Allmusic editor Matt Collar found that the album "goes far toward moving her in a more grown-up direction.

Working with a handful of writer/producers, In Your Hands is a sophisticated, contemporary dance and soul album that takes its cues from the sound and style of '90s R&B stars like Mariah Carey and En Vogue [...] Ultimately, the focus on In Your Hands is less on Doolittle's cheeky persona and more on her passionate lyrics and warm vocals, a change she can back up with her creativity and talent.

He felt that "all too often [Doolittle] slips into MOR soul-pop, adding little new – musically or otherwise – to the table.

"[2] Renowned for Sound critic Francesca Tichon remarked that "though people have compared her to Lily Allen, and her soulful voice does conjure memories of Amy Winehouse, Doolittle falls far short of these two musical icons.

"[3] On 16 October 2013, the album debuted at number 23 on The Official Chart Update.