Lady of Lincoln by Rachel Elwiss Joyce is a compelling historical novel set in 12th-century England, in which Nicola de la Haye defies expectations in a male-dominated world as she pursues agency and leadership. Sent to secure her inheritance, she marries a landless knight against her father's wishes, risking everything. Fined by King Henry II and betrayed by those closest to her, Nicola fights to save her estates and earn respect in a time of civil war and political chaos. A woman born to lead, she faces threats, love, and violence with unwavering courage, challenging the constraints of her time. Based on a true story, this novel brings to life a forgotten heroine who refuses to be silenced. It is a powerful saga of grit and rebellion, perfect for fans of richly textured historical fiction.

Rachel Elwiss Joyce vividly captures the tumultuous life of Nicola de la Haye and the political and social currents of medieval England. I adored the characters, especially Nicola, depicted as a resilient and fiercely independent woman. She is so skillfully developed that themes of loyalty, duty, and personal desire are directly linked to her. Set against the historical backdrop, the story explores conflicts between individual freedom and social norms, including marriage, inheritance, and political intrigue. The siege, riots, and courtly politics reflect the fraught historical setting, emphasizing the peril women faced in a male-dominated world. Lady of Lincoln presents a heroine you will love; her courage will inspire, and her fierce struggle for independence will have you rooting for her. This well-written tale will transport you to the medieval era, allowing you to experience its conflicts and tensions.

Lady of Lincoln by Rachel Elwiss Joyce is the story of Nicola de la Haye, a 12th-century noblewoman who defied the expectations of her time. Born into a world that denied women authority, Nicola must navigate a life full of duty, betrayal, and resilience. When her father arranges a marriage to secure her inheritance, she rebels and chooses instead to wed William FitzErneis out of love. Her defiance comes at a cost of royal punishment, financial ruin, and the sting of her husband’s disloyalty. Yet amid political chaos and rebellion, Nicola proves her strength, earning the respect of her garrison and rising as a symbol of courage in an era dominated by powerful men.

Author Rachel Elwiss Joyce did an incredible job of bringing Nicola de la Haye to life. The author skillfully portrays the complex realities of 12th-century life, where a woman's duty constantly clashed with her desire for freedom and agency. Joyce skillfully balances authenticity with storytelling. The novel captures the brutality and beauty of medieval England while exploring timeless themes of power, independence, and identity. Nicola’s journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking. She is a woman ahead of her time, who learns that leadership often demands sacrifice. Her journey started as a need to protect her inheritance and her people, and then turned into something bigger than she anticipated. The narrative does justice to this larger-than-life woman. The pace is perfect, the narrative style is perfect for the era, and the characters are brought to life with simple yet important details. I cannot wait to read the next novels in the series!

Lady of Lincoln by Rachel Elwiss Joyce is an intriguing historical novel that brings to life the tumultuous period of England's civil war and the intricate web of loyalties, betrayals, and personal struggles. In 12th-century England, Nicola de la Haye is determined to fulfill her duty. Despite being told women cannot lead, she defies her father’s marriage plans and weds a handsome, landless knight after a tragic loss leaves her without guidance. Fined by Henry II for her choice, Nicola fights to save her estates in a world filled with betrayal and political intrigue. Her husband's decision to join the rebels ignites further chaos, but Nicola’s strength earns her the respect of her castle’s garrison. Now, she must confront powerful men intent on crushing her spirit. Will she overcome love, danger, and ambition to prove she’s worthy of authority?

This is a gripping tale of bravery, loyalty, and defiance in a turbulent medieval world. Lady of Lincoln is well-researched, and the author skillfully depicts how women were perceived and treated in this period. Characterization was top-notch, and Nicola de la Haye shines through the narrative with her determination and indomitable spirit. The conflict felt real to me, and Nicola de la Haye’s internal struggles and her confrontation of institutionalized discrimination against women propelled the narrative forward in unexpected directions. The conflict is compounded by mob threats on Jewish residents and political machinations involving Nicola’s suitors. The prose is good, and the vivid descriptions capture scenes in a cinematic manner. The dialogues are well-crafted, and the historical setting is explored. This book captivated me from the first to the last page.

Lady of Lincoln by Rachel Elwiss Joyce follows Nicola de la Haye, who inherits Lincoln Castle after her mother retires, taking command of a garrison, a household, and the people who rely on her. She trains her squire, confronts rebellious nobles and mob violence, and navigates political tensions across England and Normandy. Her marriage to William “Fitz” Erneis entwines her personal life with the risks of war, rebellion, and shifting loyalties, while she raises her children and manages the castle’s defenses. As threats mount—from invading forces, royal interference, and betrayal within her own walls—Nicola must combine strategy, courage, and cunning to protect her family and retain control of Lincoln. When royal authority challenges her power, she tries to plot a daring escape that will test her skill and resolve, and could cost her, the household, and the people in her care their lives.

Rachel Elwiss Joyce’s Lady of Lincoln is a brilliant portrayal of Nicola de la Haye, whose intelligence and skill happen to be one of those gems that redefine the idea of leadership in medieval England. Joyce shows Nicola as someone who can shift between governing her castle, guiding her household, and guarding against threats, whether she's mastering a crossbow, coordinating defenses, or overseeing harvests and finances. I love the author's descriptions and how she grounds the story in the era. The descriptions place us on wintery roads with spiced wine, descending battlements on a rope, and even in the royal court. Joyce is respectful in making sure that the fictional flourish that fills in what we do not know about Nicola does not overshadow what we do know of her real life. This is a saga with room for growth into a spectacular series, and I look forward to seeing what Joyce writes next.