Consecration Pond: A novel in stories

by Laura Bonazzoli

On the shores of Consecration Pond, a burn victim begs her husband’s ghost for forgiveness for failing to save him, a retired teacher counsels a reporter seeking easy answers to the cause of his neighbor’s death, and a boy’s self-imposed rite of passage
nearly costs him his life. The eleven linked short stories in Laura Bonazzoli’s collection take place by the same pond in rural Maine. Together, they offer a meditation on the nature of wisdom, the risks and gifts of allowing ourselves to be seen, and the challenge of creating meaning in the wake of loss.

175 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2022

About the author

Laura Bonazzoli's historical novel, Our Share of Morning, was published in September 2025 by Sibylline Press. Readers' Favorite gave it five stars, Kirkus gave it their "Get it!" endorsement, and the Midwest Book Review praised it as "an extraordinary and engaging read from beginning to end." Laura's novel-in-stories, Consecration Pond, was published by indie press Toad Hall Editions in 2022. Publishers Weekly praised the collection as "poetic and introspective," with "voice-driven stories" that "leave a haunting impression."

Laura has also published short fiction, essays, and poetry in more than thirty literary magazines, including Connecticut River Review, Northern New England Review, and Naugatuck River Review, as well as in several anthologies. She is a freelance editor and teaches creative writing with Maine Media Workshops. Originally from Massachusetts, she now lives in Midcoast Maine.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Unique storytelling dividing multiple vignettes of people who live around or come to Consecration Pond. Invoked many intense feelings while absorbing the tales. Although never explicitly prescribed, and seemingly a book of short stories, there is at least one thread that melds the stories.

[Leecia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The richness of the characters and the sense of place are what made this book special to me. The author’s appreciation for nature, and specifically the wildness we still have in Maine, is in each story. Characters of all ages face the challenges of our lives in these stories - hope and empathy shine throughout.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

So very, very good. More thoughts later....