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Coming to America #1
Dear Lady
Dear Mary,
New Prospects, Montana, is nothing like England -- so terrifying and beautiful at the same time, and much larger than I dared imagine when you and I first embarked on our adventures in the New World.
I have had the good fortune of becoming the town's schoolmistress. Young Janie Steele is as precious as I imagined from her letters. As for her father, Garret Steele ... Oh, I feel like such a fool! I've run halfway around the world to escape a man I loathed, only to discover I'm losing my heart to a man still in love with the wife he buried.
The mayor, kind man, has been most attentive. But I wish he were someone else. I wish he were Garret.
With affection,
Your friend Beth Wellington
New Prospects, Montana, is nothing like England -- so terrifying and beautiful at the same time, and much larger than I dared imagine when you and I first embarked on our adventures in the New World.
I have had the good fortune of becoming the town's schoolmistress. Young Janie Steele is as precious as I imagined from her letters. As for her father, Garret Steele ... Oh, I feel like such a fool! I've run halfway around the world to escape a man I loathed, only to discover I'm losing my heart to a man still in love with the wife he buried.
The mayor, kind man, has been most attentive. But I wish he were someone else. I wish he were Garret.
With affection,
Your friend Beth Wellington
303 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
99 people are currently reading
1210 people want to read
About the author
Robin Lee Hatcher
124 books3,264 followersRobin 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 26, 2019
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I listened to the audible version of Dear Lady , Book One in the Coming to America series by Robin Lee Hatcher, about women who come to America to start new lives. This series was narrated by the talented Pam Ward, who made it a pleasure to experience.
Welcome to a delightfully clean and wholesome journey with Miss Beth Wellington as she travels from London, England to Montana in the western part of the Americas. I would definitely recommend this series to those who enjoy this genre.
This is a well written and well-narrated tale depicting life in the west in the late 1800s. Most of the characters were likable, with the exception of the nosy sisters that owned the mercantile.
Oh, I feel like such a fool! I’ve run halfway around the world to escape a man I loathed, only to discover I’m losing my heart to a man still in love with the wife he buried. The mayor, a kind man, has been most attentive. But I wish he were someone else. I wish he were Garret. With affection, Your friend Beth Wellington In the big-sky country of Montana, the past doesn’t always stay buried. Circumstances have a way of forcing secrets into the open, sometimes bringing hearts together in
The heroine left London, England where she was the daughter of an Earl and traveled to the rugged and untamed terrain of Montana. The life of an Earl's daughter did not provide her with any necessary skills for making it on her own in America. But with faith and determination, she struggled through trials and errors until she found her place in the new land. unlikely ways, and sometimes tearing them apart.
As in reality, this story reflects how some people feel they have the right to take charge of another persons' life. It irks me because I don't like people trying to control others. A person has the right to make decisions to control their own life without interference, no matter how well-intentioned. We each have lessons to learn and our choices directly affect how we learn them
This book is 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.
This is a clean and wholesome adventure that is able to stand on its own. And here comes the H.E.A. you look forward to throughout this wonderful read. I would recommend it for anyone interested in this genre.
Kudos to the author for providing an entertaining and inspiring book. I am very much looking forward to the remainder of this series.
..
I listened to the audible version of Dear Lady , Book One in the Coming to America series by Robin Lee Hatcher, about women who come to America to start new lives. This series was narrated by the talented Pam Ward, who made it a pleasure to experience.
Welcome to a delightfully clean and wholesome journey with Miss Beth Wellington as she travels from London, England to Montana in the western part of the Americas. I would definitely recommend this series to those who enjoy this genre.
This is a well written and well-narrated tale depicting life in the west in the late 1800s. Most of the characters were likable, with the exception of the nosy sisters that owned the mercantile.
Oh, I feel like such a fool! I’ve run halfway around the world to escape a man I loathed, only to discover I’m losing my heart to a man still in love with the wife he buried. The mayor, a kind man, has been most attentive. But I wish he were someone else. I wish he were Garret. With affection, Your friend Beth Wellington In the big-sky country of Montana, the past doesn’t always stay buried. Circumstances have a way of forcing secrets into the open, sometimes bringing hearts together in
The heroine left London, England where she was the daughter of an Earl and traveled to the rugged and untamed terrain of Montana. The life of an Earl's daughter did not provide her with any necessary skills for making it on her own in America. But with faith and determination, she struggled through trials and errors until she found her place in the new land. unlikely ways, and sometimes tearing them apart.
As in reality, this story reflects how some people feel they have the right to take charge of another persons' life. It irks me because I don't like people trying to control others. A person has the right to make decisions to control their own life without interference, no matter how well-intentioned. We each have lessons to learn and our choices directly affect how we learn them
This book is 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.
This is a clean and wholesome adventure that is able to stand on its own. And here comes the H.E.A. you look forward to throughout this wonderful read. I would recommend it for anyone interested in this genre.
Kudos to the author for providing an entertaining and inspiring book. I am very much looking forward to the remainder of this series.
..
October 8, 2019
Dear Lady - Book One of the Coming to America series by Robin Lee Hatcher was a sweet remake of a more secular version from the 1990s.
Lady Elizabeth (Beth) Wellington had been pen pals with Janie Steele, a ten year old motherless child from New Prospects, Montana, who was enamored with all things British. In these informative letters, Janie told Beth about their town hoping for a new school teacher.
When Beth's father basically sold her to a dreadful man for a possible sizeable income, she refused his suit, and instead traveled to America in hopes of attaining the teaching position in Janie's town.
Quite a different experience in this tiny town from the society and wealth to which she had been accustomed in England. But nothing was as bad as the abuse she would have suffered had she stayed.
Also, little did she know how welcoming a few would be, or how unkind and suspicious others would treat her.
Janie's mother left Garret Steele bitter enough to never trust a woman. But the local banker/mayor (and confirmed bachelor) fell head over heels in love with her at first site, and would give her the world if she'd just allow it. Not exactly a love triangle as she never showed a bit of interest in one and the other showed no interest in her either.
Interesting little book with a slight faith element (asking for God's help, etc.)
(Slight warning: An attempted rape might make this a book unsuitable for a younger audience.)
Lady Elizabeth (Beth) Wellington had been pen pals with Janie Steele, a ten year old motherless child from New Prospects, Montana, who was enamored with all things British. In these informative letters, Janie told Beth about their town hoping for a new school teacher.
When Beth's father basically sold her to a dreadful man for a possible sizeable income, she refused his suit, and instead traveled to America in hopes of attaining the teaching position in Janie's town.
Quite a different experience in this tiny town from the society and wealth to which she had been accustomed in England. But nothing was as bad as the abuse she would have suffered had she stayed.
Also, little did she know how welcoming a few would be, or how unkind and suspicious others would treat her.
Janie's mother left Garret Steele bitter enough to never trust a woman. But the local banker/mayor (and confirmed bachelor) fell head over heels in love with her at first site, and would give her the world if she'd just allow it. Not exactly a love triangle as she never showed a bit of interest in one and the other showed no interest in her either.
Interesting little book with a slight faith element (asking for God's help, etc.)
(Slight warning: An attempted rape might make this a book unsuitable for a younger audience.)
April 26, 2018
Mostly I was just annoyed with this story! The constant mental struggle of the two main characters trying so hard NOT to think about each other, NOT admitting to themselves that they wanted each other, and NOT connecting the dots about each other really did drive me a bit crazy. Also, couldn’t the publisher find a narrator for this audio version that could manage an English accent for the main character (who was from ENGLAND)? I skipped a lot of the book and just listened to the end. Very predictable.
Clean readers: yes, it is.
Clean readers: yes, it is.
July 28, 2025
Pasé por un medio declive con este libro. Al principio lo estaba disfrutando bien pero luego fue decayendo en mi punto de vista.
Primero que nada, no me parece que entre dentro de los subgéneros de Novela blanca ni Christian romance como algunas de las etiquetas sugieren, apenas mencionan la religión en momentos específicos y comunes en pueblos pequeños y conservadores como en el que se desarrolla la historia. Hay una iglesia y la mayoría de los habitantes asisten el domingo como de costumbre, pero no porque juegue un papel importante o diferente más allá del que cubre la moralidad de la sociedad en cualquier novela entre la época.
Me rayo bastante que la mayoría de los pensamientos que tiene Garret y Owen hacia Beth, (como personajes masculinos), sean relacionados al deseo que les genera como mujer, entiendo que por el momento en el que se escribió predominaba mucho mas esta mirada, pero Beth tenía muchas otras cualidades por las que podría ser halagada o admirada en su personalidad, pienso que la autora lo desaprovecho, a diferencia muchas otras autoras de otros tiempo haciendo un personaje femenino que desafían las expectativas sociales, y en esos momentos se me hacia difícil disfrutar la historia.
En el desarrollo ya de la historia me fastidio mucho que Beth aceptara la propuesta (INSITENTE) de Owen siendo consiente de no corresponder, sé que si Garret no fomentaba su interés no tendría por qué guardar esperanzas (aunque obviamente sepamos como va a terminar), pero ella era un mujer capaz, sin duda podría haber vivido tranquila por un buen tiempo, no tenia ninguna obligación o necesidad de aceptarlo, lo cual solamente complico toda la historia innecesariamente haciendo mas escandaloso de lo que ya iba a ser la ruptura.
Quizá estoy basando mucho mi juicio en un punto de vista muy actual, en serio estaba disfrutando el libro, me gustaba la Beth independiente, audaz, valiente, inteligente, con sed de aventura y libertad, y esta ahí, pero ya a medias tintas. Esta bien, pero podría ser mejor.
Primero que nada, no me parece que entre dentro de los subgéneros de Novela blanca ni Christian romance como algunas de las etiquetas sugieren, apenas mencionan la religión en momentos específicos y comunes en pueblos pequeños y conservadores como en el que se desarrolla la historia. Hay una iglesia y la mayoría de los habitantes asisten el domingo como de costumbre, pero no porque juegue un papel importante o diferente más allá del que cubre la moralidad de la sociedad en cualquier novela entre la época.
Me rayo bastante que la mayoría de los pensamientos que tiene Garret y Owen hacia Beth, (como personajes masculinos), sean relacionados al deseo que les genera como mujer, entiendo que por el momento en el que se escribió predominaba mucho mas esta mirada, pero Beth tenía muchas otras cualidades por las que podría ser halagada o admirada en su personalidad, pienso que la autora lo desaprovecho, a diferencia muchas otras autoras de otros tiempo haciendo un personaje femenino que desafían las expectativas sociales, y en esos momentos se me hacia difícil disfrutar la historia.
En el desarrollo ya de la historia me fastidio mucho que Beth aceptara la propuesta (INSITENTE) de Owen siendo consiente de no corresponder, sé que si Garret no fomentaba su interés no tendría por qué guardar esperanzas (aunque obviamente sepamos como va a terminar), pero ella era un mujer capaz, sin duda podría haber vivido tranquila por un buen tiempo, no tenia ninguna obligación o necesidad de aceptarlo, lo cual solamente complico toda la historia innecesariamente haciendo mas escandaloso de lo que ya iba a ser la ruptura.
Quizá estoy basando mucho mi juicio en un punto de vista muy actual, en serio estaba disfrutando el libro, me gustaba la Beth independiente, audaz, valiente, inteligente, con sed de aventura y libertad, y esta ahí, pero ya a medias tintas. Esta bien, pero podría ser mejor.
January 16, 2022
My first story by this author and I cannot wait to read/listen to more!
Wonderful storyline with the heroine coming over from England to escape a marriage to a horrible man, finds love and friendship
Perfect narration that brings the characters alive!!
Wonderful storyline with the heroine coming over from England to escape a marriage to a horrible man, finds love and friendship
Perfect narration that brings the characters alive!!
November 9, 2012
When I spotted the Coming to America series by Robin Lee Hatcher, I was excited, thinking that one of my favorite authors just put out something new. I later learned that this was a slightly updated edition of her earlier work in the general romance market. As such, I think I could see areas where she has grown as a writer, parts that seemed a bit more choppy, for example. Even so, I can see how these characters and their stories still hold such charm for Hatcher and her readers. A English woman escapes an abusive relationship to become a schoolteacher in small-town Montana. A Montana rancher finds his life healed from the bitterness and pain of an unfaithful wife. A dear child unites them. It was a fast and simple read. Beth's story was enjoyable and I look forward to completing the set.
December 29, 2008
This is a quick read or else I couldn't put it down or didn't have anything to do for the day...It's a book that reminds me when we judge people that come into our life by others that have hurt us or done us wrong, visit those sins of others on them, and generally miscommunicate. Times were different in those days compared to the society we live in now. This is the first in a trilogy, whatever happens to Beth's friends???
July 4, 2022
I very much loved reading this book! I appreciated that the author explained at the beginning, how she is taking the time to edit her earlier works to include God being the reason #"...we know that for those who love God all things work together h for good, 8 for i those who are called according to his purpose " Romans 8:28 ESV.
I loved the development of each character, and am looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
I loved the development of each character, and am looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
Read
July 18, 2016The Coming to America series was birthed in my imagination the day I stood in the large building on Ellis Island, looking at the passenger logs with the names of people from Ireland, Sweden, England, and more. My Swedish great-grandparents came to America in 1868, and I have often pondered the courage needed to begin that journey. I loved writing these stories. They felt very personal to me.
August 12, 2017
I loved this book! It was easy to imagine myself as the main character in the book, and was a welcome escape as I sat in the hospital with my daughter and read as she slept. Thank you, Robin Lee Hatcher, for creating this well-written tale that became a well-needed diversion for me in our time of need.
April 12, 2010
Dear Lady is the first book of a four book series. The best thing about this book is that it stands alone as a complete and satisfying book for those of us who love to read a good love story. The book has conflict, tension, troubles and confusion layered in and around the heroine and hero.
May 8, 2025
A three star book for me but perhaps higher for others.
This was a very light read with a fair amount of predictability. I read a lot of suspense books and enjoy a book like this from time to time as a break from the norm. I also enjoy the historical aspects of books written about this period of time. With that said there weren't a lot of historical references in this particular book.
The internal dialogue of the main female and male character was redundant to the point of being off putting and played into the predictability of the book. There were a couple of unexpected events that were a pleasant surprise. I feel there were holes in the narrative for the two busy body sisters who lived in the town that was the setting. The foreshadowing of those sisters intent fell flat and ended up pretty dry.
In the end what you suspect would happen did but the "i's" dotted and "t's" crossed were a little to on the nose. This would be a good read for a middle school girl. Just a little too on the modest "everything works out perfectly in the end" for me.
This was a very light read with a fair amount of predictability. I read a lot of suspense books and enjoy a book like this from time to time as a break from the norm. I also enjoy the historical aspects of books written about this period of time. With that said there weren't a lot of historical references in this particular book.
The internal dialogue of the main female and male character was redundant to the point of being off putting and played into the predictability of the book. There were a couple of unexpected events that were a pleasant surprise. I feel there were holes in the narrative for the two busy body sisters who lived in the town that was the setting. The foreshadowing of those sisters intent fell flat and ended up pretty dry.
In the end what you suspect would happen did but the "i's" dotted and "t's" crossed were a little to on the nose. This would be a good read for a middle school girl. Just a little too on the modest "everything works out perfectly in the end" for me.
August 4, 2021
Dear Lady by Robin Lee Hatcher was about a titled English lady, Lady Elizabeth Wellington, and her flight away from her despicable intended to a rather small, rustic Montana town.
I enjoyed the story very much, as the main storyline as characters were well-developed and interesting. There were some twists and turns and a couple little surprises near the end.
I would call this Christian-light, and even those who do not like "religious" novels might enjoy this.
Dear Lady is the first of a four-part series, but it stands alone. The story has a definite conclusion, but I'd like to see a follow up about these
I enjoyed the story very much, as the main storyline as characters were well-developed and interesting. There were some twists and turns and a couple little surprises near the end.
I would call this Christian-light, and even those who do not like "religious" novels might enjoy this.
Dear Lady is the first of a four-part series, but it stands alone. The story has a definite conclusion, but I'd like to see a follow up about these
August 22, 2023
Super light read. Predictable and Hallmark-ish. Totally clean.
I enjoy racing through these when I just feel in the mood to read a clean, light, slightly romantic book.
I enjoyed about 4/5 of this book. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Montana country, the English lady. I enjoyed picturing all of that unrealistic story actually happening. I think I'm a sucker for that kind of fancy lady moves to the rugged West kind of story.
The end was unbelievable, not even in character. I guess that's all I gotta say. I mean, I knew how it was going to end from page 4, but the way the author tied it all up was disappointing.
I enjoy racing through these when I just feel in the mood to read a clean, light, slightly romantic book.
I enjoyed about 4/5 of this book. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Montana country, the English lady. I enjoyed picturing all of that unrealistic story actually happening. I think I'm a sucker for that kind of fancy lady moves to the rugged West kind of story.
The end was unbelievable, not even in character. I guess that's all I gotta say. I mean, I knew how it was going to end from page 4, but the way the author tied it all up was disappointing.
August 5, 2019
Elizabeth Wellington was a lady in England who was going to be married off to a cruel man to pay her father's gambling debts. When he dies before the wedding, Beth decides to leave England. She has been corresponding with the granddaughter of one of her father's friends. She travels unannounced, all the way to New Prospect, MT to try and become the school teacher there. Janie is 10-years-old and her father Garret Steele is widowed and leery of women after his first marriage. Against his will he's drawn to Beth and she to him. They go thru several trials, but end up married and happy.
August 26, 2018
This book reminded me a little of a book I read by Carla Kelly. I liked Beth's character and you couldn't help but root for her. I felt bad for Owen, but he handled everything pretty well. I couldn't stand the two sisters who owned the general store - talk about busybodies! But you weren't supposed to like them, I guess. Garrett's daughter was a sweetie; I really liked her. I definitely thought the characters were well written.
January 6, 2019
Part of Robin Lee Hatcher's "Coming to America" series, this charming book is set in Montana in 1897, with the "Dear Lady" newly arrived from England. Elizabeth and the rugged Garret both have complicated back stories. Garret's daughter and other characters in the book--the gossipy Homer sisters, the mayor (who is also the banker and head of the school board), and a troubled teen--make the story even more lively. This is my first Robin Lee Hatcher book, but not my last.
February 18, 2019
I enjoy the author's writing style and this story was delightful. It conveyed the feelings of a woman new to a country and lifestyle, and the reluctance of some to accept her, despite her best efforts to work hard and fit in. The character of Janie, the little girl who befriended her, was a highlight. And I enjoyed watching the romance unfold gradually.
November 7, 2023
This is an enjoyable read about Beth, a young Englishwoman who escapes England and an arranged marriage to an evil man, going to Montana to the only person she had contact with in the USA, a 10-year-old girl named Janie.
Janie’s mother is dead, and she and her father, Garrett, live on a cattle ranch in New Prospects, MT.
Janie’s mother is dead, and she and her father, Garrett, live on a cattle ranch in New Prospects, MT.
February 10, 2018
Love this first book in the Coming to America series. This story is all about getting over past hurt and fear in order to love again. The characters were complex yet endearing. I liked the audiobook version and had a hard time putting it down. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
April 10, 2018
I read this one back when I was in College and loved it. Such a sweet romance. In fact it was what made me interested in writing my first book. Recently I picked it up and read it again. Love it just as much as the first time.
July 7, 2019
Trite "Christian" romance.
Lots of equating beauty with goodness and ugly with nastiness; body-shaming.
The author has clearly never spent time in Montana.
R rating for rape, domestic abuse, adultery, bullying.
Lots of equating beauty with goodness and ugly with nastiness; body-shaming.
The author has clearly never spent time in Montana.
R rating for rape, domestic abuse, adultery, bullying.
April 27, 2020
Set in late 19th century Montana, this story tells the tale of a young debutante from England who shows up unannounced at the home of a child who has been corresponding with her. Some believe parts are undermined by other less realistic aspects. Appropriate for all ages.
January 20, 2021
Really enjoyed this story. I know when it arrived (library book), I looked at the cover and thought it wasn't going to be a good read, BUT I also know not to judge a book by the cover, so I read it.
Very good read.
Very good read.
November 14, 2023
Absolutely one of her best!
Even tho written before she dedicated her writing to be Christ-oriented God’s love is part of the fabric! Thank you Zondervan for pulling this series back out so we can “find” them again!! Thank you Robin for yet another blessing!
Even tho written before she dedicated her writing to be Christ-oriented God’s love is part of the fabric! Thank you Zondervan for pulling this series back out so we can “find” them again!! Thank you Robin for yet another blessing!
June 30, 2017
Pretty predictable
October 6, 2017
Such a good book! Enough to make it not just like every other easy romance read, but still gave you those warm feelings. Definitely couldn’t put it down!!
March 12, 2018
This book is set in Montana in the late 1800s which makes for some interesting character interactions.
September 17, 2018
A Lady escapes an arranged marriage in England to become a teacher in frontier America.
March 3, 2019
Kind of a slow read - but I enjoy the way Robin has her characters fall in love. From the perspective of each character you get to read their thoughts and she details their actions so well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews