I wish I had read the first in this series to get the backstory on the main characters, but was able to glean enough from mentions throughout the story to grasp the main idea. Colleen Coble is definitely one of my must reads. Her storytelling is solid and her characters are so likable and human. Savannah and Hez have been through the loss of their daughter and divorce only to realize they can't live without each other. Savannah is passed over for tenure in her teaching job, but is offered a job as president of the college she was employed at and her father helps fund. Hez is in charge of finding fraud there and uncovers a smuggling ring of artifacts. This was a fast paced story with many shocks along the way.

Just finished Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker — the second book in the Tupelo Grove series — and I’m so glad I got to return to Savannah and Hez’s world, even if things are getting darker this time.

This isn’t a standalone, so definitely read What We Hide first to get the full picture. The story picks up with Savannah Webster, a college professor fighting to save her family’s struggling university, and her ex-husband Hez, who’s trying to leave his past behind by mentoring law students at the university’s legal clinic. Together, they face deep family secrets, a dangerous smuggling ring, and the shadows of their complicated past.

What I loved most about this book was the blend of mystery, suspense, and that slow-burning second-chance romance between Savannah and Hez. Their relationship feels real and raw, filled with hope but also doubts and secrets that threaten to tear them apart. As a fan of suspense, the twists kept me hooked, but the emotional depth took me by surprise — this book is a rollercoaster of feelings! 🎢

The narration brought everything to life, adding layers to the characters and tension to the story. The plot is full of surprises and leads to a serious cliffhanger that left me desperate for the next book. And unfortunately, the wait might be a while — but I’ll be first in line when it drops!

This is the second book in a series; however, I did not read the first one and was able to follow and enjoy it. Savannah Webster is trying to save her beloved Tupelo Grove University, while a plan is in place to bring it to ruin. In the meantime, she has reunited with her x-husband Hez, and they are trying to rebuild their relationship. This book is suspenseful and sweet with som surprising twists and a satisfying ending. The characters were authentic, flawed, and yet also inspiring. The relationships held misunderstandings, breaking and building trust, and effort and growth. I enjoyed this audiobook and will watch for more!

I loved this book, I read not looking into it and realising it was book 2, it read well as a standalone but I can imagine it would have been so much better reading it in the series. I listened to the audio, very well read. Listened at 1.75 speed.

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!

The Coble and Acker team have done it again. I enjoyed the character development and storyline of the Tupelo Grove #1 book, but this one really gets the ball rolling with more mystery and intrigue. We see the main characters head into a new phase of their relationship as well. I think the overarching theme of imperfect people making some good and some bad mistakes makes it more relatable to the average reader. It is still a clean, encouraging read...but problems and just life really does happen to everyone. I like knowing that the continuing story will be forthcoming. I'll be here for it! The narration was done well on this, too!
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARL. All opinions are mine.

Continuing the saga at Tupelo Grove University and Savannah and Hez's second chance romance, this middle book in the Trilogy will reveal some answers yet uncover more questions to try and solve. Coble and Acker continue to keep you suspended on the edge of your seat seeped in wonder, awe, and intrigue. Will Hez and Savannah solve the mysteries surrounding Tupelo Grove University and continue on a path to reconciliation and a second chance for happiness? Or will the suspicions and betrayal be too much? There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 non-descriptive kisses only. Multiple POV with the majority in Savannah and Hez's POV.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from @netgalley and @thomasnelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Netgalley #ThomasNelson #WhereSecretsLie #colleencoble #RickAcker

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.

Ugh!!!! What an unexpected plot twist!!!! These are favorite coauthors. Amongst the suspense, they pull at your heart strings with the unique estrange marriage turned romance and the sweet nephew. And of course it ends with a cliff hanger that makes you wait impatiently for book 3!
The narrator did a splendid job capturing emotions and accents. Can be read as stand-alone.

Savannah Webster is finally ready to give her ex-husband a second chance, but when she finds evidence that he’s started drinking again, she’s not sure that she’s willing to risk her heart a second time. And when she’s thrust into a position to save the crumbling university that her family helped establish, life gets even more complicated. Hezekiah Webster wants to prove to Savannah that he really has changed and starts a legal clinic at the university, but when he uncovers major corruption and an artifact smuggling ring at the school, their lives quickly go from complicated to dangerous.🐊

Where Secrets Lie is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, and it’s full of secrets, suspense, and danger. I would definitely recommend reading (or re-reading) What We Hide before this one because there is a continuing storyline, and there were a few things I struggled to remember after almost a year since reading book 1. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I really was in Tupelo Grove, Alabama, and I enjoyed the unique artifact smuggling aspect to this story. I also really loved Hez - he’s such a solid, honorable, humble man who makes mistakes but also works to overcome them and who’s willing to do whatever it takes for Savannah. The last line of this book is truly diabolical and makes me eager to pick up book 3 when it releases.🧡

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A big thank you to Thomas Nelson for sending me a copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.📘

Where Secrets Lie is the second book in a series. I didn't realize this when I started. I have read Colleen Cable before and really enjoy her books. I had difficulty following this story because it is not really a stand alone novel. I was intrigued and it was a well written mystery and nicely performed. I wish I had read the previous book, I am sure I would have enjoyed it more!

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

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.

Where Secrets Lie pulled me in from the first page with its mix of suspense, legal drama, and deep family secrets. Colleen Coble and Rick Acker crafted characters I cared about and twists I didn’t see coming. I couldn’t put it down—an emotional, faith-filled thriller that kept me guessing.

#WhereSecretsLie #NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC audiobook 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.

The narrator is A plus in capturing all the characters fully! Love this series and hope we get more from this couple...

5 stars

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.

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.