9 Powerful Historical Fiction Books to Read This Memorial Day—from the Civil War to WWII
From 'The Nightingale' to 'The Rose Code,' these novels honor heroes beautifully!
Key Takeaways
- These WWII, Civil War and Revolutionary War novels honor unforgettable heroes.
- Bestselling books like ‘The Nightingale’ and ‘The Rose Code’ top the list.
- Many of the stories are inspired by real women and wartime sacrifices.
Every Memorial Day, millions of Americans pause to remember those who gave their lives in service. This year, we’re honoring that legacy through unforgettable stories—spotlighting heroes both real and fictional who helped shape the world we live in today. From Revolutionary War bravery to Civil War sacrifice and World War II resilience, these powerful novels are can’t-miss reads for anyone who loves history with heart.
If you love moving WWII tales, be sure to pick up The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. One reader said, “Through all of the fear and death, this book is full of hope, optimism and faith.” Or maybe you’ve always been fascinated by the Civil War. If that’s the case, don’t miss I Shall Be Near to You by Erin Lindsay McCabe, which one reader calls “so inspirational.”
For more historical fiction heroes books, keep scrolling!
World War II historical fiction
‘The Rose Code’ by Kate Quinn
Inspired by the true story of more than 10,000 female cryptanalysts who changed the course of the war, this captivating tale follows three brilliant women—Osla, Mab and Beth—after they answer the call to crack enemy codes during World War II at Bletchley Park in Britain. Soon, they enter into a secret world where their minds become the most powerful weapons of all. Woman’s World executive editor Patty Bontekoe says, “Before reading this moving tale, I had no idea women did this important work during World War II—Quinn’s elegant writing made for a compelling story that was hard to put down.”
What readers are saying: “The Rose Code is a gripping historical novel that captivates readers from the very beginning. Set during World War II, the story takes us deep into the fascinating world of codebreaking at Bletchley Park, the top-secret British intelligence center. Blending meticulous research with compelling characters, Quinn masterfully weaves together a tale of friendship, love, sacrifice, and the immeasurable impact that codebreakers had on the outcome of the war.”
‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah
From bestselling author Kristin Hannah comes another unforgettable story of love, sacrifice and the unbreakable bond between sisters. Vianne never imagined the Nazis would reach her peaceful home, but when enemy soldiers arrive at her door and take over her house, she must find the courage to protect her daughter. Elsewhere, Vianne’s sister Isabelle works with the resistance to keep the Nazis at bay. A powerful tale filled with strength, heartbreak and mystery.
What readers are saying: “Clearly this is a WWII saga, but at heart I felt this was a variety of love stories. Sure there was romance, but I’m talking about the love for a people, the love for a country and the love for fighting for all that is good and right. It’ll be awhile before I can pick up another emotional read because I don’t know how I’ll recover from this one!”
‘Lilac Girls’ by Martha Hall Kelly
Inspired by a real World War II heroine, this gripping story weaves together three unforgettable women who change the course of history. Caroline Ferriday is a New York City socialite whose comfortable life shatters when Hitler invades France. Kasia Kuzmerick is a brave Polish teenager who risks everything to be a messenger for the anti-Nazi resistance. And Herta Oberheuser is a young German doctor fighting to prove herself in a predominantly male field. As their paths intertwine, these three women discover that courage, hope and friendship might just be their most powerful weapon yet.
What readers are saying: “I cannot put into words how much this book impacted me. It’s books like this that make me appreciate how fortunate I am, for I know with great certainty that I could be nowhere as resilient as these women were. Fantastic book.”
‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heather Morris
This bestselling novel follows Lale Sokolov after he is sent to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau and where he is assigned to work as a tattoo artist. Forced into the unthinkable role, he risks his life to exchange jewels and money for food—quiet acts of bravery that helps others survive. When he meets Gita, he is more determined than ever to survive so he can get out of the camp and marry Gita. An incredible tale based on Sokolov’s real-life experiences during WWII.
What readers are saying: “I am always in awe of anyone who even attempts to put a place like Auschwitz into words. Through all of the fear and death, this book is full of hope, optimism and faith. That is a true testament to the power of love and the talent of Heather Morris.”
Revolutionary War historical fiction
‘A Girl Called Samson’ by Amy Harmon
From bestselling author Amy Harmon comes an inspiring true story of a woman who refused to let anything stand in her way. Set in 1760 Plympton, Massachusetts, the story follows Deborah Samson after her father abandons her family, forcing her to become a servant. Two decades later, when the American Revolution explodes across the colonies, Deborah sees her chance to rewrite her destiny. She disguises herself as a man and enlists in the Continental Army, but can she survive? Only time will tell.
What readers are saying: “It’s a shame the world does not know more of Deborah Samson’s story, but thankfully Amy Harmon made the effort to bring this warrior woman to the world’s attention. The story brings the inevitable struggles she must have faced to the forefront of readers’ minds and makes the sacrifices she made all the more admirable. The overarching theme of the story is freedom: freedom for all men and women in America.”
‘My Dear Hamilton’ by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
From bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie comes the remarkable true story of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. Growing up, Eliza lived a life of comfort and ease. She could have kept living that way, but she chose to stand beside Alexander Hamilton through the American Revolution, scandal and heartbreak. When her husband dies, Eliza decides it’s time for her to step away from the scandal and live the life she always wanted. An unforgettable journey of a woman who refused to be forgotten.
What readers are saying: “If Eliza Schuyler Hamilton were alive today, I think she would applaud how Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie interpreted her life through My Dear Hamilton. Another brilliant and fascinating read from these talented authors!”
Civil War historical fiction
‘My Name is Mary Sutter’ by Robin Oliveira
Filled with danger, delight and devastation, Robin Oliveira’s novel spotlights a different kind of Civil War hero: a woman determined to save lives when the world says she shouldn’t. After a personal loss, Mary Sutter chases her dream of becoming a surgeon and heads to Washington, D.C., where she cares for grievously wounded soldiers. Along the way, she’s pulled into a complicated love triangle with two surgeons—and must decide what she’s willing to risk.
What readers are saying: “With words so carefully chosen and scenes so exquisitely rendered, Robin Oliveira has written a debut novel that astounds. I raced through the first 300 pages then slowed down and took a few days to finish the final 64, because I didn’t want the book to end.”
‘I Shall Be Near to You’ by Erin Lindsay McCabe
The novel starts after Rosetta’s husband Jeremiah enlists in the Civil War. Unwilling to stay home without him, Rosetta cuts off her hair, disguises herself as a man and signs up as a Union soldier. While there, she proves she can be just as brave as any man on the battlefield, but is it enough to keep her secret hidden and navigate her now-rocky marriage? Inspired by the true stories of more than 250 women who fought in the Civil War, this is a powerful love story you won’t want to miss.
What readers are saying: “I never realized how many women actually fought in the Civil War, and the price they paid, both in lives and in reputation. What an incredible legacy. This book is worth the read for the history lesson alone. But it is also so inspirational in its depiction of strength and resolve when faced with no choice but poor choices.”
‘Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker’ by Jennifer Chiaverini
In this captivating historical novel, bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini reveals the intimate friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and the woman who knew her best. Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley was born into slavery, but her extraordinary talent as a seamstress gave her what she desired most: freedom. Those same skills also won her the trust and friendship of Mary Todd Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker brings to life the powerful bond between these two women, from the chaos of the Civil War through Mary’s final, heartbreaking years. A story of loyalty, resilience and unlikely friendship.
What readers are saying: “While the book is fiction, it is based on fact. I had never given any thought to the women who sewed for the president. First Ladies now have their favorite designers to turn to but in the mid-1800s that wasn’t so. They had their favorite dressmakers, who certainly had a front row seat to history. The author did a good job of portraying the main characters as real people whose lives are filled with good and bad times. If you like historical fiction based on fact, I certainly recommend this book.”
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