Historical fiction remains one of the most cherished genres among book lovers. In recent years, according to NPD BookScan (now Circana), the genre saw a double-digit percentage increase in sales, significantly outpacing general fiction. But there’s one historical fiction subgenre that consistently dominates the New York Times bestseller lists: WWII novels. These stories—typically set between 1939 and 1945—are beloved by readers for their high-stakes drama and action set amid breathtaking portrayals of humanity, bravery and sacrifice. Not only do WWII tales serve as a fascinating portal to the past, but they also remind readers of the resilience of the human spirit—so really, in many instances, these novels represent hope in dark times. If you’re looking for the best new WWII historical fiction books for 2026, you’re in the right place. Here, we combed through dozens of new releases and selected the 7 most captivating new reads to pick up in 2026.
Keep scrolling for all of our must-read recommendations!
When it comes to historical fiction books about war, the options are endless. Whether you want to read about The Civil War, World War I, World War II, The Cold War, The Vietnam War or any other conflict or battle, you’re guaranteed to find a wide variety of excellent stories. But our favorite books in […]
Acclaimed author Judy Batalian’s bestselling nonfiction book, The Light of Days, chronicled the untold story of brave Jewish women who fought Nazis through espionage and beyond during WWII. And her debut novel, The Last Woman of Warsaw, is a sparkling tale of courage. In 1938, the story centers on Fanny Zelshinsky, the artist daughter of an elite Jewish family who can’t decide whether to go through with her upcoming wedding or not. Meanwhile, Zosia Dror has fled her home and religious family in the wake of violence. She vows to advocate for social equality and is part of a new youth movement. But when famous artist Wanda Petrovsky— a member of Zosia’s movement and Fanny’s professor—goes missing, these two young women’s worlds collide. As danger looms, this very unlikely duo works together to find Wanda before it’s too late. (Out April 7, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “A very interesting historical novel set in Warsaw in 1938 and 1939. The main characters are Zosia and Fanny, two young Jewish women, who find themselves in the middle of the Jewish resistance against the anti-Jewish sentiments of their non-Jewish neighbors and the Nazis who are slowly invading Polish society. Although their paths cross and then diverge, their stories, their hopes and their dreams capture the essence of the times in which they lived.”
Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale will enjoy this sweeping debut novel by Lori Inglis Hall. Twins Tessa and Theo are inseparable—until World War II pulls them apart. Theo is recruited into the skies with the RAF, while Tessa enters the world of the Special Operations Executive as a spy behind enemy lines. Two years later, Theo returns home, scarred by war, but his sister does not. Theo is broken. As he tries to move on, he’s struggling in the world as a clandestinely gay man during a time when homosexuality is illegal. He also can’t help but seek out answers surrounding Tessa’s fate—something he will pay the price for. Decades later, a young historian named Edie is researching the Special Operations Executive during the war. As she meets up with Theo, they work together to unearth the long-buried truth surrounding his beloved sister. (out March 17, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Please, read this book. It’s a fantastic, emotionally moving, and deeply researched novel. I’m impressed and would recommend it to anyone looking for an exceptional work of historical fiction. In short, this is a very sad—heartbreakingly sad—but also profoundly beautiful story. Following Theo’s search to discover what happened to his sister is a deeply emotional experience. Not all the questions are answered at the end, but I think the best books are often those in which endings also feel like new beginnings.” (Out March 17, 2026)
Atmospheric settings and heartbreaking emotion abound in this upcoming novel. Set in Japanese-occupied Shanghai in 1941, the story follows Zofia as her world is upended. Her husband, Haru, has been conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Army. Alone in a city being torn apart by war, she forges an unexpected bond with Hilly, a spirited young refugee fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria—she also finds refuge with her American employer, Theo. As violence closes in and Haru’s absence continues, Zofia is forced to confront how war reshapes loyalty, identity and even love itself. (Out April 9, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This book showcases a side of WWII that isn’t often written about. Swift’s novel is filled with great characters, high stakes and a satisfying love story.”
From renowned WWII fiction author Sarah Sundin comes another page-turning tale centered around an unlikely friendship. When the Germans invaded the British Channel Islands, Dr. Ivy Picot’s peaceful world was shattered. Not only was she put in charge of her father’s medical practice, but she’s also the only one trying to keep her family together. To make matters even worse, thousands of forced laborers just arrived on the Island, and Ivy risks everything to help get them some much-needed medical aid. Elsewhere, Dutch engineer and resistance member Gerrit van der Zee is building a fortification for the Germans so he can secretly send maps to the Allies. His work sends him to the Channel Islands, where he meets Ivy. The two hastily form an alliance that has the potential to change the world. What follows is a battle of courage, love and sacrifice.
What readers are saying: “This was an exciting read. There was plenty of suspense and some espionage and subterfuge, too. I had a hard time putting it down when real life called. If you’re a fan of faith-filled, heartfelt, and entertaining WWII romances, grab a copy of this book. You will love it!”
Whether you’re spending the summer stretched out on the beach, posted up on a cabin porch or simply soaking up the sunshine from your own backyard, there’s nothing quite like a good book to keep you company. And if you’re craving stories with atmospheric settings, rich intrigue, bygone eras and secret-filled suspense, historical mysteries are […]
If you love Greek mythology, be sure not to miss Christopher Cosmos’ newest WWII historical fiction novel. After Greece’s mainland falls to the Germans, the Greek government flees South to Crete, an ancient island filled with myths and magic. Upon their arrival, Crete villager Maria, whose husband is fighting the Germans, finds a wounded British soldier, whom she nurses back to health. But when the Germans arrive on the island, everything changes. Now Maria must step into a role she never thought possible to protect herself, her family and her homeland. A delightful tale of magical realism filled with unforgettable characters. (Out March 3, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “The author shines a light on the lesser-told story of Greece’s role in WWII, evoking the tremendous stamina and courage of its people and showing how their lives are changed under the constant threat of death. It’s a stirring drama.”
This compelling love story—inspired by author Tammye Huf’s own family in the segregated south during and after WWII—follows Cora, Lee, Benny and Roscoe, four friends whose lives are changed by war. After the1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Cora’s brother, Benny, rushes to enlist in the war, despite his family’s wishes. Able to pass as white, Benny joins the military only to learn that he’s part of a racially segregated organization. Lee, Benny’s best friend and Cora’s lover, also enlists in the war, leaving Cora with only her mother. Meanwhile, family friend Roscoe offers to marry Cora to keep her and her mother safe. Later, when Benny returns home, he’s shocked to find Cora and Roscoe still together, but he’s even more shocked to learn that only white soldiers are being honored by the government. A powerful tale of family, faith and sacrifice.
What readers are saying: “If you’re going to read one historical fiction this year, let it be this one. The character development is subtle as well as beautiful. The battle scenes are gripped with raw truth and tension. It’s about dreams coming true while dying at the same time. I was absorbed throughout this entire novel. Well done.”
Fans of Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See will love this book—the fifth installment of her Girls of the Italian Resistance series. Set in 1943 Lake Maggiore, Italy, the plot follows Giulia Leone, a 17-year-old girl whose life has remained untouched by the war. But when the German officers take over her town, Giulia’s world flips upside down. Her father’s hotel is no longer a safe place for the Jewish refugees and Giulia is worried that her best friend Ester might be taken away from her. Desperate to do something, Giulia tries to help Ester and her family escape, only to discover that Giulia was the only one who got away. Needing a place to hide, Giulia heads to the mountains where she meets Raffaele Ferrero and his band of partisan fighters, who agree to take her in and help her fight back. A powerful story inspired by true events.
What readers are saying: “This beautifully written and meticulously researched novel is one of a series that Siobhan Daiko has written about women who find themselves involved with the Italian Resistance toward the end of WWII. Each novel’s female protagonist is as unique as the part of Italy from which she originates. I particularly like the setting for this novel as it is a part of Italy I’ve visited, but I’ve enjoyed Siobhan’s stories set in Venice, Sicily, Bologna, and Portofino as well.”
For more historical fiction books, keep scrolling!
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