By Paula Limbaugh
Since both books reviewed here are novellas, I wanted to introduce them to you in the same space. Like short stories, novellas are difficult to review in depth. You don’t want to give away too much of the plot, but you still want to keep the reader’s attention. I hope I have achieved this, because both books are worth your time.
Wow! I have to say this is a very refreshing book and different! Filippo Fracassi is a new author to me but now I will be keeping an eye on him. I received an ARC of this novella altar I was so moved. What was supposed to be a day of swimming with my family turned into an epic nightmare.
13-year-old Gary and his older sister Abby have always had each other’s backs. While Abby is at the community pool with her mother, she is accosted by some older teenagers. Gary tries to get help for his sister, but soon realizes that Abby is the least of his worries and something much darker has taken control of the pool. Their little world has been thrown into chaos and their chances of survival look slim. Evil has a way of taking away innocence.
It’s a fast-paced read that might make you think twice before taking a swim in the summer! Available through Dunhams Manor Press, click here altar, You can also find altar On Amazon.
4/5 
After reading altar I consulted a previously published novella by Fracassi called Mother. We discover a dark story told in the first person with a gothic tone. It is the story of a man, his marriage and his world falling apart around him.
Howard and Julie both have troubled pasts, but together they seem to have it all. What was supposed to be a perfect marriage slowly disintegrates into self-loathing, insecurity, and hatred. They were once united, but now they are two ships drifting apart until the idea of having a child brings them back together.
Ah, but that’s just wishful thinking…Julie has gone into a world of her own. And Howard? He’s beset with dark murderous thoughts. Philip has created characters we want to see succeed, and made us feel their pain. Full of dark possibilities, I think you’ll be surprised by the results. Available to buy via Dunhams Manor Press, click here Mother. Be sure to check it out!
5/5 
