A 2018 Readers Choice Award has been given to an author from High River who bravely shared her life story through the written word in hopes of helping others.

Mila Cassandre, author of "Behind Closed Doors," says she hopes her memoir will educate others, and give hope to those who may be in a similar situation to what hers was.

"It's quite the story, but my main goal is to give the education to everyone out there, to watch out for their children and the signs. When I was in that lifestyle, I never thought there was anything better. This is my life, this is how I'm going to be for the rest of my life, I'm going to die this way," she said.

Cassandre's book is a true story, based on her childhood and adolescent experiences with several forms of abuse, addictions and mental health challenges.

Cassandre says when she presented her finalized book to her publisher after six years, they were very supportive in sharing her story.

"She took a look at my book. I didn't have a lot of money, not a lot of people are rich to build a novel. She took my book and said, we're going to get this edited and published and we're going to get it out there for you, because this needs to be heard," she said.

"Behind Closed Doors," has also been named the number one seller and reader's favourite through Cassandre's publisher.

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