BookLife for Publishers Weekly Review of LADY OF LINCOLN

Lady of LincolnBook Review
Written By Rachel Elwiss Joyce

BookLife have published a wonderful review of Lady of Lincoln!

BookLife by Publishers Weekly have just written a lovely review of LADY OF LINCOLN, and it will be featured in the late January edition, I couldn’t resist sharing it today.

Follow the link above or read it here:

“Joyce’s historical fiction debut vividly portrays Nicola de la Haye, a 12th-century noblewoman who defied societal norms to protect her legacy, family, and lands, during a time when women were largely regarded as inconsequential. Beginning in 1168, Nicola’s story emerges as one of courage and conviction, as she steps into the role of protector of her father’s Lincoln Castle, defends those who are vulnerable, and transforms from a naive girl into a formidable leader. When her father dies unexpectedly, Nicola is left to manage her own fate. Her first step on that tentative path is to wed William FitzErneis (Fitz), a match she believes is made from passion—though it’s decidedly below her station. But Nicola soon discovers that, despite her determination, the world of 12th-century England won’t make life easy for a strong, resilient woman.

“Joyce intricately blends Nicola’s personal struggles—including her marriage to Fitz and later union, after his death, to Gerard de Camville—with historical events like Henry the Young King’s Great Rebellion and the martyrdom of Thomas Becket, showcasing Nicola’s resilience and leadership in a male-dominated world. She is portrayed as a multifaceted protagonist, melding vulnerability with unyielding strength, and her resourcefulness highlights the tenacity of women throughout history. Nicola’s relationships, particularly with her husbands, are nuanced and emotionally charged, reflecting the complexities of love and duty in medieval times.

“The historical setting is meticulously researched, with vivid descriptions of Lincoln Castle, the surrounding countryside, and the brutal realities of medieval warfare. Joyce’s attention to detail immerses readers in the period while providing authenticity, and real historical figures like King Henry II and Prince John add depth, their interactions set against political chaos and dynastic maneuverings. Lady of Lincoln is a captivating exploration of history—depicted through the lens of a remarkable female protagonist—that explores themes of love, loss, loyalty, and resilience against a richly detailed medieval backdrop.”

Takeaway: Captivating portrait of medieval woman determined to forge her own path.

Comparable Titles: Anchee Min’s Empress Orchid, Lauren Groff’s Matrix.

Rachel Elwiss Joyce

Rachel Elwiss Joyce, Author of Historical Fiction.

Exploring power, loyalty, and love in turbulent medieval England.

Rachel came to novel writing later in life, but she has always been passionate about history, storytelling, and the forgotten voices of women. She writes meticulously researched, immersive historical fiction that brings overlooked heroines into the light.

She started inventing tales about medieval women living in castles when she was just six years old—and never stopped. But when she discovered the extraordinary story of Nicola de la Haye, the first female sheriff, who defended Lincoln Castle from a French invasion and became known as ‘the woman who saved England’, Rachel knew she had found a heroine worth telling the world about.

Lady of Lincoln is her debut novel, the first book in her Nicola de la Haye Series, with sequels to follow.

https://rachelelwissjoyce.com
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