Beth Nonte Russell went to China to be a support system for her friend Alex who was adopting a baby girl. Little did she know that this was the beginning of an exciting adventure that will change her life forever.
Forever Lily is the story of Beth Nonte Russell stumbling into motherhood when her friend decides she cannot handle the situation. The depictions of China are vivid and help you truly imagine her surroundings. The instant bond Russell has with this frail little girl is heart-warming.
“Russell, watching in disbelief as Alex distances herself from the child, cares for the baby — clothing, bathing, and feeding her — and makes her feel secure in the unfamiliar surroundings. Russell is overwhelmed and disoriented by the unfolding drama and all that she sees in China, and yet amid the emotional turmoil finds herself deeply bonding with the child. She begins to have dreams of an ancient past — dreams of a young woman who is plucked from the countryside and chosen to be empress, and of the child who is ultimately taken from her. As it becomes clear that her friend — whose indecisiveness about the adoption has become a torment — won’t be bringing the baby home, Russell is amazed to realize that she cannot leave the baby behind and that her dreams have been telling her something significant, giving her the courage to open her heart and bring the child home against all odds.
Steeped in Chinese culture, Forever Lily is an extraordinary account of a life-changing, wholly unexpected love. “
While I don’t understand how Russell can step in and “take” her without the years of paperwork and home-studies and waitlists I guess the book wasn’t meant to explain these things. Adoption has been a big part of my life so I’m familiar with some of the legalities and red-tape, that is the only reason I wonder these things.
Overall the story is touching and sweet and a fantastic glimpse into this life-changing journey.
Using this experience, Beth Nonte Russel was also able to capture the moments and essence of her daughter Lily in a fragrance called Forever lily. 
“An enveloping Oriental blend created to aid the wearer in opening the heart and reaching the for the highest within them.”
I found the scent to be sweet and warm not overpowering like other Oriental blends I’ve experienced. I’ve worn it a couple times and actually really like it.
If you want more information on Beth Nonte Russell and her experiences or to purchase Forever Lily the book or fragrance, visit GoodTrueBeautifulInc. Here you can read about Russell’s organization Golden Phoenix Foundation, formed to help end child abandonment around the world.
