I truly loved the complicated suspenseful thriller that Colleen Coble and Rick Acker have collaborated to write. It is never obvious who wrote what as their styles and words flowed together seamlessly. Hez and Savannah are an estranged couple who have suffered a great loss. But their love survived if they can just reach out and admit it to each other. This is a complex story not only involving Hez and Savannah but Jessica Legare, Savannah's sister.
The title is the clue to it all. There are secrets abounding. And Jessica is full of secrets.
I love that there will be more to this series. And the ending makes it obvious that there are still more secrets out there. I for one cannot wait!
Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.
(And I just loved the name Hez (Hezekiah). I've never read a story with a main character with that name. I could just picture him!)

History Professor Savanah Webster knows two things—her younger sister Jessica Legare still needs her, and she can’t resist her ex-husband’s charm. Returning to Tupelo Grove University keeps her near her sister and out of Hezekiah’s way. Two problems solved with one move. Maybe.

Savannah struggles to gain tenure after teaching history for two years at TGU. Her sister doesn’t want her around, and their relationship feels strained. The university president implies she’ll need to work extra hard in her relationships with male colleagues to charm her way into the running.

When a pile of forged provenance papers shows up on her desk, Savannah suspects someone is stealing the university’s Willard Treasure. She brings her concerns to the provost, Beckett Harrison, and they confront the number one suspect—the university’s president. Instead of a messy confrontation (something Savannah has no stomach for), they encounter a messy murder scene.

The police immediately suspect Savannah, whose first thought is to call Hez—the best defense lawyer she’s ever known.

Can Savannah and Hez overcome their past to save her future? An unprovoked attack and more murders make it seem impossible.

What I Loved About This Book

Acker, a practicing district attorney, and Coble, a master of suspense stories, form the perfect team for What We Hide. Told from multiple points of view (including the evil mastermind’s first-person account), readers won’t know what hit them in the final pages of this can’t-put-it-down novel.

Readers who love who-dun-its and legal thrillers will love this dynamic duo’s first collaboration. Fans of Cara Putman, John Grisham, and Carrie Stuart Parks will love this book.

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!

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.

A suspense filled tale of second chances and a murder mystery. Samantha is accused of murder but she will need her ex partners help to prove her innocence and catch the real culprit. I did like this one but not as much as Colleen's other books because I found it hard to have any interest in artifacts but that it is just my personal opinion and the writing is just as good. The ending is a real whopping suprise that is unbelievably good.

Oh, my goodness. Savannah and Hez’s story is one of the best books I have ever read. The collaboration between Coble and Acker is off the charts and a definite winner.

I received an advanced reader copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

#WhatWeHide #NetGalley

A rollercoaster ride of twists and turns in this first book in the series.
An old university that is falling apart at the seams, an embezzlement
of school funds and stealing of artifacts from a treasure in the history
department. A relationship between Savannah and her husband
Hezekiah, who is trying to forgive himself for his lack of being the
husband and father that he should have been. This book was fast-paced
and an easy read.

This was a great collaboration mystery book between these authors! I definitely think I found a new author in Rick Acker! There was definitely a twist at the end...and makes me wonder if there will be a book two continuing this story. I enjoyed the litigation drama. Think Law and Order or John Grisham. It was definitely a good read!

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.

This book started off a little slow, but after the first few chapters, I was hooked! This isn’t a subject that I would be drawn to, but this book did have some twists and turns along the way. I did get a little lost in some parts as it became a little complicated. But over all, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I really tried to get into this book but after slogging through the first half I couldn’t bring myself to finish. The plot is extremely slow moving with lots of traumatic flashbacks to the death of the main characters’ toddler, which should come with a trigger warning. The suspense was so slow that the plot was forgettable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Artifacts being stolen/trafficked isn't a topic I would typically gravitate towards, but the mystery of who was doing it was engaging. I did guess correctly of who was involved about halfway through, but the accomplices were a nice twist.

I found the relationship storyline between Hez and Savannah frustrating and slightly annoying. Savannah was very wishy washy and whiny for absolutely no reason, when she knew what she wanted. She didn't want to admit it to herself, and thus a lot of time was wasted in the relationship. I'm not the biggest fan of her character, especially considering she took advantage of Hez repeatedly.

Honestly, the best character in this batch is Hez himself. I enjoyed reading the chapters from his POV, as he was self aware and legitimately trying to be better than who he was around his daughter's death. He deserves better than Savannah.

The ending is a nice twist that definitely sets up future books. I look forward to reading those and seeing if justice is handed out.

There is cause for excitement and suspense as one flips through the pages of What We Hide. Mystery, murder, missing artifacts, alleged smuggling and such keep the reader curious. Secrets and surprizes also await the reader. I liked that there was mention of God and some other faith-based mentions such as forgiveness. Those who have lost a young child will be able to commiserate with Hez and Savannah's heartache and the aftermath fallout. Somehow or another they plowed through and things get solved but then, was there still something hidden? In my opinion, other readers may well be left hanging on that cliff as was I. Very clever 'ending'.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

May 2024

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

For many years, Colleen Coble has been one of my favorite Christian suspense/mystery/fiction book authors. I love how she weaves each story together in a way that keeps me glued to the pages with her intricate plots.

I also love the characterization: Coble delves deep into how emotions influence the words and actions of the people she writes about. While reading her books I feel what they feel. The descriptions are that real.

5 Stars.

Such a good novel! I stayed up all night reading it because it was an awesome story!
When I first started this novel it was written in a style I didn't like so I almost didn't finish it. But I'm so glad that I stuck with it! It eventually turned into my kind of style lol.
But really I loved the dynamics of this book. It kept me turning the pages from the beginning with awesome characters such as Savannah, Jess and Hez!
Hey really amazed me. He's a great character.
Some scenes that I never saw coming which is what made this into a cool story. I loved the mystery part of the artifacts that were mentioned in this book.
I didn't figure it out until later on because usually I figure it out early on
What a fantastic story! Coble just keeps getting better and better.
5 stars for an awesome adventure. I highly recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a story! I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next. I enjoyed how Hez tries to rise above the past and keep moving forward. His sleuthing skills are impressive. I liked how Savannah kept searching for answers and was willing to give people a second chance.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Colleen has a way of sucking me In quickly, this one too a little longer but one I was hooked, it was hard to put down.

The book flowed well, I am still questioning a few things but over all an enjoyable read.

This story is fast-paced and has some surprises! I like the setting, and the relationships. There's more going on than it seems!! Just wait until the end!!! If you like suspense with a little romance. I think you'll enjoy this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Excellent legal suspense thriller! I couldn’t tell which author penned what; the story was seamless! There were secrets, past hurts, murders, embezzlement, arrests, hearings, danger, some light romance and faith, and so much more! It kept me on the edge of my seat, and just when you think you know, there are more surprises! Very good book and looking forward to the next one!
I received a free copy through NetGalley but my review is my own true opinion.

After the death of their toddler daughter, a couple separates due to her grief and his alcoholism. When Hez comes back into Savannah's life, can he convince her that he has changed, and that they can start over? The drama of their relationship is set against a murder, embezzlement, and stolen artifacts at a historic college.

I appreciated the clean and wholesome nature of the story, but the first half of the book was a bit slow paced for my liking, leading me to skip through a bit to the final chapters. The ending was quite a surprise!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.