Publishers Weekly
★ 05/18/2020
Ruchti (Miles from Where We Started) delivers an insightful portrait of a wounded psychologist trying to make amends for the mother with hoarding disorder that she couldn’t save. Camille Brooks, host of the Let in the Light podcast, aims to help hoarders. Eli Rand, a local trash hauler, wants to sponsor Camille’s podcast and help her clean out clients’ homes. Wary of the garbage collector but needing the cleaning help, she accepts his offer and is soon frustrated when Eli interferes with how she works with her clients. Eli interjects in an effort to find the root of their traumatic stories, and argues that his ideas may be a gift from God. Though Eli’s work becomes indispensable in cleaning houses, Camille worries he may be hiding his own hoarding disorder, a deal-breaker for any budding relationship. When a client, Allison, reminds Camille of her mother, she confronts her childhood memories of living with a hoarder and determines to help Allison reconcile with her own estranged children. As Camille and Eli discover each other’s secrets, they realize they share much in common, but it will take a leap of faith for Camille to begin to trust. This sensitive portrayal of mental illness and its generational impact is Ruchti’s best work yet. (June)
Janet Holm McHenry
I anxiously await every one of Cynthia Ruchti’s hemmed-in-hope novels. With wit, winsomeness, and wisdom she stitches together characters who could live in my real-world circles—folks with longings that resonate with my own heart.
Woman's World
"Filled with heartfelt moments and dynamic characters."
Lauraine Snelling
Another winner by Ruchti. She never disappoints her readers.
Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Who knew that a novel about hoarding could hold both quirky romance and redemptive healing in equal measure? Hoarding is a deeply painful and multifaceted disorder, yet favorite author Cynthia Ruchti brings great compassion and finesse to the issue in Afraid of the Light. I entered a whole new world as I eagerly devoured the story of Camille and Eli reaching out in different ways (and for different reasons) to those trapped in the prison of their own accumulations. Ruchti’s extensive research gave me greater insight and empathy, and the love story is clever and utterly endearing. Ruchti is such a grand storyteller, reminding us all that there truly can be complete (albeit slow) transformation through the healing power of Jesus—the only source of Light.
Pam Farrel
She’s done it again! Cynthia Ruchti is a captivating wordsmith with a talent for telling poignant stories that wrap around your heart, mind, and life in a way that makes you a better person for picking up her books.
Karen Porter
I could hardly wait to open the pages of Afraid of the Light. And I wasn’t disappointed. Cynthia Ruchti captivated me from the first lines and pulled me deep into the characters—each one filled with quirks and relatable conflicts. Ruchti never disappoints.
Debbie Macomber
Relevant and provocative. We can each learn something about ourselves through the characters in Afraid of the Light.
Becky Turner
Ruchti’s book shines a light on the realities of hoarding and its impact on those around the hoarder. As protagonist Camille Brooks deals with her own hoard, I was often prompted to look around (both physically and emotionally) to see what I was stashing and where I needed to sort and toss.
Rhonda Rhea
Afraid of the Light holds surprising moments of laughter brilliantly timed to enhance rather than interfere with the moving, weighty themes of this unforgettable story. Cynthia Ruchti delivers it all in this masterful, compassionate tale of redemption. Keeping this one on my read-it-again-and-again shelf for sure.
Carol Kent
Captivating. Intriguing. Significant. In this page-turner, Cynthia Ruchti once again pulls her readers into a novel that is engaging and entertaining but also filled with personal application for all who engage in this fascinating narrative. You won’t be able to put this book down.
Becky Melby
In her signature lyrical style, Cynthia Ruchti introduces us to multifaceted characters whose stories are refreshingly unique—yet could be our own. Afraid of the Light is more than a delightful read. It is a journey from fear to faith, from regret to release. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself stepping into the light right along with Camille.
Beth K. Vogt
Award-winning author Cynthia Ruchti’s storytelling captured my heart from the first pages of Afraid of the Light. A gifted wordsmith, she’s crafted yet another story that keeps readers turning pages as they fall in love with her true-to-life characters. Exploring complicated relationships with realism and sensitivity is what Ruchti does best.
