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Tupelo Grove #1

What We Hide

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The past has a way of catching up with us.

Savannah Webster is trying to find her way forward. She and her husband, Hez, have been separated since their two-year-old daughter drowned and he began numbing his grief and guilt with alcohol. She returned to Tupelo Grove University, which her family helped found nearly a century ago, to teach history.

But within twenty-four hours three different grenades fall into her (1) her estranged husband--a former DA--appears in her office asking for her help starting a clinic devoted to freeing wrongly convicted defendants, (2) she discovers paperwork proving that someone is selling off the university's pre-Columbian artifacts, and (3) she finds the body of the university president and falls under suspicion herself for his murder.

With the odds stacked against her, there's no one Savannah trusts to defend her but Hez. The president's murder and the missing artifacts are only scratches on the surface. The only hope they've got is each other, and they're going to have to put their past behind them if they're going to stay alive long enough to uncover all that's hidden.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2024

270 people are currently reading
10.3k people want to read

About the author

Colleen Coble

146books5,812followers
USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. 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 2 million books in print.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 469 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
615 reviews754 followers
July 5, 2024
What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker - 4.5 Stars (Book 1 in the Tupelo Grove Series)

A new series from Colleen Coble - cowritten with Rick Acker - and they do not disappoint! I really enjoyed this one. I was engaged from the very beginning and had to know ALL the things! I read part physical and listened to the audio as well. The narrator was great and did a really great job on the different character voices and emotion. You really felt like you were there in the moment with the characters of the narration.

In this book, Savannah is a professor who works with her sister and CEO, Jess. Her and Jess are complete opposites but very close with one another regardless. We see the story open up with Savannah filing for divorce with her husband, Hezekiah (Hez). They have been separated for 2 years following the events of the death of their young daughter, Ella.

Cut to a professor being murdered, Savannah being accused of the murder, Jess getting involved and obviously keeping secrets, Hez representing Savannah as her lawyer, someone after Savannah, Hez and Savannah trying to work their marriage out and you have the makings of a GREAT romantic suspense story!

I overall enjoyed my time with this and the way it ended, I NEED the next book ASAP! The twists in this were done very well, even if I somewhat figured out some things. :) Loved that cliffhanger at the end either way.

My only complaint is I wanted Hez and Savannah to talk a bit more about their relationship but I understand they were trying to work through the mystery and they were trying to work through their feelings of grief and guilt from the loss of their daughter.

Overall, I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for a complementary copy of the book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Trigger Warning Info: I haven't seen many reviews mention this so I want to take note. This book deals heavily with the death of a child by pool drowning. We see one parent deal with guilt and grief from it, the other with their extreme grief, and how it affects their marriage. Scenes in this book include visiting her gravesite, reliving the experience, a parent talking to another friend who also lost a child and talking through their grief, etc. I wanted to mention this in case anyone is sensitive to that content and needs to be aware before they pick this up.
Profile Image for Marilyn (not getting notifications).
1,067 reviews438 followers
August 5, 2024
4.5 thrilling mysterious stars for What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. Sometimes co-authored books work and sometimes they don’t. This one was brilliant! Both Colleen Coble and Rick Acker brought their distinct styles together as they collaborated on writing this book. What We Hide was a romantic suspense mystery that included courtroom scenes and a fair share of legal battles. I listened to the audiobook of What We Hide that was narrated very well by Karen Peakes. It was fast paced, well written and quite suspenseful. What We Hide took place on the Alabama coast in a place called Pelican Harbor.

Savannah Webster had recently returned to Tupelo Grove University in Pelican Harbor, Alabama as a history professor. Jess, Savannah’s sister, was the CEO of the University. Both sisters had a strong attachment to the university since it had been started by their family. They both wanted the university to prosper and succeed.

Savannah had recently separated from her husband, Hezekiah or Hez as most people called him. They had separated after their two year old daughter, Ella, had tragically died by drowning. Hez had had a really hard time coming to terms with his daughter’s death. He turned to alcohol and pills to block the memories and pain that he felt. Hez pushed Savannah away. For all intents and purposes, Hez had vanished from Savannah’s life for the past two years. Savannah was trying to move forward with her life when Hez suddenly showed up in her office one day. He had finally stopped drinking and taking pills. Hez had cleaned up his life. Did Savannah and Hez still have feelings for one another? Savannah was so hurt by Hez’s actions after their daughter died that she doesn’t know if she was able to trust him not to hurt her all over again.

Coinciding with Hez’s return to Savannah’s life, Savannah discovered that pre-Colombian artifacts were being stolen from the University and the President of the had been murdered by someone. The authorities that were investigating the murder had named Savannah as a very likely suspect. Savannah asked Hez to represent her in these legal charges. When Jess intervened suspicion fell on Jess. Savannah pleaded with Hez to represent Jess in her legal defense. It was apparent that Jess was harboring secrets. Would Hez be able to unravel all the mysterious things that were occurring at the university and prove that neither Savannah nor Jess had any part in them before one or both of them were charged for the crimes?

What We Hide was the first book in the Tupelo Grove series and boy was it a great introduction. There were so many twists, turns and secrets throughout the book. It was told from the POV of Savannah, Hez and third unknown person. The ending was fabulous! What We Hide concluded with a masterful cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series now. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to HarperCollins Christian Publishing/ Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,032 reviews133 followers
June 21, 2024
Colleen Coble is a favorite romantic suspense author and the collaboration with Rick Acker added a great legal aspect to the story. Set on the Alabama coast in the fictious town of Pelican Harbor, this is a great setting with characters from Coble's Pelican Harbor series making an appearance. The emotional story is about a second chance at a marriage damaged by a tragic loss, a workaholic who turned to alcohol and pills to escape the pain, and a general lack of communication. Savannah, a history professor, asks her estranged attorney husband Hezakiah for help when she is suspected of murdering the university president where she teaches. But more is going on and that's obvious right away. This story has tons of secrets and surprises, twists, sabotage, suspense, and mystery that kept me engaged to the end, where we are left with a cliffhanger that makes me anxious to read the next story.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun.
2,104 reviews93 followers
June 26, 2024
It doesn’t take Tupelo Grove University history professor, Savannah Webster, long to realize that she may have been hasty in turning down her estranged husband and former District Attorney, Hezekiah’s request for a second chance. In one moment her life is turned upside down and she realizes she needs his help; the president of the university has been murdered and forged papers associated with the university’s precious artifacts are discovered. With their relationship hanging together by a thread despite sharing the loss of their daughter, can these two manage to work together to save each other? Despite his drinking problem?

As a general rule, I read anything Coble writes but will admit to being hesitant when I noticed it was coauthored. I needn't have worried. This duo crafted a pacey, unpredictable, heart-pounding suspenseful second-chance redemption novel with a fantastic cliffhanger
ending. The addition of a coauthor didn’t affect Coble’s classic faith thread and readers will be watching for Savannah’s reliance on a seemingly silent God.

“I believe in God when He is silent.�

The choice of three distinct POVs gives readers insight into Savannah and Hez’s relationship and provides an opportunity for Coble’s characteristic emotional pull to shine. The unnamed third person’s POV added to the mystery and kept me invested in the story.

This series is off to a great start!

I was gifted this copy Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,154 reviews616 followers
March 20, 2024
Delighted that this is just the beginning of a series by co-authors Colleen Coble and Rick Acker!

Savannah Webster and her sister Jess are both employed by Tupelo Grove University in Alabama. The university has ties to their family which makes them both committed to its success. When crimes surface and the sisters are accused, Savannah turns to her soon to be ex-husband Hez for legal assistance.

I love a good second chance story. Hez has been sober for two years and wants Savannah to see he is a changed man.

The cover is perfect for the story inside.

My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Cara Putman.
Author61 books1,876 followers
March 30, 2025
A twisty tale that saves the best twist for the end. The heroine is a history professor at a university that her family has been deeply involved with� but she is also going through the deep pain of a divorce. Then she stumbles on a body and needs the help of her husband to figure out what happened. A race of events starts, laced with danger, twists and turns.
Profile Image for Anne Wolters.
401 reviews19 followers
March 18, 2024
Savannah Webster has been separated from her husband Hezekiah Webster for several years and only recently filed for a divorce. After the unexpected death of their young daughter, Hez was out of control; drank heavily, popped pills, immerged himself in his work as an attorney and pretty much checked out of life. Now, after rehab he feels he has his life back together and he hopes to also save his marriage.
As Savannah is heading to her classroom at Tupelo Grove University, where she is a professor, she finds Hez is waiting for her. He is hoping to reconcile, telling her he’s been clean for nearly a year. He wants to start a law clinic at the school where she teaches, however, after he realizes, she doesn’t seem to have any interest in him, he takes a job at a law practice, a few hours away.
When some mysteries activities begin to take place on the campus, including a murder that implicate Savannah, she begs Hez to come back to represent her as her attorney. She cancels the divorce petition because she knows he is the best defense attorney. He gets a temporary job in the school of law and together he and Savannah get wrapped up in some unusual, sketchy activities on campus, including another murder.
This book takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster. Many unexplained irregular financial records are discovered and shockingly, a completely innocent person is set up and charged with them all and ends up in jail. A ten-year secret comes to light, the innocent remains in jail, while the perpetrators continue their wrongful, illicit activities.
I can always count on Colleen Coble’s books to keep me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as quickly as possible. This fast-paced book was no exception. Coleen’s books are always clean romantic suspense at its best.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kay Defreese.
650 reviews35 followers
May 14, 2024
What We Hide is a new series by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. Savannah Webber is estranged from her former DA husband Hez. Webster. After a tragedy hit their family Hez could not handle it and took to drinking which of course drove them apart. Savannah teaches at a university and it looks like she may possibly be accused of a crime. The best person to help her is her estranged husband. Lots of twists and turns in the story. and the couple begins to grow closer. Just when you think that the storyline is wrapped up after the bad guy is revealed you realize it is not over. The last chapter is puzzling and will make you anxious to read the next book in the series to find out what is going on with a mysterious character.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Brittany.
1,193 reviews176 followers
June 17, 2024
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.



Profile Image for Samantha | samanthakreads.
244 reviews91 followers
June 21, 2024
I have enjoyed Colleen Coble's previous books and was excited to listen to the audiobook. I enjoyed the narrator and think those listening to their books will like this one! I liked the mystery and suspense in this story, as there were some great twists and turns. But what took away from my enjoyment level was the miscommunication between Savannah and Hez. They spoke to other characters more than each other and it felt a bit immature to me. It became a little repetitive to the point that it started to take away from the mystery for me.

I still think many people will enjoy this mystery suspense book and can feel good reading it as it’s clean of explicit language or content/there is some integration of faith. I will still absolutely read future books by Colleen as I very much like her writing style and previous books she has written.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for sending me an advanced audiobook to listen to and review, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Kate.
Author14 books179 followers
March 4, 2024
Get ready to be hooked! Brace yourself for a thrill ride as Coble and Acker masterfully weave a web of suspense in "What We Hide" where secrets simmer and unexpected twists leave you guessing until the shocking finale.
Profile Image for Parkland Mom.
656 reviews14 followers
November 18, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/2 (4.5 stars)
Read: May 2024
Format: ARC FROM Net Galley (advanced reader copy)
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #12 of 50 � “Written by multiple authors� - bought the audiobook in Nov.

Book #48 of 2024:
This is an intriguing legal suspense novel! The connection to the Pelican Harbor series is a fun bonus. 4.5 stars! Rick Acker is a new-to-me author but I’ve read many novels by Colleen Coble.

Savannah is a relatable, female main character. Separated couple, Hez and Savannah are on the brink of divorce yet still ultimately in love with each other. They have both suffered great loss with their young daughter’s drowning. The pain of such an experience would be overwhelming. Many couples who suffer the loss of a child run into marital stress, separation and/or divorce.

Savannah and Hez are thrown together as client and lawyer after she discovers the Tupelo Grove University President dead in his office. She finds some concerning paperwork concerning apparent sales of ancient artifacts belonging to the university. Through their time together, they are individually reminded of their connection—despite the disapproval of Savannah’s sister. However, their communication and vulnerability are lacking.

As everything becomes even more complicated legally, the element of personal danger grows exponentially. Various layers and twists are uncovered that keep the reader engaged and turning the pages.

Coble and Acker make a good writing team and I found it quite educational as well in regard to artifacts, American university positions and procedures, the American legal system, and more.

I did figure out the “bad guy� early on and suspected the big twist at the end, but a person is never totally sure until all is revealed. This ends with an HEA (happily ever after)�.. or does it?!?! There is a delicious cliffhanger that will definitely have the reader pre-ordering the next book in the series! I know I will be continuing this series!

***My thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest review. My words and opinion are my own. #whatwehide #netgalley #colleencoble #rickacker
Profile Image for Richsonia Hamilton.
262 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2024
This was my first time reading a book by these two authors. Wow, this was a great book. That ending shocked me!!!! I didn’t see that coming. This book ended on a cliff hanger and I’m looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author1 book467 followers
July 8, 2024
I have been giddily eager for What We Hide ever since I first heard about it. Two of my fave suspense authors � Colleen Coble AND Rick Acker?!? Sign me up! I’ve been very impatiently waiting for a new Rick Acker book anyway� and then to find out he’s coauthoring it with Colleen Coble?!? Ahhhhhhhh!! I knew I was in for a great read but oh my goodness, y’all� the TWISTS! There were a couple I suspected but wasn’t sure about � and then a couple I did not see coming at all. Wow. I’m still reeling from one of them that had my jaw dropping in stunned amazement and elation (over what promises to be an exceptional second book) � like that Chris Pratt gif from Parks and Rec.

Savannah and Hez Webster are an estranged couple still dealing with the fallout of a heartbreaking tragedy that drove a wedge in their marriage and sent Hez spiraling into addiction. The last thing Savannah expects is for Hez to show up, clean and sober and asking for a second chance� at least that’s the last thing she expects until she finds a dead body and becomes a suspect for the murder. Fortunately Hez happens to be a fabulous attorney and Savannah is a determined amateur sleuth, and I enjoyed watching them work together to figure out who is behind the murder and why, especially because it provides space for some sweetly romantic sparks to rekindle and allows Hez to show Savannah that he’s really changed. It’s also soon clear that there is much more than murder going on at Savannah’s beloved Tupelo Grove University, and I loved digging deeper into these layers that surprised me more than once. (Cue the Chris Pratt gif again)

Bottom Line: What We Hide by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker is stellar in every way. The seamless writing, the characters, the faith notes (subtle but meaningful), the timing of plot reveals, the twists, the three different narrative perspectives (Savannah, Hez, and a shadowy mastermind), even the cameos by characters from some of the authors� solo novels/series. All of it comes together to create this ideal blend of mystery, suspense, romance, courtroom drama, and a little psychological thriller too, while also giving us relatable and multidimensional characters we can stay invested in. I cannot wait for book two, especially after the way this book ends. Wow! I’m still processing! This is a dynamic author pairing, and I hope there are many more collaborations to come.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at
Profile Image for Debbie Wentworth Wilson.
299 reviews7 followers
September 20, 2024
Lawyer Hezekiah Webster hopes that his wife, Savannah, who had separated from him after he dove into the bottle to deal with his grief over the death of their little daughter is willing to give the new and improved version of himself a second chance. However, Savannah turns him down until she becomes a suspect in the murder of the college president where she teaches. Because she knows no better lawyer, she convinces her sister, the college's CFO, to hire Hez while he represents her. As Hez and Savannah hunt for answers to who killed the president and who is stealing priceless pre-Columbian artifacts from the university, they face dead bodies, blackmail, secrets, betrayal and a growing attraction that never totally died.
Profile Image for Anita.
2,495 reviews208 followers
July 16, 2024
Books about the loss of children are tough for me. Even though I know this is just fiction, it's still tough. The writers bring to life just how tragic that event can be and how many lives it impacts. Their trust in God and their faith is rare to see in a mystery. Couple that with an awesome mystery plot and you have a book that catches and holds the reader's attention.

Savannah Webster is living her life one day at a time after the terrible tragic death of her young daughter and the disintegration of her marriage three years ago. But the pain is constantly with her. She has a job as a history professor at the Tupelo Grove University where her family has had a long history. When her estranged husband shows up at TGU that is just the start of a really bad day. Next, she discovers evidence that someone is selling off the university's pre-Columbian artifacts. What could be worse? How about finding the body of the TCU president and being suspected in his murder.

Hez Webster has spent two years clawing his way to sobriety after the death of his daughter and his decent into a bottle. Now he wants to put his life back together, if his wife will have him. He has changed and now he has to make Savannah see he truly wants another chance. But first he is going to have to save her from a murder charge and find out who the murderer really is.

Samantha has to trust Hez and work with him in order to find out who killed the TCU president and how the missing artifacts fit in. But that is not the only things that are wrong at the university. Samantha and Hez have disrupted to plans of some very dangerous people and they have only each other to depend on.

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.
Profile Image for Cheri Swalwell.
Author70 books60 followers
May 14, 2024
This book was amazing! The writing duo of Coble and Acker is incredible. I loved the story and how it flowed (and kept me guessing) throughout the entire book, but the ending .... oh my goodness! The ending, which is really not the ending because now I can't wait to read Book #2 in this series! Fantastic writing by both of these amazing authors. Highly recommend and can't stop telling my friends about it!
Profile Image for Tabitha.
78 reviews6 followers
May 6, 2024
Colleen Coble has been reeling me in lately! This book that is co-wrote with Rick Ackerman is no different! I don’t like huge cliff hangers, which this book leaves you on. I also felt a bit confused. I knew who did it, but then I didn't, but then again maybe I did. That’s how they’re getting me to come back for part two though!

Savannah is a professor that has long ties to her family. She also works with her CEO sister Jess. Personality wise these two sisters seem to be worlds apart. However, they are close in their own ways. Savannah has recently decided to go forward with a divorce after being separated from her husband , Hezekiah, for two years. After dealing with tragedies she doesn’t think they can come back from it. The university the sisters work at has some very important artifacts in their possession. Someone is after them and begins to murder. Unfortunately, Savannah finds herself as the lead suspect. The best lawyer she knows, that she knows would do it for free too, is her husband. He does agree to help. They are faced with healing, letting go and finding a murder. All while discovering some big news along the way.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson as I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,174 reviews59 followers
July 2, 2024
What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a legal drama with family drama thrown in to carry the plot along. The story is categorized as Christian Mystery and Suspense Romance, but I do not agree with this assessment. The story features Savannah and Hez, who used to be married. Tragedy happened and their marriage fell apart. Now they are back in each other’s lives, they are trying to figure out if they can make this work or not. It reads more like a women’s fiction novel than a suspense novel. Yes, there were missing artifacts, and readers will see the person who is taking them and their point of view, but it does not seem to be a main suspense factor. Yes, the story features a dead body after a couple of chapters, but it really does not have that suspense atmosphere that mystery readers want when reading this type of story. Most of the story features Hez and Savannah arguing and thinking of the tragedy moment that happened three years ago. I was actually bored reading the story. I couldn’t wait for it to be over.

I received a complimentary copy of What We Hide by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Belva W.
676 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Christine Indorf.
1,204 reviews152 followers
July 3, 2024
A new series by Colleen Coble and she co wrote this book by Rick Acker. I really enjoyed this book. The book felt fresh and loved the thrill of the book!! We revisit Pelican Harbor with a new set of characters. I just enjoy the book from beginning to end. So glad I pick this book up! Definitely with the 4 star rating!! Looking forward to book 2!!
Profile Image for Paula Shreckhise.
1,422 reviews121 followers
June 23, 2024
I have always enjoyed books by Colleen Coble, especially the Pelican Harbor series. Rick Acker is a new author for me. This was a great second chance, romance between Hez and Savannah, with a lot of intrigue and suspense on the campus of Tupelo Grove University, where Savannah has a family history. The mystery of artifacts disappearing from the museum stockroom was interesting, and it got tense when her sister Jess was accused of murder. I had a bit of trouble believing that 10 year old Simon could act the way he did. I appreciated the faith talk that Hez had with his cousin. I thought Hez and Savannah needed to have a talk about their history and impending divorce sooner. The suspense was well written, and there were several people who could be candidates for the bad guys, and I did guess one of them. This book set up the next in the series and hints at being quite the suspenseful plot, I will certainly be looking for it.
*I received a complementary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
Profile Image for Milena Bookish❤️.
277 reviews140 followers
May 20, 2024
3.5⭐I had mixed feelings about this one!

I had rather high expectations for this new series, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The story was a bit slow and dragged on for too long. Savannah and Hez are separated because her daughter died and Hez drowned his grief and guilt in alcohol. After two years of being clean, he asks for a second chance. She immediately rejects the idea, wanting to move on and get divorced. However, she finds herself in trouble and needs her husband's help as they suspect her of a murder tied to someone selling off the university’s pre-Columbian artifacts.

I found that the story lacks communication between the two main characters as they try to cope with the pain of losing their daughter. The scenes involving them feel immature and not very well thought out. Additionally, they spend more time discussing their issues with other characters rather than with each other. They hardly interact or share any scenes. I also found the repetitive dialogue and the problems excessive... and then there's Simon causing more unnecessary trouble. Can a ten-year-old order an Uber?

I was intrigued by the university setting in the book. The plot had many twists and turns, revolving around a dysfunctional family and suspenseful elements. While the identity of the villains was predictable if you are good at guessing, the twist at the end was still shocking. Overall, I think it sets up well for a second book. This is a clean romance, but I don't think it qualifies as a Christian Romance

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,078 reviews
March 19, 2024
What We Hide is an intriguing and complex mystery. It’s also very intense and emotional. Savannah and Hez, an estranged couple, are both living with the intense pain of losing a child, while Hez also deals with overcoming alcoholism and guilt. They are brought back together when first Savannah, then her sister, are accused of murder and are drawn into a mystery surrounding missing artifacts. There were a lot of twists, several surprises, and many misunderstandings, hard feelings, and misgivings to overcome as they try to uncover the truth. I was fascinated and hooked from the beginning. As a fan of Colleen Coble’s books, I also enjoyed this return to Pelican Harbor and “reuniting� with police chief Jane Hardy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Tara B..
90 reviews16 followers
March 26, 2024
Coble and Acker combine their talents to weave a romantic suspense filled with intrigue and questions.
Estranged married couple, Hezekiah and Savannah, find themselves face to face with one another and the pain of their past. Now embroiled in a murder investigation that centers around historic Tupelo Grove University, the deep roots of ill-gotten treasure, and a past that continues to haunt their every day lives; will their marriage be able to heal or are the breaks too deep?
I found the first half to be a little slower than a usual suspense, but the second half was filled with excitement and twists that made it hard to out the book down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: July 2,2024.
Profile Image for Neha Jain.
98 reviews30 followers
September 7, 2024
Format : Audiobook 🎧
Narrator : Karen Peakes

New favourite Mystery author !! This is my second book by Colleen Coble and I have rated both of them 4 stars, keeping my fingers crossed to score a hat trick.
This one is legal thriller with a dash of Courtroom drama, thanks to co-author Rick Acker.

Story revolves around Savannah, a professor at TGU, who becomes a prime suspect in murder investigation of a colleague. In the tough times, she could only think of one perfect lawyer, her ex-husband, Hez. oh should I call him that, what exactly is their relationship status?, when Savannah herself is confused, how can I be sure. Anyways, what follows is the chase to unveil the actual killer.

Its fast paced and romantic tension between leading characters adds to the mystery. The courtroom scenes are beautifully accomplished, Rick Acker's DA experience reflecting at its full potential. It has just landed me to add more Courtroom thrillers in my TBR 🙈 The book is narrated in third person including an anonymous narrator, that was a good creative choice and the reveal was unexpected for me. The ending is executed like a post credit scene in a the cinematic universe movies. Reader gets a closure for this book but a sneak peek or excitement on what more will these characters do in the next book.

Colleen Coble seems to be perfect at meshing romance in a thriller novel. The guilt, regret and confusion to cross the border between revisiting or letting go, of a broken relationship is so relatable. "How did they even get here ?"strikes such a personal note, beware of the trigger warning and probably fuel to unreal expectations. The continuous battle between mind and heart is real, "Life wouldn't change unless made a conscious effort to repair it."

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Trigger Warning : Child death, Divorce / Breakup, Alcoholism
Verdict : Recommended, delivers what it claims.
Profile Image for N.Y. Dunlap.
Author2 books46 followers
June 24, 2024
Colleen Coble and Rick Acker’s new book, What We Hide, introduces a fresh setting that differs from Coble’s usual stories (and Acker is a new author to me). I imagined a thrilling story set at Tupelo University, filled with suspenseful scenes and hidden secrets.

The introduction of the first person POV character was a clever move—I was completely caught off guard, despite my suspicions about their hidden secrets. I mistakenly believed the perspective belonged to another character (no spoilers, I promise).

The second chance romance in the story intrigued me the most, despite my usual preference for suspense. I really wanted Savannah and Hez to hash it out earlier.

Despite the lack of a “Hatfield and McCoy� angle with Savanah’s family and the previous owners of the college, which I anticipate will be addressed in book two, I enjoyed this story. To sum up, I’m filled with anticipation for the next installment in the series.

I received this book through Net Galley and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for tei hurst.
233 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2024
sometimes there are books you read that you need made into movies stat: and this is one of them.

right from the start, savannah and her almost-ex-husband’s relationship drew me in, and the constant will-they-won’t-they was an EASY highlight of the book. between the well written characters and multiple faceted case that kept me guessing at every turn (and then left me with an INSANE cliffhanger!) this is easily one of the best books i’ve read so far this year� and the next instalment is something i’ll be waiting on the edge of my seat for.

it’s also interesting to note that although a book written by two authors, their styles and tones blended together seamlessly.

i received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book. opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
442 reviews52 followers
August 4, 2024
Savannah and Hez have a troubled past. She's moved on and is finding success and possible tenure at TGU. But the Hez pops back into her life asking for a second chance, around the same time she had filled for divorce. She cuts off all explanations and ideas of a reconciliation... that is until she is being framed for a murder and needs Hezekiahs help. It's as he is helping her, and eventually her sister, that all the feelings for him she realizes are NOT gone. But the divorce has been filed and their past may be too hard to overcome... In the midst of all the relationship troubles TGU is struggling. Criminal activity is all over their books, someone in the police department is dirty and the people are showing up dead left and right. What is going on?! Who is behind all of this? Do Hez and Savannah stand a chance?

I really liked this story. I like romance mixed with suspense. For me... the suspense took over the storyline as did the details. So for me... the romance was more of a 3 star and the suspense a 5 star making me give it a 4 star rating. A 4 star rating also means that I enjoyed the story, but it was more of a one time read, which is the case with this story. I am not sure if I'll read the follow-up. It's written well, but romance is my favorite and this one isn't as much a romance, as it is a suspense and mystery story.

Thank you to Netgalley for the free copy of this book. The review wasn't required.
Profile Image for Angel.
530 reviews49 followers
July 17, 2024
"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.
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