I'm happy to have gotten in on the first book in a new series, and I'll definitely want to continue. The backstory of the two main characters was just heartbreaking and the dynamic between them added another layer to the main story of the murder and other crimes that have been committed. I like when I become invested in the characters and am really pulling for them, which happened here. Looking forward to number 2.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook in exchange for this honest review.

The storyline and suspense/mystery was good, although fairly predictable. I thought each chapter had a good progression of the plot unfolding and plausible scenarios.

I was not a fan of either MC. I really disliked Savannah a lot. She was so self absorbed and self centered, only thinking how everything affected her, was completely void of empathy and grace, and didn’t bother to consider how anything would affect Hez, or caring enough to ask. Every scenario was completely about her.

Hez was just incredibly oblivious when it came to Savannah, which felt a little too far out of character with his occupation as an attorney. And of course, he also refused to have conversations or ask questions, which again, felt out of character.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions are mine.

Savannah Webster, history professor at Tupelo Grove University, the school her family helped found over a century ago, is shaken when her estranged husband reappears in her life. Hez Webster comes to Tupelo Grove to reunite with Savannah after a tragedy and his subsequent problems with alcohol drove them apart. Neither of them realize that they're going to confront much more than the ghosts of their past.

First off, I must comment on the audio portion of the book experience! I am a huge lover of audiobooks and this one did not disappoint! Though, I could have done without the narrator's rendition of adult male voice, she hit it out of the park with her voice for little Simon. Oh, my goodness. Just absolutely brilliant (as Simon would probably say...) Her general narration was very pleasing to listen to as well. The adult male voices done by female narrators is a pet peeve of mine. I hardly ever enjoy them, so I wouldn't really count that against her.

I loved this! It was a little strange reading something with such a familiar tone (I've read tons of Colleen Coble) at times, yet very different at other times. I know the authors have talked about how they tried to blend their writing styles, but it seems fairly obvious which parts Acker took the lead on. Not to say that's a bad thing! Their styles flow very well together, just as someone who has read so many of Coble's works, I could pick out the differences.

The plot was fantastic. It definitely kept me guessing, and the little history tidbits really kept me engaged along with the thrilling plot lines. I didn't know what to expect from one moment to the next. In addition to Coble's usual romantic suspense, there was a grittier undertone to some of the plot that really elevated it. The characters - as per usual - had so much depth, but you also feel for them almost instantly. Even without knowing all the details of their histories, you just want to root for them. You want everything to be okay, and I love that.

The BEST part of What We Hide, though, was the ending!!! I NEVER, ever saw that coming. I was floored, stunned, jaw dropped (literally!!). Never would have guessed. Great twist, great way to end that leaves you filled with dread and wanting more! I must know what happens next, must know what is to become of Hez and Savannah and Simon!!! And Tupelo Grove!

This was a great first in the series offering by renown faith-based authors, Coble and Acker. This was action-packed start to finish with good character development and dialogue throughout. I liked the perspectives of multiple points of view as well. I am intrigued to see where this Hawaii-based series goes next since we were definitely left hanging at a great spot. I'm curious to see the dynamic between Hez and Savannah grow.
The narrator was pleasant and added to the story as she was able to capture all characters and accents with ease.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC. All opinions are mine.

Wow I was really taken in by this book, great narration, great story! Savannah and her ex-husband, Hez, are divorced after a tragedy that took place. Savannah is trying to move on my starting over at the University which her family help found. Somebody is murdered and Savannah is a potential suspect so she calls Hez because he's an attorney and is sure she can trust him. This book had some twists and turns but none of them were shocking. It was enough to keep me engaged but I felt like it was a bit predictable. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook.

Well written story, but I almost feel like I need to go back and read it again to fully understand what happened. Some of the aspects of the plot were predictable, but I was so engrossed into the story, I didn’t mind. I absolutely loved the religious nuance and thought the references to scripture and faith were well written into the story in a fluid way. The shifting perspectives were hard to grasp at times, but it became clearer throughout the book who was narrating. I binged this book in less than 48 hours, but I do wish the ending was a bit more clear. Maybe there will be a continuation of the story with these characters!

I realize I'm in the minority here and I dislike being critical, but this book just wasn't for me. The main characters (ex-spouses) never seemed to learn how to communicate and apparently were not great at keeping track of children. I just found myself rolling my eyes and shaking my head at the most unbelievable things happening. Even the kid was irritating and got on my nerves lol. There wasn't enough suspense to be called a thriller, perhaps a mystery with a stab at romance. I listened to the audio version, and I will say that I thought the narrator did a good job and her voice was pleasant. My thanks to the publisher for providing the audiobook via NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

This one has a great premesis but it did not keep my attention very well unfortunately. Too much switching of POVs in a confusing way and timelines. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

I liked the storyline of a school with artifacts missing , intriguing Suspense, ended on a surprise cliffhanger , cant wait for book two to see where this story will go next .The narrater was great , kept me engaged .

This gripping suspense is one of the best by Colleen Coble and first I've read by Rick Acker.! I finished it within 24 hours because it was too nerve wrecking to to set aside. I can't wait for book two! So many plots, suspicious people and a cute British boy that will steal your heart despite all the unintended trouble he causes. A must read, if you like legal suspense, family secrets, and broken relationships! I rate a 5 out of 5. This is one of my fave reads this year, hands down!!

What We Hide is the kind of book that I can see myself recommending a LOT. It has something that will interest every type of reader and is a definite page turner from beginning to end.

The book follows FMC Savannah, a college history professor, who early on becomes the main suspect in a murder investigation. The MMC Hez, is her recovering and estranged, not yet ex husband, and attorney. Hez agrees to defend her while using the proximity to show Savannah his improved self in hopes of mending old scars and recapturing her heart. The story gets really interesting with many unexpected elements, twists, and turns that are sure to keep the reader engaged.

This book was a collaboration between two authors, Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, and wow, did they do an amazing job! I can tell without knowing anything about the authors that one has experience in the legal realm. The MMC is an attorney and the authors knowledge and experience of legal and courtroom procedures shines through beautifully without becoming daunting or losing the reader to legal jargon. Both authors did a great job infusing the book with their expertise. It was the perfect balance of story telling, mystery, romance and the pace was JUST right. It was truly seamless and very artfully done.

Thank you to @NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the complimentary ALC. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I'm normally not attracted to books with religious overtones, but Colleen Coble is an exceptional author. While there are subtle references to God and religion, it's not overt and I think anyone would enjoy this mystery/romance/legal novel. The story involves a couple who have been separated for years, following the tragic death of their small daughter. The attorney husband returns to the town where his wife is teaching and asks for a second chance, since he's in recovery from alcohol/drug addiction. She's reluctant to be hurt again. But, as she becomes a suspect in the murder of her university president, he is asked to defend her and together they investigate some artifact thefts at the school.

This book has several facets which make it attractive to a wide audience. There's the whole legal aspect of attorney defending an innocent person and investigating events. And, there's the personal interactions between an estranged couple, between a woman and the controlling man who pursues her, and between two sisters. Finally, there's the whole mystery of what's happening to the artifacts being stored at the university, as well as the question of who killed two people. And, it doesn't all come out as one would expect or hope. Thus, it makes for a very intriguing novel, the first of what will become a series focused on these characters. I'm anxious to see what comes next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing an advance review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions, sadness, happiness, anger, etc. The characters are well written and if you listen to the audiobook the voice is fantastic! Each character is easily distinguished and the amount of emotion put in is fantastic! I would recommend this book if you like suspenseful novels that keeps you on your toes throughout.

"What We Hide", book 1 of the Tupelo Grove series, by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, is a great thriller and love story.

The setting is modern day at a fictional college in Alabama. The mystery is very valuable pre-Columbian artifacts from a collection that go missing. Then there is a murder.

The main characters are Savannah and Hezekiah (Hez) Webster. She is a college professor, and he is a defense attorney and part-time college instructor. They are married, but their marriage is on the brink of divorce after the death of their toddler daughter.

The story gets to be quite exciting. There is also a lot of religion and prayer, of which I would prefer less. The narrator, Karen Peakes, did a great job with all the voices and the emotions.

Characters - 5/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 37/8 = 4 5/8 rounded up to 5 stars.

I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy thrillers with romance. I'll be looking for the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Christian Publishing/ Thomas Nelson Fiction, and authors Colleen Coble and Rick Acker for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve enjoyed Colleen Coble’s books for years. She’s an excellent writer, and her descriptions of Tupelo Grove made me feel like I was actually in Alabama. I also enjoyed the more legal thriller aspect to this story. However, this was definitely not my favorite Coble story. At first, I was very intrigued by the idea of the two main characters being married previously and needing to reconcile, but there was such a lack of communication between the characters that I started getting frustrated with them. I also didn’t appreciate that the characters seemed just okay with divorce through most of the book even though they are supposedly Christian (there’s never a point where they were like, we shouldn’t get divorced because God hates divorce). But I did like the story overall, and the epilogue makes me very intrigued to read the rest of the series!

A big thank you to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio, and NetGalley for sending me an advanced audio copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

A couple torn apart by loss and alcoholism, missing pre-Colombian artifacts from her work place, and a set of murders to solve… Savanah and Hezekiahs marriage has been in shambles and they’ve been separated for a couple of years now, but when Savanah is under suspicion for murder Hez is her go to attorney. Will this mystery be what saves their relationship? Or will it push it further down into the rabbit hole? The Tupelo grove series first novel: What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is PACKED with suspense as well as romance. The two authors writing perfectly intertwines constructing a heart wrenching masterpiece that will have your brain doing a double take.
This series is one to look forward to, and I recommend this to anyone who likes to stay on the edge of their seats. The story did start slow but I feel that it was important for the build up of the plot especially as this is the first in a series. Despite its slow start it hooks you right away. The characters are intriguing, and their flaws are perfectly displayed and revealed at just the right time. Sometimes the dialogue or the characters thoughts can be repetitive but perhaps that was on purpose. I typically find that sort of thing annoying however, in this case I found it rather suiting. The characters are under a heavy amount of stress as well as grief, providing this trait welcome homage to in bed itself here. The main characters are on a healing journey, navigating a number of things so there is bound to be some repetitiveness to their thoughts and words though this will probably be a controversial subject in reviews. Other than those two points I think everything else was laid out just right and that this series will be liked by numerous types of readers.
The plot is quite interesting, and by the end you’ll surely want more. I can’t wait to check out the rest of this series, however before I end this review I would like to point out some content warnings. This novel and most likely the rest of the series will include topics like: child loss- specifically the child drowning in a pool, abduction, alcoholism, and signs of PTSD.
As for the audio review, I feel Karen Peaks was a great choice for this audiobook. She works really hard to provide a variety of voices while speaking clearly and displaying the implied emotions with her voice. I think she is one of my favourite narrators and I hope to listen to more of her work.
Lastly, I would like to say thank you to NetGalley, as well as HarperCollins Christian publishing, and more for granting me a chance to review this ARC. It was an honour to review this book and I can’t wait to read more.

This book blew me away. I lived it. I had sort of guessed about one bad person. Didn't like them from the start. But I really got invested in the other characters. Omgosh guys, you can't leave us like this! Hurry with the next book! It's not a cliffhanger but whew. My favorite thing was the bible verse on the daughter's tombstone about where your treasures are, there also will be your heart. Something like that. The authors' will never know how much they touched my life with that. I was needing that eye opener right now.

The narration was excellent! Very good different voices.

I love that more authors are mixing thrillers and romance. Maybe they’ve always been out there but the ones I’m reading now have been so darn good- this one included! This one had me until the epilogue which is the only reason it lost a star. I knew there was more to it, maybe there is a sequel coming? Either way, the romance was great and the grief felt so real. I love the Christianity aspect of it and how that wove itself into the book very tastefully. I’d highly recommend this one!

This was a good story and leads to a series, I didn’t like the sister at all nor did I trust her. Though I really loved Savanna and Yas and would love to see what’s next in this crazy up and down story about corruption and much more.

What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. It is a terrific collaboration of the two! It had me guessing throughout the book of what was going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am looking forward to another book from them.

Savannah Webster is not sure what her future holds.. She and her husband, Hez, have been separated since tragedy tore them apart. He numbed his grief with alcohol. She returned to Tupelo Grove University, which her family helped found over a century ago, to teach history. When a death happens on the campus, is she to blame? Will Hez come to her aid? The only way to survive is to help each other and put the past behind them.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the advanced reader copy.