Author: Rachel Elwiss Joyce
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Hedgehog Books
Book Release Date: September 21, 2026
Pages: 598
Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: For a woman, holding power in a man's world is dangerous; holding faith in an intolerant one is deadly.
England, 1185. Nicola de la Haye, constable of Lincoln Castle, commands her fortress with hard-won authority. Determined to protect her family from a kingdom fracturing around her, she discovers the hardest battle is the one inside her own walls.
When the king's chancellor marches an army to her gates and her husband stands accused of treason, Nicola must hold her castle against a siege—and hold her family together against something far harder to fight. As her marriage buckles under the weight of loss, jealousy, and the ghosts of their pasts, Nicola must choose between the walls she has built around herself and the man she has never fully let in.
Miles away, Nicola's Jewish childhood friend Bella has built her world on different foundations: a husband she adores, a strong, vibrant community, and a faith and traditions kept alive despite centuries of persecution. When crusading fervour sweeps the nation, Bella's family is stripped of its fortune and forced to flee to York—only to find themselves trapped in a castle tower by a mob demanding baptism or death.
As King Richard the Lionheart departs for the Holy Land, leaving England to turn on itself, both women face the same impossible question: what do you love enough to sacrifice everything for?
Based on the true story of a medieval heroine history nearly erased, Lady of the Castle is an immersive, deeply moving epic of love, loyalty, and betrayal in a kingdom torn apart by violence, prejudice, and the ambitions of powerful men.
My Review: Lady of the Castle is the sequel to Lady of Lincoln. Nicola de la Haye runs Lincoln Castle in her husband’s stead. When King Henry II dies, he is succeeded by his son, Richard I. Shortly afterwards, King Richard I leaves for the holy lands. His chancellor, Longchamp leads an army to Nicola’s gates and accuses her husband, Gerard, of treason. Nicola must hold her castle against Longchamp’s army.
I was a little disappointed in Nicola. In her first marriage, she was a patient, forgiving, loving, and devoted wife. In her second marriage, she was the complete opposite. She did not even give her husband the time of day. Because she kept ignoring him and avoiding him like he has the plague, it created more problems. Instead of blaming herself for the problems in the marriage, she blamed him and was not willing to work their marriage out. Therefore, I found her to be an unlikable character. She would have been happier, and they could have worked together quickly to resolve their problems. However, she pushed him and created tension that only added to unnecessary drama. Therefore, I was a little frustrated with her.
Overall, this book is about sacrifice, choices, and ambition. I liked the characters and thought they were realistic. I was a little disappointed in how Mrs. Joyce portrayed Gerard and Nicola’s marriage. In the first novel, it seemed like it would be hopeful and happy. However, their relationship was not stable because of unnecessary conflict. It would have been happy if Nicola was willing to communicate with Gerard rather than avoiding him. Therefore, I was not a fan of the romance. The story itself was long and drawn out. It could easily have been shortened by two hundred pages. I found this book to be a little disjointed because there were a few side storylines that went nowhere. I also did not care for her friend’s storyline. Although I did not enjoy it as much as Lady of Lincoln, I still found Lady of the Castle to be entertaining and enjoyable! I am still fascinated with Nicola’s story and am eager to continue the series. I recommend this book for fans of Four Sisters, All Queens, The Captive Queen, and The Stolen Crown!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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