Without a doubt, hearing from readers has been the most gratifying aspect of having my novel published. If you enjoyed Veil of Roses, I’d love to hear from you, so click here and drop me a line! I write back to every single reader, some of whom I am happy to now call friends. ~Laura

Dear Laura . . .

Dear Laura,
I just finished your book "Veil of Roses." I LOVED it! I just wanted to keep reading it - non-stop (which is a challenge for me at times because I work full-time and am a full-time mom with four-year-old twins and a toddler). I managed to finish the book last night! Your writing was pleasant and touching. It was wonderful! When reading this, I thought it would be a great movie!!!
Well I just wanted to let you know I LOVED your story and it also made me so angry the way the women are treated in Iran. (Not that this is news to me). I WISH that ALL the women in the world could get together and stand up for the women in Iran as well as other female suppressed countries.Thank you again for a great book!
Kind Regards,
Stéphanie

Dear Ms. Fitzgerald:
I just had to look you up online and say what an absolutely fabulous book. I cannot put it down. Unfortunately, the only time I get to read is when I am traveling to my work in Center City Philadelphia and get 20 minutes on the "el." The book has really given me an insight of a culture I was not aware of. I told the girls at work about this and they want to read the book also! Thanks!
-- Christina

Just wanted to send a quick email to tell you how much I loved this book! It seems rare these days to read a book where America is still a good place to live. I think this is the greatest country on earth and all I read it seems are the negative things about it and I thought this book would be the same way. I was SO glad to find out that it was not and am pushing this book on everybody I know! GOOD JOB!!!
-- April

Dear Laura,
Your book is truly the most amazing book that I have read in a long time. This book was recommended to me by my aunt and I started to read it thinking why would an American write about Iranian women, but I was still curious to know so I started to read. The first little bit of reading I started to cry because I could relate to it. I came out of my country Iran at the age of 6 and have been living in Canada ever since. I started to cry because its been about 9 to 10 years that I haven't seen my family so I sort of knew how it felt for Tami to see her sister Maryam. This was a truly amazing novel that I have recommended to all my friends. Please write more books. I love the way you write. Yruly amazing!
Thank you, thank you so much
-- Afarin

Hi, Laura!
I want to let you know that I just finished your book and I loved every single second of it….I have been reading it with all of the free time I have had in the past three days, and I just finished it. I have to say, I thought it was fantastic. From heartwarming (her feets!) to heartbreaking, it honestly was the best book I have read in a very long time, and I cannot wait to pass on the word to friends of mine as well.
-- Julie

I just finished reading your book and found it to be a wonderful story. I couldn't put it down and cried at the end…. Best Wishes to you. Hoping you will write many more terrific novels as this.
-- Ethel

Hi Laura --
I wanted to let you know that I picked your book up and took it on our family vacation. My 11 year old daughter and I had to fight each day for the book since she is a reading hound. I have since passed it on to a friend - so we hope you keep the great stories coming...we loved it.
Regards,
Lisa & Memphis

Thank you for such a wonderful book! I found it funny AND honest - I appreciated the woman's perspective of the Iranian culture and felt compassion and empathy to Tami and all woman whose voice is lost. I thoroughly enjoyed it and HOPE you are inspired to write more novels! Thank you again.
-- Geri

Dear Laura,
You made me laugh out loud (the "free" tea scene was hilarious) and cry. The story really touched me--the drive for a better life is something that you really understand after experiencing the lack of freedom for women in other cultures….Eva's dialogue was fabulous (you should post a warning on the book not to drink anything while reading it as some of those lines had me laughing)….Needless to say, you have a fan in me forever.
-- Kim

I am emailing to tell you how much I liked your book. I enjoyed it for so many different reasons. It was truly an outstanding read. I couldn't put it down. I read it in one day---and with a three-year-old and a six-year-old that is no small feat. I was so drawn to your characters---they were sooooo real. I felt each of them---you are truly blessed with a gift and I am soooo glad you choose to share your gift with all of us. It was soooooo good. I keep telling everyone they need to read it.
So far three of my good friends read it, all in one day. It was amazing. I could go on and on and on about it. It was the best book I have read in a long time. I just was so pulled in---it felt very much like I was watching a movie. Each of your characters was so well-developed in my mind---I could relate and feel them. My good friend…and I were talking after she finished and she was talking about how she was teared up in different parts of the book---as was I. It is so great to be moved by book like I was by yours. It made me think about so many things...my daughter...my mom...my sisters...our freedoms that are SO often taken for granted...my husband whom I love so dearly and feel so lucky that we have what we do when so many never experience a truly loving relationship….Thank you so much for writing such an amazing story and I CAN'T WAIT for your next book to come out.
Sincerely,
Megan

Hi Laura!
I just want to tell you how much I loved your book!!!! What a fun read and a heart-warming story. I really enjoyed getting the insights into the Iranian culture, especially from a young woman's point of view….I really got engrossed in the story and didn't want to put the book down. I didn't want it to end, and I wanted more. I hope you're working on the next book already!!! I look forward to it!!!!!!!!!!!
-- Judy

I picked up your book two days ago and started reading it tonight. I am on page 88 and have to tell you that I love it so far….I have NOTHING in common with the main character Tami, but I feel a connection with her. Already I'm so excited to find out where her relationship goes with Ike.
I used to read when I was younger but since being married with kids I find it hard to find and read an intriguing book. I am captivated and intrigued by your book. It comes at a perfect time (for me) as I am so curious about Iran and its women. I look forward to finding out what happens!
Sincerely,
Maria

Dear Laura,
They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Well, I'm writing to tell you that by ignoring that old saying, I discovered a fabulous book: Veil of Roses. I saw it in the "new books" section of the local library, and the cover was so beautiful, I couldn't resist picking it up. How glad I am that I did! At the end, it took me about ten minutes to read the two-page epilogue, because I had to fight my tears with each sentence. I was so happy for Nadia, and so completely overwhelmed with joy for Tami. How incredible to follow someone's journey through darkness, and then watch as she emerges into the light, cheering her on the entire way, hoping against hope that she'll make it. That you created a character so warm, so endearing, in just over three hundred pages is a testament to your talent as a writer and storyteller.
-- Amy

Dear Ms. Fitzgerald,
Thank you so much for writing you book; the beauty of this novel was touching, the words flowed, and I found myself fighting with Tami, wishing to aid her in her journey and fortify her strength. She was strong and bold, yet fragile and modest. The wisdom she possessed as a woman in Iran, then moving to America and seeing freedom in excess; I share her feelings in some ways and was so intrigued by the insights offered through the eyes of a foreigner.
I loved that her voice was articulate and powerful, but still expressed her feelings of insecurity and doubt. I thought this book was moving and authentic and I think you did an excellent job. As a book worm, I'm consistently on the search for a story in which I can become thoroughly engrossed - that happened with Tami's story, and I finished this book in the course of a few hours. Veil of Roses was exquisitely written; thank you for its beautiful insights and quiet strength. You have a new fan; I eagerly anticipate your next novel.
Sincerely,
Sheila

Ms. Fitzgerald,
I am intensely curious if you are planning on writing a sequel to Veil of Roses? This story has completely taken me in and I would love to see how Ike and Tami's lives pan out with each other. This is one of the most thought-provoking books I have read in quite awhile. Kudos! I hope to hear there is a sequel in the making!
Sincerely,
Denise

Hi Laura,
Just finished reading "Veil of Roses" and I really enjoyed it. I have never written a fan letter before, so you have got to know that this book was special.
Best of luck to you,
-- Liz

Your book, "Veil of Roses" was an inspiring book from cover to cover. As an American woman, I realize even more, after reading your book, how very blessed I am to be living in a land of freedom. Your book made me laugh, cry and reflect. Thank you for writing this book.
-- Judith

Dear Laura,
I have three small children, two being 2-year-old twins, so no time to read. :( I picked up your novel & could NOT put it down! I read it in two days & neglected my family & home, but it was totally WORTH IT! I love this book on so many levels I don't know where to even begin! It was so beautifully written, I laughed, cried etc. the details--I can't say enough about it! I am also more fascinated with the Iranian culture. I've seen several pieces on TV & now I can't get enough of it! I feel you opened my eyes to the women of Iran--like your dedication--so lovely!
-- Erica

I just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know that I read your book and I loved it. I'll definitely be recommending it in the various book clubs that I belong to. It is by far the most enjoyable book that I have read in a long time. As a reader, I appreciate it when I am drawn to feel the emotions of the characters in a book. So many books are too shallow and I feel no bond. Yours was completely different. As a writer, I appreciate how difficult that is to do.
-- Lisa

Hi Laura--
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your book. I am Iranian, but first generation. It's not often I can read about my culture in a fun way, but it was great….I was in Target with my mom and I saw the cover. I was immediately drawn to it...I read the back cover and I was hooked. I finished the book in a week (I feel like a slow reader, but I was at work most of the time!).
I feel like every aspect of your book was depicted in an honest light. I'm really glad you married into the "persian crew." It's great fun! Anyway, keep up the awesome writing and I can't wait for your Iranian thriller.
Take care,
Nasim

Hello Ms. Fitzgerald,
I want to take an opportunity to tell you how deeply moved I am by your novel, Veil of Roses….I started reading your book two days ago and finally put it down last night at 11:30. So, I brought it to work with me this morning and…spent the first two hours with my feet up reading the last half of the book!! I literally laughed out loud with Eva, cried with Nadia, and hoped for Ike and Tami to finally get together. It was full of many powerful messages within such a moving story...I can't wait to read it again to catch all those little things that I may have missed in my first reading.
What a wonderful book...
Sincerely,
Betty

"I am her dream deferred".....there are so many layers in this sentence!!!!
Every time I talk to my mom, she reminds me of how lucky I am to be here and pursue my dreams....she reminds me of my cousins who are trapped in Iran, and despite all the hardship we went through leaving the country...I do believe that I am blessed!!
I can't stop reading....there is so much more in this book..I can tell!!...
I have never related so much to a story like this before, and I just finished a chapter...in tears.
Parisa

I just wanted to point out that reading was not for me. I never enjoyed sitting back and reading a good book. A friend of mine had just finished Veil of Roses and told me about it. I asked her if I can borrow it. I assumed I would read the first chapter and that would be it. I began reading it and did not put it down. I finished the book in 1 ½ days. I was stunned and amazed. I enjoyed the book so much and I was hoping to find another book to read by you. I was surprised to see this was your first book. You did a wonderful job and I am anticipating your next release.
-- Jennifer

Dear Ms. Fitzgerald,
My name is Hita. My father is Iranian and my mother is American. My family moved back here after the revolution and for the last 20 (or so) years I have been struggling with finding my own identity.
I just finished your book and I have to tell you, that this may be the first book written about Iranian women that I have read (and I have read a lot of them) that spoke to me in a way that made me cry.
You were able to capture the responsibilities, expectations and duty of what it means to be an Iranian daughter.
Thank you for your insight and your voice. I hope that women (and men) everywhere read this book and better understand.
Best,
Hita

Loved the book bought it in Target on Tuesday finished it Thursday...I couldn't put it down! I'll look forward to reading your next book.
-- Kim

Dear Laura,
I just wanted to let you know that I finished Veil of Roses and I really loved it. I am a "Persian" (born in America) and I had a hard time believing that you were not as well! Being a working mom, I can't even remember the last time I finished a book in a day, but I made my husband watch our toddler so I didn't have to take a break from it. Thank you for this wonderful book and I cannot wait to read your next one!
A new fan,
Neda

Laura,
I just wanted to let you know that I read your book, Veil of Roses, and it was amazing! One of the best books I've read in a long time! I have an Iranian father and an American mother….The scenarios you wrote about were so on-point! Can't wait to read the next one!
-- Nina

I picked up this book a few weeks ago - thinking it was another memoir (non-fiction) which I love to read. I too am married to a Persian man (he was born and raised here...both parents from Iran). I love reading all about people's experiences in Iran - mostly woman - and especially, their experiences when they leave.
I read a couple books this past month before I finally picked this one up. I was shocked that it was fiction. It read like all the other books I love to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Persian culture has been a part of my life for many years now, and it was nice to hear all of the references and words I have become familiar with. Tami was a very endearing character - and yeah for Ike!
Thanks for a great book!
-- Suzanne