WELCOME TO RACHEL’S FICTION WRITING AND REVIEWS BLOG
This is where Rachel keeps you up to date with her novels and stories and also shares reviews, highlights and extracts from other authors.
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.
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.
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.
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.