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.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

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.

Where Secrets Lie is the second installment in the Tupelo Grove series, and it picks up almost exactly where its predecessor, What We Hide, leaves off. And because of that, I can’t really get into the plot of this book without spoiling something about book one. What I can say is that this series is a compelling blend of suspense, second-chance romance, and legal thriller. That’s a combination that I haven’t personally encountered much in my reading, but it’s one that I’m enjoying.

I also really love the university setting and the Southern setting, though I wish the latter was explored a bit more. I have a weakness for academia novels. In spite of that university setting, I wouldn’t consider this an academia novel. The school is at the center of the action, but we’re not exploring any classroom dynamics or the interplay between students and faculty. Instead, we’re seeing our main characters fight to save the finances and reputation of Tupelo Grove while others are seeking its destruction. As far as the Southern element of the setting, that was more at the fore in the first book, but as the plot has ramped up so much in this installment, that’s understandable.

I’m still enjoying the characters and rooting for their relationship. That relationship sees additional setbacks in this book, setbacks that are plot-driven but believable. The plot is propulsive and multilayered, and includes some surprising twists that I didn’t expect. In keeping with What We Hide, there is faith content in Where Secrets Lie. It’s a fairly light aspect of the book in comparison to others, but I appreciate its presence.

Overall, this is an engaging series, one that I look forward to continuing. While there is a slight cliffhanger in the epilogue, the book concludes in a way that left me satisfied instead of frustrated with the wait between installments. If you’re looking for clean, compelling romantic suspense with a unique setting and an unusual premise, I’d definitely recommend the Tupelo Grove series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up to 4)

Where Secrets Lie is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series, continuing the story introduced in book one. This mystery/suspense novel weaves together small-town secrets, family dynamics, and a touch of danger as the characters work to uncover hidden truths. It’s not a standalone read—if you haven’t read book one, you’ll likely want to go back and start there for full context and character development.

The story was fun overall, with enough suspense and action to keep things moving. While the plot wasn’t deeply gripping, it was interesting enough to hold my attention. I found this book more enjoyable than the first in the series, which was a pleasant surprise. I also appreciated the pacing and the unfolding of the mystery—there were moments of tension that worked well.

While I liked the characters, they didn’t feel very developed to me. I had a hard time connecting with them emotionally, which made it difficult to fully invest in their journey. Some parts of the story felt somewhat disconnected or unnecessary, as though they didn’t contribute much to the main plot. Overall, the book was okay and was a decent continuation of the series.

The audiobook, narrated by Karen Peakes, had clear audio quality and a steady pace that made it easy to follow. However, I struggled with distinguishing the different characters, as the narration didn’t vary much between them. Everyone sounded fairly similar, which made character-driven scenes less engaging. Still, the production quality was solid.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zondervan Audio for the advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in a series but can be read on its own; however, reading the first book, What We Hide [book:What We Hide|201335482], will add more context to the story. The narration was exceptional and enhanced the emotional impact, especially during the beautifully written (non-graphic) death scene. The co-authors worked well together, weaving faith elements naturally into the story without overwhelming the plot. Simon, one of the characters, is especially charming, and the narrator’s British accent suited the tone perfectly. The main characters Savannah and Hez are compelling, and the story wass filled with tender, intense, and surprising moments. It was a gripping Christian mystery/thriller with clean romance that kept me engaged throughout. The ending hints at developments for the next book, particularly regarding Savannah and Hez’s relationship.

Overall, I highly recommended this book for fans of Christian suspense with heartfelt storytelling.

I received a complimentary audio ARC from Thomas Nelson Fiction through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Where Secrets Lie
By Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
Narrator: Karen Peakes
***.5
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zondervan Audio, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley, along with the authors, for an early review audiobook of this novel.
This is book 2 in the Tupelo Grove Series. College professor Savannah Webster and her ex-husband Hez, are about to try again, but then she finds evidence that he is falling into old habits. Meanwhile, things are going crazy at the University, and Savannah finds herself in the President’s chair. Hez begins the legal battle to try to save the school. Jess has too many secrets and demons. This book is full of twists and turns.
I really love this series as a whole, but out of the two books currently out, this one is not my favorite. It keeps me coming back for more because I love all the twists and turns. There are things that happen that we kind of see foretold in book one, and then there are many new twists and turns. I love that the book includes discussions of many hard questions, including second chances, trust, and the death of a loved one. The book also includes a person who is struggling with guilt over what he/she is doing. This book felt rushed in places-like pieces of the plot were just skipped over. I wish there were more details about what was going on instead of just jumping ahead. As with book one, I love the setting, I want to visit Tupelo Grove and Pelican Harbor, and have a beignet at the café under Hez’s apartment.
This audiobook was really good. The narrator was great. She was easy to listen to. Her accent was spot on, and I had no problems following which character she was narrating. The quality of the recording sounded great.
I would recommend this book for those people who love Suspense books set in the deep South, especially those with some faith content. I would not recommend this book to people who might be triggered by the death of a family member.
#WhereSecretsLie #NetGalley