Interview with Colleen Coble and Rick Acker: Forgiveness, Second Chances, and the Suspense Behind When Justice Comes

About this episode

Kelly interviews bestselling authors Colleen Coble and Rick Acker about their collaboration on the Tupelo Grove series and themes of forgiveness and redemption.

Kelly chats with bestselling Christian romantic suspense authors Colleen Coble and legal thriller writer Rick Acker about their powerful collaboration on the Tupelo Grove series and the newest installment, When Justice Comes . In this heartfelt conversation, they share how a simple Pokémon Go notification sparked their co-writing partnership and how their unique blend of plotting and “plancing” brings their suspense-filled stories to life. Kelly and her guests dive into the emotional core of the series—Hez and Savannah’s journey through grief, forgiveness, and the possibility of a second chance after unimaginable loss. With a Southern Gothic setting, decades-old secrets, and themes of justice and redemption, this story explores how faith and forgiveness can transform even the deepest wounds. Colleen and Rick also open up about the personal experiences that shaped their writing, the power of forgiveness in broken relationships, and how God can redeem even the most painful moments in life. Readers will walk away encouraged, reminded that while life brings hardship, God’s grace can bring healing and hope. Listen to the episode here. Meet Colleen Coble Publishers Weekly and USA Today…

People in this episode

Host: Kelly Jo Wilson

Guests: Colleen Coble, Rick Acker

Topics covered

• forgiveness
• second chances
• suspense
• grief
• redemption
• faith

Keywords

• Christian romance
• suspense authors
• co-writing partnership
• emotional journey
• Southern Gothic
• God's grace
• healing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Publishers Weekly, USA Today, ACFW, Romance Writers of America, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, Booksellers Best

Books & works: When Justice Comes, Tupelo Grove series

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