Afraid of the Light

by Cynthia Ruchti

She helps others manage their desperate lives--but who will help her? Clinical psychologist Camille Brooks isn't put off by the lifestyle of her hoarding clients. After all, she lost her mother to the crippling anxiety disorder. She'll go a long way to help others avoid the same pain and loss.

Despite Camille's expertise, her growing audience for her Let in the Light podcast, and the national recognition she's gaining for her creative coaching methods, there are some things she isn't prepared for. A client who looks far too much like her mom catches her off guard. And the revelation that she's also hoarding something sends her spinning.

Can she stand to let the light into her own life with the help of a friend who wants to stand by her for life and the God who created and loves her? Or will she find that defeating her demons proves too much to bear?

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Womens Fiction, Audiobook, Novels

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2020

About the author

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed-in-Hope through her novels and novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals, and through speaking for women's and writers' events. Her books have been recognized by many top industry readers', reviewers', library, retailer, and other honors. Cynthia is the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five (to date) grandchildren.

Reviews

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read. I loved it. The Characters were perfect. I loved how Ruchti handled the mental heath issue in this story. How loving she was with the characters. She handled this story so well. I just don't have the words for this review to do this book justice. All I can say that this is a 5 star read that I HIGHLY recommend.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoarding. Something I know very little about. The insight into that behavior was both sad and fascinating.

Camille Brooks is the daughter of a hoarder and makes her living as a clinical psychologist helping hoarders choose a different path. It's a role which requires a great deal of patience and compassion.

Initially I didn't warm up to Eli Rand. His behavior and vocabulary were more like a grade school student than an adult. However, as the pages turned, I began to appreciate his quirkiness and see that there is a lot of knowledge and wisdom in his actions and words.

Clearly, working through hoarding is not an overnight process. It was rewarding to see the character growth of Camille as she worked with her patients.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A timely topic with well-rounded, believable characters. Themes of capital-L light and hope are constants in Ruchti’s books, and I appreciate how seamlessly she writes fiction with a foundation of biblical truth.

[Deena Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I purchased this book I knew it was about hoarding but had no idea the depth of soul-stirring truth I would encounter. This author has masterfully tackled a sensitive topic and brought a deeper understanding of the motivations in the heart of a hoarder. Compassion grew in my heart for those who suffer with this mental illness, and for those who love them, and changed the way I think about people who deal with this paralyzing disorder.

If you enjoy reading stories filled with hope and redemption amid real life issues, I recommend this read.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The emotional darkness that enshrouds a person with a compulsive hoarding disorder keeps them from seeing. Normal to them is darkness. . . . . Your loved one isn't resisting the light. He or she may be afraid of it."

"She wasn't their saving grace. But if she could point them--Point them to it. Pull back the curtain and let in the light."

So many of Dr. Camille Brooks' clients live their lives shrouded in darkness . . . dark rooms, dark houses, dark lives. More often than not, in order to gain entrance into their shadowy domain, Camille is literally required to squeeze through impossibly small cracks in front doors. Determined to ease the pain of hoarders and their families, (which she knows from personal experience is debilitating) Camille is hopeful that her podcast will introduce her to potential clients in such a way, that she becomes trustworthy and approachable, before a face to face encounter ever takes place. And it seems to be working, albeit slowly.

When one of her clients seems to make a quicker than expected breakthrough, Camille gains an unexpected ally when she hires a new garbage retrieval service and meets a man whose impenetrable cheery attitude sets off all sorts of alarms that Camille can't seem to turn off, until she isn't sure that she even wants to. Eli Rand is as enigmatic as his cranberry jumpsuit.

This book is a bit like quicksand in the sense that before you realize what is happening, you're sinking deep into issues from which few ever recover. There are certainly no easy answers, and the author understands that true healing from this, or any other addiction, takes an enormous amount of work combined with a willingness to invest in quality counsel; but the missing ingredient is often pulling back the curtains . . . . and letting in the Light.

"Light had a way of piercing all kinds of darkness."

[Christina Claypool · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you love a hoarder or are closely related to someone with the addiction of hoarding, it can be a complex, emotional battleground. You love them, but you are are embarrassed by their mental health issue, which is so glaringly obvious to everyone.
They often save countless useless items filling their homes with clutter to the point you can't walk through or have a place to sit down, and you feel helpless and confused by their behavior. That is, until you read "Afraid of the Light" by Cynthia Ruchti, which is a fascinating, groundbreaking novel like no other.
The author's incredible writing skills weave the addiction of hoarding, finding love against all odds, and redemption themes together in masterful style. I gleaned great insight into the issue of hoarding, and this resulted in a new level of compassion for those afflicted with this terrible addiction.
Ruchti also has a deep understanding of broken people and how trauma can be instrumental in creating mental health disorders. Yet she has an ability to offer hope like few other writers can in the midst of such a challenging topic. Favorite book of this year and so thankful I found it!

[Andi Tubbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so sad! I wanted to enjoy this book. I've loved every one of Cynthia Ruchti's books that I've read but I just didn't connect with the story or the main character. I even tried again and again thinking it was the medication fog I was in and went past my 50 page limit and still no dice.

Ms. Ruchti tackles a very sensitive subjects of hoarding, mental illness, and loss in this book and she does it with both grace and tenderness. Which is another reason why I so wanted to love it!

Please read other reviews before you make a decision whether to read or not read this book. I'm definitely in the minority.

I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carolyn S. Brunsdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

Just a beautiful, thought provoking story, I often found myself reading through blurry, tearfilled eyes. Although I'm not a hoarder in the sense Cam's clients were, I found myself understanding that I too, am a hoarder and in several ways. A thoughtful eye-opening read. Well done!

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so compelling, powerfully carrying the nuances and details of what it's like to be a hoarder or to have lived with one. It's such a difficult and heavy subject, but the author sculpts it with winsome characters, especially the ingenious Eli Rand with his fleet of white and cranberry garbage trucks, and his insights. The main characters are complex, just like those we know and live with in real life.

The discussion questions at the end are dynamic and thought-provoking. How the book began to take shape even in a meeting with the publisher's team was enlightening. Yes, a very important topic, and such an inspiring way to begin a conversation about hoarding.

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just so, so good. In a very hard way.
It speaks so deeply of hard things in life. This is a story of hoarding.
Cam is a psychologist and uses her own life experiences to help others, hoarders.
Cynthia Ruchti has given us a beautiful story with so much light and hope woven into the extreme darkness.
It makes me take a look at my own heart and ask myself hard questions. What am I afraid of? What am I hoarding?
This is a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
It offers hope where we least expect to find it.

[Janet McHenry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, this newest novel by Cynthia was fascinating and compelling. I am a very slow reader, but I honestly couldn't put it down. The characters were not cookie cutter, manufactured types but seemingly real. Just loved it.

[Teresa Moyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wondered if I would even like the main character, Cam, the psychologist but soon I began to understand her and by half way through the book I loved all of the characters. Great read! I was actually sad to reach the end of the book.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished “Afraid of the Light”- a contemporary novel, that taught me some interesting, yet disturbing facts. But it was an out of the ballpark 5 star read for me. It was a totally satisfying novel. Often when I read, I wince at parts of a story that seem unnecessary or too much fluff. This story fell into the wonderful category of 5 star perfect, no wincing, no disappointment, no fluff. I liked that there were not too many characters, and those main people became disclosed layer by layer. Making it a bit like a mystery. All time favorites Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre- some might call those novels romances. But they are character driven, observations of behavior. That’s why Cynthia Ruchti’s character driven novel just made a perfect gift for me. It is the story of a troubled clinical psychologist and some of her clients that are hoarders. Her rescue comes from a man driving a garbage truck. Yep- a character driven contemporary mystery/romance that satisfied. Thanks, Cynthia Ruchti for touches of humor with a serious subject, no fluff, and valuable truth woven into this story.

[Patricia Tiffany Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Clinical psychologist helping those with hoarding lifestyles. Cynthia Ruchti’s first chapter grabbed me by the heartstrings and wouldn’t let me go. Immersed in the smells and sights and fragile dreams of a woman filled with regrets that her family doesn’t want to be with her, but she still holds bright beautiful hope of reconciliation with the family. This was a difficult read because of the situation of hoarding, but remarkable, gut wrenching situations are all around us and I was enlightened by the storyline. Would that we would all find hope with the help of generous professionals who invests in the life of others. Or that we could point others to the light of Jesus. Inspiring.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way the author tackles sensitivity regarding mental health. Learning in fiction is one of my favorite things in life, and I enjoyed understanding more about hoarding. The plot is paced so well, and I loved each of the characters. The ending was great in that it wasn’t too predictable. Love her writing style. Highly recommend!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really insightful but kinda dark and sad too. Definitely need to read something fluffy after this one

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruchti never fails to deliver heartfelt, emotional novels, and her latest is no exception. She tackles difficult topics and finds a way to pull her reader into the story and connect them to her realistic characters. In this book, the big topic is hoarding, which is one I haven't read about in a lot about in novels. The author accurately depicts the challenges for those on both sides, but she also mixes in humor and hope. The faith element is present, but it's not overwhelming, and neither is the romance, which I was thankful for.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Karen Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so much about Afraid of the Light—the cast of characters, their internal struggles, and their journeys toward healing. I so appreciate Cynthia Ruchti’s commitment to research and the authenticity with which it allowed her to create this story. But most of all, I wish I could put this book in the hands of every person who has a loved one suffering from hoarding. It speaks so clearly to the wounds of family members and to the mistakes they make in trying to “help.” Afraid of the Light could be a first step toward healing for families.

[Kathy Perrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it and it gave me some things to think about.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Great book on a misunderstood subject. Characters & story were so well written. I’ll definitely read more from this new to me author.

[Dorothy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of redemption

The characters are deep, complex and willing to change. A little bit of humor helps the reader to warm up to the story and have compassion. The discussion questions helped me.

[Jane Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about hoarders and the effects of their disease on them and their love ones. It is informative as well entertaining.

[Janne Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal

This story spoke deep into my heart. It’s amazingly real to life as Camille deals with clients who hoard in the midst of her life losses. Psychology has much to offer but as the story reveals, it must be filtered thru the love of God.

[Trudi Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book

I am not a hoarder but this shed so much light on others I have met...and made me take a closer look at some of my own coping mechanisms. May God use this book to help where it is needed. And with all that...I loved Eli and his contribution to the story!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Ruchti delivers another emotional novel in her newest tale AFRAID OF THE LIGHT. In a time when so many stories seem to be near duplicates of previous ones (same tired plots, peopled with fictional clones instead of fresh characters), I can always count on Ruchti to write something distinctive and unique. She's not afraid to tackle the tough issues, and really, we all face some kind of tough issue in our life. So right away, we find a connection with her characters, taking us to a level that goes way beyond normal reading pleasure. Even with a topic as emotionally crippling as hoarding, around which this newest novel revolves, Ruchti's writing is never without hope or even the occasional bit of humor. For Ruchti, she offers those glimmers of hope via elements of faith, something that is missing in secular fiction. So while there are other talented authors who weave moving stories around emotional touch spots like mental illness, loss, addiction, or hoarding, Ruchti's path to resolution and healing takes on a higher meaning. At times this book was a difficult read as I could see glimpses of people I've known, and, perhaps, saw my own need for "stuff" in a new light. But the story was compelling, the "light" always nearby, and I knew Ruchti would lead readers to an ending filled with love, hope, and new chances. I can only wish that the Christian fiction field was filled with authors who wrote with the creativeness, depth, and sensitivity that Ruchti does. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are mine.

[Pam Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by Cynthia Ruchti, and they all have one very important element in common -- HOPE. Afraid of the Light is certainly no exception.

This is not a quick, light read. The narrative is very rich and complex, and details about the characters and their stories are revealed at a very careful pace. The major subject is one that may be fairly unfamiliar to some readers, as it was to me, and that is the anxiety disorder displayed through hoarding. It is obvious that the author has done extensive research on the topic, and she deals with it in a realistic and sensitive manner.

The main characters in the story have dealt with or are dealing with their own unique fears and resulting consequences, and each of them work toward finding healing for their own pains. A romantic thread is woven through the story in a gentle way and adds a beauty all its own. But no matter which characters and which events you look at, HOPE shines through and ultimately leads to the One and only true source of Light.

I highly recommend this book to any fans of great inspirational fiction.

Thanks to Cynthia Ruchti and Kregel Publications for providing a copy of Afraid of the Light. I am happy to share my own thoughts in this review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoarding is an affliction that has an air of mystery about it. Mostly because the people who suffer from it are reclusive and understandably uneasy about sharing their space, especially with their family and friends. Dr Camille Brooks specializes in helping those who are suffering with this, but want to purge and find normalcy again. While this sounds very serious, author Cynthis Ruchti tells the story in a light-hearted, and even funny, way. I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times which almost never happens. The interaction between Camille and the guy who helps organize and purge is quite comical. And you will sympathize with her patients as they find their way out of what must seem like a deep, dark hole. I loved this book. I would describe it as "light Christian" with touches of faith sprinkled here and there. But it is not preachy in any way. And if laughter is your thing, you will be charmed by this story. Thank you to Cynthia Ruchti for this book. I truly enjoyed it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read several books by Cynthia Ruchti, I was thrilled at the opportunity to get my hands on her latest book. This book offers light, hope and Jesus to anyone in who is working through fear, addiction and anxiety. This book focuses on a difficult topic with hoarding, but does it in a way that is respectful, clean and tasteful through a fictional story.
I appreciate how Ruchti handles this book. While the reader has a realistic perspective, the details are handled at a careful pace, while being sensitive to the reality of what people deal with. She weaves a romance story in a beautiful way that captures the reader. She ultimately allows the reader to see that through difficult stories, we find our hope and trust in one person. This is an awesome inspirational fiction story and you will highly enjoy it. I loved the faith element and the story telling through this book.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia’s newest book does not disappoint. This is some of her strongest writing yet with word pictures that delight and provoke thought. You know, one of those stories you need a notebook beside you while reading to copy pithy sayings! I finished a week ago and the characters remain with me. Watching Cam struggle to heal others and be healed is so gratifying. Although there is a touch of romance, it does not overpower the story. The plot is not formulaic, endings not neat and tidy, life here realistic. Pay close attention to Ivan when you read the book. Ivan exemplifies the self sacrificing care we need to see more of in our world and from ourselves. Best quote: “You probably can’t understand how scary it is to shake off darkness if you’ve been living with it so long it seems normal.”

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a refreshingly clean book written by a Christian author. Camille Brooks is a clinical psychologist and podcast host, who specializes in hoarding behavior. Eli is the garbage man who agrees to fill in last minute at a cleanup job. This book is predictable, but not in a bad way, just you know exactly how this is going to turn out and it’s sweet. I enjoyed the clients that she works with and the beautiful love and service that Eli shows/gives.
My only problem with this book is there were so many times that I didn’t know which character was speaking in the conversation and led to some confusion. The writing is simplistic but it really was such a nice book and I liked reading about the giver of all Light, the master healer.
This book gets a G rating with nothing objectionable and positive and uplifting themes.