In His Arms

Coming to America #3

by Robin Lee Hatcher

Dear Inga,
I’m thinking it is not good for my baby and me to stay much longer in Whistle Creek, Idaho. The sheriff is showing altogether too much interest. I suppose I should feel flattered, for Carson Barclay is not only strikingly handsome, but a man of character and faith who has shown Keary and me considerable kindness. But I’m afraid his affections are ones I cannot return. The secret I bear makes a future with him impossible. Yet Inga, when Sheriff Barclay is near, it’s everything in my Irish heart that wishes otherwise.
Your friend, Mary Emeline
Malone Idaho: mountainous, rugged. Men go there to find their fortunes in the silver mines - and lose their pasts. But as Mary Malone discovers, sometimes the past is not so easily shaken. It will take a good man’s strong, persistent love to penetrate the young immigrant’s defenses and disarm the secret that makes a hostage of her heart. In His Arms is Book Three in the Coming to America series about women who come to America to start new lives. Set in the late 1800s and early 1900s, these novels by best-selling author Robin Lee Hatcher craft intense chemistry and conflict between the characters, lit by a glowing faith and humanity that will win your heart.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

Be sure to follow Robin on BookBub so you'll receive new book and special deal alerts:
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Reviews

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

..
Welcome to a delightfully clean and wholesome journey with Miss Mary Malone, Miss was hereinafter known as Mrs., an immigrant from Ireland, via New York, and on to Idaho in the western part of the Americas.

In his Arms , Book Three in the Coming to America series by Robin Lee Hatcher, is about women who come to America to start new lives. This series was narrated by the talented Pam Ward, who made it this wonderful Christian based historical romance novel a pleasure to experience.

Dear Inga, I’m thinking it is not good for my baby and me to stay much longer in Whistle Creek, Idaho. The sheriff is showing altogether too much interest. I suppose I should feel flattered, for Carson Barclay is not only strikingly handsome, but a man of character and faith who has shown Keary and me considerable kindness. But I’m afraid his affections are ones I cannot return. The secret I bear makes a future with him impossible.

Yet Inga, when Sheriff Barclay is near, it’s everything in my Irish heart that wishes otherwise. Your friend, Mary Emeline Malone Idaho: mountainous, rugged. Men go there to find their fortunes in the silver mines—and lose their pasts. But as Mary Malone discovers, sometimes the past is not so easily shaken. It will take a good man’s strong, persistent love to penetrate the young immigrant’s defenses and disarm the secret that makes a hostage of her heart.

This clean and wholesome tale stands on its own, although it does include little tidbits of information about the characters from the previous books in the series. I would recommend this series very highly.

In His Arms is Book Three in the Coming to America series about women who come to America to start new lives. Set in the late 1800s and early 1900s, these novels by best-selling author Robin Lee Hatcher craft intense chemistry and conflict between the characters, lit by a glowing faith and humanity that will win your heart. Look for other books in the series at your favorite Christian bookstore.

I would definitely recommend this series to those who enjoy the historical romance in America's genre. I am very much looking forward to the final installment of this series.

Kudos to the author for providing an entertaining and inspiring book. I am very much looking forward to the last book of this series.
..

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In His Arms follows the last of the trio of immigrant women we met in Dear Lady, the first in the Coming to America series. Now we finally hear the true tale of the Irish firebrand, Mary Mallone and her dreams of coming to America to join her husband-to-be and father of her son. Her fairy tale would come to an abrupt and shocking end when she discovers he not only died, but never intended to marry her. She enters a life of servitude, but runs afoul of the law when she strikes her employer after pursuing her with unwelcome advances. Seeing no escape, she ends up fleeing west in the employ of a saloon madam who is terminal with consumption. She is drawn to the town sheriff, but fears him also. What will happen to her son if her secret is discovered?

This story is an improvement over the last in the series, but still not as good as the first. I enjoyed the Irish angle, particularly in light of the author's own Irish heritage, but it still got a little bit repetitive and there seemed to be something missing in the realm of character development. I would have liked to see more backstory for the sheriff all the way through the story. Toward the end, Hatcher switched from a 1st person narrative to a plot summary, 3rd person style. It felt rushed and quickly wrapped up. It could have been better.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is book three of four, I think each of the first three can be stand-alone novels. I didn't think I'd missed anything important in the previous novels. Mary Emeline Malone came to America looking for her fiance' (who had left her in Ireland and already moved to America). When Mary arrives in New York, she finds out that her intended had already married another and then died.

While Mary is in service in New York, the master of the house propositions her and a tussle ensues and the man is struck with a treasured cigar box. Mary runs, taking the decorated cigar box, and escapes on a train out of the city. Along the way, Mary is befriended by a very-ill madam, on her way back to Whistle Creek, Idaho. When invited, Mary decides to travel with Blanche; one of Mary's brothers is supposed to be a miner in Idaho. Mary hopes to find him and disappear into the wilds of America.

Of course, the one person Mary wants to avoid, the sheriff of Whistle Creek, immediately becomes interested in Mary. This is a very readable story with lots of interesting subplots to move things along.

Coming to America
1. Dear Lady (1997)
2. Patterns of Love (1998)
** 3. In His Arms (1998)
4. Promised to Me (2003)

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why, but I didn't like this as well as the previous books in the series. There's stubborn and then there's stubborn. At times, Mary drove me up a wall with her refusal to tell the Sherriff what had happened in her past and refusing to marry him. I think I would have given up if I were him. At first, I found myself engrossed in the story, but it became too repetitive and the ending seemed rushed and a little too convenient. I still liked the audiobook version though and will read/listen to the last book in the series.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 3rd book - so quickly listened to after the first in the series (library doesn't have the second one yet) - seems like author has been "beating a dead horse." The way in which the woman lead continues to believe absurd "lies" makes the books difficult to tolerate. The story line is fine - it is just the woman continuing to argue that the hero would never believe her that made it less than enjoyable. Hope the 4th in the series is different or I won't be able to listen to it. Robin Lee Hatcher should learn a different way to tell the story.

[Jeri Stockdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary and her son escape to the rugged mountains of Idaho, hoping to leave her past behind. Unfortunately, the handsome sheriff's interest only makes her think she doesn't deserve a second chance and that she'll need to leave again. I enjoyed the character development and the tension and conflict in this story. Neither Mary nor the Sheriff want a relationship, but the seeds are planted and they grow over time anyway. This was an enjoyable book and I'd highly recommend it.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy-to-read, enjoyable story about an Irish immigrant, Marta, and her experience in America. Her strength is admirable, but yet she isn't perfect either. She has lots of compassion, yet she can be impulsive and display some temper. Fans of Christian historical fiction will enjoy this book.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read about a young Irish woman who came to the US to find her fiancé who had gotten her pregnant only to find that he had married someone else…and that he was dead.

She boards a train to escape a difficult situation and meets a madam who takes her and her infant son under her wing.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. It was great. I couldn't put it down. I loved the character development and how it brought me closer to Christ. I came face to face with some sacred cows and wonder how easy it would be for me to love the unlovely.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible Book review

This has been the best series! A group of people coming to America and how their lives turn out!

Wonderful characters mixed with suspense and love! Narration was perfect and brought the
story alive.

Write more of these Robin!

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic Historical Christian fiction book! 3rd in the series, and I am looking forward to reading the final one! I was able to read a copy of this book via Hoopla, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.,

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in the third book of the Coming to America series - a murder, a stolen object, a relationship with the sheriff and the mysterious happenings at the mine. The pages kept turning to see how everything was going to get resolved.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy-to-read story with various characters who were thieves, prostitutes, immigrants, one running from the law right into the arms of the law.

I liked it. I needed something to read that I could get in-to and forget about everyday life.

[Lin S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of fluff for a weary soul.

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun storyline with serious undertones. Continues stories of earlier characters without being repetitive. Recommended.

[Mary Ann]

July 2020

[Melissa Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a romantic story! I felt for Mary throughout her entire journey!

[Anne Shirley]

I never finished it...it was a little to many sexual thoughts going on for a Christian book in my point of view and I couldn't follow through.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Enjoying the series. Well done.

[Catherine Wilt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best book in the series.

[Ophelia Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In His Arms

What a wonderful book! I couldn’t bear to stop reading long enough to get anything else done. I highly recommend this book.

[Karol L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story full of surprises

Each page was full of love, mystery, strength in the midst of trial, and hope. I loved the characters too. Very heartwarming story!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Malone came to America from Ireland to find Seamus, who had promised to send for and marry her after she reached America, but when she finds out she is pregnant she goes to america on her own only to find that seamus is dead and has married already. She works as a maid in New York until one of her wealthy employers tries to take avantage of her. She defends herself by hitting him on the head with a cigar box. Thinking that he is dead she flees and takes her young son on a train. There she meets Miss Blanche, who is dying of consumption and willingly helps her with passage to Idaho and the "painted lady" her saloon. Miss Blanche doesn't ask what mary's troubles are only that she wants to help her and her son. She offers her a job to do her bookkeeping. Mary is always looking over her shoulder waiting for the authorities to come and take her away leaving her son without someone to love and care for him. What she doesn't expect is for Carson Barclay to come after her heart and find that her heart wants to be caught and loved by him. She is ready to accept Carson's proposal and tell him the truth of her past and that she is a murderer when Master Kincaid shows up alive. Mining troubles are also a bay when master kincaid wants mary arrested for attempted murder.

[Sara ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This book was cute, but I didn't like it as much as the previous two. The reason? I'm sorry to say it was the heroine... It was a combination of her "voice"... Don't get me wrong... I love Ireland and Irish accents, but the backward, wordy "Irish" sentences got old after about a chapter. That and.... Well, I LOVE strong female characters! Weak women or women who are TSTL (too stupid to live) drive me up a WALL.... But Mary? Give it up, girl! Stubborn ≠ Strong. She was scared and "Irish" (stereotype much?), so she wouldn't back down, and kept... lemme find the phrase... "breaking a shin on a stool that's not in [her] way"... Whatever the crap that means. (Okay, I get it... sort of... But it sound dumb.)

Anyway, I loved Carson (Sheriff Barclay), but if I were him, I think I would have given up about 1/3 of the way into the book. I would have been like, "If she's gonna be like this all the time, there's no freaking WAY I'm marrying her" and run far, far away. (Of course, he couldn't do that, due to the God-telling-him-she-was-the-one-for-him thing... Which, ok... great reason to stick around, but SHEESH! Give it up, girl!)

Yeah, she drove me a bit batty. But I'm glad she (and Keary) got happy endings! Loved the epilogue! ;)

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Emeline Malone is pregnant when she comes to America from Ireland to marry the father. When she arrives, she discovers he's been killed in a mine accident AND he'd married. She has the baby and then goes to work for a wealthy NY family. When the husband attempts to rape her she hits him over the head and flees, thinking she's killed him. She gets on a train west and meets a madame from Idaho who's dying of consumption. They hit it off and Mary goes with her. When the sheriff, Carson Barclay, meets the train, Mary is terrified, even though they're attracted. He wants to marry her, but she's worried over her past. When Winston Kenrick shows up alive her guilt is washed away by threats from him and eventually attempts on her and her son's life. All works out.

Book 3 of the serious about 3 immigrant women who become good friends on the journey. There are letters to the other 2 mixed into the story, but minor.

[Lynnda Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In His Arms is the third in a series of Christian romance novels. Each book stands alone while being anchored in the same premise: immigrants landing in New York City on the same ship.

One of the delightful aspects about Robin Lee Hatcher is her ability to change her voice when writing different books. Not every writer has the skills to do that. (Robert Heinlein who wrote Stranger in a Strange Land and other science fiction iconic works only had one voice, regardless of differences in gender of the main character, setting of the story, or plot.)

This story centers on the crooked path taken by a young Irish woman to end up in a small mining town and in love with the sheriff. It's a delightful story with plenty of twists to the plot.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Book Three in the Coming to America Series. I would give it 3.5 stars. This book, just like the others, is just ok. It's a short easy read. The book doesn't get in depth with the characters and issues. It was a good book, but not great and it is something I will quickly forget. I do like the fact that the book has people from all aspects of life. You shouldn't judge someone before you know them and why they made the choices they have made. I appreciate that Robin Lee Hatcher includes characters that make mistakes and they aren't sinless. It makes the story more realistic because that's how real life is. Overall this was a good book, I did enjoy it, but I didn't love it. If you like the author then I would recommend the series.

[Highland-dreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have looked forward to Mary's story since the first book, and I wasn't disappointed. It was fantastic! I really connected with the story, and the author wrote the dialects well, and kept it up even in the character's thoughts, when the story was told from Mary's POV! Perhaps that is common, I don't know, but this is the first time it stuck out to me. I've enjoyed all of Robin Lee Hatcher's books that I've read so far. She is definitely a favorite on my bookshelf.