Review: Lady of Lincoln (The Nicola de la Haye Series #1) by Rachel Elwiss Joyce
- Merissa
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Book details:
Book Title: Lady of Lincoln.
Subtitle: A Novel of Nicola de la Haye, the Medieval Heroine History Tried to Forget
Series: Nicola de la Haye Series
Author Name: Rachel Elwiss Joyce
Publication Date: 27 February 2026
Publisher: Hedgehog Books
Pages: 462
Genre: Medieval Historical Fiction / Historical Biographical Fiction
Any Triggers: A traumatic bedding ceremony, steamy scenes, violent scenes (battles, executions), childbirth scenes
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A true story. A forgotten heroine. In a time when women were told to stay silent, could she become the saviour her people need?
12th-century England. Nicola de la Haye wants to do her duty. But though she’s taught a female cannot lead alone, the young noblewoman bristles at the marriage her father has arranged to secure her inheritance. And when an unexpected death leaves her unguided, the impetuous girl shuns the king’s blessing and weds a handsome-but-landless knight.
Harshly fined by Henry II for her unsanctioned union, Nicola struggles to salvage her estates while dealing with devastating betrayals from her husband… and his choice to join rebels in a brewing civil war. Yet after averting a tragedy and gaining the castle garrison’s respect, she still must face the might of powerful men determined to crush her under their will.
Can she survive love, threats, and violent ambition to prove she’s worthy of authority?
In this carefully researched and vividly human series debut, Rachel Elwiss Joyce showcases the complex themes of honour, responsibility, and freedom in the story of a remarkable heroine who men tried to erase from history. And as readers dive into a world defined by violence and turmoil, they’ll be stunned by this courageous young woman’s journey toward greatness.
Lady of Lincoln is the gritty first book in the Nicola de la Haye Series historical fiction saga. If you like richly textured female heroes, courtly drama, and fast-paced intrigue, then you’ll adore Rachel Elwiss Joyce’s gripping true-life tale.
Please note: this novel contains mature themes and some intimate scenes.
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5 out of 5 (exceptional)
LADY OF LINCOLN is the first book in the Nicola de la Haye series, and her story begins when she is still just a child herself. She sees her older sister marry and wants to marry for love, but her father has chosen a suitable husband for her. Gerard is the character I fell in love with the minute he said he wouldn't ever force a woman's hand, although his reasons are heartbreaking. Unfortunately for Gerard, Nicola is swept off her feet by Fitz, a man closer to her age who needs her inheritance. Nicola and Gerard remain friends, and she and Fitz actually find love, although their love isn't without its ups and downs.
Most of the story is told by Nicola, although Fitz and Gerard both have their say too. I loved how Nicola cared for her people and was clever enough to have stock in multiple places. Fitz, I didn't like at the beginning, but he grew on me. He made some bad choices, but proved himself by the end.
There is a lot going on in this book, not only Nicola's story, but also the rebellion against King Henry by his sons, led by his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Parts of this made my head spin, with many names and titles being used, and I thought I was well-read in medieval history!
This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I can't wait to continue with Nicola's story. Definitely recommended to any medieval history fans. 4.5 rounded up.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
After a rewarding career in the sciences, Rachel returned to her first love—history and the art of storytelling. Fascinated by the women history neglected, or tried to forget, she creates meticulously researched, emotionally resonant fiction that brings her characters’ stories vividly to life.
Her fascination with the past began early. At six years old, she was already inventing tales about medieval women in castles, inspired by her treasured Ladybird books and other picture-rich stories that transported her to another time. By the time she discovered Katherine by Anya Seton as a teenager, she knew the joy and escape that only great historical fiction can bring.
Rachel’s two grown-up children still tease her (fondly) about childhoods spent being “dragged” around castles, archaeological sites, and historical re-enactments. For Rachel, history and imagination have always gone hand in hand.
There was, however, a long gap between the stories of her childhood and her decision to write her own novel. The spark came when she discovered the remarkable true story of Nicola de la Haye—the first female sheriff of England, who defended Lincoln Castle against a French invasion and became known as “the woman who saved England,” Rachel knew she had found her heroine, and a story she was destined to tell.
Rachel lives in the UK, where she continues to explore the lives of women who shaped history but were left out of its pages.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.rachelelwissjoyce.com/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/RachelElwJoyce
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/racheljoycehello/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Rachel-Elwiss-Joyce/author/B0G25Q32PV
Tour hosted by: The Coffee Pot Book Club
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