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A Roosevelt Smile : An immigrant, a future president, and a novel
After the gunshots that roused the Great War, eighteen-year-old Franceska must leave her home in Benešov, Bohemia. America promises the hope of rising above her quaint beginnings, yet the jagged realities of daily domestic service work quickly deflate her picturesque vision. As Franceska strives to rise above, she finds solace in the presence of Benjamin, a friend from her homeland who immigrated aboard the same ship.
When fate intertwines their paths with Sara Delano Roosevelt, everything changes. Selected for temporary work, Frances feels the first flickers of hope dancing within her soul. Yet in the shadows of her ordinary existence as a domestic servant, Millie, the parlor maid, threatens to shatter everything Frances holds dear.
When Franklin Roosevelt and his family arrive for Christmas, Frances is drawn to his magnetizing presence and finds solace in his boundless generosity, lifting her spirits during her darkest hours. A world of opulence and belonging beckons her, promising the fulfillment of her wildest dreams.
Amidst the glittering allure of this newfound life, the lines between discretion and recklessness blurs, and Frances must navigate treacherous waters. Will her indiscretions jeopardize everything she has worked for? Or will they propel her even further into the tantalizing embrace of the life she has always yearned for?
Penned by Frances's own great-granddaughter, this historical fiction novel weaves together threads of a century-old mystery. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age ready to immerse yourself in this remarkable tale and unearth the secrets of a servant and her son.
When fate intertwines their paths with Sara Delano Roosevelt, everything changes. Selected for temporary work, Frances feels the first flickers of hope dancing within her soul. Yet in the shadows of her ordinary existence as a domestic servant, Millie, the parlor maid, threatens to shatter everything Frances holds dear.
When Franklin Roosevelt and his family arrive for Christmas, Frances is drawn to his magnetizing presence and finds solace in his boundless generosity, lifting her spirits during her darkest hours. A world of opulence and belonging beckons her, promising the fulfillment of her wildest dreams.
Amidst the glittering allure of this newfound life, the lines between discretion and recklessness blurs, and Frances must navigate treacherous waters. Will her indiscretions jeopardize everything she has worked for? Or will they propel her even further into the tantalizing embrace of the life she has always yearned for?
Penned by Frances's own great-granddaughter, this historical fiction novel weaves together threads of a century-old mystery. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age ready to immerse yourself in this remarkable tale and unearth the secrets of a servant and her son.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2023
5 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 13, 2023
Having previously read and enjoyed the first three chapters, I was pleased to receive the full advance copy of this novel from the author in exchange for a review.
The book begins with Raphael, Maria and their daughter Franceska (Francis) Rehakova arriving at Ellis Island from Bohemia in 1916, having fled after the assassinations of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Maria had worked as a laundress at the palace. On the ship to America they encounter widower Benjamin, a friend of Francis and the family who had recently lost his wife and child. While Francis manages to find lodging in NYC with Benjamin’s help, her mother, ill when Francis disembarks, and father are turned away. Her mother, we later find, has passed away. Raphael had requested Benjamin look after Frances, and he does his best, eventually falling in love with her.
Francis and Benjamin are eventually able to find work with a “Mrs. James,” who turns out to be Mrs. James Roosevelt, mother of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. They are part of the domestic staff, and Francis is singled out for attention by FDR, who often stays at his mother’s home with his own wife, Eleanor. He gives her a beautiful silver charm bracelet and expensive winter coat.
Although the book is based on the author’s family history, and the twists and turns drew me in, I felt some critical parts of the story were either overly dramatic or on the other hand, omitted. I did enjoy the book, but felt it could have been improved with better storyline editing.
The book begins with Raphael, Maria and their daughter Franceska (Francis) Rehakova arriving at Ellis Island from Bohemia in 1916, having fled after the assassinations of Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Maria had worked as a laundress at the palace. On the ship to America they encounter widower Benjamin, a friend of Francis and the family who had recently lost his wife and child. While Francis manages to find lodging in NYC with Benjamin’s help, her mother, ill when Francis disembarks, and father are turned away. Her mother, we later find, has passed away. Raphael had requested Benjamin look after Frances, and he does his best, eventually falling in love with her.
Francis and Benjamin are eventually able to find work with a “Mrs. James,” who turns out to be Mrs. James Roosevelt, mother of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. They are part of the domestic staff, and Francis is singled out for attention by FDR, who often stays at his mother’s home with his own wife, Eleanor. He gives her a beautiful silver charm bracelet and expensive winter coat.
Although the book is based on the author’s family history, and the twists and turns drew me in, I felt some critical parts of the story were either overly dramatic or on the other hand, omitted. I did enjoy the book, but felt it could have been improved with better storyline editing.
May 31, 2023
I read an excerpt of the first chapter of this book, and thought it would be right up my historical fiction alley. But the further I got into its thirty chapters, the less I enjoyed it. It devolved into a tale of seduction and regret. Frances was willing to do anything to acquire her dream of comfort and success in America. She ended up trading the love and friendship of a good man for the temporary attention of a cad. The gifts he gave her resulted in injury and legal accusations…nothing brought the satisfaction or stability she longed for. His ultimate betrayal was not acknowledging her or the child she was left with. I realize this was a fictionalized account of the author’s grandfather’s birth, and the bones of it were an interesting tale. But this accounting was uneven and sad. Sentences like “Nothing felt right, not even the greasy soap under her fingernails” just didn’t fit. There were so many errors that made it past the proofreaders that it was distracting. Though I liked Frances and Benjamin, I was simply relieved when I reached the last page. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Sirens and was not required to post a review.
May 20, 2023
Very well written. Full of drama, intrigue, love lost, romance, adventure and class differences. Hard to believe that so much happens to Frances from the time she has to leave her home country as the war was breaking out. Her father and mother burned their home down and only saved what they could carry on their backs. As they arrive in the US- Ellis Island, her mother gets sick and has to stay on board the ship and her father stays with her. She is left alone but is able to count on her friend , Benjamin from her home country. He has lost both his wife and child, so is very sad to have to make a new life in America. Together they get jobs and end up working for Franklin's mother. It's while working for Mrs. James that Frances meets up with him. Frances becomes involved with Franklin and gets pregnant. Benjamin has fallen for Frances and decides he wants to marry her. Mrs. James wants to give them a wedding in the rose garden but finds out while talking with them that Franklin is the father. She then throws them out , not believing them. Frances and Benjamin break up and go their own separate ways. They both have lots of issues thru out the book. Frances has a healthy baby boy and named him Walter but uses her last name as that's what Franklin wants. Walter does have the Roosevelt smile as she calls it. Would recommend this book to all.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2023
What a story!
Take a stand to not fight in a war in which you do not believe
The author set up Frances’s emigration to America really well. Until now, I never considered a political assassination to be an immediate economic hardship on the local populace.
Heed Mama’s wise words about love when she says, ‘chasing butterflies should only be done in a field’. There’s so much more to relationships and to marriage than mere hormones.
And Papa knows his way in stormy weather:
‘Always continue straight until your vision is clear; the vessels that deviate end up wrecked.’
How to treat immigrants properly:
A smile or small kindness goes a long way.
Educate the young ladies on the wicked wiles of the lads.
Lack of the local language does not mean low intelligence.
Train co-workers on how things are done in your country (as *you* may not have worked in a castle…).
When our life journey takes us places we didn’t plan, may we realize that we are on the correct path, after all.
Don’t miss out on all the goodies in the Addendum and Acknowledgement at the end.
WOW!!!
Take a stand to not fight in a war in which you do not believe
The author set up Frances’s emigration to America really well. Until now, I never considered a political assassination to be an immediate economic hardship on the local populace.
Heed Mama’s wise words about love when she says, ‘chasing butterflies should only be done in a field’. There’s so much more to relationships and to marriage than mere hormones.
And Papa knows his way in stormy weather:
‘Always continue straight until your vision is clear; the vessels that deviate end up wrecked.’
How to treat immigrants properly:
A smile or small kindness goes a long way.
Educate the young ladies on the wicked wiles of the lads.
Lack of the local language does not mean low intelligence.
Train co-workers on how things are done in your country (as *you* may not have worked in a castle…).
When our life journey takes us places we didn’t plan, may we realize that we are on the correct path, after all.
Don’t miss out on all the goodies in the Addendum and Acknowledgement at the end.
WOW!!!
July 17, 2023
After Francesca (Frances) and her parents had to leave Bohemia at the beginning of the war, they took a ship bound for America. Unfortunately when they arrive at Ellis Island, her mother was sick and had to stay on board. Her father remained on the ship with her, so Frances had to leave without them, only her friend Benjamin to help her. Sadly the ship had to leave port with her parents still aboard. This book tells the story of what happened to Frances and Benjamin. It is an upstairs-downstairs story, set in the Roosevelt’s house. We follow the ups and downs of their lives and how Frances makes the wrong decisions (in my opinion)
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and this book didn’t let me down. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
My thanks to the publishers, Esther’s House Publishing , and Alexandra Kulick.
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and this book didn’t let me down. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
My thanks to the publishers, Esther’s House Publishing , and Alexandra Kulick.
August 3, 2023
"A Roosevelt Smile" offers a compelling and engaging literary experience. This narrative chronicles the journey of Frances, a young immigrant girl grappling with the challenges of establishing her life in early 20th-century America. Striving to secure stability, she finds employment within the Roosevelt household, where she becomes acquainted with the amiable yet compromising behavior of Franklin towards servant girls. This revelation intricately weaves complexities into Frances' life, presenting a series of formidable predicaments.
Amidst the trials and tribulations, Frances exemplifies an unwavering optimism about her future. The book deftly melds historical fiction with a tranquil and agreeable narrative, providing readers with an insightful glimpse into the era. I wholeheartedly endorse this literary work to those seeking a captivating and soothing account of a bygone era.
Amidst the trials and tribulations, Frances exemplifies an unwavering optimism about her future. The book deftly melds historical fiction with a tranquil and agreeable narrative, providing readers with an insightful glimpse into the era. I wholeheartedly endorse this literary work to those seeking a captivating and soothing account of a bygone era.
June 11, 2023
First of all, I'd like to thank Alexandra Kulick for having gifted me this ARC for me to read in exchange of an honest review.
I simply loved this story! Heartwarming and sweet. Since as it's based on true events, it was even more interesting for me. I love historical fiction and historical Romances. This one is very well written and dragged me to the beginning of the 20th century, and I felt like I was there, living the same things as Frences. I felt sorry for her not having ended up with Benjamin, but since as it's based on true events, can't really change that.
I highly recommend it and hope to read more of Alexandra's books.
I simply loved this story! Heartwarming and sweet. Since as it's based on true events, it was even more interesting for me. I love historical fiction and historical Romances. This one is very well written and dragged me to the beginning of the 20th century, and I felt like I was there, living the same things as Frences. I felt sorry for her not having ended up with Benjamin, but since as it's based on true events, can't really change that.
I highly recommend it and hope to read more of Alexandra's books.
July 30, 2023
This is an historical romance with mystery in it a very good novel with great storyline enjoyable characters really good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2023
"A Roosevelt Smile" by Alexandra Kulick is a poignant and evocative historical fiction set during a time of great upheaval and uncertainty. The story skillfully transports readers to a small village in Bohemia and then to the vast ocean on a journey to America. With beautifully descriptive prose and a deep understanding of the human experience, Kulick weaves a tale of love, loss, and the pursuit of a better life.
The narrative revolves around Frances, a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, as she faces the difficult decision of leaving her home and embarking on a new life in America with her family. The author expertly captures the emotions and conflicts that arise within Frances as she grapples with leaving her childhood behind and embracing an unknown future. The contrast between the quaint village life and the uncertainties of the journey to a new land creates a compelling backdrop for Frances' personal journey of self-discovery.
Kulick's attention to detail is commendable, as she paints a vivid picture of the village, the family's cottage, and the ship they board for their journey. The use of historical events, such as the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and its impact on the village, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Frances's internal struggle with jealousy and her evolving perspective on love and life are beautifully portrayed. Her growth and maturity as she faces challenges and difficult decisions are inspiring and relatable. The supporting characters, especially Papa and Benjamin, are well-developed and add richness to the story.
The novel also touches on themes of sacrifice, hope, and resilience, as the characters face adversity with determination and courage. The emotional depth of the story allows readers to empathize with the characters and become invested in their journey.
Kulick's writing style is captivating, drawing readers into the story from the very first page. The imagery and language transport readers to the early 20th century, immersing them in the world of Frances and her family. The use of dialogue and introspection allows readers to connect with the characters on a personal level.
Overall, "A Roosevelt Smile" is a beautifully crafted historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends the personal and the historical. Alexandra Kulick's powerful storytelling and insightful exploration of human emotions make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and coming-of-age tales. The novel's portrayal of a young woman's journey to self-discovery and hope for a better life resonates with readers long after they turn the final page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The narrative revolves around Frances, a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, as she faces the difficult decision of leaving her home and embarking on a new life in America with her family. The author expertly captures the emotions and conflicts that arise within Frances as she grapples with leaving her childhood behind and embracing an unknown future. The contrast between the quaint village life and the uncertainties of the journey to a new land creates a compelling backdrop for Frances' personal journey of self-discovery.
Kulick's attention to detail is commendable, as she paints a vivid picture of the village, the family's cottage, and the ship they board for their journey. The use of historical events, such as the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and its impact on the village, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Frances's internal struggle with jealousy and her evolving perspective on love and life are beautifully portrayed. Her growth and maturity as she faces challenges and difficult decisions are inspiring and relatable. The supporting characters, especially Papa and Benjamin, are well-developed and add richness to the story.
The novel also touches on themes of sacrifice, hope, and resilience, as the characters face adversity with determination and courage. The emotional depth of the story allows readers to empathize with the characters and become invested in their journey.
Kulick's writing style is captivating, drawing readers into the story from the very first page. The imagery and language transport readers to the early 20th century, immersing them in the world of Frances and her family. The use of dialogue and introspection allows readers to connect with the characters on a personal level.
Overall, "A Roosevelt Smile" is a beautifully crafted historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends the personal and the historical. Alexandra Kulick's powerful storytelling and insightful exploration of human emotions make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction and coming-of-age tales. The novel's portrayal of a young woman's journey to self-discovery and hope for a better life resonates with readers long after they turn the final page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2023
A story of one young woman's trip to America with her family, amidst many difficulties. The descriptions of the family's immigration and circumstances was sad, yet also insightful. Frances arrives in America, on her own as a naive young woman left to her own choices (of which she must make many). A former neighbor, Benjamin, having recently lost his wife and child, befriends her and watches out for her. When Frances and Benjamin are hired by Ms. James (Franklin Roosevelt's mother), their outlook improves and their friendship continues. A view of the fictional life as servants in the Roosevelt home was interesting and similar to "Downton Abbey". FDR shows a fondness and friendship with Frances. When he and his family visit his mother's for Christmas, an intimate relationship between FDR and young Frances develops; however, when FDR suddenly leaves, it is not without much drama and tension. Frances is left with yet again more choices to make after both she and Benjamin are fired from their jobs at the Roosevelt home. Will they make the right choices? Will their friendship continue? A sad, bittersweet story with an ending that left me hanging and wanting to research more about Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. I received an complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
June 10, 2023
An interesting read, but I was left with many unanswered questions. I found Francis to be naive and unrealistic. She forfeited a relationship with Benjamin, who was dedicated to Francis and jeopardized his own safety for her in order to continue to invest her wishful heart in a dead-end relationship with no future. Franklin was portrayed as extremely spoiled and self absorbed and Mrs. James, his mother, and Eleanor were presented as cold, haughty and controlling. I was hoping for a more hopeful and judicial ending, but perhaps that is just my preference for grace and mercy over reality. This story will probably prompt you, as it did me, to do some research into the lives of Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt.
June 4, 2023
As a novel, this was too much of a pot boiler for me. It was melodramatic and the main character was difficult to warm to. She had the devotion of a lifelong friend who wanted to marry her, but when he was in need, she found it hard to help him.
As a historical speculation, it is much more interesting. Although lacking substantive proof, the prospect of the child of Frances being one of FDR's is real. This makes the book interesting and worth a read
As a historical speculation, it is much more interesting. Although lacking substantive proof, the prospect of the child of Frances being one of FDR's is real. This makes the book interesting and worth a read
June 17, 2023
I happen to be reading a biography about Eleanor Roosevelt and seized the opportunity to read this. I enjoyed this story about. a young, naive Immigrant Frances. Her American dream wasn't the one she expected and she made some difficult decisions. Her infatuation with FDR was the driving force behind these. An interesting account of a family "tale' culminating with Frances son having The Roosevelt smile. It's worth reading this for the portrayal of France's plight as an immigrant and the intrigue surrounding her son. I received an advanced review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2023
This is Franceska's saga with drama, intrigue, love lost, adventure and romance. It was an interesting story to read. This is a new Author to me, I am going to see if she has any other books in this type of story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2023
Wonderful story based on a real people. Really enjoy reading these books that have actual facts and describe the history of that time. Enjoy the characters and how they live their lives back then. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2023
This historical fiction has is all. Moving to the new world loss of parents, loss of love, an affair with a Roosevelt and an baby boy out of wedlock.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews