What do you think?
Rate this book
Tupelo Grove #3
When Justice Comes
USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble and Rick Acker deliver the final book in their beloved Tupelo Grove Hez and Savannah Webster have survived storms that would bury others without a love as strong as theirs--but can they withstand the final battle in the deadly Legare-Willard feud that threatens to sweep away everything they've fought for?
Hezekiah "Hez" Webster and his fiancé, Savannah, stand on the brink of a new life, but their dreams are haunted by specters of the past. Just as they're getting ready to adopt her nephew, two other petitioners also file for custody--both of whom only want Simon for their own gains.
Between the financial company that Hez outmaneuvered to save the university from ruin and the bad blood from the head of the Willard family, it's hard to say who wants them out of the way more. Hez and Savannah's quest for justice leads them through a labyrinth of family law, where loyalties are tested and trust is a dangerous luxury when every decision could be their last.
With the clock ticking, Hez and Savannah must confront the ghosts of their past and their deepest fears to secure a future for Simon. But with every secret revealed, the stakes grow higher. Can they build the family they've always dreamed of, or will their enemies succeed in tearing them apart forever?
The Tupelo Grove series reaches its breathtaking conclusion as an enemy's agenda for revenge runs darker than swamp water and justice remains as precarious as quicksand in this heart-pounding narrative that underscores the power of redemption and forgiveness.
Hezekiah "Hez" Webster and his fiancé, Savannah, stand on the brink of a new life, but their dreams are haunted by specters of the past. Just as they're getting ready to adopt her nephew, two other petitioners also file for custody--both of whom only want Simon for their own gains.
Between the financial company that Hez outmaneuvered to save the university from ruin and the bad blood from the head of the Willard family, it's hard to say who wants them out of the way more. Hez and Savannah's quest for justice leads them through a labyrinth of family law, where loyalties are tested and trust is a dangerous luxury when every decision could be their last.
With the clock ticking, Hez and Savannah must confront the ghosts of their past and their deepest fears to secure a future for Simon. But with every secret revealed, the stakes grow higher. Can they build the family they've always dreamed of, or will their enemies succeed in tearing them apart forever?
The Tupelo Grove series reaches its breathtaking conclusion as an enemy's agenda for revenge runs darker than swamp water and justice remains as precarious as quicksand in this heart-pounding narrative that underscores the power of redemption and forgiveness.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2026
160 people are currently reading
9087 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Coble
151 books6,564 followersUSAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. 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 6 million books in print.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
Read
March 2, 20264⭐
“This couldn’t be happening. How could they withstand one more devastating blow?”
When Justice Comes is book three, the satisfying conclusion to the Tupelo Grove series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker.
Just when Hezekiah ‘Hez’ Webster and Savannah Lagare think they’ve navigated all the speedbumps to their ‘happy ever after,’ along comes one they aren’t expecting! When Jessica, Savannah’s sister, died recently, it was her wish that Simon, her 10-year-old son, would be raised by Savannah. This perfect, ready-made family is shocked when someone steps forward with stronger claims to Simon. The speedbumps in the adoption process aren’t the only ones this couple faces; it’s about to get bumpy!
As you can imagine, this story continues with the theme of forgiveness and adds family secrets, revenge, manipulation, and trust. You’ll have to read to find out if Hez and Savannah can overcome…yet again.
Things that gave me pause:
✨The raw emotions and crippling pain of having someone you love ripped away forever
✨Dead man’s switches
✨When a character doesn’t confess his crimes or ask for forgiveness until he’s got nothing left to lose
✨The political nod to Venezuela - couldn’t have been more timely
I’ll remember this book for what it reminded me about the refiner’s fire - strength results. Hez and Savannah learn that anything worthwhile isn’t always easy and they grow stronger fighting it together.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
“This couldn’t be happening. How could they withstand one more devastating blow?”
When Justice Comes is book three, the satisfying conclusion to the Tupelo Grove series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker.
Just when Hezekiah ‘Hez’ Webster and Savannah Lagare think they’ve navigated all the speedbumps to their ‘happy ever after,’ along comes one they aren’t expecting! When Jessica, Savannah’s sister, died recently, it was her wish that Simon, her 10-year-old son, would be raised by Savannah. This perfect, ready-made family is shocked when someone steps forward with stronger claims to Simon. The speedbumps in the adoption process aren’t the only ones this couple faces; it’s about to get bumpy!
As you can imagine, this story continues with the theme of forgiveness and adds family secrets, revenge, manipulation, and trust. You’ll have to read to find out if Hez and Savannah can overcome…yet again.
Things that gave me pause:
✨The raw emotions and crippling pain of having someone you love ripped away forever
✨Dead man’s switches
✨When a character doesn’t confess his crimes or ask for forgiveness until he’s got nothing left to lose
✨The political nod to Venezuela - couldn’t have been more timely
I’ll remember this book for what it reminded me about the refiner’s fire - strength results. Hez and Savannah learn that anything worthwhile isn’t always easy and they grow stronger fighting it together.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In the third and final book of this series Hez and Savannah Webster battle for Simon as more secrets come to light. It sets a heart-pounding pace from the beginning as the tense race toward Simon’s adoption deadline intensifies. Hez, Savannah, Michael Willard, Savannah’s dad, Pierce Legare and others clash and compete. The blood feud between the Legare and Willard families which has its inception with the founding of the Tupelo Grove University a century and more ago, intensifies and comes to a stunning climax. All the secrets come out, and the baddies get what they deserve. When it all looks so bleak for Hez and Savannah they turn to God and their faith that He is in control never wavers.
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.
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.
March 3, 2026
This was a great conclusion to the series. The author’s combined voices grew as the series grew and in the final book the two voices flowed well into one new collaborative voice.
This final book was filled with near drownings, custody battles with well explained and descriptive legal procedures, and a crime family out for revenge.
There were twists and turns which will keep readers guessing and being thrown as things were not expected from characters we have gotten to know.
I enjoyed this series and hope the authors will join talents for future stories.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are expressed are my own.*
This final book was filled with near drownings, custody battles with well explained and descriptive legal procedures, and a crime family out for revenge.
There were twists and turns which will keep readers guessing and being thrown as things were not expected from characters we have gotten to know.
I enjoyed this series and hope the authors will join talents for future stories.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are expressed are my own.*
March 13, 2026
What a great author combination!
The Tupelo Grove Series is set in Alabama and on a college campus a fair amount of time. Hez and Savannah are the main characters throughout the series which has become an oddity, but a welcome one. Lots of character growth in each novel as they've persevered through challenges.
In When Justice Comes it seems everything is going in their favor and then two family members decide they should be the guardian of Savannah's nephew. Surely, it has nothing to do with the large amount of money left in a trust for the nephew, right?
Pages were turning. Nice job by narrator Karen Peakes.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary audiobook copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The Tupelo Grove Series is set in Alabama and on a college campus a fair amount of time. Hez and Savannah are the main characters throughout the series which has become an oddity, but a welcome one. Lots of character growth in each novel as they've persevered through challenges.
In When Justice Comes it seems everything is going in their favor and then two family members decide they should be the guardian of Savannah's nephew. Surely, it has nothing to do with the large amount of money left in a trust for the nephew, right?
Pages were turning. Nice job by narrator Karen Peakes.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary audiobook copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 3, 2026
WOW. WOW. WOW. Colleen Coble & Rick Acker do it again yall. The Tupelo Grove series is now in it's final stages with When Justice Comes, the last of the Legare, Willards and Websters saga. When Justice Comes comes out on March 3, I got the opportunity through NetGalley to read this early and I'm so glad I did. I was just excited to be getting back into their world. The themes in this book are justice, forgiveness as always Colleen Coble stays true to writing in her books, lots of family drama. Savannah and Hez are in for a fight of their lives, including keeping Simon safe. This last book umps up the danger and suspense. Just when you think you know all the suspense, the surprises keep coming. I loved this whole series and will go back to it again in the future, it was that good. You know there is some books you just have to re-read, well this is gonna be that.
I was sent a complimentary copy with no expectations to give a review.
I was sent a complimentary copy with no expectations to give a review.
March 27, 2026
Wow!
I loved the chemistry between Hez & Savannah and they kept their Christian morals. They learned about forgiveness and staying strong in their faith.
A gripping ending that was jammed packed with action.
well done !
I loved the chemistry between Hez & Savannah and they kept their Christian morals. They learned about forgiveness and staying strong in their faith.
A gripping ending that was jammed packed with action.
well done !
March 5, 2026
Wow, what a conclusion to an explosive series. This book pulled out all the stops and was filled with so much action and so many twists. These characters are written so well, they seem real. I felt the feelings they were feeling and found myself holding my breath at different times. I hope this duo continues to write books together!
September 26, 2025
When Justice Comes is the third and final book in the Tupelo Grove series. While you may be able to enjoy this one as a standalone, this story follows the same couple all the way through and continually builds upon their story with each consecutive book. As such, you are definitely going to get the most out of the story by reading in order.
Hez and Savannah are back... and this time, they are fighting to adopt their nephew Simon... but they're not the only ones looking to gain custody. Having read the first two books already, I was so invested in these characters and found myself rooting all that much more for everything to work out. Once again, we are given all the twists, turns and secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Mixed in with all the suspense and family drama, we get a great story of forgiveness as well. I've been a longtime fan of Colleen Coble's... and I have to say that this collab with Rick Acker has been equally as fantastic. This series has been intriguing, and this last installment was a great way to wrap it all up. If you enjoy Christian suspense, this is one book/series you'll want to check out.
**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Hez and Savannah are back... and this time, they are fighting to adopt their nephew Simon... but they're not the only ones looking to gain custody. Having read the first two books already, I was so invested in these characters and found myself rooting all that much more for everything to work out. Once again, we are given all the twists, turns and secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Mixed in with all the suspense and family drama, we get a great story of forgiveness as well. I've been a longtime fan of Colleen Coble's... and I have to say that this collab with Rick Acker has been equally as fantastic. This series has been intriguing, and this last installment was a great way to wrap it all up. If you enjoy Christian suspense, this is one book/series you'll want to check out.
**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 19, 2026
Exciting conclusion to an absorbing series, this one kept me on the edge of my seat. Wonderful cast of characters including Savannah and Hez, a married couple who divorced after a tragedy and are now engaged and looking forward to another wedding. They are anticipating adopting her nephew Simon.
With a long-standing feud between the Willards and the LeGares and a custody battle ensuing, Savannah and Hez have more to worry about than their jobs, renovating their house and their upcoming wedding. Danger lurks around every corner as they try to honor God and decipher who to trust.
This was a fast-paced story in a beautiful setting with a complicated plot. It made me want to read the whole series again.
It is worth it to travel to Nova Cambridge, Alabama and read the story of Savannah and Hez.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
With a long-standing feud between the Willards and the LeGares and a custody battle ensuing, Savannah and Hez have more to worry about than their jobs, renovating their house and their upcoming wedding. Danger lurks around every corner as they try to honor God and decipher who to trust.
This was a fast-paced story in a beautiful setting with a complicated plot. It made me want to read the whole series again.
It is worth it to travel to Nova Cambridge, Alabama and read the story of Savannah and Hez.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
March 6, 2026
4.5⭐
This is the final book in the Tupelo Grove series and what a ride it was. I am sad to see this series end. There were so many twists and turns throughout the whole story. I was here for it. I liked the way that Hez and Savannah fought for their relationship even in the midst of so many crises. I was glad that there was some faith content sprinkled throughout as well. This one was my favorite of the series. So much action and resolution. I think it wrapped up the series nicely. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job with the voices for each character. I highly recommend it.
This is the final book in the Tupelo Grove series and what a ride it was. I am sad to see this series end. There were so many twists and turns throughout the whole story. I was here for it. I liked the way that Hez and Savannah fought for their relationship even in the midst of so many crises. I was glad that there was some faith content sprinkled throughout as well. This one was my favorite of the series. So much action and resolution. I think it wrapped up the series nicely. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job with the voices for each character. I highly recommend it.
January 26, 2026
What a gripping end to the trilogy of books by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. I’ve read all three books in the Tupelo Grove series. This series was my first time reading these authors. The series was definitely full of interesting characters and drama all throughout. The final book”When Justice Comes” is probably my favorite book in the series.
In this final book the characters, Savannah and Hez endure strife and conflict in the midst of rebuilding their relationship leading up to their marriage. The amount of suspense and surprise is engaging while the ultimate them of justice and forgiveness is prominent. I enjoyed the quality and content so well done in the audiobook version. It only made the suspense and action feel more intense.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook version prior to release on March 3rd. The opinion here is my own honest review.
In this final book the characters, Savannah and Hez endure strife and conflict in the midst of rebuilding their relationship leading up to their marriage. The amount of suspense and surprise is engaging while the ultimate them of justice and forgiveness is prominent. I enjoyed the quality and content so well done in the audiobook version. It only made the suspense and action feel more intense.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook version prior to release on March 3rd. The opinion here is my own honest review.
February 11, 2026
First, I want to thank NetGalley and Publishers at Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for giving me an ALC of this book in return for my honest opinion.
This story pulled me in from the start with that suspenseful prologue. There were a lot of moving pieces that I had to decipher, and that’s what I love. And, Court scenes are my thing!
What made this book especially powerful for me was the emotional part of it considering there was a child involved. Anytime children are involved and the justice system fails them, it hits hard for me. It stirred up a lot of feelings which is how I decide on my rating.
I genuinely thought I had the ending figured out… and then I didn’t. The twist completely caught me off guard and actually made me gasp, which I always appreciate in a suspense novel.
Lastly, I appreciate the faith filled moments. It made those situations very touching and genuine.
This story pulled me in from the start with that suspenseful prologue. There were a lot of moving pieces that I had to decipher, and that’s what I love. And, Court scenes are my thing!
What made this book especially powerful for me was the emotional part of it considering there was a child involved. Anytime children are involved and the justice system fails them, it hits hard for me. It stirred up a lot of feelings which is how I decide on my rating.
I genuinely thought I had the ending figured out… and then I didn’t. The twist completely caught me off guard and actually made me gasp, which I always appreciate in a suspense novel.
Lastly, I appreciate the faith filled moments. It made those situations very touching and genuine.
March 6, 2026
“The right choice isn’t easy and takes courage.
When Justice Comes picks right up where book two left off and was the perfect conclusion to Hez and Savannah’s story. There were so many surprises as all questions were finally answered. It made me happy to see them find happiness in each other again and start their new life together. I really was stressed at points in the story wondering just how everything could be resolved and I love that Simon will be raised by Hez and Savannah. They are both such strong characters and have such integrity. The story continues the theme of forgiveness and I respect that Hez and Savannah didn’t find it easy to forgive those who had wronged them and their family. I thought that was a very realistic portrayal. As Christians, we are called to forgive, but it’s not always easy. There was so much betrayal and heartbreak that all of the characters faced in different ways. I thought it was interesting how some used the heartache they faced to become stronger and better people, while others used it as an excuse to do evil.
When Justice Comes picks right up where book two left off and was the perfect conclusion to Hez and Savannah’s story. There were so many surprises as all questions were finally answered. It made me happy to see them find happiness in each other again and start their new life together. I really was stressed at points in the story wondering just how everything could be resolved and I love that Simon will be raised by Hez and Savannah. They are both such strong characters and have such integrity. The story continues the theme of forgiveness and I respect that Hez and Savannah didn’t find it easy to forgive those who had wronged them and their family. I thought that was a very realistic portrayal. As Christians, we are called to forgive, but it’s not always easy. There was so much betrayal and heartbreak that all of the characters faced in different ways. I thought it was interesting how some used the heartache they faced to become stronger and better people, while others used it as an excuse to do evil.
March 11, 2026
What an ending! I’ve been following this Christian romantic suspense series since the beginning with What We Hide, and book two left me in a serious “I NEED TO KNOW” state. Thankfully, this finale delivered the answers I’d been waiting for.
If you’re new to the series, the story centers on Hez and Savannah and their second-chance romance after divorce and the devastating loss of their young daughter years earlier. She died in a drowning accident at their home, and the grief shattered their marriage. From there the story spirals into all kinds of legal drama—family secrets, college lawsuits, fraud, murder, and plenty of legal mysteries. It almost reads like a Christian legal thriller at times.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this one. I do think the faith elements could have been explored a little more deeply, especially as they process their grief and loss. But I was very satisfied to finally get the answers to the lingering questions that have been building since book one. It’s an engaging, character-focused finale that wraps the series up well.
Content/trigger warnings: grief from the loss of a child (young child drowning; theme throughout the series), clean romance (kisses only), no language, custody battles, kidnapping, and mild violence.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an audiobook copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
If you’re new to the series, the story centers on Hez and Savannah and their second-chance romance after divorce and the devastating loss of their young daughter years earlier. She died in a drowning accident at their home, and the grief shattered their marriage. From there the story spirals into all kinds of legal drama—family secrets, college lawsuits, fraud, murder, and plenty of legal mysteries. It almost reads like a Christian legal thriller at times.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this one. I do think the faith elements could have been explored a little more deeply, especially as they process their grief and loss. But I was very satisfied to finally get the answers to the lingering questions that have been building since book one. It’s an engaging, character-focused finale that wraps the series up well.
Content/trigger warnings: grief from the loss of a child (young child drowning; theme throughout the series), clean romance (kisses only), no language, custody battles, kidnapping, and mild violence.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an audiobook copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The final book in the Tupelo Grove series is a strong, emotionally grounded conclusion that highlights the polished storytelling readers have come to expect from Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. Their collaborative writing seamlessly blends romantic suspense with legal drama, and the prose feels confident, controlled, and intentional. The pacing is well managed, allowing tension to build steadily while still leaving room for emotional nuance and character reflection.
The writing excels in its layering of conflict. External danger, legal maneuvering, and deeply personal stakes are woven together without the story ever feeling overstuffed. The custody battle is handled with care and realism, anchoring the suspense in something deeply human and emotionally resonant. Dialogue is crisp and purposeful, revealing motivation and emotional undercurrents while efficiently moving the plot forward. The legal aspects add credibility and tension without overwhelming the narrative, which speaks to the authors’ skill and restraint.
The audiobook experience further elevates the story. The narration complements the tone of the writing, enhancing both the suspense and the emotional beats. Shifts in tension, urgency, and vulnerability are clearly conveyed through the narrator’s pacing and inflection, making it easy to stay fully immersed. The audio format works especially well for the legal and suspense-heavy moments, allowing the stakes to feel immediate and engaging without losing clarity.
Coble and Acker also bring the series’ themes of redemption and forgiveness to a satisfying close. These elements are woven naturally into the story, never feeling heavy-handed, and the emotional payoff feels earned. While some plot turns follow familiar genre paths, the strength of the writing and the solid audiobook performance keep the story compelling through the final pages.
Overall, this is a well-written and satisfying conclusion that offers both tension and emotional closure. A strong four-star read—and listen—for fans of character-driven romantic suspense.
The writing excels in its layering of conflict. External danger, legal maneuvering, and deeply personal stakes are woven together without the story ever feeling overstuffed. The custody battle is handled with care and realism, anchoring the suspense in something deeply human and emotionally resonant. Dialogue is crisp and purposeful, revealing motivation and emotional undercurrents while efficiently moving the plot forward. The legal aspects add credibility and tension without overwhelming the narrative, which speaks to the authors’ skill and restraint.
The audiobook experience further elevates the story. The narration complements the tone of the writing, enhancing both the suspense and the emotional beats. Shifts in tension, urgency, and vulnerability are clearly conveyed through the narrator’s pacing and inflection, making it easy to stay fully immersed. The audio format works especially well for the legal and suspense-heavy moments, allowing the stakes to feel immediate and engaging without losing clarity.
Coble and Acker also bring the series’ themes of redemption and forgiveness to a satisfying close. These elements are woven naturally into the story, never feeling heavy-handed, and the emotional payoff feels earned. While some plot turns follow familiar genre paths, the strength of the writing and the solid audiobook performance keep the story compelling through the final pages.
Overall, this is a well-written and satisfying conclusion that offers both tension and emotional closure. A strong four-star read—and listen—for fans of character-driven romantic suspense.
March 11, 2026
When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
The final book in the thrilling trilogy is filled with action and deception. Savannah and Hez are still reeling from the events that took place in book one and two. They are trying to overcome the potential threats that are still present in their lives all piecing their lives and Tupelo Grove University back together. Book 3 introduces a new antagonist that just adds to the pressure and brings an added sense of urgency to their lives.
This was an excellent final book of the series that tied together many loose threads and concluded with all the shocking answers being revealed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing a complimentary e-copy of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The final book in the thrilling trilogy is filled with action and deception. Savannah and Hez are still reeling from the events that took place in book one and two. They are trying to overcome the potential threats that are still present in their lives all piecing their lives and Tupelo Grove University back together. Book 3 introduces a new antagonist that just adds to the pressure and brings an added sense of urgency to their lives.
This was an excellent final book of the series that tied together many loose threads and concluded with all the shocking answers being revealed.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing a complimentary e-copy of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This book picked right up where the second book left off and I enjoyed that aspect. This book is a relay treaty on how revenge gets a person no where and that all it does is hurt innocent people. This book had so many little mysteries to solve and I could not believe how many twists were packed into this book. I was glad to see a happy ending for these characters as they have gone through hell to get to this point. This was an interesting series and I really enjoyed it.
This book picked right up where the second book left off and I enjoyed that aspect. This book is a relay treaty on how revenge gets a person no where and that all it does is hurt innocent people. This book had so many little mysteries to solve and I could not believe how many twists were packed into this book. I was glad to see a happy ending for these characters as they have gone through hell to get to this point. This was an interesting series and I really enjoyed it.
March 17, 2026
I read this for a book club and was instantly hooked.
While I have not read any of the previous books in the series, the book does a great job of catching you up on what has transpired and makes me want to go back and read all of the series. You cannot tell there are two authors involved. They blended their voices perfectly.
The story is packed full of one thrilling scene after another with a satisfying conclusion. What the poor couple had to go through is a wild ride and I'm glad my real life is so boring - haha!
While I have not read any of the previous books in the series, the book does a great job of catching you up on what has transpired and makes me want to go back and read all of the series. You cannot tell there are two authors involved. They blended their voices perfectly.
The story is packed full of one thrilling scene after another with a satisfying conclusion. What the poor couple had to go through is a wild ride and I'm glad my real life is so boring - haha!
March 6, 2026
I love Colleen Coble. Her books always have complex characters with detailed backstories. Her plots are always different. I got to read the second book in this series for NetGalley. I enjoyed that one, and I enjoyed this one. Her co-author also adds to these books.
This is a thriller that keeps on going. We have a satisfying ending as well. Clean fiction with an entertaining plot? Sign me up.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
This is a thriller that keeps on going. We have a satisfying ending as well. Clean fiction with an entertaining plot? Sign me up.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
March 22, 2026
Third book does tie up all the loose ends but really stretches how fast building projects and litigation work (two very, very slow processes).
While she does correct a lot of wrongs, the one missed, I think, that would have been good was giving the college its name back. Not just some of the buildings but the institution itself.
Maybe my love for non-fiction is making me too aware to enjoy fiction, for this specific trilogy. Undecided but worth considering.
While she does correct a lot of wrongs, the one missed, I think, that would have been good was giving the college its name back. Not just some of the buildings but the institution itself.
Maybe my love for non-fiction is making me too aware to enjoy fiction, for this specific trilogy. Undecided but worth considering.
March 29, 2026
Wrapping up the March installment of the Christian Fiction Reading challenge… I spent the month happily playing catch up, devouring the entire series (well worth it!)
An underlying real life struggles romance, wrapped up in a pile of crime ring generational feuding and chaos… kidnappings, legal bouts, all sorts of excitement all throughout. I was glad to have planned out daily reading chunks, or I would’ve had sleepless nights, plowing through it all in one sitting!
An underlying real life struggles romance, wrapped up in a pile of crime ring generational feuding and chaos… kidnappings, legal bouts, all sorts of excitement all throughout. I was glad to have planned out daily reading chunks, or I would’ve had sleepless nights, plowing through it all in one sitting!
November 28, 2025
Solid conclusion to the trilogy. If you enjoyed the other two books in this series, you'll enjoy this one as well. I received a copy of When Justice Comes from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. all opinions are my own.
Read
April 1, 2026End of series with all the "bad guys" in jail.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Savannah and Hez are in for a fight to keep Simon! The courts are ivolved in who Simon will be adopted by. I also love the gators in the story.
This one has kidnapping, murders, manipulation and lots of danger!
Find out who killed Ella and Jess? What a read to finish out the series!
This one has kidnapping, murders, manipulation and lots of danger!
Find out who killed Ella and Jess? What a read to finish out the series!
March 8, 2026
I received an advance copy as part of a giveaway. I love Colleen Coble’s books, especially that they’re good, clean mysteries.
This book in the Tupelo Grove series did not disappoint. It answered a lot of questions that the first two leave you with. It also kept me guessing about who all was involved until the very end!
This book was perfect in ending the series and I can’t wait for Colleen Coble to release more books!
This book in the Tupelo Grove series did not disappoint. It answered a lot of questions that the first two leave you with. It also kept me guessing about who all was involved until the very end!
This book was perfect in ending the series and I can’t wait for Colleen Coble to release more books!
January 24, 2026
When Justice Comes is the conclusion of the three book series in the Tupelo Grove series. I do recommended reading the series in order, but feel free to live your live in chaos and jump in the middle. But you may miss some things.
This story brings a custody battle to the forefront. Hez and Savannah get ready to fight the Willard family for custody of her nephew, Simon. But danger lurks on every page, and there are a myriad of possible suspects. Who has the most to gain from silencing Hez and gaining Simon's trust?
I'm convinced Colleen Coble and Rick Acker write in their own genre! This to me is a total family drama more than a romantic suspense, although there's plenty of suspense to go around. Coble dives deep into family dynamics while Acker lends his legal knowledge to the plot. With two feuding families, an untrustworthy father, a blackmail scheme, dealing with loss, and the custody dispute, the characters deal with all the emotional fallout. I love the entire series! It's kept me hooked, and I love the collaboration between Coble's family drama style and Acker's legal thriller. It's a nice mix. I'm a little sad the series is ending.
I listened to the audiobook and it's fantastic. Great narration and it definitely adds to the story to listen to it.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This story brings a custody battle to the forefront. Hez and Savannah get ready to fight the Willard family for custody of her nephew, Simon. But danger lurks on every page, and there are a myriad of possible suspects. Who has the most to gain from silencing Hez and gaining Simon's trust?
I'm convinced Colleen Coble and Rick Acker write in their own genre! This to me is a total family drama more than a romantic suspense, although there's plenty of suspense to go around. Coble dives deep into family dynamics while Acker lends his legal knowledge to the plot. With two feuding families, an untrustworthy father, a blackmail scheme, dealing with loss, and the custody dispute, the characters deal with all the emotional fallout. I love the entire series! It's kept me hooked, and I love the collaboration between Coble's family drama style and Acker's legal thriller. It's a nice mix. I'm a little sad the series is ending.
I listened to the audiobook and it's fantastic. Great narration and it definitely adds to the story to listen to it.
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 18, 2025
I finished this book in less than 24 hours—the suspense was that good. It was great to meet the characters again and see how everything ultimately played out. I won’t give any spoilers, but just know: the twists and turns in this story are plenty, and many of them I truly didn’t see coming. So, brace yourself.
I was deeply moved by how Hez and Savannah fought so hard for Simon. It showed not only how much they loved him, but how deeply Savannah honored Jess—her late sister—and protected her wishes. Their loyalty, resilience, and steadfast love for each other made their relationship feel both hopeful and meaningful.
I also appreciated how neatly everything wrapped up in the end—no loose threads, no lingering questions. It was a satisfying conclusion to the arc, with strong suspense and meaningful moments.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me turning pages from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense-filled stories with a tender thread of romance. I could say you should curl up in your reading nook with this one, but nope—you’ll be on the edge of your seat, flipping pages to see what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was deeply moved by how Hez and Savannah fought so hard for Simon. It showed not only how much they loved him, but how deeply Savannah honored Jess—her late sister—and protected her wishes. Their loyalty, resilience, and steadfast love for each other made their relationship feel both hopeful and meaningful.
I also appreciated how neatly everything wrapped up in the end—no loose threads, no lingering questions. It was a satisfying conclusion to the arc, with strong suspense and meaningful moments.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me turning pages from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense-filled stories with a tender thread of romance. I could say you should curl up in your reading nook with this one, but nope—you’ll be on the edge of your seat, flipping pages to see what happens next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Confession: One hundred percent of me wanted to gobble up When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker as quickly as the advanced copy hit my Kindle a few months ago. BUT I forced myself to wait until the week before its release because I knew it would be the final book in the series and I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters. I honestly couldn’t wait one second longer than that though because this series has lived rent free in my head since one particular sucker punch twist in the first book. And I’m super happy that I don’t have to say goodbye to this writing duo yet since, rumor has it, they have some other collabs in the works. Coble and Acker each know how to deliver a riveting suspense/thriller on their own – combine their powers and you have absolute storytelling magic!
When Justice Comes, as the title suggests, brings to a head all the secrets, deception, and crimes that Hez and Savannah have been up against since What We Hide. In fact, I do highly recommend that you start with What We Hide and then Where Secrets Lie before you read this third and final book. It’s not imperative, I suppose, but if you want to experience the fullness of all the nuanced relationships and the overarching suspense thread (and its twists – oh the twists!!!!) that carries across the series, read the books in order. Or, you know, you can live dangerously and start at the end. UP TO YOU. (haha)
Anyway, back to this book. I’ve been so invested in Hez and Savannah’s journey back to happily-ever-after after a tragedy tore them apart, and this time they’re in a fight for their own lives like never before, one that might block that HEA before they can reach the altar a second time. Not to mention how they are left reeling amid more than one shocking betrayal and a stunning custody battle for Savannah’s nephew Simon. To say I was glued to these pages would be an understatement of the highest order. I wanted that HEA – for them and for Simon. I wanted all the truth revealed. I wanted justice done at last. I even eagerly anticipated seeing a few characters get what was coming to them. But of course Coble and Acker wouldn’t make it that cut-and-dried. There are revelations that I didn’t see coming. Moments where I wasn’t sure who was going to win or what kind of victory it would be – or even who would survive. And, while justice does come at last in this third book, it also has the marks of grace all over it. Which is so. much. better! (And also, yes, the justice was still very satisfying too lol)
Bottom Line: When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is everything I hoped this long-anticipated story would be and then some. I’ve been emotionally invested in these characters since book one, and this conclusion proves that justice (and grace) was worth the wait. But if you think you know how the Tupelo Grove series is going to end, don’t get too comfy. Because Coble and Acker’s stellar co-writing skills have carved out a layered story with relentless tension, high emotional stakes, and twists that pull the rug out from under us. This Tupelo Grove series really does have something for every reader – family feuding, suspense, villainy, financial fraud, legal drama, murder, alligators, grief, joy, custody battles, a coastal campus setting in the deep South, great dogs, redemption, even a little second chance romance… and HOPE. Lots of hope. And When Justice Comes is the perfect finale.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
When Justice Comes, as the title suggests, brings to a head all the secrets, deception, and crimes that Hez and Savannah have been up against since What We Hide. In fact, I do highly recommend that you start with What We Hide and then Where Secrets Lie before you read this third and final book. It’s not imperative, I suppose, but if you want to experience the fullness of all the nuanced relationships and the overarching suspense thread (and its twists – oh the twists!!!!) that carries across the series, read the books in order. Or, you know, you can live dangerously and start at the end. UP TO YOU. (haha)
Anyway, back to this book. I’ve been so invested in Hez and Savannah’s journey back to happily-ever-after after a tragedy tore them apart, and this time they’re in a fight for their own lives like never before, one that might block that HEA before they can reach the altar a second time. Not to mention how they are left reeling amid more than one shocking betrayal and a stunning custody battle for Savannah’s nephew Simon. To say I was glued to these pages would be an understatement of the highest order. I wanted that HEA – for them and for Simon. I wanted all the truth revealed. I wanted justice done at last. I even eagerly anticipated seeing a few characters get what was coming to them. But of course Coble and Acker wouldn’t make it that cut-and-dried. There are revelations that I didn’t see coming. Moments where I wasn’t sure who was going to win or what kind of victory it would be – or even who would survive. And, while justice does come at last in this third book, it also has the marks of grace all over it. Which is so. much. better! (And also, yes, the justice was still very satisfying too lol)
Bottom Line: When Justice Comes by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is everything I hoped this long-anticipated story would be and then some. I’ve been emotionally invested in these characters since book one, and this conclusion proves that justice (and grace) was worth the wait. But if you think you know how the Tupelo Grove series is going to end, don’t get too comfy. Because Coble and Acker’s stellar co-writing skills have carved out a layered story with relentless tension, high emotional stakes, and twists that pull the rug out from under us. This Tupelo Grove series really does have something for every reader – family feuding, suspense, villainy, financial fraud, legal drama, murder, alligators, grief, joy, custody battles, a coastal campus setting in the deep South, great dogs, redemption, even a little second chance romance… and HOPE. Lots of hope. And When Justice Comes is the perfect finale.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: When Justice Comes
Series: A Tupelo Grove Novel Book #3
Authors: Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: March 3, 2026
My Rating: 4.6 rounded up
Pages 352
I am a big Colleen Coble fan. This is number thirty –two 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 Books #1 and #2 so I was looking forward to Tupelo Grove #3 which is the final this this great series.
Story starts where Book 2 left off. We know Hez and Savannah are planning to get married again! We know he had to have brain surgery and the recovery was long and worrisome. Now doing great although not 100% but excited about the upcoming wedding.
Additionally they are getting ready to adopt ten year old Simon whose mother Jessica Legare was Savannah’s half-sister was murdered.
Background – Their mother Marie was married to Pierre Legare and
Savannah is their first child. Jess is the child of Michael Willard and
Marie. There has been a ‘Legare-Willard’ feud going on for years.
Michael knew Marie was Pierre’s true love and he set out to win her.
Story stars with Simon out exploring the nearby sea and is excited with the sea cave he found. Savannah and Hez are both pleased with hearing Simon’s laughter as it is a welcome change as he has been so sad. But they soon hear him screaming as he is struggling in a rip current about 50 yard off shore. Hez knows Simon is in trouble and rushes to his rescue. Hez soon finds his energy is failing. Savannah has called the Coast Guard who are actually somewhat close. However, they find both under water. Both Simon and Hez rescued but need to go to the hospital to be checked out.
There is no doubt there Hez and Savannah love Simon and he loves them but the adoption isn’t a clear case. Simon’s father Erik Andersen comes into the picture, he as well as Grand Dad Michael want Simon but for other reason.
Michael is not a nice man but can be charming and has already fooled Simon. Savannah knows he is involved in criminal things and is a powerful man and usually gets what he wants.
Erik withdraws his petition for custody and sides with Michael.
Savannah and Hez love Simon and now they will be a family. Savannah and Hez’s young daughter Ella drowned several years also. So they as well as Simon have experienced a major loss.
Things get intense as Michael does not want his grandson to grown up a Legare and takes the custody to court.
There was so much going on in this story – Sure kept me glued!
I loved Ms. Coble’s ‘Dear Readers’ where she tells us of the research she and Rick did for this story.- Also enjoyed the thoughtful Book Club Discussion questions.
I enjoyed this series and although it has ended I am hopeful Savannah and Hez pop up in another story. Additionally looking forward to these two authors continue writing together as I sooo enjoy their stories,
Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for granting me this early e Galley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 3, 2026.
Series: A Tupelo Grove Novel Book #3
Authors: Colleen Coble and Rick Acker
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: March 3, 2026
My Rating: 4.6 rounded up
Pages 352
I am a big Colleen Coble fan. This is number thirty –two 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 Books #1 and #2 so I was looking forward to Tupelo Grove #3 which is the final this this great series.
Story starts where Book 2 left off. We know Hez and Savannah are planning to get married again! We know he had to have brain surgery and the recovery was long and worrisome. Now doing great although not 100% but excited about the upcoming wedding.
Additionally they are getting ready to adopt ten year old Simon whose mother Jessica Legare was Savannah’s half-sister was murdered.
Background – Their mother Marie was married to Pierre Legare and
Savannah is their first child. Jess is the child of Michael Willard and
Marie. There has been a ‘Legare-Willard’ feud going on for years.
Michael knew Marie was Pierre’s true love and he set out to win her.
Story stars with Simon out exploring the nearby sea and is excited with the sea cave he found. Savannah and Hez are both pleased with hearing Simon’s laughter as it is a welcome change as he has been so sad. But they soon hear him screaming as he is struggling in a rip current about 50 yard off shore. Hez knows Simon is in trouble and rushes to his rescue. Hez soon finds his energy is failing. Savannah has called the Coast Guard who are actually somewhat close. However, they find both under water. Both Simon and Hez rescued but need to go to the hospital to be checked out.
There is no doubt there Hez and Savannah love Simon and he loves them but the adoption isn’t a clear case. Simon’s father Erik Andersen comes into the picture, he as well as Grand Dad Michael want Simon but for other reason.
Michael is not a nice man but can be charming and has already fooled Simon. Savannah knows he is involved in criminal things and is a powerful man and usually gets what he wants.
Erik withdraws his petition for custody and sides with Michael.
Savannah and Hez love Simon and now they will be a family. Savannah and Hez’s young daughter Ella drowned several years also. So they as well as Simon have experienced a major loss.
Things get intense as Michael does not want his grandson to grown up a Legare and takes the custody to court.
There was so much going on in this story – Sure kept me glued!
I loved Ms. Coble’s ‘Dear Readers’ where she tells us of the research she and Rick did for this story.- Also enjoyed the thoughtful Book Club Discussion questions.
I enjoyed this series and although it has ended I am hopeful Savannah and Hez pop up in another story. Additionally looking forward to these two authors continue writing together as I sooo enjoy their stories,
Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for granting me this early e Galley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 3, 2026.
February 3, 2026
With the way the second book in this trilogy ended, I was anxiously awaiting the conclusion to this story. And it did not disappoint!
In the conclusion to the Tupelo Grove trilogy, we are following Savannah and Hez as they are finalizing their wedding plans and adapting to life with Simon in their lives. Savannah is making good on her promise to right the wrongs of her family's past. And Hez is doing everything in his power to support Savannah and investigate the mystery of the artifact smuggling ring and who has been coming after his family. But neither one of them is aware of the danger lurking in their midst. It is going to take all of their strength and ingenuity to solve the mystery and to stay alive and to keep their family together.
Once of the best parts about When Justice Comes is that Colleen Coble did not immediately pick up where the second book left off. I won't life and say I wasn't frustrated to not immediately get the answer to question I had been pondering since the last line. But I think not telling the reader made the stakes higher and allowed for the reader to go on the journey to discover what happened. And let me tell you, it was a journey. Full of twists and turns and dead ends and a conclusion I didn't see coming. I loved that all of the bread crumbs and loose ends were tied up. I loved that the story managed to tie together every mystery but not make it happen in a way that felt lazy. All the bread crumbs that had been dropped along the way added up to a tense story that kept the reader hooked. I couldn't wait to know what was going to happen next. And oftentimes, just when I thought I had it all figured out, a twist came and knocked me right off my feet.
I also really enjoyed that Colleen Coble never forget how important the relationships were to the story. While the romance/love story between Savannah and Hez wasn't the focal point - it added to the story. It made the stakes feel higher. Not only were you as a reader rooting for them to find a way to each other; you were rooting for them to solve the mystery and beat the bad guys. She also didn't just focus on the relationship between Savannah and Hez, she built in strong friendships for Savannah and Hez. And she played off of the strong relationships for the enemy in the story - showing how family when blindly followed can become too much or ask too much.
The story also presented how grief manifests differently in all of us. Savannah - tried her best to live her life. Hez - initially found his way to the bottom of a bottle. Michael Willard - sought revenge. I think it was an important aspect of the story. To show how grief can destroy us without us ever realizing it. How grief turned revenge can bring out the worst in us, to the point we use people as pawns no matter the damage that is done.
I highly recommended picking up this trilogy. You won't be disappointed by the layered characters, the mystery, and the building of relationships.
In the conclusion to the Tupelo Grove trilogy, we are following Savannah and Hez as they are finalizing their wedding plans and adapting to life with Simon in their lives. Savannah is making good on her promise to right the wrongs of her family's past. And Hez is doing everything in his power to support Savannah and investigate the mystery of the artifact smuggling ring and who has been coming after his family. But neither one of them is aware of the danger lurking in their midst. It is going to take all of their strength and ingenuity to solve the mystery and to stay alive and to keep their family together.
Once of the best parts about When Justice Comes is that Colleen Coble did not immediately pick up where the second book left off. I won't life and say I wasn't frustrated to not immediately get the answer to question I had been pondering since the last line. But I think not telling the reader made the stakes higher and allowed for the reader to go on the journey to discover what happened. And let me tell you, it was a journey. Full of twists and turns and dead ends and a conclusion I didn't see coming. I loved that all of the bread crumbs and loose ends were tied up. I loved that the story managed to tie together every mystery but not make it happen in a way that felt lazy. All the bread crumbs that had been dropped along the way added up to a tense story that kept the reader hooked. I couldn't wait to know what was going to happen next. And oftentimes, just when I thought I had it all figured out, a twist came and knocked me right off my feet.
I also really enjoyed that Colleen Coble never forget how important the relationships were to the story. While the romance/love story between Savannah and Hez wasn't the focal point - it added to the story. It made the stakes feel higher. Not only were you as a reader rooting for them to find a way to each other; you were rooting for them to solve the mystery and beat the bad guys. She also didn't just focus on the relationship between Savannah and Hez, she built in strong friendships for Savannah and Hez. And she played off of the strong relationships for the enemy in the story - showing how family when blindly followed can become too much or ask too much.
The story also presented how grief manifests differently in all of us. Savannah - tried her best to live her life. Hez - initially found his way to the bottom of a bottle. Michael Willard - sought revenge. I think it was an important aspect of the story. To show how grief can destroy us without us ever realizing it. How grief turned revenge can bring out the worst in us, to the point we use people as pawns no matter the damage that is done.
I highly recommended picking up this trilogy. You won't be disappointed by the layered characters, the mystery, and the building of relationships.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews