The narrator did different voices for each character and even had a British accent for Savannah’s nephew, Simon.

• There were faith elements throughout the novel relative to forgiveness and a character’s death.

• Colleen Coble and Rick Acker are a great writing team. Colleen is an experienced writer and Rick knows the legal ins and outs.

• The novel had a fantastic ending with a mic drop moment. I can’t wait to see what happens next and look forward to the third book in the series.

• I also like the authors note at the end which included interesting information about artifact smuggling.

Overall, Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a great Southern romantic suspense novel. I highly recommend this enjoyable series.

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 and Zondervan Fiction Audio for my advanced audio copy in exchange for my thoughts.

Oh my goodness! This book was awesome! It is very important to read the first book and now I must be patient for the 3rd… but I am here for it! Boy do these authors know what they are doing! I loved the characters and the strength of the lead male and female! The bond was strong! Truly enjoyed the whole story!

Thanks to NetGalley and the amazing authors, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

I loved the first book of the Tupelo Grove series and had to get my hands on this one as soon as I had the chance. I was able to get multiple copies of it so I was able to rotate through formats and read it in a day. Returning to the drama of Tupelo Grove University and the lives of Savannah and Hez was exciting. I like reading the legal parts of this story. I haven’t read a lot of books with that side of criminal cases. And of course, there’s a little romance involved.

I already can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Thank you NetGalley, Bibliolifestyle and Thomas Nelson Fiction for my copies of this book.

Where Secrets Lie is the second book in the Tupelo Grove Novel series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. This story is a continuation of the first book in the series, What We Hide. The stories center around Jess Legare, CFO for Tupelo Grove University; her sister Savannah Legare Webster, a history professor at TGU; and Savannah’s husband, attorney Hezekial Webster.

Jess’s duplicity backfires as she works to exact her revenge on Pierre Legare. Due to her mother’s infidelity and Jess’s resulting birth, Pierre had treated her late mother horribly and wasn’t much better with Jess. Her physical needs were met—food, clothing, shelter, education, but her childhood, with the exception of her sister Savannah, was emotionally traumatic. Now Jess has aligned herself with other Legare enemies, and is robbing the historical artifacts of the university while creating providence for recently discovered and stolen artifacts from Central American jungles.

Savannah and Hez have no idea there is a mole in their trio and that all of their plans to thwart those trying to bring down the university are being leaked straight to the adversaries. That is until a plan is hatched while Jess is out of town. With inside information and federal help, the smugglers’ plans are thwarted, smugglers perish, and the course of events are altered.

This is another well written thriller by Ms. Coble and Mr. Acker. With well drawn characters, an ever twisting plot line, and surprising events, this story takes the reader on a wild ride. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Colleen Coble is a must read for me - always. Her writing is different with co-author, Rick Acker, however, still very much a stop what I am doing and read!

When I first learned of Where Secrets Lie, I wasn't aware this was book two. After 1.5 hours in, I was like - "I feel like I've missed half of the story" and looked it up - book 2?! How is this possible - I read everything she puts out. Thinking, book 1 must have been, "I think I was murdered" - nope, not the case, it is What We Hide. So, I then had to go on the mission of finding this - score! I devoured it and picked back up to Where Secrets Lie.

This truly has everything - it packs a punch with mystery, secrets & action too! Now I have to wait until 2026 for book 3 - how will I ever wait. This is a must read series for sure!

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.

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.

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker brings readers back to Tupelo Grove. (I think it helps to read book 1 in the series, just FYI.) Savannah and Hez try to pick up the pieces of their lives and fragile relationship, but when Hez is framed for something he didn't do, Savannah questions everything. She's named the new president of the university, but the more she investigates, the more evidence she finds regarding a dangerous smuggling organization. Savannah stands to lose everything, including the university, Hez, and her sister.

I loved this story! There's plenty of drama and mystery to keep a suspense fan like me hooked. But there also is a lot emotion in this story (#nospoilers). It caught me by surprise and took me for an emotional rollercoaster ride. I really love the Coble/Acker tag-team concept and it works so well. Not sure other authors could team up so well. There's a nice mix of legal action combined with romantic suspense, giving readers the best of both worlds from the two authors. Where Secrets Lie also sets the stage for an even bigger mystery for the next installment (translation: I Hate Cliff Hangers).

I received an audiobook copy to review, and I love the narrator! The story is fairly fast-paced and made for the perfect audiobook. I'd pick this format if you like audio versions.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Archer is the second in the Tupelo Grove series. It is another great collaboration by these two. I am happy to have continued the series! I suggest reading book 1 (What We Had) to avoid spoiling some of the important parts that are connected to book 2. We return to Tupelo Grove University where Savannah is trying for tenure in the history department but when she is denied, what is she supposed to do? Her ex-husband, Hez and her are trying to rekindle their love. But their past struggles get in the way of peace in their relationship. The smuggling of historical artifacts and past family hurts add intriguing elements to the story. The book has you guessing even when it is finished.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Karen Peakes, the narrator, did a nice job sharing the story. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for this advanced reader copy in exchange of my honest review.

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.

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.

Another one that I absolutely LOVED!

This is book #2 in the series, so if you haven’t read book #1, you might want to go back and do that… although, they did give a great outline of what happened in book one in this book, so it’s not absolutely necessary. But, it was also a GREAT book!!

So Savannah, Hez, Jess & Simon return in this one. BUT, as you’ll see, things don’t always go as planned. And sometimes you really need to fight to try to get where you’re going!

Tupelo Grove University returns and plays a big part too! But its very core hangs in the balance. Will they be able to save their beloved University?? Before it’s too late????

Jess remains the CFO of the University.
Savannah is teaching and up for tenure.
Their Dad is still his slippery old self… but maybe, Savannah will start to see things she hadn’t in the past… And maybe, just maybe, she’ll speak up for herself!

TGU is in financial trouble, and they will need all the help they can get to keep it up and running… and preferably, making a profit! But will they be able to pull it off? And even if they can, will they have the time to do it??

Plus, Hez and Savannah are divorced. 😫 Is there any way they can try to mend things? Or just get along as friends?

Simon is growing up and is just as cute as ever! 😊. And Jess is still Jess. Underhandedly trying to rule the world, and the University….

Throw in two adorable dogs 🐕🐾, and a whole other family who’s trying to interfere with every move they make and… bring the University and the whole family to their knees, and you’ve got quite the saga!

Once again, this is a Christian based book, so there is an occasional reference to God and saying prayers… which is just fine in my book! 🙏🏼

This one brought out ALL the emotions for me. One minute I’m cracking up 🤣 , the next I’m pondering the works of the world 🤔, and then I’m outright sobbing.😭 So once again, this one got me good! I love when a book is well rounded enough to do that!! And this one certainly is!!

ALL THE STARS FOR ME!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💫💫💫💫💫⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#WhereSecretsLie by #ColleenCoble and #RickAcker. Narrated beautifully by #KarenPeakes.

*** THIS ONE HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!! *** LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON JUNE 3, 2025!!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #ThomasNelson, and #ZondervanFictionAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

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First off, the narrator has become one or my favorites! She did a wonderful job of bringing this book to life.

And now, my thoughts on the story.
Colleen Coble and Rick Acker's Where Secrets Lie, the second book in the Tupelo Grove series, is a gripping tale that immediately captures the reader's attention. The authors' masterful storytelling weaves a complex web of secrets and surprises, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I became deeply invested in the characters of Savannah and Hez, feeling a strong affinity for them. The book's suspenseful plot had me biting my nails in anticipation of what would happen next. I am eagerly anticipating the release of the third installment. *I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher, and this review is my honest opinion.

I love second change romances! In Where Secrets Lie, it's a second chance marriage. Savannah and Hez divorced after the death of their daughter and Hez turning to alcohol for solace.

Savannah remains committed to the success of her career at Tupelo Grove University. A sober Hez and Savannah work together to crack a stolen art artifacts ring.

A favorite character was nephew Simon with his English accent and ways. Loved the author's note at the end that shared details about the research completed to draft the most realistic novel possible.

Nice job by the narrator.