1. About the Authors: Colleen Coble & Rick Acker
Colleen Coble is one of the most prominent voices in the romantic suspense genre, often blending heartfelt emotion with crime and mystery. She’s the bestselling author of series such as Rock Harbor, Hope Beach, and Sunset Cove. Colleen’s storytelling is known for its deeply human characters, themes of loss, redemption, and forgiveness, wrapped in emotionally-charged yet thrilling narratives.
Rick Acker, meanwhile, brings a sharp legal perspective to the books he co-authors. As a seasoned government attorney in California, Rick infuses his stories with realistic courtroom drama and investigative detail. What We Hide showcases the perfect synergy between Colleen’s emotional depth and Rick’s legal precision, creating a novel that’s both heartfelt and gripping.
2. About the Narrator: Karen Peakes
Karen Peakes is a seasoned voice actress renowned for her work in romantic suspense and thriller audiobooks. Her narration style is warm yet powerful, with a keen ability to shift between characters fluidly. Her voice carries emotional nuance, making it ideal for inner monologues and tense confrontations alike.
In What We Hide, Karen brings a captivating performance that breathes life into Savannah Webster’s emotional journey and Hez’s path to redemption. Her ability to express pain, tenderness, and suspense has been highly praised by listeners.
3. About the Book: What We Hide
What We Hide is the first installment in the Tupelo Grove series, weaving together mystery, legal suspense, and heartfelt romance. The story follows Savannah Webster, a history professor who becomes a murder suspect at the very university where her family legacy runs deep. When her estranged husband — Hez Webster, a disgraced but brilliant attorney — reenters her life to defend her, long-buried secrets begin to unravel.
Set in a small Southern town, the book intertwines personal tragedy, stolen artifacts, and a web of academic power struggles. At its core, What We Hide explores forgiveness, healing, and truth.
-
Genres: Mystery, Legal Thriller, Romance, Christian Fiction
-
Average Rating: 4.4/5 stars (on Amazon & Goodreads)
-
Total Reviews: Over 2,000 (as of September 2025)
-
Awards: None listed (as of now)
-
Sales Figures: Not publicly disclosed, but ranked in Audible’s Top 100 during launch week
4. Book Review: What We Hide – A Full Breakdown
What We Hide hooks the reader from the opening chapters. The tension is well-paced, blending a murder mystery, a broken marriage, and a secret involving pre-Columbian artifacts. The authors deliver plot twists that feel natural and character-driven, keeping readers invested until the final reveal.
Strengths:
-
A suspenseful, unpredictable plot
-
Emotionally complex characters
-
Balanced Christian themes that feel organic
-
Realistic legal elements that elevate the tension
Weaknesses:
-
Some plot resolutions come too conveniently for the protagonist
-
Certain secondary characters, like young Simon, feel a bit too mature for their age
Notable Review Excerpt:
“A solid step forward in blending romance and suspense with emotional resonance.” – Romantic Times
Personal Reflection:
What truly drew me into What We Hide was how it delicately peeled back layers of grief, guilt, and healing. It’s not just a legal thriller — it’s a human story about how past wounds can be reopened but also re-stitched. Savannah and Hez are not perfect heroes, and that’s what makes their story so relatable. Their journey reminded me that even in chaos, forgiveness is possible, and truth is often more complicated than it seems.
5. Audiobook Review: What We Hide by Karen Peakes
The What We Hide audiobook runs about 10 hours and is masterfully performed by Karen Peakes. Her voice work captures the vulnerability, tension, and quiet strength of each character. Whether it’s Savannah’s internal battles or Hez’s simmering guilt, Karen brings them to life with clarity and grace.
Highlights:
-
Warm, emotive tone that enhances dramatic scenes
-
Distinct character voices without being overdone
-
Pacing that adapts well to both action and introspection
Minor Flaws:
-
Some listeners noted the male voices weren’t as impactful during legal confrontations
Critical Score: 4.6/5 stars on Audible
Featured Praise:
“Karen Peakes made me feel like I was living this story, not just listening to it.” – Audible Listener Review
Personal Reflection:
Listening to What We Hide while commuting turned every trip into a cinematic experience. Karen Peakes’ narration added an emotional layer that the written page alone couldn’t deliver. Her cadence, vocal textures, and ability to express pain and suspense made me feel connected to the story on a deeper level. For anyone who loves audiobooks with skilled narration, this one’s a must.
6. Who Should Read This Book?
What We Hide is perfect for:
-
Fans of legal thrillers with a romantic subplot and emotional stakes
-
Readers who enjoy faith-based fiction that’s subtle and not preachy
-
Listeners who appreciate high-quality audiobooks with professional narration
-
Anyone drawn to family secrets, redemption arcs, and character-driven mysteries
Whether you’re looking to reflect on life’s deeper questions or just get lost in a good suspense story, this book delivers on both fronts.
7. Conclusion
What We Hide is a compelling blend of heartfelt emotion and nail-biting suspense. With strong characters, layered storytelling, and a flawless audiobook edition, it’s a standout in both print and audio formats. This isn’t just a story about a crime — it’s a story about healing, love, and finding truth in unlikely places.
Don’t miss the chance to discover Tupelo Grove — a town full of history, mystery, and second chances.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
#CommissionsEarned
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
You can listen on the following platforms:
We recommend signing up for a membership to enjoy seamless access to this and many other high-quality audiobooks anytime, anywhere.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.