Please welcome Elicia Roper, author of All That You Are to the blog. She will be speaking about mental health, the inspiration behind All That You Are.
All That You Are is a beautiful novel about finding true happiness and forgiveness. It highlights the importance of mental health and seeking help.
A beautifully written story with relatable characters, Elicia Roper’s All That You Are dares readers to explore the limits of love. When soulmates Athena and Caiden get some startling news that threatens to separate them forever- and turn their lives upside down- they must accept and attempt to cope with the sobering reality that their uncertain future holds. With POC’s, blended families, true crime elements and a beautiful romance that leaves the reader in awe, it’s hard not to get attached to this enthralling book that captivates its audience with every twist and turn of the plot.
This novel tells the story of Athena and Caiden. Caiden is strong willed and self-less; he puts the needs of his family and friends above his own. Athena is a firecracker with a kind-hearted soul. As they go through the journey of life you will see how Athena and Caiden bring comfort to each other, as they learn to cope and mend with the pain
of loss and heartbreak.
The Inspiration for All that You Are
Author’s Note
All That You Are is a non-fiction story that conveys the truth about my own battle with mental health. I started writing All That You Are in a time of my life where like Caiden, I have struggled to forgive myself and to allow myself to be happy. Caiden’s character came so naturally to me because we both tend to view ourselves as broken; too far gone to be fixed. Writing became therapeutic for me. It allowed me to see my own innermost thoughts and feelings and creatively weave it into a story. A story where Caiden and I can forgive ourselves and chose to be happy.
This novel shed light on my internal struggle with my own mental health. It made me brave enough to get the help that I so desperately needed. Through Caiden and Athena’s characters I realized how much I want to be truly happy. That’s why the theme of All That You Are is forgiveness. For Caiden to forgive himself and for Athena to forgive her dad. Forgiveness is what leads to true happiness.
It is my hope that this book heals you, in the many ways that it has comforted and healed me too.Dealing with mental health can be lonely and scary and unfortunately there is still so much stigma around mental health which makes getting help even more difficult. That’s why I would like you to know that you have nothing to be ashamed
of.
Accepting help and treatment doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strong and brave. I strongly encourage you to reach out to someone you trust. A parent, a friend, counselor or therapist. Visit the resources I’ve listed for you below. There are people out there waiting to be on your side. In order to receive help though, you have to take the first step by talking to someone. It may feel scary and intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never done it
before. But prioritizing your health is of utmost value. You are important and you deserve to feel loved and to be happy. You are not alone.
Getting Help:
Free Mental Health Resources
Wellness together Canada
https://wellnesstogether.ca/en-ca/
1-866-585-0445
Wellness Together Canada was created in response to an unprecedented rise in mental health and substance use concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with funding from the Government of Canada. As a country, we are facing challenges at a scale we’ve never seen before, from social isolation and financial insecurity to substance use concerns and racial inequality. We may be physically apart, but at the end of the day, we’re all in this together. We believe that wellness is a journey, not a destination—and every day, we can each take a step toward our own well-being. Wellness
Together Canada is here to support you on that journey. Wellness Together Canada also offers Text SMS Therapy
Text: 741741
Mental Health COAST hotline:
Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) (stjoes.ca)
24-hour COAST Crisis Line
905-972-8338
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) provides services to people experiencing a crisis related to mental health and addictions. COAST is a unique partnership between mental health professionals from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and specially trained police officers from Hamilton Police Service. COAST answers crisis telephone calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All phone calls are answered or returned within 15 minutes.
COAST also is able to see people in the community between 8 am and 1 am every day to provide mobile mental health assessments and in-person support.
Canada Suicide Prevention Service Hotline
Canada Suicide Prevention Service | Crisis Services Canada
1-833-456-4566
If you need support, call us now at our toll-free number 1.833.456.4566.
We are available 24x7x365.
You will not incur long distance charges for your call. We offer support to anyone concerned about suicide. Whether
you are suffering from a loss, worried about someone who may be having suicidal thoughts, or having suicidal thoughts yourself, our highly trained responders are there to provide support. Talking about suicide can open the
door for effective dialogue about the intense emotional pain and can enable someone to see what steps need to be taken to ensure safety, whether it’s your own or the safety of someone you care about. Connecting with someone about your suicidal thoughts is lifesaving.
Connect through Text 4pm-12am
Text: 45645
Reaching out can be scary but taking that step – by text, or phone- can help you feel less alone when you need it the most. For some people in distress, reaching out and talking on the phone can be intimidating, especially for anyone who uses text as their usual form of communication. Many people find it easier to express emotion by typing instead of talking out loud. The responders who answer your texts are there to support you in the struggles you are facing.
They can help you explore ways to create safety when things are feeling out of control.
All That You Are Dedication-
“This book is dedicated to anyone who has ever felt that they are not good
enough. I want you to know that you are enough. A thousand times enough,
and you will find someone who will love you; all of you, for all that you are.”
– E.R.
Excerpt. © All rights reserved.
All That You Are
Battle face on, Athena pulls her hair into a ponytail, carefully selecting her weapon of destruction. Crowbar in hand she pulverizes her unsuspecting victim. Violet steps in tow beside her as she grasps a firm grip on the baseball bat, taking a swing. The glass pops as it shatters, exploding like fireworks throughout the dimly lit room. The thunderous bass of the music pulsating through their veins, like bursts of epinephrine. It’s invigorating-she feels vibrant and alive as she continues to mercilessly destroy everything in sight. From TVs to Printers, everything is smashed to
smithereens, wires and cords dangling lifelessly. Athena takes a deep breath completely satisfied. She welcomes a release from the troublesome thoughts weighing on her mind. She smiles at her partner in crime, Violet who smiles back valiantly. Violet is her ride or die. Through thick and thin she is always by her side. The two have been inseparable ever since they met in kindergarten. Proud of their work, Violet puts an arm around Athena’s shoulder. “All that angst and anger really worked up my appetite. I’m starving, let’s go eat.” “Yes, ma’am.” She salutes her like a solider getting ready for battle. The two zip down their white hazmat suits and return their safety gear at the front desk. “Wreck-It-Ralph” is the ultimate stress reliever, where you can wipe away all your pain and anxieties in one single blow. For about 6 years now this has become a go to place for when they really need to take the edge off.
Stepping outside she lets the fresh air fill her lungs, feeling refreshed and calm. High sunlit clouds drifted across a clear blue sky. Lifting her face skyward, she closes her eyes.
Ah, this is nice.
All That You Are Reviews:
“All That You Are is a slow burn romance that follows the lives of Caiden and Athena. Both suffering with past trauma, the two come together and find comfort in each other. I found the relationship between these two enjoyable to read. What Elicia Roper does well is create authentic and relatable characters, being demonstrated through Caiden and Athena.
Caiden was my favorite character in the novel as I found myself relating to him in more ways than one, and I love that fact i could find bits of myself in him. There were also parts in the novel where characters like Josiah
provided comedic relief, creating moments I found funny, lightening up the novel (as it delves into some serious issues at times). There were parts inthe book that also broke my heart, seeing Caiden struggling with self-forgiveness and not allowing himself to find happiness because of his guilt from the past. My favorite part in the novel is when the two characters were able to forgive, whether it was themselves or others, it was a beautiful moment. Overall, this book was a great read!”
-Leah, Book blogger
“A beautifully written story with relatable characters, Elicia Roper’s All That You Are dares readers to explore the limits of love.” -Book life
“Let me just say … I was absolutely hooked from the first sentence! Your plot development was stellar, and the characters were so relatable. Plus, you’re amazing with plot twists … and getting the readers emotions
involved!” -Goodreads
About the Author:
All That You Are is my debut novel. My name is Elicia Roper. I live and write in Canada. My love for reading and writing started when I was in elementary school. My love for writing grew by time that I got to High school and wrote a short story for English class. That assignment inspired me to continue writing and to write a novel one day. When the pandemic hit, I decided that I would do what I always dreamed of. Write a novel. I am stoked to share my book, my dream, with all of you. Writing has been therapeutic for me, an outlet for me to finally say the words I could never say out loud. I hope that this book heals you, in the many ways that it has comforted and healed me too.
Follow me:
You can find me online at-
Website: @eliciaroper | Linktree
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This is a great thing to post thank you Nadene I really think this could help someone!
❤
Such valuable information Thanks for sharing.
That sounds like it would be a good book.
What a great post! I love that this book deals with mental health. Such an important topic!