Book Review by Donna McDine -- Lily and the City of Light

Award-winning children's author, Donna McDine, took the time to read and review "Lily and the City of Light," and I'd like to share her review with you.

Ten-year-old Lily's journey begins at an orphanage within the city limits of Htrae and like many other citizens Lily wonders about the City of Light high up on the hillside. Not to be discouraged by her age or size Lily travels to the outskirts of Htrae to seek out the only man who knows how to get to the City of Light.

The old man willingly shares with Lily his knowledge of the only way to gain entrance to the wonderful city in the distance. And with determination Lily sets out to do what she has been told, to give her heart away. What Lily thought would be an easy task turns into something much more difficult than she ever imagined. Others are not so willing to accept her generous offer and Lily's frustration turns into despair. Will she learn in time that giving and receiving love is a true sacrifice of the heart?

Children's author, Lindsay Bonilla brings to life the awe inspiring story of Lily's quest to find her way out of the darkness and into the City of Light through a heartwarming story which will leave the readers heart open to the joy of love.

Learn more about Donna McDine and her writing career at: http://www.donnamcdine.com
http://donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Anniversary!

Thanksgiving is almost here -- and with it, the turkey, stuffing, pies and all the rest. I feel like I need to loosen my belt just thinking about it! I find it rather interesting how all of our holidays have come to be synonymous with food -- Christmas cookies, Easter eggs, Valentine's Day chocolates, and of course, the most famous of all, the Thanksgiving turkey. (Although I won't be partaking of said turkey since I'm a vegetarian. Instead, I'll be sticking close to the stuffing!)

And yet despite the emphasis on food, it is my hope and prayer that as these holidays come and go, we won't miss their true meaning. For isn't the good news of Christmas and Easter sweeter than any cookie and more beautiful than any Easter egg? Isn't love richer and more satisfying than any Valentine's Day chocolates? Isn't the idea of giving thanks, of being thankful, something we should make room for just as much as we make room for our generous helpings of food tomorrow?

Our is a culture of abundance and fullness, busyness and constant activity. Oftentimes, it is hard to make space to stop and give thanks. But this is what we must do. This is what I know I must do -- otherwise I will be constantly looking ahead at what I still want to accomplish, that which still eludes me, instead of living gratefully and contentedly in the knowledge of all that I already possess. Ralph Blum said: "There is a calmness to a life lived in Gratitude, a quiet joy." I couldn't agree more.

This year I have so much to give thanks for. I could be here for hours boring you all with my list, but instead I will focus on one thing to share with you. Tomorrow, in addition to the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, I will celebrate four years of marriage to my wonderful husband, Estith. I am grateful for every moment that the good Lord has given me by his side. And no mere words can express the gratitude that I feel at having him as part of my life.

Johannes A. Gaertner said: "To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven." That's what I want to do -- touch heaven. Happy Thanksgiving!

"Turning Point" Film Review

Kenneth Carpenter, a Cleveland independent film reviewer, has just posted his review of Little Beth Entertainment's latest short film, "Turning Point," in which I play the role of 'Carla.' Mr. Carpenter calls the film "...intense and thought provoking." He also says, "The love interest, Carla, played by Lindsay Bonilla, shows enough emotion to feel her character's pain and helplessness at Max's behavior."

Click the link below to read the entire review.

http://www.examiner.com/indie-movie-in-cleveland/turning-point-review

"Lily and the City of Light" is here!

I'm excited to announce that my first children's book, "Lily and the City of Light" is now available for purchase! You can get your copy at Amazon.com or at Guardian Angel Publishing.

If you pick up a copy, please drop me a line to let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear from readers. This story has meant a lot to me, and I hope it will also mean a lot to all those who read it.

Also, please help me to spread the word about this book by telling your friends and family! Thank You!

Premiere of "Turning Point" -- November 13, 2010

The date has been set! November 13, 2010 at 1pm will be the premiere of the film "Turning Point" in which I play the role of "Carla."The film is written and directed by my friend, Peter Fields, an award-winning independent film-maker with whom I have worked on numerous projects, including another film "Flight to India" which is currently in post-production. "Turning Point" is a family-friendly film, and all are welcome to the premiere which will be held at the Salvation Army Akron Citadel in Akron, Ohio.

Click the link below to visit the "Turning Point" website and to find links to the trailer.
http://www.littlebeth.com/turningpoint.html

"Lily and the City of Light" to be released soon!

It's just about here -- the day I've been waiting for -- when I can finally announce to everyone that my first children's book, "Lily and the City of Light" is available for purchase. Right now the book is available in an e-book format at my publisher's website:
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/city-of-light.htm

However, in a few days I expect to be able to announce that it will be available in print form both from my publisher as well as at other retailers.

STAY TUNED for more details coming soon!