This contains an audiobook review as well.

This is my first book by Colleen Coble or Rick Acker. I had decided that I was in the mood for a bit of a romantic suspense story. I wasn't sure how "scary" this was going to be, not having read anything by either author. I picked this one simply for the fact that it is the beginning of a series. I hoped I wouldn't be lost or confused by characters that I had been introduced before. I don't like thrillers, but I can take some mild suspense/mystery. This book delivered perfectly.

I'm not one that necessarily tries to figure out mysteries. I tend to enjoy being led by the author and having the surprise revealed to me naturally. I did find myself taking some guesses in this book though. It was fun. I will say that I was a little lost in parts of the more detailed legal moments, but that didn't affect my enjoyment at all.

I did listen to the audiobook. It is read by a single narrator that is female. She does a fantastic job! There are several different accents that she nails perfectly. There are characters of different ages, that she performed so well. I was cheering her on as I was listening. I highly recommend this audiobook!

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this book. I am happily and voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Christian Publishing publishing for the Audio ARC of What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker.

This audio production was well done and the narrator did a good job with the reading and transitions. The overall story was good but not really a book I would have completed if it weren’t audio.

Savannah is trying to find her way after the tragic loss of her daughter cause the separation between herself and her husband, Hez. She returned to Tupelo Grove University, which her family helped found over a century ago, to teach history. She is also closer to her sister and rebuilding that foundation.

When Hez turns up in her classroom asking for a second chance, she rejects the idea and cannot trust him. Savannah quickly changes her mind when she under suspicion for murder. Hez is the best attorney she knows and she implores him to help if she hold back the divorce. The murders tend to go deeper when the smuggling of artifacts and embezzling is uncovered. Things shift from her sister.

Family secrets, lost love, deception, lead this novel. The overall concept was great and the series is likely a winner but I won’t be reading passed book 1.


Audio Pub Date: July 2, 2024
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I like both prongs of this legal suspense from Coble and Acker. It was fun to follow the trail of who is behind illegal artifact sales, and I switched suspects several times. The legal aspect, which is new in a Coble book, was well done thanks to co-author Acker. I also appreciated the realistic way characters dealt with the aftermath of a deep loss. Divorce, alcoholism, drug-abuse, grief, recovery, being angry with God and asking questions of God added realism and depth to the story. Peakes performance deftly represented regional accents and varying ages and made this a great listen. This is a fine start to a new series. Recommended.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). This poignant biblical quote sets the stage for Colleen Coble and Rick Acker’s collaborative novel, What We Hide, a blend of suspense, romance, and spiritual depth.

History professor Savannah Webster's life shattered after losing her toddler and her marriage collapses. Amid her research on the Willard Treasure, pre-Columbian artifacts with a shadowy past at Tupelo Grove University, Savannah stumbles upon forged provenance letters, hinting at a sinister plot to steal from the collection.

Matters worsen when her estranged husband, Hezekiah, reappears seeking reconciliation, only for Savannah to find herself embroiled in a murder investigation soon after rejecting him. Desperate to clear her name, Savannah reluctantly partners with Hez to uncover the truth behind the crime while navigating their unresolved feelings and the painful memories of their daughter's death.

Coble and Acker, masters in their respective genres of suspense and legal thrillers, deliver a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Although Savannah occasionally falls into the role of damsel in distress, and the prose can be repetitive, the story enriches readers with its heartfelt exploration of second chances and the healing power of faith. The plot is rife with twists and turns, ensuring a gripping read that holds the reader’s attention throughout.

What We Hide is a promising start to what could be an engaging series, blending mystery with a tender love story. I supplemented the eBook with audio, and the narrator does a great job. Fans of Coble and Acker will find much to enjoy in this collaboration, and I eagerly anticipate what comes next. 4 stars.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a complimentary copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Savannah has separated with her husband, Hez, and returns to her hometown to teach at the local university. Something happens and she is suspected for murder, she has no choice but to ask her ex for help.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Nerve racking and suspenseful. The Christian aspect made me nervous. But it wasn’t overbearing at all and didn’t take from the story itself.
I didn’t love the cliffhanger ending. But it does set up a second book nicely.

I felt the story was too drawn out and could've been shortened for a more enjoyable experience. The narrator did well in the different voices. I feel that this is very much like Agatha Christie meets Frieda McFadden plus a Christian side which I did enjoy.

4 Stars ✨

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced audio copy of What We Hide, in exchange for an honest review.

“God doesn’t always call us to understand, though, does he? But he always calls us to trust him."

Audio Version 🎧

I haven’t read many Colleen Coble books before, so I don’t have a huge range here- but I must say, out of the ones I have read, this is my favorite. I think teaming up with the other author for this series was a great idea for her and it added a new fresh element to her writing. I enjoyed the story, it seemed to have depth. The narrator was fantastic. I can also tell, from the courtroom scenes and lawyer talk, that Acker knew his stuff. There were faith elements lightly sprinkled in, with mystery, suspense and romance. Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged . It deals with loss, grief, and the emotions for overcoming addiction in a marriage. This one ended on a cliffhanger and I am definitely interested in seeing where this goes.

I really didn’t want this book to end! What We Hide is a great story written by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. It is about a couple who experience a tragedy and the recovery process. The same couple is also thrust into a murder and theft investigation though, which draws them even closer. Very well written and very good. I really liked it. Hope to read more by them!

Hold on for a wild ride! High stakes, raw emotions, accurate legal descriptions and process, and an all-out captivating mystery with extraordinary writing. Colleen Coble and Rick Ackers are a dynamic duo. Start with the characters. Savannah is trying to move on with her life after multiple losses. She has maintained her friendly countenance and enjoys working with students and completing her research. She has friends and she is moving on with her life. Hez is complex and much more open with his struggles. He has made poor choices in the past and he is successfully taking steps to rebuild his life. He is determined to rebuild with Savannah, but her quick rejection leaves him unsure about his next steps. When Savannah needs Hez to represent her and a complex case ensues, the story becomes impossible to put down. The legal intricacies, the historical details of the artifacts and the school, the relational dynamics of all the characters, and the twists are just enthralling. While I was fairly suspicious of who the guilty party was, the development, buildup, and delivery were so well executed.
I particularly enjoyed the audiobook narration. Karen Peaks was able to effectively capture the characters, male and female, as well the nuances in a way that carried the story and brought it to life in my mind’s eye.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

What We Hide is a wonderful new coauthor venture between Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. It’s a mystery thriller with legal, historical, and collegiate themes, making it a gripping story.

Savannah Webster and her sister Jessica both work at Tupelo Grove University, which was originally founded by their distant relatives. Savannah returned to teaching history there to try to heal from, and move on after her daughter tragically passed. Her soon-to-be ex-husband, Hezekiah, has very recently returned from his 2 year estrangement, which he needed to recover from the alcohol abuse that he turned to in grief. He had lost his local job as an attorney because of this, as well.

Within a day, Savannah is suspected of murder, as she finds a coworker’s corpse, and was seen accusing him of theft and fraud, as well as arguing with him. She needs help, and she felt that Hez was her only hope.

Life gets considerably more complicated for the entire family, and what feels like the whole town, as more and more secrets are revealed and a web of lies, theft, murder, and lots of spying are also uncovered, casting blame and doubt on almost everyone. Will they find the true mastermind in time?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Christian Publishing for the intense and satisfying audio ARC!!!

What We Hide is a wonderfully suspenseful start to a series! I was hooked from the beginning until the end! I read it in two sittings! Savannah and Hez have separated after tragedy and grief wreck their lives. Mystery and intrigue surrounding stolen artifacts keep them working together. This second chance romance was beautifully written. The ending was superb and left readers wanting more right away! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.
YouTube Review: 06/19/2024
YouTube Handle: KeenCat

This was such a good audiobook. It just flew by. I might have to listen to it again. I will definitely recommend it to my fellow readers.