I enjoyed the twists and turns to this mystery, though I felt like it moved a bit slow at times. I look forward to where the next book goes!

What We Hide by Colleen Coble an Rick Acker is a thrilling romantic suspense that left me on the edge of my seat. The two authors styles went together flawlessly and I couldn't tell who wrote which part which was something I was worried about when starting the book. I loved the characters of Savannah and Hez and the emotion of their relationship. I can't wait to read the next book in this series especially after the cliffhanger at the end.

"What We Hide" is the first book in the "Tupelo Honey" series co-authored by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. This book centers around Savannah Webster and her ex-husband, Hezekiah "Hez" Webster. Savannah is a professor at Tupelo Grove University who is struggling to recover from the loss of her daughter and her crumbling marriage. When she gets caught in the middle of a mystery (historical artifacts from the University archives have gone missing) that then leads to the murder of the University president, she's forced to turn to her ex, a lawyer, for help defending herself. But when her sister, who also works for the University, is accused if being involved in the murder-for-hire scheme, how far will Savannah and Hez go to defend her?

I thought Acker added some gravitas to this book that is usually missing in Coble's other books. This was an easy read and I liked the cliffhanger at the end! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I have been provided with a review copy of this title from NetGalley for an impartial review. I was just drawn into this story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. I was so disappointed to turn the last page and I immediately wanted more. I can’t wait to see what's next from this author.

When I saw who wrote this suspenseful series, I knew I had to read it. These authors are wonderful on their own, but as a dynamic duo, they are the best. I was hooked from the beginning, as the story unfolds in the small town of Tupelo Grove, where readers meet individuals who will touch their hearts as secrets are revealed, through a captivating mystery that will keep you guessing right up till the end.

This is a page-turner you won't want to miss. The story will be perfect for your book club discussion. The writers have designed an outstanding book club kit that you should check out. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, Where Secrets Lie, which will be released on July 1, 2025.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Another great story by this author. I always enjoy the twist and turns in her writing. Again one I didn’t want to put down until I was finished.
Thanks for the advanced copy.

This was my first time reading a book by Colleen Coble, and what a great read it was! Filled with twists and turns, Savannah sets off a string of events that has her world collide with Hez, her estranged husband. While trying to fix her personal life as she's pushing Hez away, she is struck with a situation that does the polar opposite, drawing Hez back closer than ever before. What this book does, is not disappoint. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. All I can say is I can't wait for the next book either, lol. Highly recommend!!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

It’s been a long time since I finished a book and sat there with my jaw dropped in shock… but that’s exactly what happened when I read this one!!!! Such a stunning twist!!! Enjoyed every moment of reading this one. Fast-paced, action packed, interesting characters and obviously unpredictable!!! Highly recommended!!!

What We Hide
A Tupelo Grove Novel
by Colleen Coble; Rick Acker
Pub DateJul 02 2024
Thomas Nelson Fiction |Thomas Nelson
General Fiction \(Adult\)| Mystery & Thrillers| Romance


Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley sent me a copy of What We Hide to review:


This book has a little bit of everything fromThere is something for everyone in this book from
Mystery And intrigue to romamce.



There are family secrets. Mistakes made in the past. And the truths that refuse to stay buried


Savannah Webster is trying to figure out how to move forward. She and her husband, Hez, have been separated since tragedy tore them apart and he began drinking alcohol to numb his guilt and grief. She returned to Tupelo Grove University, which her family helped found over a century ago, to teach history.


When Hez appears in her classroom asking for a second chance, she rejects the idea immediately. Nevertheless, twenty-four hours later, she is under suspicion of murder, and since Hez is her best lawyer, she reluctantly seeks his assistance. .It is suspected that someone is selling off the university's pre-Columbian artifacts, but the secrets go much deeper than they realize.


In order to stay alive long enough to uncover everything that's hidden, they're going to have to put their past behind them.



I give What We Hide five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Two great authors, Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have written a fast paced edge-of-your-seat thriller!
An unbearable loss has torn apart Savannah and Hez's marriage. Hez has turned to the bottle. Savannah has returned to Tupelo Grove University to teach history. Her family helped found the University long ago. Her sister, Jess, is the CFO there, and is happy to have Savannah on staff.
Just as Savannah has had divorce papers drawn up, Hez shows up asking for a second chance. He claims to be sober now. He, also wants to start a Justice Center at the school. Jess is not happy with his presence at all.
Then, things start to happen. Savannah is accused with murder, and she discovered that pre-Colombian artifacts were being stolen from the University. Hez is the best attorney she knows and she needs a good one, as well as one she can afford.
Twists and turns all throughout this story. There may be a sequel. I hope so. Can't wait!
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

I'm not religious, and I don't usually read anything with religious undertones, but this book was not overly preachy. I was intrigued by the mystery (given that I have a history degree and I worked a lot with artifacts in undergrad/internships), so I gave it a try. Some of the situations were a little silly (of COURSE your dog takes off running toward the abandoned building where a light should not be on and you don't call security or for help...) but overall I enjoyed the book! I was interested that it was very procedural. A lot of lawyer meetings, hearings, and "legalese", but it was easy to follow. Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend to others.

This is an intriguing legal suspense novel. The connection to the Pelican Harbor series is a fun bonus. 4.5 stars!

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 with 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 verbal communication and their vulnerability with each other are both sorely lacking.

As everything becomes even more complicated legally, the element of personal danger also 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 in regard to artifacts, American university positions and procedures, the American legal system, and more.

I did figure out the “bad guy” early on. I also 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! I know that I will be continuing on with the Tupelo Grove 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.

I absolutely loved this book! Colleen Coble never disappoints and this just might be my favorite to date! I was on my toes the whole time thinking I had things figured out…only to be wrong. I loved all the characters and how we got to know them, and the redeeming love story. When it ended I’m pretty sure my jaw dropped and I was in total shock. I can’t wait for the next book to see how this is going to go!

This mystery by Colleen Coble was so well-planned out and an enjoyable and quick read. Savannah Webster and her husband Hez are separated after a tragedy in their family tore them apart. Because of the guilt Hez felt he turned to alcohol and she became more of a workaholic after returning to Tupelo Grove University (TGU) as a history professor.

Savannah stumbles upon a murdered person and becomes the main suspect, so she calls Hez who is what she believes to be the best attorney there is. At first he didn't want to help because he'd just gone back to ask her for a second chance but she wasn't having it. However, he finally gave in after
certain events/evidence came about. The evidence the police had was pretty much too easy, but Hez believed her life was in danger so he knew he was best to help her.

Later, someone very close to Savannah became the one they suspected because the evidence they found on that person was black and white...good as gold...or so the police thought. Savannah once again convinced Hez to help this other suspect and he did until he was lied to and the other person withheld information that blew up on them in court. The suspects secret was a shock to everyone!

This was a story of engaging characters, mystery, and redemption. There were so many twists and turns that kept me guessing page after page. I hope there is a sequel to this story.

I enjoy a mystery that also includes complex relationships and a sprinkling of inspiration. What We Hide offers all those things and more. With an air of suspense throughout, this one is a page turner, I read it in two days and can't wait for Book 2!

Summary:
Savannah and Hez Webster have too much between them for their marriage to succeed. But when Savannah becomes the main suspect when her co-worker is murdered, she turns to her soon-to-be-ex for help. A recovering alcoholic, Hez holds himself responsible for Savannah's pain. It's clear she detests him but may require his keen courtroom skills to prove her innocence.

Thrust into the dangerous and unexpected, they uncover family secrets and a plot involving ancient artifacts.

My thoughts:
This book kept me guessing from the beginning. I couldn't quite pin down the antagonist and loved not knowing "who-dun-it" until the end. Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have written a masterful suspense novel and I cannot wait for the second book in the series to release.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Baker Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the first book from new writing partners Coble and Acker and I enjoyed it immensely. I have read many Coble books and thought that this combination improved her writing and plotting even more. I look forward to more from this duo!

Colleen Coble and Rick Acker make a great team. I had the privilege to hear them speak while on tour together along with another great Denise Hunter.. they made a stop in Boone, NC. It amazed me how they accomplish penning such a fantastic novel with her in Indiana and he in California. She stated they accomplish this via email. I’ve read many of Colleen’s books but this is my first with California litigator Aker. As an avid reader of Grisham and Turow books this may outshine them.

What We Hide has so many TWISTS AND TURNS, you better hold on. You may predict some, but many will be a complete shock.

Savannah and Hezikah 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, but here he is right here in her university office. Savannah has moved on but Hez has changed and wants reunification. She really doesn’t trust him at least until she finds a dead body and becomes the prime suspect for the murder. What she does trust is that Hez is a a fabulous attorney and Savannah is a determined amateur sleuth. For these reasons, Hez is back in her life as they work together to figure out who is behind the murder and why, so she won’t end up behind bars.

This scenario provides space for some sweetly romantic sparks to rekindle and allows Hez to show Savannah that he really has changed. But is it too late for that? Oh but it soon becomes crystal clear that there is much more than murder going on at Savannah’s beloved, but struggling Tupelo Grove University.

The many and deep layers of this story surprised me more than once.

What We Hide by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker is stellar in every way. The writing is seamless, the characters believable, and the faith implications are subtle and meaningful. The POV of three different narrative perspectives, Savannah, Hez, and a shadowy mastermind keep this a rapid fire page turner.

So many of my favorite genres here, mystery, suspense, romance, courtroom drama, and a little psychological thriller, all blending together masterfully.

After reading the last words, I’m still processing!

What We Hide
by Colleen Coble; Rick Ackler
Pub Date: July 2, 2024
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinon.
Savannah Webster is trying to find her way forward. She and her husband, Hez, have been separated since tragedy tore them apart and he began numbing his grief and guilt with alcohol. She returned to Tupelo Grove University, which her family helped found over a century ago, to teach history.
A completely readable book! I liked that it reminded us that people aren't really what they seem.
Good summer read!