Review: Lady of Lincoln by Rachel Elwiss Joyce

February 26, 2026

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.

Review:

One thing becomes clear right from the start: the author is deeply committed to historical accuracy while still telling an engaging story. From the first pages to the last, you can feel the passion behind every sentence. Nicola de la Haye was a name I hadn’t encountered before, but after reading this book, I can’t help but admire her.

Experiencing how women, and people of different religious backgrounds, shaped history, yet suffered under its constraints, was both fascinating and heartbreaking. When a woman’s “purpose” was reduced to bearing children and securing a husband, what options were left for those who wanted more? The constant obstacles, the limited expectations, and the emotional weight of it all made me pause more than once.

Meanwhile, many of the men (certainly not all, but far too many) came across as reckless and entitled, spending freely, chasing pleasure, going to war, and scheming for power. Their behavior and the way they treated those around them were evident on nearly every page.

Nicola herself was far from perfect. Some of her early choices weren’t the wisest, but she never gave up. She treated people with fairness, stood her ground, and carried herself with integrity. I’m genuinely curious to see how her journey continues. I’m glad I stumbled upon this book. It left a strong impression, and I enjoyed it a lot (which is why I bought the printed version afterwards).

🌙 Recension: Lady of Lincoln (Nicola de la Haye #1) by Rachel Elwiss Joyce
📚 Genre: Jistorical Fiction
📅 Release Date: February 27, 2026
📖 Publisher: Hedgehog Books
📱 Read as: Kindle
📗 available in various formats – included in Kindle Unlimited
💸 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 493
⭐️ 5/5