When Justice Comes

Tupelo Grove #3

by Colleen Coble, Rick Acker

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.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Fiction, Romance, Christian, Contemporary

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2026

About the author

USAToday 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.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun]

4⭐

“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.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.*

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[ANNETTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 !

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.*

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN JUSTICE COMES by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker took me on a wild ride of family loss, justice, that leads to faith, hope, and love. The characters are well-rounded and mostly likeable. I appreciated the pace and flow of the story. I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it for a mature audience.

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down! This page Turner is worth reading every page!

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the characters in this trilogy and were rooting for them all along. I am glad they finally got their justice. I don't know why it took me so long to read something by Colleen. I wasn't sure if her books would live up to the mainstream fiction I love. But as a Christian, I absolutely loved that they prayed and sought God in their troubles. They lived by Christian principals and...the book was not littered with profanity.
Do yourself a favor and read this trilogy! it was so good!

[Ann Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series!! Kept me wondering, engaged, and all the emotions. Enjoyed connections to The Sanctuary series.

[Jamie Frankum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the ending of this series. It turned out great which is always a good thing for me.

[Sherileigh Hernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow wow WOW — this book is going straight onto my “I wish I could erase my memory just to experience this again for the first time” list 🤯📖

How many climaxes can one book have? Apparently… all of them. This isn’t just a plot twist — it’s a full-blown emotional rollercoaster that grabs your heart, your soul, and probably your snacks too, and refuses to let go. At the first peak, I genuinely panicked and checked how many pages were left because it felt like the END end… but nope. It just kept going. And somehow, each twist got better (and more chaotic in the best way).

The first three-quarters? You’re basically swimming (okay, drowning) in unanswered questions, wild theories, and mild emotional instability. Then somewhere around halfway, you’re strapped so tightly into this rollercoaster that you completely forget about all the little Easter eggs from the beginning… until BAM — they pop back up like “surprise!!! remember me??” and you’re left there questioning your entire existence.

And don’t expect a gentle landing either. Oh no. This book hits the accelerator and never lets up — right up to the final chapter, it’s still throwing “OH WAIT WHAT?!” moments at you like confetti.

As a Christian, I also really loved the references to Christ woven throughout — it added another layer of depth that made it even harder to put down.

Now I fully understand why Colleen Coble is a number one bestseller. Stellar book. 10/10. Would emotionally spiral again. I will be reading this again 🙌

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Tupelo Grove series—and what a series it has been!
I've long been a fan of Colleen Coble, but this collaboration with Rick Acker has been dynamite. The conclusion to the roller coaster relationship between Hez and Savannah was nail-biting with high drama and the sweetest romance—this dear couple have seen tragedy left, right, and center and desperately needed their happy ending!
All they want is to be remarried and adopt Savannah's nephew... but family feuds, crime, revenge, secrets, and greed seem to stop them at every turn. The legal aspects are precise without being too in depth, the faith element is gentle but encouraging, the suspense is riveting, and the characters are rich. The setting in Alabama is almost a character in its own right, complete with Spanish moss, gators, and beignets.
I would strongly recommend reading Books 1 and 2 before diving into this one in order to fully appreciate the well-crafted backstory... and I have to say the audiobook is superb!

[Carolyn Hutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will grip you from the beginning and you'd better hold on because it really takes you for a ride. We pick up with characters, Hez and Savannah, as they are now preparing for their wedding and the adoption of her nephew. But as usual, there are hindrances to both of these things. Suspenseful with a lot of Southern charm and romance, this is a fitting finale for the Tupelo Grove series. I love that Colleen Coble and Rick Ackers wrote this series together. Don't pick this one up unless you have some time because you will want to keep reading until the end.

[Libby Backberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. Iearned a lot about Savannah and her nephew, Simin.

[Bethany White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great and fast paced from the beginning. I loved the romance, the Faith content, and the writing. Triggers for grief and death of a child.

[Danyele Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a satisfying ending to the series.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad to have won this author in your Giveaway. Very well written how families and relatives can cause so disharmony. Sadler that Simon had to experience at such a young age. When inheritance is involved, people will do terrible things to get their share and more! I will check if my local library has any of Ms
‘S books available.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When Justice Comes" is the third book in the Tupelo Grove series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. This book was full of twists and turns for Hez and Savannah as they’re trying to navigate life in their prospective roles of running the college as President (Savannah), and as a lawyer for the college (Hez), while also raising their nephew who is in a custody battle with multiple family candidates. They are trying to also get remarried! This book has lots of intrigue, mystery, adventure, and suspense as well as love. Christian morals are woven throughout this book. You can read this book as a stand alone, but I would recommend you read it as part of the trilogy of Tupelo Grove Series (“Where Secrets Lie”, “What We Hide”, “When Justice Comes”). It is definitely a page turner and a book you won’t want to put down!

This is the first book series I have read from Colleen Coble and Rick Acker and I really enjoyed it. It was part of the Christian Fiction Reading Challenge for March, 2026.

[Anna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying conclusion to an intense story. God bless those who lose a child through tragic circumstances.

[K H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that all good series need to come to an end. I wasn’t disappointed with all of the information that came out during this book. I was happy to see what all happened in the end.

[JaTara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending! Forgiveness was huge in this book. Forgiveness is interesting anyway because you forgive and that person continues to ask for it. Forgiveness is freeing even though you have been wronged.

[Anela McMahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read!! Hated to see the end of these characters. Always enjoy Colleen Coble book and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Surprises right up until the end.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Nere · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.