ROOSEVELT and Hattie

About the Book

It’s the turn of the century, and wealthy industrialist James Marshall brings home to his wife Lillian twin infants. The children are accepted as his deceased sister’s offspring, when in fact they are his own, conceived with his Negro mistress Tilly, who died giving birth.

Three generations of mixed blood make it possible to believe they are descendants of an English mother and French father. The twin’s natural grandmother Dorie accompanies them as their nanny…and begins her diary.

Lillian Marshall immediately changes their names from Roosevelt and Hattie to Aaron and Allison, names more acceptable in their white community. Within a year Lillian, thought to be infertile, gives birth to Jonathan and the three siblings are nurtured in the wealth of the Twenties.

The fall of the stock market October 28, 1929, changes their lives forever, creating a family struggle to survive.

On a foggy night the lives of Marshall, Lillian and Dorie are lost in an automobile accident. With very little left of the Marshall estate, Aaron, Allison and Jonathan are forced to sell most of their possessions. In the process of gathering Dorie’s belongings, her diary is found-and the true secret of Roosevelt and Hattie is revealed.

About the Author

Dyann Marie Webb was born to be a writer. That desire has always been in her heart and soul. When she writes, it’s as if she is actually there living amongst her characters. She spends much time and research making sure her novels are accurate to the times and places in which they occur. Once you start reading Roosevelt and Hattie you will find it nearly impossible to put aside.

Her life has never been an easy one. After her father passed away in 1954, her homelife became unbearable. Her mother, loving but alcoholic, moved from one abusive relationship to another. Barely fourteen years of age, Dyann left home and began supporting herself as a waitress, making enough money to rent a small apartment.

She married, gave birth to three sons, and later divorced. Dyann worked many jobs, including ownership of a custom framing shop, while supporting her family.

Now in her mid sixties, Dyann lives in Sumner, Washington and works as a sales clerk for a major department store. She hopes to someday retire so she can continue her real passion, writing.

Dyann has written two other fine novels, soon to be published.