February may be a month of frosted windows, quiet evenings, and long stretches of winter still ahead — but for historical fiction readers, it brings a rush of new stories ready to sweep us across continents and centuries. This month’s releases are rich with atmosphere: haunted estates in Shanghai, love blooming in the frozen wilderness of Nova Scotia, secret manuscripts, forbidden art, and unforgettable women leaving their mark on the world.

If you enjoy emotional storytelling, vivid settings, and characters who meet life’s turning points with quiet courage, February is a beautiful month to stack your TBR pile a little higher.

Below, you’ll find the historical fiction releases arriving throughout February — each one unique, immersive, and perfect for cozy winter reading.

Prefer to watch my recap of what's coming for historical Fiction in February 2026? Watch the Author Notes video below.

📚 February 10 Releases

The Fourth Princess — Janie Chang

Set in 1911 Shanghai, this gothic novel blends ghostly tension with the deeply human story of two women living in a once-grand manor that feels alive with secrets. Haunted visions, unraveling identities, forbidden truths — Janie Chang delivers atmosphere in every chapter.

A perfect choice for readers who love mystery, emotion, and historical settings that breathe on their own.

The Secret Courtesan — Kerry Chaput

A dual-timeline art-history mystery set in Renaissance Venice and modern-day Italy. This is one of the standout releases of the month, rich with passion, danger, lost art, and a courtesan-artist erased from history.

I’ve read an advance copy — and it has all the makings of a bestseller.

Fireflies in Winter — Eleanor Shearer

A tender, emotionally moving wilderness survival story set in 1796 Nova Scotia, where two young women forge a fragile connection that becomes their salvation. Shearer’s writing is poetic and immersive, capturing both the brutality and beauty of winter.

An unforgettable winter read for anyone who loves stories of resilience.

Keeper of Lost Children — Sadeqa Johnson

Spanning the 1950s–60s, this novel follows three intertwined lives shaped by an orphanage discovered in post-WWII Germany. An emotional and thought-provoking exploration of belonging, identity, and the invisible threads connecting us across time.

Perfect for readers who enjoy layered storytelling and multi-perspective narratives.

📚 February 17 Releases

The Astral Library — Kate Quinn

A magical and imaginative adventure for every reader who has ever wished they could step inside a book. Kate Quinn takes us into a secret library where stories become worlds — and where danger follows through the pages.

A whimsical and heartfelt escape from winter.

Book of Forbidden Words — Louise Fein

A gripping dual-timeline story set in 1552 Paris and 1952 New York, exploring banned books, censorship, and the courage of women who refuse to let their voices be silenced. Inspired by the real Voynich manuscript, this novel is full of mystery and historical intrigue.

A meaningful read for lovers of literary history.

📚 February 24 Releases

Where the False Gods Dwell — Denny S. Bryce

Inspired by Katherine Dunham’s groundbreaking 1935 research expedition into Caribbean dance culture, this story follows three women brought together by chance — each searching for purpose. As a deadly hurricane approaches, their lives entwine in ways none of them expect.

A lush, dramatic, and emotionally resonant story.

Cleopatra — Saara El-Arifi

A sweeping, lyrical retelling of Cleopatra’s life — in her own voice. Rather than seductress or myth, El-Arifi gives us a mother, strategist, survivor, and ruler fighting to shape her legacy. Bold, fresh, and utterly captivating.

A brilliant read for anyone who loves reclaimed women’s history.

Which February Release Will You Read First?

This month’s books offer a beautiful mix of mystery, love, power, survival, and the hidden stories of women throughout history. If you’d like a sneak peek at next month's historical fiction releases — subscribe to my YouTube Channel and stayed tuned as I release a round up of new monthly releases for historical fiction readers just like you.

Whether you're drawn to ghostly Shanghai halls, forbidden Renaissance art, winter survival stories, or sweeping epics, I hope you discover a novel that stays with you long after the final page.

Happy reading!

Tanya

P.S. Looking for more great historical fiction recs? Check out The Winter Reading Guide: Cozy, Atmospheric, and Unforgettable Historical Fiction to Carry You Through the Season.