Author: Rachel Elwiss Joyce
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Hedgehog Books
Book Release Date: February 27, 2026
Pages: 464
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: 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.
My Review: Nicholaa de la Haye was a twelfth century noblewoman. She was the first female sheriff in English history. However, she has largely been forgotten. This historical novel attempts to recreate her life and introduce her to a broader audience. Nichola (as her name is spelled in the novel) is a wealthy heiress. She has three suitors that want to marry her. Her father wants her to marry Gerard de Camille, who is the son of a wealthy baron. However, Nicola chooses to marry for love. She marries her love, William FitzErnis upon her father’s death. However, Nicola realizes that her marriage is not at all rosy as she thought. Nicola and William must work through their problems in order to have a happy marriage.
I first heard of Nichola de la Haye when I read her biography, King John’s Right Hand Lady by Sharon Bennett Connolly. While I did not enjoy her biography, I still found her to be a fascinating historical figure. Therefore, I was thrilled to learn that there was a historical novel about her. I was pleased to find that this book met my expectations!
Nicola is a wonderful protagonist! She is feisty and spirited! She is a tomboy and wants to learn to fight! She was a strong and determined woman! I love how she was a loving person, especially to her husband, William FitzErneis. William betrayed her many times, but Nicola forgave and continued to love him. She was patient with him, and I thought she was a loving and devoted wife. Therefore, Nicola was an engaging and captivating protagonist!
Overall, this book is about marriage, forgiveness, and redemption. I liked most of the characters and thought they were complex. I did think one of her suitors was cartoonish and one-dimensional. I also thought the novel was unnecessarily long and was slow moving. However, I loved being immersed in Nicola’s world! I thought that Mrs. Joyce did an excellent job in making King Henry II’s reign come alive! I am eager to read her sequel, The Lady of the Castle! This book is perfect for those who would like to read about wealthy noblewomen during the period when Eleanor of Aquitaine was Queen Of England! I recommend this for fans of The King’s Jewel, Daughter of the Sun, and The Price of a Throne!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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