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Medieval Stories
She Was Almost Written Out of History, But Today, She Takes Back Her Story

She Was Almost Written Out of History, But Today, She Takes Back Her Story

Lady of Lincoln is officially here, and the woman history almost forgot is ready to be remembered.

Today is publication day for Lady of Lincoln, and I won't pretend I'm not emotional. This book, and this woman, has lived in my heart for years.

Nicola de la Haye was real. She inherited Lincoln Castle, commanded a garrison, defied kings, and at nearly seventy years old, held her fortress against the forces of Prince Louis of France in a siege and then a battle that may have changed the course of English history. Without her, England might be speaking French today.

And yet, until now, you've almost certainly never heard her name.

I hope that ends today.

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Nicola de la Haye

Nicola de la Haye

The inspiration of Brienne of Tarth, Nicola de la Haye saved England twice. Watch the video below and discover the legend. (Spoilers alerts!).

And when you’ve finished, it’s time to find out more about the medieval heroine, the world she lived in, the corrupt men she had to deal with, and how the medieval badass sorted them all out!

Buy the first book in the Nicola de la Haye series, Lady of Lincoln, here.

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Lady of Lincoln Gallops into the Chaucer Awards

Lady of Lincoln Gallops into the Chaucer Awards

I’m delighted to share some wonderful news: Lady of Lincoln has been named a Finalist in the Chanticleer International Chaucer Award for Historical Fiction.

It feels especially fitting to imagine Lady of Lincoln galloping into this space. The novel tells the true story of Nicola de la Haye, a medieval noblewoman who refused to be sidelined in a world designed for men, and who quite literally rode into danger to defend her lands, her people, and her legacy.

The Chaucer Award celebrates historical fiction that brings the past vividly to life, honouring works grounded in strong research, compelling storytelling, and memorable characters. To see Nicola’s story recognised in this way is deeply meaningful.

Thank you to Chanticleer for championing historical fiction, and to every reader who has ridden alongside Nicola on her journey so far. More news to come: the ride is far from over.

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Another Accolade for LADY OF LINCOLN!
Book Award, Book Reviews, Lady of Lincoln, Nicola de la Haye Rachel Elwiss Joyce Book Award, Book Reviews, Lady of Lincoln, Nicola de la Haye Rachel Elwiss Joyce

Another Accolade for LADY OF LINCOLN!

Besides winning a gold medal and ‘Book of the Year’ from the Coffee Pot Book Club, a ‘Notable Book’ Award from BlueInk Review (their highest accolade), and Five Stars from Reader’s Favorite, LADY OF LINCOLN has now been shortlisted for the Chaucer Award by the Chanticleer International Book Awards!.

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Lady of Lincoln Awarded the Prestigious BlueInk ‘Notable Book’ Seal!

Lady of Lincoln Awarded the Prestigious BlueInk ‘Notable Book’ Seal!

I’m delighted to share some wonderful news:
Lady of Lincoln has been awarded the BlueInk Notable Book Seal — an honour reserved for a very small number of books judged to be of exceptional merit.

BlueInk Review is one of the publishing industry’s most respected editorial review services, created by professional critics and editors who have written for outlets such as Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and major newspapers.

The Notable Book Seal is BlueInk’s highest distinction, highlighting titles that stand out for their literary quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship. Fewer than five percent of submissions receive this accolade.

Here’s some of what the reviewer wrote about Lady of Lincoln:

“Joyce’s rich characterization unfolds against a vivid, meticulously researched historical backdrop… a gripping account of courage amid the brutal realities of civil war.”

For a historical novel rooted in the real life of Nicola de la Haye, England’s indomitable Lady of Lincoln Castle, this accolade is deeply meaningful. It celebrates not only the countless hours of research and writing but also the historical women who refused to be forgotten.

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LADY OF LINCOLN Wins Book of the Year Award!

LADY OF LINCOLN Wins Book of the Year Award!

I can’t quite believe I’m posting this, but besides winning the Gold Medal for Historical Biographical Fiction, LADY OF LINCOLN won the Book of the Year Award in the Coffee Pot Book Club annual awards!

I’m so honoured that my novel has been recognised amongst such great fiction, and so pleased to have done the memory of NIcola de la Haye proud! 😀

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LADY OF LINCOLN wins the Gold Medal Award!
Book Award, Lady of Lincoln, Nicola de la Haye Rachel Elwiss Joyce Book Award, Lady of Lincoln, Nicola de la Haye Rachel Elwiss Joyce

LADY OF LINCOLN wins the Gold Medal Award!

I’m absolutely thrilled that LADY OF LINCOLN has won the Gold Medal in the Historical Biographical Fiction category in the Coffee Pot Book Club ‘Book of the Year’ awards!

I cannot thank the committee enough for recognising the novel, the hard work in putting it together, but also Nicola de la Haye’s story!

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Finalist in Book of the Year! 🥳

Finalist in Book of the Year! 🥳

I was overwhelmed last night to receive this surprise email:

“I am pleased to announce that your book, Lady of Lincoln, is a Finalist in The Coffee Pot Book Club Book Of The Year Awards 2025.”

Lady of Lincoln is a finalist for Book of the Year Award with the Coffee Pot Book Club

I’m overjoyed and delighted. 🎊🎊🎊🎊🥂🥂🥂🥳🥳🥳

In particular, I’m so pleased that Nicola (Nicholaa) de la Haye’s story is gaining recognition! 🏰

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