Blog Tour Day #7: RELEASE DAY

Hello, m'friends, and welcome to the seventh (and final) day on the The Whispers God Gives blog tour! *showers you all in confetti and chocolate* 
To say I'm a little excited right now would be a huge understatement. 
My precious book baby is now officially released to the world.
It seems so utterly surreal, and truly, all the praise goes to my Savior. He worked in my life and brought about something I wasn't sure would ever happen. For every devotion, His love sustained me. He covered my hands with His own and led each word I wrote. I am beyond grateful, and so super excited to see all He has in store for this devotional book.

(special thanks to Kaitlyn K. for the pic!)

Last night, soon after eight o'clock, I made my way downstairs with the computer tucked in one arm. My family had gathered in the living room, and they welcomed me with an enthusiastic drum roll (aka beating hands against floors, couches, knees, and whatever else might be handy). Even little Sadie, sitting on Dad's lap, joined in. From the kitchen, two balloons reading "Congratulations!" bobbed back and forth over a vase of pretty yellow and pink flowers (a writing gift from my two very most favorite people in all the world). 
The long-awaited moment had come, and there was no squelching the butterflies in my belly.
I opened the computer, signed into the account, and hurried to my project. There it was, all ready to go. Back cover description, key words, copyright . . . 
My mouse hovered over the final step: the "publish my print book" button. Deep breath.
The siblings pressed in around me. Dad drew out his phone to snap a couple quick pics. Mom beamed so much you'd have thought she was publishing the book instead of me.
And then, with a final prayer, I clicked the button, and it was done. My book had been sent in for review and is predicted to appear live on Amazon within the next 72 hours (so keep an eye out, y'all!). 
Anyone who preordered the Kindle edition of The Whispers God Gives should have received their e-book copies this morning. I'm happy to say it's also now available for Kindle Unlimited readers and open to reviews/ratings on Amazon. Head on over and check it out! 

Thanks so much to each one of you for joining me on this tour. You guys are simply the best, and I've felt so encouraged by every comment you've left on my posts.
Now, go out and continue to shine your lights as living witnesses for Jesus Christ. Listen to God's whispers and follow Him in everything, even when the mission He sets before you seems impossible. You're never too young to make a difference. And with God on your side, you shall do valiantly. (Psalm 108:13)

Blessings,

Ellen S.

To end this post and wrap up the whole blog tour, here're snippets from a few of my amazing ARC readers' reviews . . .

"The Whispers God Gives" should be on every teen girl's bookshelf. It is relatable and a blessing to anyone who might read it. Ellen is a superb writer, and her intriguing stories in each devotional chapter captivates you and helps you understand the message she gives even clearer. You can see the love and guidance our Creator has for us through each passage. I truly felt whispers from God as I read this book, and I will say it again . . . "The Whispers God Gives" is a blessing. ~Izzy West

Each of the lessons in this 30-day devotional holds an everyday illustration—baby sister + soggy pretzels, food allergies, Band-Aids, rolling office chairs. The lessons contain life occurrences and just all-around wisdom that every teenager can relate to—the betrayal of a friend, the impact of words, jealousy of others' stronger faith, personal mission fields. Ms. Senechal's short, sweet, to-the-point devotionals pack a punch for just a few hundred words per day! ~Kaitlyn Krispense

Ellen has a brilliant gift of writing clear, engaging devotions filled with deep truth. Firmly rooted in biblical truth and personal experience. ~Sandrina

In my private Bible study/time dedicated to the Lord, I don't usually read devotionals. I prefer theology books that unpack key Biblical concepts by authors like Spurgeon, Sproul, etc. This is one of the only devotionals that drew me in and kept me interested all the way through. It was also one of the only devotionals that felt real and avoided cheesy messages. Ellen tackles some tough battles that many girls go through like body-image shame, betrayal in a friendship, hurt/bitterness when losing a friend, chronic physical pain, and anxiety attacks. I was impressed with her vulnerability and courage in addressing these topics. However, through all of this, she is weaving themes and messages from her everyday life. What makes this devotional feel relevant is Ellen's honest depiction of the themes she is passionate about. She doesn't reach for topics that she doesn't relate to but beautifully illustrates with the truths she has experienced. ~Emma Starr