⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars (Outstanding)
Setting: Primarily Tupelo Grove University
Genre: Romantic Suspense; Mystery Thriller; Christian

Where Secrets Lie is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that masterfully blends suspense, second chances, and family legacy into a fast-paced, unforgettable read. Colleen Cobel has crafted a layered narrative that keeps you guessing from start to finish, all while digging deep into the vulnerabilities and strength of her characters.

At the heart of the novel is Savannah Webster—a strong, smart, and relatable college professor—who is willing to risk her heart once more by reconciling with her ex-husband, Hez. Their complicated relationship feels authentic and deeply human, with both characters carrying the weight of past mistakes and current hopes. Just when it seems like healing might be possible, Savannah uncovers unsettling signs that Hez’s troubled past might not be as far behind him as he claims.

The novel truly shines in its suspenseful plot, weaving a dangerous undercurrent of smuggling, corruption, and financial turmoil into the already high-stakes drama of a struggling university. As Savannah and Hez dig into the murky dealings tied to Tupelo Grove University’s past leadership—including her own father—they’re drawn into a web of secrets that put their safety, and their future, on the line.

The pacing is tight, the twists are sharp, and the stakes are real. Shaw’s ability to maintain suspense while developing emotional depth is impressive. The final chapters are especially explosive, delivering revelations that are both satisfying and shocking without feeling forced.

With a compelling mix of romance, danger, and moral complexity, Where Secrets Lie is a standout in the romantic suspense genre. It’s a story about redemption, resilience, and the messy but beautiful work of rebuilding trust. Don’t start this one late at night—you’ll be up turning pages until the very end. #netgalley #wheresecretslie #booked_this_weekend

Title: Where Secrets Lie
Series: A Tupelo Grove Novel Book #2
Authors: Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Karen Peakes
Publisher: Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio- Thomas Nelson Fiction
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: June 3, 2025
My Rating: 4.6 rounded up
Pages 352

I am a big: Colleen Coble fan. This is number thirty for me!
Co Author -Rick Acker writes during breaks from his "real job" as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice
Savannah and Hez were both in Book #1 so I was looking forward to Tupelo Grove #2.

Story starts with Savanah and Hez working on their relationship after their breakup and divorce six weeks ago they starting to fall in love again.
However when Savanah finds a wine bottle in the trash, she fears Hez a recovering alcoholic, has fallen back to drinking, He knows he hasn’t and is sure he is being framed.

Savanah is disappointed that she was passed over in given tenure at the University but it appears they had other plans and asked her to take over being president of the university. She accepts and believes she can rescue Tupelo Grove University (TGU) after complete financial devastation. Her sister, Jess as CFO, Savanah together they can get the university is on the right track. What Savanah doesn’t know is Jess has a lot of secrets, secrets that are deadly and are starting to catch up to her.

There is suspicion that some TGU staff may be involved in a complex and dangerous international smuggling operation. Hez, who mentors law students, assembles a small group of students who volunteer to investigate a few questionable situations. These law students uncover the fact that stolen artifact ring is still in process,

There is a lot going on in this story that kept me curious now I cannot wait for TG #3.

I love the ‘Note from the Authors’ at the end (which doesn’t take place often in an audiobook so thank you!) Ms. Coble and Mr. Acker tell us about some of her research. Such as the crucifix that haunted Jess. Rick Acker actually saw it when during a trip to Italy and still remembers how the brown eyes of Jesus seem to be following him. Cross #432 from the twelfth Century and includes the web site. They tell us more about hacking as well as artifact smuggling.
And Cody is a real dog and has an Insta account ‘Cody the Doodle’!

Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio - Thomas Nelson Fiction for granting me this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 3, 2025.

If you read the previous book in this series it would help in understading the characters! (What We Hide)
Jessica LeGare was good at keeping secrets - she kept them for her own profit and her son Simon's safety.
Her sister Savannah was her opposite, Savannah was a Teacher at Tupelo Grove University and she had just lost her tenure, but she found out that the Board wanted her to accept the Presidency of TGU!
Jessica was the Financial manager of the college but she had other motives besides benefiting the school, she was involved in smuggling artifacts.
Hezekiah, Savannah's husband is good at sleuthing out facts.
You will be on the edge of your seat!

I loved this book even more than the first one in the series and I can't wait for book three. The narrator had me hooked from the first word. The mystery is so detailed and kept me guessing at every turn. A not to be missed suspenseful thriller with lots of heart and soul!

"Where Secrets Lie" by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker had me completely hooked! I listened to the audio version and was very impressed with the narration. Her voice was ideal for the story and I was really immersed in it.

What truly drew me in was the raw, imperfect nature of the characters. They're not flawless, which makes them incredibly relatable. They are dealing with a lot of emotional baggage, such as dealing with old secrets and attempting to repair their relationships. And all of this takes place against the backdrop of a shared heartbreak.

I also enjoyed how Christian values are woven into the story. You see characters really working at their faith, while others are wrestling with doubt and forgiveness. It's not preachy at all, but rather a true reflection of how faith plays out in real-life scenarios. This authentic portrayal was something I found really refreshing.

Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't just a book about spilling secrets. It's a journey about healing, fixing what's broken, and finding love amidst the chaos. If you're into suspenseful reads with a good dose of heart and depth, I can't recommend this enough. It's a real page-turner with a soulful message!

Savannah Webster is a college professor at Tupelo Grove University. She was shocked when she was turned down for tenure but then offered the position as president.
Her ex-husband is Hez; he is a recovering alcoholic. Savannah never stopped loving him; when he suggests they make another go of their marriage she is tempted. When she finds an empty wine bottle in his trash can she thinks he may be up to his old habits. She isn’t sure she can trust him.
The board of the Tupelo Grove University offer Savannah the position of college president. She is both shocked and excited. Hez wants a new start with Savannah and with his new position of mentor at the university’s legal clinic. He swears he has not gone back to his old way. He wants to help Savannah as she attempts to save the university from a mounting debt. The previous administration made very bad decisions. Savannah and Hez discover a smuggling ring involving the university. The deeper the investigation goes the more danger lies in waiting for both Savannah and Hez.
I love this book! The plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep this reader turning pages. I was cheering for Hez and Savannah to reunite.
This is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. I could not stop listening to Savannah and Hez’s story. There are several subjects approached in this tale, they include: alcoholism, smuggling, theft, second chances, trust, and redemption.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley my unbiased opinion.

Colleen and Rick have hit another one out of the ballpark yet again. Where Secrets Lie is Book 2 in the Tupelo Grove series. So many twists and turns. Such an amazing duo and series. I love it.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

Really well written book. I did not read or listen to the 1st book in the series & while I do feel I missed a little, I was able to understand enough of what had transpired that I didn't feel like I missed out on anything, nor did I have a hard time understanding the book.

The characters were well written & well developed. I enjoyed that the book was clean with no language or sleeping around. I appreciated that even though the main characters were previously married & now divorced, they still had boundaries & did sleep together.

The book kept me interested & anxious to find out what happens. There were many surprises, twists & turns! I was happy with the way the book ended, although there were some incredibly hard things that the characters experienced.

The Epilogue frustrated me, because now I have to wait to find out more! (Yes, I understand authors do that on purpose).

I look forward to reading the next book!

(I received this book as an ARC read. All opinions are my own.)

Outstanding narration, adding even more depth to this wonderful story. There was a non graphic death scene, the most beautiful death scene I’ve ever heard in a book. Gave me goosebumps. These two authors together are my favorite author team. Loved the faith content and it’s not overbearing. Simon is a delight. The narrator is perfect with his British accent for this character. Love the main characters of Savannah and Hez. There were tender moments, intense moments and unexpected turns. I was engaged from beginning to end. Looking forward to the third in the series. The ending indicates part of the storyline for the next book. Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian fiction suspense with a side of clean romance.

Expected to publish June 3, 2025. I was blessed with an audio ARC and the opinions are expressed are my own and unbiased.

This new book by @colleencoble is packed with secrets, second chances, and a whole lot of drama in the best way! Unfortunately, I didn’t realize when I made my @netgalley request that this is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series… Oops! While I could still follow the main storyline without a problem, I definitely wish I had read the first one to better understand the characters and all their layered histories! But… I’m sure that extra background information would have made the emotional moments hit even harder!

Savannah and Hez’s second chance romance had me rooting for them the whole time, even when doubts and secrets kept popping up. There’s a realness to their struggles that made the story even more relatable! And once the action kicked in, I couldn’t put it down!

Family drama, danger, and a few unexpected twists kept the pace moving, and now I definitely need to go back and read book one!

Huge thank you to @netgalley @thomasnelson and @zondervan Fiction for the advanced copy of this audiobook, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Contains an audiobook review.

This is the second book by this set of authors in the Tupelo Grove series. Rather than being a standalone story, it is more of a continuation of the previous book. I really recommend reading this series in order.

I would classify this as more mystery/suspense with perhaps a small side of romance. But the romance is one that is carried over from book 1 and not a new one introduced here.

This series has twists and turns and keeps the reader invested in what is going on and who is involved from beginning to end. I don't really want to stay too much because I don't want to spoil anything. I personally don't read many suspense books in relation to the amount of romance books. I usually want the romance over any other aspect. BUT, I was invested in this story with or without romance. And I am going to need more.

It is a little grittier than what I remember from book 1.

The audiobook is read by a female narrator. It is the same one that read the first book and again I thought she did an excellent job. She can do many voices well. I enjoy listening to her read to me.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this book. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.

This is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. I highly recommend you read the first book before reading this one but it can technically be read as a stand alone. This book continues the story between Hez and Savannah as they try to continue to rebuild trust in their relationship. They are also working on saving Tupelo Grove University from a artifact trafficking ring.
I really enjoyed this read. It was interesting and had some twists I was not expecting. This was a great suspense novel I recommend you give it a read!

The narrator can make or break an audiobook and this narrator did a great job. I enjoyed listening to this book and recommend this narrator as well

I am so excited to share that Savannah and Hez are back! Once again, Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have teamed up to bring the us back to Tupelo Grove University and they do it in the true explosive, engaging style they are both known for. (BTW, these two working together to create stories is brilliant!) This story picks up pretty close to where the first one left off amps up right away. There are layers to the challenges the school is facing, and Hez and Savannah believe they are up to the task. While they have different strengths and opportunities, they are committed to the school and to each other. I love the way Hez and Savannah are open to rebuilding their marriage, and despite the many threats and intruders that test their new resolutions, they do work together in a beautiful way. There is honesty, forgiveness, and newfound hope for their life to come. They are honest about the difficulties and what they have to work through to succeed this time around. There are plenty of twists that moved my mind in new directions, but always with the undercurrent of hope and redemption.
I also had the privilege of listening to the audiobook version. Karen Peaks captured all the character’s personalities, accents, and nuances perfectly!
Whether you prefer to read or listen, you are guaranteed an excellent book that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Colleen Coble is one of my favorites. Hez and Savannah have so much to deal with. Their relationship is strained. Hez and Jess(Savannah's sister) have a strained relationship. TGU is about to go under and Savannah is trying to save it.
So many twists and plots in this one!

If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy suspense read, put Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker at the top of your list. I just finished it—five stars, no hesitation. I couldn’t put it down.

The story follows Savannah Webster, a professor at Tupelo Grove University who’s trying to move forward after a painful divorce. But when her ex-husband Hez shows signs of slipping back into trouble, and a dangerous smuggling ring threatens the university her family founded, she finds herself caught in a high-stakes tangle of secrets, lies, and buried history.

What really stood out to me? The intricacies of the plot. Coble and Acker clearly did their research—this story has layers. From legal twists to small-town politics to family drama, it all clicks into place without ever feeling forced. The mix of suspense and second-chance romance hits just the right note.

The ending delivers a serious cliffhanger—and while it left me hanging (in the best way), the next installment isn’t expected for a while. Here’s hoping time flies, because I’ll be first in line when it drops.

** Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for comps of the eBook and audiobook. The opinions are my own.

As authors, Colleen Coble and Rick Acker are each best sellers. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with!

Where Secrets Lie picks up where What We Hide left off. Professor Savannah Webster is awaiting word whether she will receive tenure at Tupelo Grove University, or be cut loose. As if this isn't stressful enough, just as she decides to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, she finds an empty bottle of his favorite wine in his trash. Is he drinking again, and if he is, how can she trust him? When she loses tenure but is offered the presidency of the university instead, she jumps at the chance to stay on, only to discover that the university is hanging by a fraying thread.

For his part, Hez is determined to prove to Savannah that her trust isn't misplaced. As he works to mentor law students at the university, he puts them to work to help save Tupelo Grove University. Can they figure out who is working behind the scenes to topple the university they love before everything falls apart?

This story grabs readers on the first page and digs its claws in until the very end. I listened to the audio version and it was "radio theater" at its best! The suspense is gripping, and the love story within leans heavily on the power of forgiveness.

Colleen Coble fans will want to snap this up, and really, anyone who enjoys suspense with a side of romance, will enjoy this. I do recommend reading book 1 first, as there are many situations in book 2 that actually happen in book 1. I can hardly wait for book 3!

When I began this book I didn't realize it was the second in a series. As I read through it, I keep getting clues that it wasn't the first book so I checked, and sure enough it is the second in this series. It reads totally fine as a stand alone, but I am definitely going to get the first book, as well! It was a great novel with suspense and intrigue throughout. The story is tied up nicely....and yet leaves you hanging *just a little* and eagerly anticipating the third installment. The narrator did a really good job, as well.

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.

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!! 📚⭐️

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!