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Blue Ink Review Celebrates Lady of Lincoln
This month, Blue Ink Review named Lady of Lincoln one of their February Book Recommendations, and I'm still processing what that means.
Blue Ink Review doesn't hand out accolades lightly. They're known for their rigorous standards and honest assessments, which makes their recognition of Lady of Lincoln feel especially meaningful. In their recommendation, they highlighted exactly what I'd hoped readers would discover: that Nicola de la Haye's story deserved to be told with the complexity and historical precision it demands, that medieval women's lives were far more nuanced than we've been led to believe, and that fiction grounded in meticulous research can transport readers to another time without sacrificing authenticity.
Literary Titan Gives LADY OF LINCOLN 5 Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m thrilled to share that Lady of Lincoln, the first book in The Nicola de la Haye Series, has just been reviewed by Literary Titan and received five stars!
This thoughtful review recognises the emotional depth, historical richness, and narrative heart of a story that brings a forgotten woman back to life.
Here are a few stand-out quotes from the review that really capture what makes this novel special:
“Emotional without turning sentimental, rich without turning dense, and dramatic without losing grip on the people at its center.” — Literary Titan
This line highlights what I most hoped to achieve: not just a vivid historical setting, but a story that resonates emotionally without ever feeling overwrought.
“Nicola’s struggle against the constraints of her gender, her grief, and her desire to shape her own future felt honest and raw.” — Literary Titan
One of the most powerful parts of Nicola’s journey is how she confronts not just external enemies, but the limitations society imposes on her simply because she is a woman. I’m so glad the review recognised the emotional honesty behind that arc.
“A vivid, emotionally charged tale that turns a forgotten heroine into an unforgettable force.” — Literary Titan
It’s always humbling to see Nicola described as “unforgettable.” She was real, and her truly inspiring story deserves to be remembered.
LADY OF LINCOLN is available on NetGalley!
For a limited time only, Lady of Lincoln is available for Netgalley reviewers and librarians to read and review.
If you love immersive historical fiction based on real characters and strong women protagonists, then this novel is for you!
Get your copy here: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/787763 or click the image above.
More on Lady of LIncoln:
1173. Nicola de la Haye will inherit great estates and Lincoln Castle—one of England's most strategic fortresses, but the medieval world is a man's world and her father arranges a marriage to secure her estates. She chooses love instead, causing her world to collapse. King Henry II punishes her. Her husband betrays her and joins a rebellion. Powerful men circle her inheritance like wolves.
LADY OF LINCOLN is the award-winning first book in the true story of Nicola de la Haye—the woman who would become England's first female sheriff and, years later, save the realm from a French invasion. But that triumph is still distant. This is where it begins: with a young woman learning what defiance costs, and what it takes to survive.
"A towering, epic saga… one of the greats in this genre." — Readers' Favorite ★★★★★
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.
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!.
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.
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! 🏰
Hugh de Morville: The Knight Who Would Not Repent
Lord of Westmorland and Knaresborough, de Morville escaped execution, but not history’s judgment.
When Thomas Becket fell beneath the knights’ swords on that winter night in Canterbury, Hugh de Morville was there, but whether he struck or simply stood aside remains one of history’s greyest shadows.
He was the oldest of the four and the most powerful: Lord of Westmorland and Knaresborough, baron of the north, and keeper of one of the most formidable castles in England. While Reginald FitzUrse raged, William de Tracy hesitated, and Richard de Brito delivered the fatal blow, de Morville watched . But his silence proved to be as damning as any sword.
Lady of Lincoln Receives a 5-Star Review from The Coffee Pot Book Club!
I’m absolutely delighted, and a little bit overwhelmed, to share that Lady of Lincoln has received a 5-star review from the highly respected Coffee Pot Book Club!
For those who don’t know, The Coffee Pot Book Club is one of the most trusted and independent voices in the historical fiction community, known for its thoughtful, in-depth reviews and support for authors who bring history vividly to life.
As a debut author, it’s both humbling and thrilling to have Lady of Lincoln recognised by such an esteemed platform.
LADY OF LINCOLN UPDATE
I’m thrilled to announce the full book description/ blurb of my upcoming novel, LADY OF LINCOLN is ready to read! I do hope you like it. 🙏
Reginald FitzUrse: The Bear Knight Who Slayed a Saint
On 29 December 1170, four armed knights pushed through the freezing rain towards Canterbury Cathedral. Their leader was Reginald FitzUrse—a man whose very name meant “son of the bear.” He would live up to it in every sense: fierce, proud, and dangerously impulsive.
When Thomas Becket fell beneath their swords that night, FitzUrse’s roar echoed through the nave. It was he who first laid hands on the archbishop, striking the blow that turned a quarrel between king and church into one of the most shocking crimes of the Middle Ages.
A Knight of the King’s Household
Little is known of FitzUrse’s early life. He came from a respectable Somerset family, holding lands at Willeton and Barham. Like many younger sons of the gentry, he found advancement in royal service. By the 1160s he was one of Henry II’s household knights—trusted, well-paid, and fiercely loyal to the king who rewarded courage and obedience above all else.
That loyalty, however, would prove fatal.