Rich, Complex, Hemmed-in-Hope Story -- Afraid of the Light

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.

About the Book

Clinical psychologist Camille Brooks isn’t put off by the lifestyle of her hoarder clients and the distress of their families. She lost her mother to the crippling anxiety disorder–so she’ll go a long way to help others avoid the same pain.

Despite Camille’s expertise, her growing audience for her Let In the Light podcast, and the recognition she’s gaining for her creative coaching methods, she’s not prepared for the pushback. A client who looks uncannily like her mom catches her off guard and raises long-dormant issues. And the revelation that Camille has her own hoarding problem sends her spinning.

With the help of a cadre of unexpected friends, an enigma of a man who refuses to be discouraged, and the God who created and loves her, can she face her fears, pull back the curtains, and let the light into her own life?

About the Author

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in Hope through her novels, novellas, devotions, and nonfiction, and through speaking for women’s events/retreats and writers’ conferences/workshops. She draws from 33 years of experience writing and producing the 15-minute daily radio broadcast, “The Heartbeat of the Home.” Her books have received recognition from RT Reviewers’ Choice, PW Starred Review, Selah Awards, Christian Retailing’s BEST Awards, CLASSeminars Award of Excellence, Golden Scroll Awards, and more. She serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, is a board member of the Deliver Hope ministry, and is part of the worship team at her church. She’s also a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and six grandchildren.