⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.