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Coming to America #4
Promised to Me
Dear Mother and Father,
After all those years, I was certain Jakob Hirsch had forgotten me. Then came his proposal of marriage. With more impulse than wisdom, I crossed the ocean to begin a new life with him in Shadow Creek, Idaho. Little did I dream of the changes eleven years had brought to the man I once loved - which included three small children waiting with him at the station. I will not marry a stranger who no longer loves me, but I have agreed to look after Jakob’s children until the harvest is in. A cabin on his property provides me with respectable living quarters. If only it were as easy to separate my heart from this family! It will be difficult to leave when the time comes, for I am falling in love with these little ones - and, truth be told, with Jakob.
Your loving daughter, Karola Breit
In Idaho, the land is good but life is hard for a German émigré whose dreams have turned to dust. Love found and lost can shatter a man’s faith. But it is about to strengthen that of the woman to whom he turns - and in the drought of summer, a withered promise springs to life. Promised to Me is book four 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.
After all those years, I was certain Jakob Hirsch had forgotten me. Then came his proposal of marriage. With more impulse than wisdom, I crossed the ocean to begin a new life with him in Shadow Creek, Idaho. Little did I dream of the changes eleven years had brought to the man I once loved - which included three small children waiting with him at the station. I will not marry a stranger who no longer loves me, but I have agreed to look after Jakob’s children until the harvest is in. A cabin on his property provides me with respectable living quarters. If only it were as easy to separate my heart from this family! It will be difficult to leave when the time comes, for I am falling in love with these little ones - and, truth be told, with Jakob.
Your loving daughter, Karola Breit
In Idaho, the land is good but life is hard for a German émigré whose dreams have turned to dust. Love found and lost can shatter a man’s faith. But it is about to strengthen that of the woman to whom he turns - and in the drought of summer, a withered promise springs to life. Promised to Me is book four 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.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
51 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Robin Lee Hatcher
140 books3,241 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 48 reviews
September 27, 2019
..
This book focuses on Karola Breit and Jakob Hirsch, who were promised to one another as young people in Germany before Jakob traveled to America to set things up for them to marry. Circumstances changed, as life carved a new path for the young man. Meanwhile, Karola stayed faithful to the man she loved from so far away. Now the times of change have created another chance, but the extenuating circumstances create a barrier they may not be able o cross over together.
Promised to Me isBook Four and final installation in the Coming to America series by Robin Lee Hatcher, about women who come to America to start new lives. Thiis series was narrated by the talented Pam Ward, who made it this wonderful Christian based historical romance novel a pleasure to experience.
Dear Mother and Father, After all those years, I was certain Jakob Hirsch had forgotten me. Then came his proposal of marriage. With more impulse than wisdom, I crossed the ocean to begin a new life with him in Shadow Creek, Idaho. Little did I dream of the changes eleven years had brought to the man I once loved—which included three small children waiting with him at the station. I will not marry a stranger who no longer loves me, but I have agreed to look after Jakob’s children until the harvest is in. A cabin on his property provides me with respectable living quarters. If only it were as easy to separate my heart from this family! It will be difficult to leave when the time comes, for I am falling in love with these little ones—and, truth be told, with Jakob. Your loving daughter, Karola Breit. In Idaho, the land is good but life is hard for a German émigré whose dreams have turned to dust.
The apprehension of fear, trepidation, and foreboding brings about a tearful and fearfully lousy life experience. So, the miraculous growth in the characters was an appreciated aspect. There were many trials and tribulations experienced by both the main characters, including hard work, the ability to recover from adversity, and inner strength. This inspirational experience brings a smile to the reader's face with surprise, hope, and unexpected wonder.
Love found and lost can shatter a man’s faith. But it is about to strengthen that of the woman to whom he turns—and in the drought of summer, a withered promise springs to life. Promised to Me is book four 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.
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 series! I would recommend this series to those who enjoy a Christian inspirational experience eary wild west of America.
..
This book focuses on Karola Breit and Jakob Hirsch, who were promised to one another as young people in Germany before Jakob traveled to America to set things up for them to marry. Circumstances changed, as life carved a new path for the young man. Meanwhile, Karola stayed faithful to the man she loved from so far away. Now the times of change have created another chance, but the extenuating circumstances create a barrier they may not be able o cross over together.
Promised to Me isBook Four and final installation in the Coming to America series by Robin Lee Hatcher, about women who come to America to start new lives. Thiis series was narrated by the talented Pam Ward, who made it this wonderful Christian based historical romance novel a pleasure to experience.
Dear Mother and Father, After all those years, I was certain Jakob Hirsch had forgotten me. Then came his proposal of marriage. With more impulse than wisdom, I crossed the ocean to begin a new life with him in Shadow Creek, Idaho. Little did I dream of the changes eleven years had brought to the man I once loved—which included three small children waiting with him at the station. I will not marry a stranger who no longer loves me, but I have agreed to look after Jakob’s children until the harvest is in. A cabin on his property provides me with respectable living quarters. If only it were as easy to separate my heart from this family! It will be difficult to leave when the time comes, for I am falling in love with these little ones—and, truth be told, with Jakob. Your loving daughter, Karola Breit. In Idaho, the land is good but life is hard for a German émigré whose dreams have turned to dust.
The apprehension of fear, trepidation, and foreboding brings about a tearful and fearfully lousy life experience. So, the miraculous growth in the characters was an appreciated aspect. There were many trials and tribulations experienced by both the main characters, including hard work, the ability to recover from adversity, and inner strength. This inspirational experience brings a smile to the reader's face with surprise, hope, and unexpected wonder.
Love found and lost can shatter a man’s faith. But it is about to strengthen that of the woman to whom he turns—and in the drought of summer, a withered promise springs to life. Promised to Me is book four 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.
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 series! I would recommend this series to those who enjoy a Christian inspirational experience eary wild west of America.
..
October 3, 2019
A sweet book with a serious Christian theme.
Karola Breit waited 11 years for Jakob Hirsch to send for her after he left for America. Why, after years of letters, then no letters, did he finally send for her?
The ending seemed a bit forced when Jakob radically changed in a matter of moments. It would have been more believable if this had occurred to him in increments.
Ah well, sweet, clean book with good morals and message. Since this was a re-written book by Robin Lee Hatcher to make it less secular (yet not knowing what the previous version was like) I'd say, "Well done!"
Karola Breit waited 11 years for Jakob Hirsch to send for her after he left for America. Why, after years of letters, then no letters, did he finally send for her?
The ending seemed a bit forced when Jakob radically changed in a matter of moments. It would have been more believable if this had occurred to him in increments.
Ah well, sweet, clean book with good morals and message. Since this was a re-written book by Robin Lee Hatcher to make it less secular (yet not knowing what the previous version was like) I'd say, "Well done!"
February 14, 2023
The last book in series. This was super good. I loved all the characters and the flow was good. Loved the children and how they warmed up to their new mother .
Well done !
Well done !
June 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! A very easy read. It was 100% wholesome from start to finish, maybe too wholesome at times... The author is a Christian and tidbits about prayer and close relationship with God are peppered throughout the entire novel. (As a Christian myself, I'm not bothered by this.) I could picture each scene as I read it. I very much enjoy period pieces on paper as well as on screen. I loved the window into 1908 that this book was, and it held my interest until the very end. I look forward to discovering more from this author.
March 6, 2020
Meh. I liked the basis of the story line, but once again... why?
Skimmed parts. Will not read again.
Skimmed parts. Will not read again.
January 13, 2020
I have read this book through at least six times over the years! (I known right?) I really enjoy Robin Lee Hatcher's books and while this one isn't my "all-time favorite", I do truly like it!
Likes:
I love the moments of spiritual devotions Karola has throughout the book and her growth in her faith and self-awareness. It feels very real and natural and (for myself) extremely applicable!
The relationships between the kids and Karola, and all the other friendships were really sweet and something I enjoyed to read
The character perspective changes throughout the book were very nice, and each one's thought style was unique. It didnt feel as if Jakob had the same style if wirdage and thought as Karola or that a cowboy sounded like a german baker's daughter
Dislikes:
I have a weird attention span and I like to see the settings as the character does, rather than having every chair and piece described to me like a theater set. It's a little thing and it has no impact on the overall fluidity of the story so if that isn't something that you get hung up on you'll be fine :)
There are sections written in letter form. I really like them, but they expound on a lot of information and it was a teensy bit overwhelming
The timeline passed by too quickly in some aspects, and then halted in others. I would have so so loved to see Jakob and Karola's relationship build more, they seemed to fall in love again in a way that didn't quite seem to the depth of their characters. But I think I would have needed more book to get that, so I could have witnessed more of their exchanges and interactions.
As you can see, I didn't have any big issues with the read or the book itself, just a few teensy itty bitty things that made the book just a little bit less than five outta five for me. Hope you enjoy it!
Likes:
I love the moments of spiritual devotions Karola has throughout the book and her growth in her faith and self-awareness. It feels very real and natural and (for myself) extremely applicable!
The relationships between the kids and Karola, and all the other friendships were really sweet and something I enjoyed to read
The character perspective changes throughout the book were very nice, and each one's thought style was unique. It didnt feel as if Jakob had the same style if wirdage and thought as Karola or that a cowboy sounded like a german baker's daughter
Dislikes:
I have a weird attention span and I like to see the settings as the character does, rather than having every chair and piece described to me like a theater set. It's a little thing and it has no impact on the overall fluidity of the story so if that isn't something that you get hung up on you'll be fine :)
There are sections written in letter form. I really like them, but they expound on a lot of information and it was a teensy bit overwhelming
The timeline passed by too quickly in some aspects, and then halted in others. I would have so so loved to see Jakob and Karola's relationship build more, they seemed to fall in love again in a way that didn't quite seem to the depth of their characters. But I think I would have needed more book to get that, so I could have witnessed more of their exchanges and interactions.
As you can see, I didn't have any big issues with the read or the book itself, just a few teensy itty bitty things that made the book just a little bit less than five outta five for me. Hope you enjoy it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2022
I read Promised to Me for a challenge in our library year long reading program. We were challenged to read something that reflects our heritage. Since most of my family is German I found this book about German immigrants. The book centers in Idaho while my family is in Iowa, but both are farmers so it fit the category. This book is Christian romance fiction. I don't read much romance fiction due to the usual pattern they follow which goes on and on and on throughout the book.
After all those years, I was certain Jakob Hirsch had forgotten me. Then came his proposal of marriage. With more impulse than wisdom, I crossed the ocean to begin a new life with him in Shadow Creek, Idaho. Little did I dream of the changes eleven years had brought to the man I once loved - which included three small children waiting with him at the station. I will not marry a stranger who no longer loves me, but I have agreed to look after Jakob’s children until the harvest is in. A cabin on his property provides me with respectable living quarters. If only it were as easy to separate my heart from this family! It will be difficult to leave when the time comes, for I am falling in love with these little ones - and, truth be told, with Jakob.
Your loving daughter, Karola Breit
In Idaho, the land is good but life is hard for a German émigré whose dreams have turned to dust. Love found and lost can shatter a man’s faith. But it is about to strengthen that of the woman to whom he turns - and in the drought of summer, a withered promise springs to life. Promised to Me is book four 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.
After all those years, I was certain Jakob Hirsch had forgotten me. Then came his proposal of marriage. With more impulse than wisdom, I crossed the ocean to begin a new life with him in Shadow Creek, Idaho. Little did I dream of the changes eleven years had brought to the man I once loved - which included three small children waiting with him at the station. I will not marry a stranger who no longer loves me, but I have agreed to look after Jakob’s children until the harvest is in. A cabin on his property provides me with respectable living quarters. If only it were as easy to separate my heart from this family! It will be difficult to leave when the time comes, for I am falling in love with these little ones - and, truth be told, with Jakob.
Your loving daughter, Karola Breit
In Idaho, the land is good but life is hard for a German émigré whose dreams have turned to dust. Love found and lost can shatter a man’s faith. But it is about to strengthen that of the woman to whom he turns - and in the drought of summer, a withered promise springs to life. Promised to Me is book four 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.
February 2, 2024
This is the last of a 4-part series of men and women coming to America in the early 1900's. There were new experiences and hardships but they bravely overcame many obstacles.
This was my favorite of the series about a women coming to America to marry and then discovering her husband-to-be was a widower with 3 young children. I loved how faith played an extremely important part in the story as the characters come to terms with God's will for their lives. Highly recommend.
This was my favorite of the series about a women coming to America to marry and then discovering her husband-to-be was a widower with 3 young children. I loved how faith played an extremely important part in the story as the characters come to terms with God's will for their lives. Highly recommend.
September 9, 2017
This is a very enjoyable Chrisitian historical fiction book about immigrants adjusting to American life and culture. The way Jakob and Karola change and grow during the story is believable, and Karola's struggle with impulsivity is endearing. Farming in Idaho at the end of the nineteenth century was difficult, and this is depicted well.
January 17, 2022
An amazing story of hope, faith, life’s challenges and God’s mercy. Robin has such a gift in telling a story and with the narrator’s voice they are brought to like
Although this couple’s journey was long, it was well worth every second for the love to bloom.
So sorry this is the end of this series! I feel like I am leaving a town and family behind. Thank you Robin
Although this couple’s journey was long, it was well worth every second for the love to bloom.
So sorry this is the end of this series! I feel like I am leaving a town and family behind. Thank you Robin
September 21, 2023
Fourth book in the series but could be a stand alone. Sweet characters. Not real heavy and a nice escape from reality. Hatcher doesn’t disappoint with a nice love story and spiritual growth in the characters.
September 25, 2024
Loved this story of German immigrants coming to America in the early 20th century. I love history, and especially learning it with story. The theme of being promised to God before one can be promised to another human is a timely message in the current era. Thank you, Robin Lee Hatcher.
July 17, 2017
One thing that I really like about this series is that the story doesn't end with the marriage. That tends to happen early on, and we still get a look into their lives.
August 17, 2017
long, as beautiful of lessons as it teaches.
June 8, 2020
Love the characters. Love the plot twists. Highly recommend
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September 27, 2020July 2020
January 16, 2021
So heartbreaking but at the same time heartwarming.
February 6, 2021
Good read, but the front cover is very unappealing. I'm glad I don't judge a book by its cover.
August 15, 2022
This series, Coming to America, has been really neat to read. The historical facts as well as Christian fiction melded well together! Recommended for teens and up.
October 22, 2022
Clean Christian romance. I would have liked a bit more romance and a little less religious instruction. It was ok. I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them more.
August 12, 2023
this book was okay in the sense that it was typical and expected. it could have been more interesting...
November 9, 2023
Not my normal genre but it wasn’t bad not real exciting but a good wholesome tale
April 7, 2025
Good but not my liking slow read
February 3, 2013
Coming to America #4 proved to be better than books 2 and 3, but I found the connection to the series to be brief and tenuous at best. The connection with the other characters in the series consists of a brief vignette where a Jakob Hirsch sees the three ladies from a distance as they all make their way to America. The promise referred to in the title is one that Jakob made to his childhood sweetheart that he would one day call for her to join him in America after he made his fortune. Several years pass before Corolla finally hears word from Jakob, but nothing is as she dreamed. Jacob, although better off than others in the community, is far from wealthy. What's more, he appears to have forgotten her as he married and had children with another woman! It seems that he only wants her as a housekeeper and nursemaid for the children now that his beloved wife passed away. There is a similar theme from the rest of the series of a marriage born of necessity rather than love, but love does bloom. I found the story itself to be a little more enjoyable than the last two, but I did rate it a bit lower because of the weak connection to the rest of the series.
June 14, 2009
karola believed it when Jakob said he would send for her after he made it rich in America, but after 11 years she gets the letter she's been waiting for and accepts his proposal of marriage without the happenings of the passed time. When she arrives in Idaho from the long journey from Germany, she discovers he has 3 children and that his wife has died in the birth of their last child. She was wanted for the care of the children and household not because she was loved and wanted herself. She doesn't marry Jakob as planned but instead becomes his housekeeper and sitter for the children to pay off her passage fair. In the process she comes to accept God's direction in her life and bring happiness to the ones she cares for. Jakob learns to love again even with the uncertainty of life and loss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2021
A German boy leaves Germany to come to America to make a better life. He promises to send for his girl friend but doesn't do so until 10 or years later. She comes and find he has married someone else and they had 3 children. The wife dies so he sends for his German friend to help care for his children.
October 13, 2011
This book was pretty cute! I liked the idea of reuniting with your first love...
Jakob and Karola were really cute together, and I'm glad they didn't get married right off the bat. They needed some time to get to know one another again... And I didn't question when Karola fell in love with Jakob so quickly, because it was REfalling in love... And Jakob had the hangups with his first wife, and so it made sense that he was slower to catch up...
I really thought Jakob was great. I loved how he was with his kids! SO great! (My husband is like that!) He was actually a LOT like my husband... not always terribly communicative, a really hard worker, etc. So I liked him quite a lot (as you might imagine!)...
Overall, a cute little book!
Jakob and Karola were really cute together, and I'm glad they didn't get married right off the bat. They needed some time to get to know one another again... And I didn't question when Karola fell in love with Jakob so quickly, because it was REfalling in love... And Jakob had the hangups with his first wife, and so it made sense that he was slower to catch up...
I really thought Jakob was great. I loved how he was with his kids! SO great! (My husband is like that!) He was actually a LOT like my husband... not always terribly communicative, a really hard worker, etc. So I liked him quite a lot (as you might imagine!)...
Overall, a cute little book!
April 17, 2010
Promised to Me is a surprise book. I thought that, with the publishing of book three, the series would end. Book four features a young man from the same ship as the three young women main characters in the previous books. Jakob, however, has no relationship with any of the young women, so the connection ends with the prologue.
This book is about a promise unkept and a love betrayed after Jakob's move to America. Ten years later, he remembers his sweetheart from home and arranges for her to come to him. Due to the many changes that have occurred over the intervening years, the story of their reconnection is anything but smooth.
This book is about a promise unkept and a love betrayed after Jakob's move to America. Ten years later, he remembers his sweetheart from home and arranges for her to come to him. Due to the many changes that have occurred over the intervening years, the story of their reconnection is anything but smooth.
October 22, 2014
This is the final book in the Coming to America Series. I was expecting something similar to the previous books and that's what you get. If you have enjoyed any of the other books, you will enjoy this one too. I would give the book 3.5 stars. I thought it was a good book, but not great. A lot of the things that happened in the book were very cliche. It's something I have read in multiple Christian fiction novels. The story was very predictable. The book won't be memorable, but it was a quick and easy read. I would recommend the book to fans of Robin Lee Hatcher.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews