Originally published on 5/24/25

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 this genre feature female characters, because they often include compelling stories about courage, resilience, love, loss, secrets, sacrifice and moral choices. These unputdownable stories tell the tales of brave women who remain on the home front or work as nurses, spies, resistance fighters and more. While some of the characters are figments of the author’s imagination, many are inspired by real-life women and true stories. In all cases, these novels are inspiring—and often heartbreaking. 

To honor Memorial Day, we rounded up 10 of our favorite historical fiction books about war showcasing brave, intelligent and selfless female heroes.

If you love dazzling WWII tales inspired by real women, pick up a copy of Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. Or, if you’re more interested in the Cold War, consider Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams—it’s sure to captivate you from cover to cover.

Keep scrolling to learn more about these sweeping reads and discover the rest of our historical fiction books about war featuring inspiring women!

‘The Kennedy Girl’ by Julia Bryan Thomas 

Readers are transported to glamorous 1960s Paris in this immersive, enthralling story. Mia’s fashion idol is Jackie Kennedy, but her bakery job doesn’t quite pay well enough to craft a closet after the icon. Then Mia gets an unexpected modeling job at a prestigious Paris fashion house. As she rises in the industry, she’s drawn into the Cold War by the fashion house she works for. A sweeping story of fashion and espionage! 

What readers are saying: “Set amidst the fashion world of 1960s Paris, I really enjoyed this propulsive historical thriller that left me guessing who was who until the end. The Cold War espionage mystery was enthralling from the beginning, and I couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened. I loved the references to Paris’ quaint streets and delicious cafes, plus the mid-century fashion details were fascinating.”

‘Code Name Butterfly’ by Embassie Susberry 

This captivating saga takes readers back to 1941 Paris. During WWII, Elodie Mitchell is a journalist who is invited to a show in Paris. While there, she’s mistaken for the show’s star, Josephine Baker. She’s whisked backstage and discovers a secret resistance movement. She soon gains the people’s trust and goes undercover to gather intel for them. A rich wartime epic about love, courage and bravery that was inspired by real-life events. 

What readers are saying: “I love reading anything Embassie Susberry has written. This book was a truly great read! I love the characters, the drama, the suspense and that deep inseparable love between Elly and Grant!”

‘The Alice Network’ by Kate Quinn 

Based on a real-life female spy network in France during World War I, this story splits its time between 1915 and the aftermath of the war in 1947. Fearless Eve trains as a spy to gather intel under the Germans’ noses—until everything falls apart. Three decades later, Eve encounters Charlie, a headstrong young woman desperate to find the cousin she lost contact with during World War II. The unlikely pair join forces on an adventure that exposes the heartache and sacrifices of unsung wartime heroes.

What readers are saying: “Looking to bring some excitement to my life during a long weekend with no plans, I turned to this spy novel—and it drew me right in!” says Rachel Cosma, Woman’s World Health Director. “As I read, it was like I was watching a riveting spy movie, and it was all the more incredible to learn that real brave women inspired this tale!

‘One Good Thing’ by Georgia Hunter 

Georgia Hunter is known for her bestseller, We Were The Lucky Ones, which was adapted into a Hulu limited series, and her beautiful storytelling soars to new heights in One Good Thing. Set in 1941 Italy, best friends Lili and Esti are caught in the chaos of WWII and Mussolini’s Racial Laws. After disaster strikes, Esti asks Lili to protect her son, Theo, during an epic journey. A remarkable tale of courage, hardship and hope.

What readers are saying: “Coming from someone who reads at least 10 WWII and Holocaust stories a year, I found this one to be extremely well written and very compelling. Thank you, Georgia Hunter, for all the heart and soul you invested in writing this story.” 

‘A Girl Called Samson’ by Amy Harmon 

From bestselling author Amy Harmon, this inspiring tale is set right in the heart of Plympton, Massachusetts in 1760. After her father abandons them, Deborah Samson and her mother are left all alone. Deborah has no choice but to become an indentured servant. Flash forward 20 years, and the American Revolution is raging on. Desperate to move up from her social station, Deborah decides to go undercover as a soldier in the Continental Army. What follows is a battle of bravery, love and strength.

What readers are saying: “If you’re after a story that will engross, endear and consume you, A Girl Called Samson is for you. Not only was it beautifully and skillfully penned, but it was quite simply an eye-opening walk through history and a compelling exposition of love, both gentle and unending. In a word, it was stunning.”

‘Conjure Women’ by Afia Atakora 

This rich and captivating tale whisks readers back in time to the South, before and after the Civil War. The story spans generations and follows May Belle, a wise and healing woman sold into slavery; her observant daughter, Rue, who is reluctant to follow her mother’s footsteps as a midwife; and their master’s daughter, Varina. Going back and forth in time, secrets unfold as the women are pushed to save loved ones…and themselves.

What readers are saying: “This book was so engaging, so thought-provoking, it was hard to put down! The characters and the flow of the story drew me into their unfamiliar world of slavery and survival.”

‘A Hope Divided’ by Alyssa Cole

Readers are taken back to the Civil War era in this emotional, hopeful story. Marlie Lynch works as a silent aid to fleeing slaves by writing coded letters. But when the Confederate Home Guard claims Marlie’s home as their new base, they don’t know that escaped prisoner Ewan McCall is sheltering in her laboratory. Now, Marlie and Ewan must escape along the Underground Railroad in pursuit of freedom—and love.

What readers are saying: “This book is an amazing adventure filled with details that draw the reader into a time and place in history that haunts the soul of millions of Americans. Anyone who likes historical fiction coupled with a wonderful love story will enjoy this.” 

‘Lilac Girls’ by Martha Hall Kelly 

Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this plot follows three girls: Caroline Ferriday, a New York City socialite whose life is transformed by Hitler’s invasion of France; Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager who finds herself the endangered messenger of an anti-Nazi resistance movement; and Herta Oberheuser, a young German doctor trying to find her place in the male-dominated medical field. What follows is a battle of friendship, courage and hope.

What readers are saying: “The Lilac Girls features three women: a Polish teenager, a young German doctor and an American socialite. They all played a part in WWII, and their lives are forever changed by their experiences during this turbulent period of history. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though it was harrowing at times. The three women are very different in both personality and experience, yet it was easy to identify with them.” 

‘The Lacemaker’ by Laura Frantz

Historical romance author Laura Frantz delivers another utterly romantic tale in The Lacemaker. After colonial Williamsburg explodes the night before the American Revolution, Lady Elisabeth “Liberty” Lawson’s fiancé leaves her, making Liberty the prime suspect in the eyes of England. Soon after, Liberty meets Patriot Noble Rynallt, leaving her to decide whether she’ll stick to what she knows in England or follow her heart and side with the rebel forces. A swoon-worthy tale.

What readers are saying: “This book is fantastic. I’ve been to Williamsburg a handful of times and loved seeing it come to life again in my head through the book. Frantz is a master storyteller, and the amount of research she did is evident. Relatable characters, gripping plot — I didn’t want it to end!”

‘Our Woman in Moscow’ by Beatriz Williams 

Travel back to 1948 in this emotionally gripping story of Cold War espionage. When Iris Digby vanishes from her London home with her American diplomat husband, Sasha, her twin sister, Ruth Macallister, is desperate for answers. Years later, Ruth receives a mysterious postcard from Iris in Moscow. Now, with the help of FBI agent Sumner Fox, Ruth embarks on a mission to rescue her sister from Russia.

What readers are saying: “Our Woman in Moscow is a captivating read that not only incorporates thrilling aspects of a spy ring but also the intricacies of family drama and romance from unexpected loves.”

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/historical-fiction-books-about-war-featuring-womens-stories