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Tupelo Grove
Where Secrets Lie
USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble and Rick Acker deliver the second book in their compelling Tupelo Grove series (following What We Hide), where a crumbling university, stolen artifacts, deep family secrets, and deadly ambitions all stand in the way of a second chance at happiness.
College professor Savannah Webster is ready to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, and she believes he's finally ready for them to face their many past trials as a team. But when Savannah finds evidence that points to Hez's old demons resurfacing, the fragile trust they've built begins to crumble. And it's not just their relationship that hanging in the balance--the survival of the university Savannah's family poured their lives into is also under threat.
Hez is determined to put his past mistakes behind him with his new role mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University's legal clinic. His primary focus with the clinic is to help Savannah pull the university out of a pit of debt and bad decisions made by the previous leadership, including her father. But their quest for stability takes a dark turn as they try to root out the dangerous smuggling ring the university is entangled in, and their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of criminals who will stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacle in their path.
The twists continue until the final page as a dangerous world of smuggling and financial instability collides with the complex dynamics of legacy and family.
Colleen Coble and Rick Acker's Where Secrets Lie is gripping suspense with closed-door, second-chance romance. They've "forged a seamless partnership with a singular voice" (Charles Martin), "where secrets simmer and unexpected twists leave you guessing until the shocking finale" (Kate Angelo).
Looking for more from these authors? Don't miss What We Hide, the first book in the Tupelo Grove series, or the standalone novel I Think I Was Murdered. All their novels include discussion questions that are perfect for book clubs.
College professor Savannah Webster is ready to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, and she believes he's finally ready for them to face their many past trials as a team. But when Savannah finds evidence that points to Hez's old demons resurfacing, the fragile trust they've built begins to crumble. And it's not just their relationship that hanging in the balance--the survival of the university Savannah's family poured their lives into is also under threat.
Hez is determined to put his past mistakes behind him with his new role mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University's legal clinic. His primary focus with the clinic is to help Savannah pull the university out of a pit of debt and bad decisions made by the previous leadership, including her father. But their quest for stability takes a dark turn as they try to root out the dangerous smuggling ring the university is entangled in, and their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of criminals who will stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacle in their path.
The twists continue until the final page as a dangerous world of smuggling and financial instability collides with the complex dynamics of legacy and family.
Colleen Coble and Rick Acker's Where Secrets Lie is gripping suspense with closed-door, second-chance romance. They've "forged a seamless partnership with a singular voice" (Charles Martin), "where secrets simmer and unexpected twists leave you guessing until the shocking finale" (Kate Angelo).
Looking for more from these authors? Don't miss What We Hide, the first book in the Tupelo Grove series, or the standalone novel I Think I Was Murdered. All their novels include discussion questions that are perfect for book clubs.
352 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2025
154 people are currently reading
6802 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Coble
150books5,940followersUSAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 2 million books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
April 23, 2025
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.
Expected to publish June 3, 2025. I was blessed with an audio ARC and the opinions are expressed are my own and unbiased.
May 25, 2025
Book Two of the Tupelo Grove series is more in the life of Savannah Webster, history professor, and her former husband, attorney Hez Webster as they work to resolve issues that caused their marriage to end and look to rekindle their life as husband and wife again. The corruption and network of stolen artifacts connected to some at Tupelo Grove University is ongoing and something that they want to end. This story hits all the emotions with hurt, sadness, revenge, conniving, hate but yet with faith, hope, and love. This is a suspenseful read that kept me engaged until th end. I enjoy seeing characters from a couple of other Colleen Coble series set in the Mobile area. The collaboration of Colleen Coble's romantic suspense stories and Rick Acker's law background makes for a great read.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my thoughts.
May 8, 2025
Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
Book 2 in The Tupelo Grove Series
3.5 to 4 Stars
Blog Post:
We are back in Tupelo Grove with Jess, Hez and Savannah - and dramatic as ever. This picks up right where What We Hide left off. This second installment has all the romantic suspense, family drama and legal intrigue we had in book 1. Savannah and Hez are on their second chance at love but a lot of trust issues still remain.
As they navigate this second chance and their upcoming re-marriage to come, the university corruption continues...with the villain we experienced at the end of book 2 at the forefront here.
If you like legal thrillers and romantic suspense, check this series out. There isn't much I can say since it's the second book in the series, but a few things:
- I liked the suspense around 40% with where things went with Hez.
- I liked the complexity with the university corruption.
- I liked the legal subplots going on.
- Love the narrator of this series, she really keeps you engaged.
- While the big moment in this book of chapter 30 made me cry and feel such impact from the Jesus moment....I was sad there wasn't more of a resolution between this character and a main character. Trying not to give spoilers haha
- I didn't love the trust issue stuff with Savannah constantly worried about Hez and his drinking starting back up. It went on a bit longer than I would have liked.
- Wanted the pacing to be a bit quicker with the stuff with our villain group.
Regardless, I enjoyed my time with this and look forward to more in this series. We are left with another somewhat cliffhanger of another investigation / secrets to be revealed, and I need to know!
Thank you to the publisher for an audio listening copy for honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book 2 in The Tupelo Grove Series
3.5 to 4 Stars
Blog Post:
We are back in Tupelo Grove with Jess, Hez and Savannah - and dramatic as ever. This picks up right where What We Hide left off. This second installment has all the romantic suspense, family drama and legal intrigue we had in book 1. Savannah and Hez are on their second chance at love but a lot of trust issues still remain.
As they navigate this second chance and their upcoming re-marriage to come, the university corruption continues...with the villain we experienced at the end of book 2 at the forefront here.
If you like legal thrillers and romantic suspense, check this series out. There isn't much I can say since it's the second book in the series, but a few things:
- I liked the suspense around 40% with where things went with Hez.
- I liked the complexity with the university corruption.
- I liked the legal subplots going on.
- Love the narrator of this series, she really keeps you engaged.
- While the big moment in this book of chapter 30 made me cry and feel such impact from the Jesus moment....I was sad there wasn't more of a resolution between this character and a main character. Trying not to give spoilers haha
- I didn't love the trust issue stuff with Savannah constantly worried about Hez and his drinking starting back up. It went on a bit longer than I would have liked.
- Wanted the pacing to be a bit quicker with the stuff with our villain group.
Regardless, I enjoyed my time with this and look forward to more in this series. We are left with another somewhat cliffhanger of another investigation / secrets to be revealed, and I need to know!
Thank you to the publisher for an audio listening copy for honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 29, 2025
I'm a simple reader. I want a mystery, some suspense and a little romance. Give me those elements and I'm happy. I don't care about complex or deep psychic reasonings. That stuff is lost on me. This book spent a lot of time all up in the character's heads and lost me at several points. It wasn't about mercy and justice; it was all about vengeance. I really didn't like knowing this baddie from the beginning. The baddie laid waste to a lot of things that can never be repaired all the while calling it mercy and justice. It just ticked me off.
College professor Savannah Webster and her ex-husband Hez survived a murder attempt and came out of that with a renewed commitment to their love for each other and a vow to make it work this time. But there are forces that want to tear them apart and destroy Tupelo Grove University where they both work. TGU has several problems and is under siege from the inside. Smugglers are using the university's reputation to authenticate stolen antiquities, administrators and board members are using the university as their own piggy bank and someone wants to devastate the institution from the inside.
Into all this Savannah accepts the job as university president and is leaning on Hez for legal advice and her sister, Jess, for financial expertise. She has no idea of the forces working against her as she tries to save TGU or the insidious hate that can fester in a person's soul. But love can transform, and the love of Jesus can heal any soul withered by hate.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
College professor Savannah Webster and her ex-husband Hez survived a murder attempt and came out of that with a renewed commitment to their love for each other and a vow to make it work this time. But there are forces that want to tear them apart and destroy Tupelo Grove University where they both work. TGU has several problems and is under siege from the inside. Smugglers are using the university's reputation to authenticate stolen antiquities, administrators and board members are using the university as their own piggy bank and someone wants to devastate the institution from the inside.
Into all this Savannah accepts the job as university president and is leaning on Hez for legal advice and her sister, Jess, for financial expertise. She has no idea of the forces working against her as she tries to save TGU or the insidious hate that can fester in a person's soul. But love can transform, and the love of Jesus can heal any soul withered by hate.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
May 30, 2025
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.
My gratitude to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary NetGalley audiobook copy. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
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.
My gratitude to Thomas Nelson for a complimentary NetGalley audiobook copy. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 10, 2025
Savannah and Hez are ready to give their relationship a second go, and they both believe that they can make it this time. However, Savannah doesn’t make tenure and starts looking for new employment when her father offers her the president's position, which she accepts.
Hez is determined to make a go of the Justice Chamber mentoring law students, putting his past mistakes behind him and showing Savannah how much he has changed. But when she finds evidence that his demons are still haunting him, he is ever more determined to change and show her that someone is sabotaging his progress.
Where Secrets Lie picks up where the first book ended. It took me a bit longer to get into this book, but I was all in once Hez was admitted to the hospital! I expected more action from the beginning, but it doesn’t slow down once it starts. There is a twist in this story that I was not expecting at all, but it simply takes it up a notch. There is rawness between Hez and Savannah's relationship that is refreshing because they are willing to work on their stuff. If you enjoyed the first book in this series, then you have to read this one! I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.
Hez is determined to make a go of the Justice Chamber mentoring law students, putting his past mistakes behind him and showing Savannah how much he has changed. But when she finds evidence that his demons are still haunting him, he is ever more determined to change and show her that someone is sabotaging his progress.
Where Secrets Lie picks up where the first book ended. It took me a bit longer to get into this book, but I was all in once Hez was admitted to the hospital! I expected more action from the beginning, but it doesn’t slow down once it starts. There is a twist in this story that I was not expecting at all, but it simply takes it up a notch. There is rawness between Hez and Savannah's relationship that is refreshing because they are willing to work on their stuff. If you enjoyed the first book in this series, then you have to read this one! I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions expressed are honest and mine.
March 30, 2025
I read this on a long flight ✈️ and thoroughly enjoyed every page. The romance is blossoming between the two beautifully and the mystery and suspense continues to build. This is a great installment in this series. Easily 4.5 ⭐️ for me.
April 1, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson Publishing and the authors for an advanced copy of this book! This is the second book in this series and I love how the characters are growing and progressing! Savanah and Hez are slowly starting to fall in love again after their divorce. Savanah is named president of the university and with her sister, Jess as CFO she feels like 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.
I love how the characters have real problems. Everything isn’t always smoothed over and tied up with a red bow and life can be like that. Family secrets, jealousy and revenge can ruin people. Forgiveness and Jesus are the only way through tough situations and tragedy.
I love how the characters have real problems. Everything isn’t always smoothed over and tied up with a red bow and life can be like that. Family secrets, jealousy and revenge can ruin people. Forgiveness and Jesus are the only way through tough situations and tragedy.
June 3, 2025
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.
June 1, 2025
I was thrilled to return to Tupelo Grove and learn more about Hez and Savannah’s journey. Just as compelling as the first book in the series and just as twisty and tension-filled, this one also centers around artifact smuggling, the desire for revenge, and the need for forgiveness. There are plenty of roadblocks to navigate, each set on deterring their relationship, but Hez and Savannah circumvent them with grace, determination and a well-developed skillset. There’s not only their relationship at risk, Savannah’s legacy is also worth fighting for. Can they shed light on the smuggling ring before it’s too late?
This writing duo knows how to write great sagas. I can’t imagine the research involved to bring such a story to readers. You’ll love this closed-door, second-chance romantic suspense.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This writing duo knows how to write great sagas. I can’t imagine the research involved to bring such a story to readers. You’ll love this closed-door, second-chance romantic suspense.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 2, 2025
4.5 stars
Oh my gosh! So good, I couldn't put it down. This series needs to be read in order, as it's a continuing story, and I CANNOT WAIT for book 3, if it was available now, I would read it next.
Author Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have written this story and this series so seamlessly, it's hard to know where one's writing begins and the other one's ends. What a riveting story!
Where Secrets Lie picks up where What We Hide leaves off, with the sweet second chance romance between Savannah Webster and Hezekiah Webster. Swirling around them are a possible relapse into alcohol, a family member’s involvement in the smuggling of artifacts, impending foreclosure on the college that has been in the family for decades, their sweet nephew Simon, two dogs, Savannah’s dishonest and uncaring father, a long-standing family feud with the Willards, attacks that involve hospitalization, and lots of suspense. The cliffhanger at the end surprised me, explained a lot, and has me impatient for the next story!
I highly recommend each story in the Tupelo Grove story.
Thank you to publisher Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Oh my gosh! So good, I couldn't put it down. This series needs to be read in order, as it's a continuing story, and I CANNOT WAIT for book 3, if it was available now, I would read it next.
Author Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have written this story and this series so seamlessly, it's hard to know where one's writing begins and the other one's ends. What a riveting story!
Where Secrets Lie picks up where What We Hide leaves off, with the sweet second chance romance between Savannah Webster and Hezekiah Webster. Swirling around them are a possible relapse into alcohol, a family member’s involvement in the smuggling of artifacts, impending foreclosure on the college that has been in the family for decades, their sweet nephew Simon, two dogs, Savannah’s dishonest and uncaring father, a long-standing family feud with the Willards, attacks that involve hospitalization, and lots of suspense. The cliffhanger at the end surprised me, explained a lot, and has me impatient for the next story!
I highly recommend each story in the Tupelo Grove story.
Thank you to publisher Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
June 4, 2025
Book 2 in the Tupelo Grove series was riveting! This writing duo spun a tale of secrets, deception, murder, and more that had me spellbound. Savannah Webster, a college professor, is working hard to help her family's university make a comeback after a stolen artifact debacle. Her sister Jess is working her magic on the financial end but has much to hide. Hez, Savannah's ex-husband, is the legal expert working to help the university by starting a law clinic. Hez and Savannah are working to repair their relationship, and things seem to be on the upswing - until Savannah finds an empty liquor bottle in Hez's condo. A recovering alcoholic, Hez vehemently denies it's his, but the seed of doubt has been planted, and Savannah must face her own demons. When law students uncover the fact that stolen artifact ring is still in process, things swirl out of control and danger lurks around every corner. Grab this latest thriller and be prepared to stay up late!
I was gifted a copy of this novel by the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I was gifted a copy of this novel by the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
June 3, 2025
Where Secrets Lie was a true to Colleen Coble action packed, suspenseful story with characters you hope can work through their baggage and trust issues to get to their happily ever after. But then there is not only the troubles the characters created for themselves, but those third parties throw into their paths.
This is a series to be read in order, since book two takes off where book one ended and you will need the full picture from book one to understand everything which is happening now.
Jessica was a character where I really hoped better decisions would be made. I loved her relationship with Savannah and how this impacted a lot of mysteries to be hidden.
There was a very sad ending to one character's story with the results on others beautifully and realistically written.
The cliffhanger at the end wants book three in my hands now.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This is a series to be read in order, since book two takes off where book one ended and you will need the full picture from book one to understand everything which is happening now.
Jessica was a character where I really hoped better decisions would be made. I loved her relationship with Savannah and how this impacted a lot of mysteries to be hidden.
There was a very sad ending to one character's story with the results on others beautifully and realistically written.
The cliffhanger at the end wants book three in my hands now.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
June 13, 2025
Oh. My. Goodness. I knew Where Secrets Lie was going to be good based on a) how much I enjoyed What We Hide and b) the stunning way that first book ended. But once again I was not expecting some of the twists that we encounter on this second visit to Tupelo Grove University. Well� to be more specific, I knew there would be some shocking plot turns to navigate but I really couldn’t predict what they were going to be. Let me say this first � if you haven’t yet read What We Hide, put this review down and go read that instead because Where Secrets Lie will be more impactful for you if you’ve been with this series from the beginning. I guess you COULD read this as a standalone if you really have to but I don’t think you really truly want to.
Where Secrets Lie picks up with Hez and Savannah a little bit after the events of What We Hide, and we’re immediately immersed once more in the complex dynamics of their own renewed relationship and those of Savannah’s family, as well as the criminal minds who are continuing to weave their web of lies and smuggling � and murder � at Tupelo Grove. I could not have put down this story if I’d wanted to, which is fine because I didn’t want to. Every time I thought I might be able to let my guard down just a teeny bit � nope, the brilliant writing team of Coble and Acker threw in another bombshell reveal or unexpected development to keep me on my toes. And I loved every pulse-raising word of it! I also loved spending time with these characters again, getting to know a couple of new ones, and visiting with some familiar faces from Coble’s other adjacent-set series. Every layer in this story is well-placed, and based on the ending (which punched the breath out of me just like the ending of What We Hide did) I am hoping there is much more to come!
Bottom Line: The title of Where Secrets Lie is absolutely perfect for the story inside this latest Tupelo Grove suspense novel from Colleen Coble & Rick Acker. Secrets & deception abound on this quaint campus of higher learning, some of which may leave your jaw on the floor and your heart skipping a beat. I was deeply invested in how everything would play out for Hez and Savannah on several different fronts � from their families to their romance to their respective spiritual & personal growth arcs and, of course, the various suspense threads weaving expertly together into one edge-of-your-seat story. I am loving this setting, these characters, and these two authors writing together. Consider this my order for at least 10 more Tupelo Grove novels and whatever else Coble & Acker want to write in addition.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
Where Secrets Lie picks up with Hez and Savannah a little bit after the events of What We Hide, and we’re immediately immersed once more in the complex dynamics of their own renewed relationship and those of Savannah’s family, as well as the criminal minds who are continuing to weave their web of lies and smuggling � and murder � at Tupelo Grove. I could not have put down this story if I’d wanted to, which is fine because I didn’t want to. Every time I thought I might be able to let my guard down just a teeny bit � nope, the brilliant writing team of Coble and Acker threw in another bombshell reveal or unexpected development to keep me on my toes. And I loved every pulse-raising word of it! I also loved spending time with these characters again, getting to know a couple of new ones, and visiting with some familiar faces from Coble’s other adjacent-set series. Every layer in this story is well-placed, and based on the ending (which punched the breath out of me just like the ending of What We Hide did) I am hoping there is much more to come!
Bottom Line: The title of Where Secrets Lie is absolutely perfect for the story inside this latest Tupelo Grove suspense novel from Colleen Coble & Rick Acker. Secrets & deception abound on this quaint campus of higher learning, some of which may leave your jaw on the floor and your heart skipping a beat. I was deeply invested in how everything would play out for Hez and Savannah on several different fronts � from their families to their romance to their respective spiritual & personal growth arcs and, of course, the various suspense threads weaving expertly together into one edge-of-your-seat story. I am loving this setting, these characters, and these two authors writing together. Consider this my order for at least 10 more Tupelo Grove novels and whatever else Coble & Acker want to write in addition.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
May 29, 2025
I received an advance digital copy of this novel from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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.
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.
June 3, 2025
In this second book in the Tupelo Grove series, the authors captivated me immediately with the romance between Hez and Savannah, Jess’s duplicity and precocious young Simon. The action is non-stop as Savannah tries to save her beloved university and Jess works behind the scenes to thwart her. Hex, a lawyer with a plan and a purpose, begins his Justice Chamber project, investigating corruption and cases that involve the university. In all of their interactions, there are a lot of secretes and twists along with red herrings. The action is riveting as there are more murders and subterfuge, along with the stolen artifacts that are tied to the university. Danger runs rampant through the pages and it was hard to put the book down. I enjoyed learning more of the back story about the characters and the reason they behave the way they do, especially Jess. I found the characters to be mostly likable and totally dynamic, with realistic flaws that made me like them even more. I especially enjoyed how well the threads of the complicated plot were all interwoven and came together perfectly at the conclusion. This book may be read as a standalone, but I think readers would find it more enjoyable if they read the series in order as characters introduced in the first book are the same ones in this one, only with additional details and a few new characters added to the mix. The mystery drew me into the story and kept me reading to try to solve the murders and understand the dynamics of the families involved in the legacy of the university. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series since the setting, the characters and the plot have captured my imagination and my desire to know all of the secrets.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 28, 2025
Again the writing duo of Colleen Coble and Rick Acker did a fantastic and seamless team effort of writing a story. Where Secrets Lie is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series by these two authors, and it did not disappoint. It can easily be read as a stand-alone book but reading the first book (What We Hide) will bring a more thorough background to the story. It is a suspenseful mystery with plot twists that I did not see coming. The portrayal of the characters, their inner feelings, and their strengths and weaknesses make the complex characters realistic and relatable. A college campus administration full of dark secrets and the winner-takes-all game of artifact smuggling this mystery kept me on the edge of my seat!
I read a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
I read a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
January 17, 2025
Journey back to Tupelo Grove just a few months since the previous book ended. Savannah is ready to explore a new relationship with her ex-husband Hez while trying to also help her sister Jess with caring for her son Simon. Hez is ready to kick off his new justice center at the college and is excited to have a future with Savannah again.
****STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOK 1 YET****
But we now have jess in the story and all her plots and machinations are explored through her point of view too. We learn the smuggling ring isn't dead--just had to be revamped. And finally learn what is the reason for Jess to pursue bringing destruction to the university...revenge.
Over the course of the book though we see how much she battles her love for her sister Savannah with her desire to bring the college down and how badly she tries to protect Savannah from it all.
This book is also a great case study for redemption. Redemption for Hez to prove he's changed to Savannah. Redemption explored for Jess. I love that there is a strong faith element in this mystery.
But wowza...the way the epilogue closed. I was just like "nooooooooo". I really hope this is a trilogy and can all be wrapped up in #3!
5 stars for excellent writing and suspense.
*Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
****STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T READ BOOK 1 YET****
But we now have jess in the story and all her plots and machinations are explored through her point of view too. We learn the smuggling ring isn't dead--just had to be revamped. And finally learn what is the reason for Jess to pursue bringing destruction to the university...revenge.
Over the course of the book though we see how much she battles her love for her sister Savannah with her desire to bring the college down and how badly she tries to protect Savannah from it all.
This book is also a great case study for redemption. Redemption for Hez to prove he's changed to Savannah. Redemption explored for Jess. I love that there is a strong faith element in this mystery.
But wowza...the way the epilogue closed. I was just like "nooooooooo". I really hope this is a trilogy and can all be wrapped up in #3!
5 stars for excellent writing and suspense.
*Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
February 28, 2025
Coble & Acker have done it again! The second book in the Tupelo Grove series is absolutely fantastic! It takes you on thrilling ride of intense danger, tangled secrets, intrigue, and family drama. It is impossible to put it down with a shocking ending that left my mind spinning and anxiously awaiting book three!
This book continues with Savannah and Hez navigating their way back to a relationship after much trauma and a divorce. The danger surrounding them as they fight to save TGU quickly ramps up as they begin to uncover many secrets leaving you guessing where the danger is coming from and who is behind it.
This series is a must read! As an avid reader, I can honestly say this is a favorite new series. I was already a Coble fan, but these two authors together are absolutely amazing.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
This book continues with Savannah and Hez navigating their way back to a relationship after much trauma and a divorce. The danger surrounding them as they fight to save TGU quickly ramps up as they begin to uncover many secrets leaving you guessing where the danger is coming from and who is behind it.
This series is a must read! As an avid reader, I can honestly say this is a favorite new series. I was already a Coble fan, but these two authors together are absolutely amazing.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
May 23, 2025
Where Secrets Lie is the 2nd book in the Tupelo Grove series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. This s one of my favorite genres, and this book certainly did not disappoint. Savannah and Hez are working on rebuilding their relationship, after the death of their child and Hez turning to alcohol they ended up divorcing. Now as they work to rebuild, all types of obstacles pop up. I would recommend this book to others.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 5, 2025
This was an awesome follow up to book 1! You must read the first book to really follow this suspenseful and intense story about Hez and Savannah! I absolutely loved it and now to wait for the 3rd installment! I am here for it!
Listened on NetGalley Audio! Loved the author!!
Listened on NetGalley Audio! Loved the author!!
June 3, 2025
This was certainly a page turner! It’s a fast moving story. It’s filled with lots of twists and turns. There’s surprises around every corner. You won’t be able to put this book down! I’m anxiously waiting for the next one in this series.
March 12, 2025
Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
This was a phenomenal book!
Savannah Webster tries to put her life back on track with a second chance for her ex-husband, Hez. She believes they are ready until she finds evidence that his past demons are back. With their complex family issues, they also face the danger of taking on an international smuggling ring that the University is entangled with.
Savannah takes charge at the helm to try and rescue the University after complete financial devastation. Danger is everywhere, in every direction.
There is so much suspense packed in and I was hooked early on! This is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. Hez is still my favorite character!
The story is so well layered with wonderful characters that are so well developed, the reader just exists as part of the story. I loved it! I can’t wait for more! The duo of writers is truly gifted, the writing is seamless.
Twists and turns will keep you turning pages until the end! 5/5�
This was a phenomenal book!
Savannah Webster tries to put her life back on track with a second chance for her ex-husband, Hez. She believes they are ready until she finds evidence that his past demons are back. With their complex family issues, they also face the danger of taking on an international smuggling ring that the University is entangled with.
Savannah takes charge at the helm to try and rescue the University after complete financial devastation. Danger is everywhere, in every direction.
There is so much suspense packed in and I was hooked early on! This is the second book in the Tupelo Grove series. Hez is still my favorite character!
The story is so well layered with wonderful characters that are so well developed, the reader just exists as part of the story. I loved it! I can’t wait for more! The duo of writers is truly gifted, the writing is seamless.
Twists and turns will keep you turning pages until the end! 5/5�
June 13, 2025
Great book. Review coming soon!
April 27, 2025
A solid 4.5 stars
This is the second book in this series. I really enjoyed this one. The main characters are flawed and not everything gets wrapped up all nice and tidy. They have issues. But their love for each other is shining brighter and brighter. There is a couple of twists in the story I wasn’t expecting and the mystery builds. I had a hard time putting this one down. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own. Highly recommend this book
This is the second book in this series. I really enjoyed this one. The main characters are flawed and not everything gets wrapped up all nice and tidy. They have issues. But their love for each other is shining brighter and brighter. There is a couple of twists in the story I wasn’t expecting and the mystery builds. I had a hard time putting this one down. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own. Highly recommend this book
May 8, 2025
A really great story. It had a lot of great twists and turns. And the ending. I can't wait for the next book.
April 20, 2025
This is a good sequel to What We Hide (book 1 in the Tupelo Grove series) and I think ti’s much better read as a sequel than it would be as a stand alone. I wasn’t as invested in the characters this time and the story felt like it fell apart at the end and so they threw in a set up for the next book in the series. It was alright but not great. I received a free copy of What We Hide from Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2025
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.
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.
June 18, 2025
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
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
January 14, 2025
The story, and secrets, first revealed in What We Hide continue in Where Secrets Lie. More twists, more turns, lots of questions, uncomfortable realizations, mystery, family drama, and romance. It’s a complex and emotional story, but I was hooked and had trouble putting it down. I’m excited to read the third book in this trilogy!
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