A Roosevelt Smile

When the gunshots of the Great War echo across Europe, eighteen-year-old Franceska must flee her home in Benešov, Bohemia. The journey to America holds the promise of a new beginning, and reuniting with her first love, Benjamin, on the ship seems like a twist of fate. However, the harsh reality of domestic service in New York City quickly shatters her idyllic dreams.

A temporary Christmas position in the opulent home of Sara Delano Roosevelt offers a tantalizing glimpse of the life Frances yearns for. Yet, as she navigates the cutthroat dynamics of the household, Frances finds herself pitted against Millie, the parlor maid with eyes on Benjamin. Amidst the holiday chaos, Frances is irresistibly drawn to the magnetic Franklin Roosevelt, whose attentions offer both comfort and complication.

As a secret romance with Franklin unfolds, Frances becomes ensnared in a web of secrets and lies. With each passing day, the stakes rise, and the threat of discovery looms large. Millie's betrayal and Franklin's unpredictable affections push Frances to the brink. Can she keep her indiscretions hidden, or will a single misstep cost her everything she has worked for?

Inspired by the real-life mystery surrounding Franklin Roosevelt's illegitimate son, this novel, penned by Frances's great-granddaughter, unveils a century-old secret of love, betrayal, and ambition. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age ready to immerse themselves in this remarkable tale and unearth the secrets of a servant and her son.