Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Tackling Tough Topics Fiction List

Sorry to post so late in the day - I discovered an awesome list and waited for permission to post it. This is a list of Christian fiction that deals with a wide variety of social issues and/or tough topics. Jeannie Campbell over at The Character Therapist posted an updated list from one author Deborah Raney created a few years ago. Thanks, ladies, for allowing me to share the list with my readers!

This list provides not only great reading, but great instruction, too. Study the books in the topics you want to tackle, and observe how the subject is treated. It will give you fresh insight, and possibly even ideas of other aspects of a topic that haven't been addressed. Do a search for the authors in your selected topic - they may have written articles about the topic to help promote their book, and they may have links to them on their websites. These could give you even more insight.


Abortion
Tears in a Bottle (2006) by Sylvia Bambola
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
Showers in Season (2001) Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Rescued (2010) by Donna Dawson
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (2009) by Allison Bottke
Cherished (2011) by Kim Cash Tate
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace
Hush, Little Baby (2011) by Deborah M. Piccurelli
Rain Dance (2006) by Joy DeKok 

Abuse/Rape
The Restorer's Journey (2008) by Sharon Hinck
What She Left for Me (2005) by Tracie Peterson
When You Believe (2009) by Deborah Bedford
Why the Sky is Blue (2004) by Susan Meissner
Mending Places (2004) by Denise Hunter
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
Antonia's Choice (2003) by Nancy Rue
In the Still of the Night (1997) by Deborah Raney
A Nest of Sparrows (2004) by Deborah Raney
Afton of Margate Castle (2000) by Angela Hunt
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
A Distant Music (2006) by B.J. Hoff
Justifiable Means (1996) by Terri Blackstock
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
A Memory Between Us (2010) by Sarah Sundin
What the Bayou Saw (2009) by Patti Lacy
Watching the Tree Limbs (2006) by Mary E. DeMuth
Words (2011) by Ginny Yttrup
The Watcher (2010) by Sara Davison
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
The Rhythms of Grace (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
Along Came Love (2006) by Carrie Turansky
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome 

Adoption
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
Love Finds You Under the Mistletoe (2010) by Irene Brand and Anita Higman
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry 
Zora's Cry (2006) by Tia McCollors
Scrapping Plans (2009) by Rebeca Seitz
Long Time Coming (2010) by Vanessa Miller
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller

Adultery
The Familiar Stranger (2009) by Christina Berry
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Other Daughter (2007) by Miralee Ferrell
The Forgiving Hour (1999) by Robin Lee Hatcher
The Scarlet Thread (2000) by Francine Rivers
The Breaking Point (2003) by Karen Ball
Redeeming Love (1997) by Francine Rivers
Breach of Promise (2004) by James Scott Bell
Private Justice (1998) by Terri Blackstock
Times and Seasons (2002) by Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock 
Ulterior Motives (1996) by Terri Blackstock
Lying on Sunday (2008) by Sharon K. Souza
Deceit (2010) by Brandilyn Collins
Shadowed in Silk (2011) by Christine Lindsay
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry 
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David (2008) by Eleanor Gustafson
A Time to Remember (2009) by Sally John and Gary Smalley

Agoraphobia
Danger at the Door (2009) by Michelle Sutton
The Awakening (2004) by Angela Hunt

Alcoholism/Substance Abuse
Walking on Broken Glass (2010) by Christa Allan
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
Beyond the Shadows (2004) by Robin Lee Hatcher
Looking for Cassandra Jane (2002) by Melody Carlson
Shadow of Dreams (2003) by Eva Marie Everson and G.W. Francis Chadwick
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
My Name is Mike (2003) by Gail Sattler
Intervention (2009) by Terri Blackstock
Leaving November (2008) by Deborah Raney
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig 
Burnt Orange: Color Me Waster (2004) by Melody Carlson
Beach Dreams (2008) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Reinventing Rachel (2010) by Alison Strobel 

Anger
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Nightshade (2010) by Ronie Kendig
Reinventing Rachel (2010) by Alison Strobel
The Heart of Memory (2011) by Alison Strobel
Son of Mine (2011) by Karen Malena

Anxiety
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton

Bitterness
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
I Called Him Dancer (2011) by Eddie Snipes
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Book of Days (2011) by James L. Rubart
First Impressions (2010) by Michelle Sutton

Blended Family
The Other Daughter (2007) by Miralee Ferrell
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell  
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell

Broken Engagement
Love Turns the Tide (2009) by Gail Pallotta
The Perfect Blend (2010) by Trish Perry
A Man To Trust (2012) by Carrie Turansky

Cancer
After Anne (2002) by Roxanne Henke
A Time to Mend (2006) by Angela Hunt
Healing Quilt (2002) by Lauraine Snelling
Season of Blessing (2003) by Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
Seaside (2001) by Terri Blackstock
Crossing Oceans (2010) by Gina Holmes
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome

Child Abuse
Secrets Under the Midnight Sun (2010) by Elisa Maria Crites
Daisy Chain (2009) by Mary E. DeMuth
Watching the Tree Limbs (2006) by Mary E. DeMuth
Words (2011) by Ginny Yttrup
One Smooth Stone (2009) by Marcia Laycock
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Other Side of Darkness (2011) by Linda Rondeau
Long Time Coming (2010) by Vanessa Miller
Touched by Mercy (2010) by Tina Pinson
Refuge (1999) by Stephanie M.E. Gallentine 

Depression
The Restorer's Journey (2008) by Sharon Hinck
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
Songbird (2003) by Lisa Samson
When Joy Came to Stay (2006) by Karen Kingsbury
When Love Collides (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines
Disability
The Attaché (2012) by Dave Bond
The Fragrance of Roses (2009) by Nikki Arana

Disfigurement
Refining Fires (2010) by Erin Rainwater
Forever After (2011) by Deborah Raney
Embrace Me (2008) by Lisa Samson
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
Surrendered Hearts (2011) by Carrie Turansky
Grow Old with Me (2010) by Melinda Evaul 

Divorce
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
Bitter Rose: Color Me Crushed (2006) by Melody Carlson
Their Separate Ways (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Can I Get A Witness? (2008) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Last Woman Standing (2009) by Tia McCollors

Domestic Violence
Sadie's Song (2001) by Linda Hall
Serenity Bay (2005) by Bette Nordberg
A Nest of Sparrows (2004) by Deborah Raney
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
Evidence of Mercy (1995) by Terri Blackstock
Broken Wings (2011) by Carla Stewart
Blue Skies Tomorrow (2011) by Sarah Sundin 
Remember to Forget (2007) by Deborah Raney
Shadowed in Silk (2011) by Christine Lindsay 
Fear No Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
First Response (2011) by Michelle Sutton
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Nothing But the Right Thing (2005) by Stacy Hawkins Adams
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Kaydie (2011) by Penny Zeller 

Drunk Driving
The Living Stone (2000) by Jane Orcutt
After the Rains (2002) by Deborah Raney
Waiting for Morning (2002) by Karen Kingsbury
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell  

Eating Disorders
There You'll Find Me (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped (2006) by Melody Carlson
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Skinny (2008) by Laura L. Smith
She Walks in Beauty (2010) by Siri L. Mitchell
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace

End-of-Life Issues
Broken Wings (2011) by Carla Stewart
The Living End (2003) by Lisa Samson
Crossing Oceans (2010) by Gina Holmes
In the Shadow of Evil (2011) by Robin Caroll
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
World's Collide (2005) by Alison Strobel

Envy
Deep Green: Color Me Jealous (2004) by Melody Carlson
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton

Family Obligation/Expectation
The Artist's Granddaughter (2011) by Robin Bayne
Love's Pursuit (2009) by Siri L. Mitchell
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller
Kaydie (2011) by Penny Zeller

Fear
Danger at the Door (2009) by Michelle Sutton
Blue Skies Tomorrow (2001) by Sarah Sundin
Just Between You and Me (2009) by Jenny B. Jones
Exposure (2009) by Brandilyn Collins
The Chair (2011) by James L. Rubart

Forgiveness
Wounded Spirits (2010) by April Gardner
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico (2010) by Lena Nelson Dooley
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Undercurrent (2011) by Michelle Griep
Rooms (2010) by James L. Rubart
Book of Days (2011) by James L. Rubart
The Chair (2011) by James L. Rubart
The Pastor's Wife (2010) by Jennifer AlLee
In the Shadow of Evil (2011) by Robin Caroll
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Risky Business, (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Dare to be Different, (2010) by Nicole O'Dell
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Along Came Love (2006) by Carrie Turansky
Seeking His Love (2012) by Carrie Turansky
Hailee (2011) by Penny Zeller
McKenzie (2010) by Penny Zeller

Gangs
Fear No Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham

Gambling 
A Million's Blessings (2010) by Angela Benson, Tia McCollors and Marilynn Griffith
Til Debt Do Us Part (2009) by Michelle Larks
The Devil Is A Lie (2009) by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
The Deal, the Dance and the Devil (2011) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Going for Broke (2007) by Melody Dobson

Grief
Talking to the Dead (2010) by Bonnie Grove
To Dance in the Desert (2010) by Kathleen Popa
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson
Wounded Spirits (2010) by April Gardner
It's Not about Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Save the Date (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
Wildflowers from Winter (2012) by Katie Ganshert
They Almost Always Come Home (2010) by Cynthia Ruchti
Powerline (2011) by Deb Kinnard 
Lost in Dreams (2011) by Roger Bruner and Kristi Rae Bruner
Beach Dreams (2008) by Trish Perry
The Wishing Pearl, (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
Rhapsody in Red (2008) by Donn Taylor
Violette Between (2006) by Alison Strobel
Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl (2011) by Elizabeth Byler Younts
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines

Guilt
Bound by Guilt (2011) by C.J. Darlington
A Memory Between Us (2010) by Sarah Sundin
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West 
Almost Forever (2010) by Deborah Raney 
Damages, 2010 by Deb Kinnard
Pitch Black: Color Me Lost (2004) by Melody Carlson
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel
Alpha Redemption (2010) by Paul Baines

Homosexuality
Tiger Lillie (2004) by Lisa Samson
Spring Rain (2001) by Gayle Roper
A Season of Grace (2004) by Bette Nordberg
Edge of Grace (2011) by Christa Allan
Bright Purple: Color Me Confused (2006) by Melody Carlson
The EX Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray
My Soul Cries Out (2007) by Sherri Lewis
The Things We Do For Love (2008) by Xavier Knight
Violette Between (2006) by Alison Strobel 

Infertility
The Long-Awaited Child (2001) by Tracie Peterson
Lullaby (2002) by Jane Orcutt
In a Heartbeat (2004) by Sally John
Song of Erin ( 2008 ) by B.J. Hoff
Breaker's Reef (2005) by Terri Blackstock
Letting Go (2011) by Michelle Sutton
Maggie's Journey (2011) by Lena Nelson Dooley
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Fill These Empty Arms (2011) by Janice Hanna Thompson 
Every Good and Perfect Gift (2007) by Sharon K. Souza
Rescued (2010) by Donna Dawson 
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry
Abiding Hope (2001) by Angela Benson
Scrapping Plans (2009) by Rebeca Seitz
An Inconvenient Friend (2010) by Rhonda McKnight
Rain Dance (2006) by Joy DeKok
A Promise Kept (2009) by Cara Putnam

He Remembers the Barren (2011) by Katie Schuermann

Infidelity
Grown Folks Business (2005) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Sins of the Father (2009) by Angela Benson
An Inconvenient Friend (2010) by Rhonda McKnight
The Deal, the Dance and the Devil (2011) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
A Time to Remember (2009) by Sally John and Gary Smalley

Interracial Relationships 
Boaz Brown (2005) by Michelle Stimpson

Kleptomania
Fool's Gold: Color Me Consumed (2005) by Melody Carlson

Loneliness
Dark Blue: Color Me Lonely (2003) by Melody Carlson
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome

Marriage
Searching for Spice (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Never Without Hope (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel
One Little Secret (2007) by Allison Bottke
Happily Even After (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
Mom's the Word (2009) by Marilynn Griffith
The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer AlLee
Faithful (2010) by Kim Cash Tate
Secrets and Lies (2009) by Rhonda McKnight
World's Collide (2005) by Alison Strobel
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham
McKenzie (2010) by Penny Zeller 

Mental Illness
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
In The Midst Of It All (2010) by Tiffany L. Warren
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
Talking to the Dead (2010) by Bonnie Grove
An Irishwoman's Tale (2008) by Patti Lacy
Secrets of the Heart (2011) by Jillian Kent

Money Crisis
Samaritan (2011) by Robin Bayne
Forever After (2011) by Deborah Raney
Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl (2011) by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Pain/Chronic Pain
Leaving November (2008) by Deborah Raney

Parenting
Searching for Spice (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy 
Learning to Fly (2008) by Roxanne Henke
Tea for Two (2011) by Trish Perry
Tales of the Dim Knight (2011) by Adam and Andrea Graham

Perfectionism
Perfecting Kate (2007) by Tamara Leigh

Premarital Sex
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Courting Trouble (2007) by Deeanne Gist
Deep in the Heart of Trouble (2008) by Deeanne Gist
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Torch Red: Color Me Torn (2004) by Melody Carlson
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry  
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Swept Away (2011) by Nicole O'Dell
A Heart of Devotion (2005) by Tia McCollors
The EX Files (2007) by Victoria Christopher Murray
Only Uni (2008) by Camy Tang

Prostitution/Child Trafficking
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
Redeeming Love (2005) by Francine Rivers
Deliver Us From Evil (2010) by Robin Caroll
The Elite of the Weak (2011) by Precarious Yates
Deliver Me from Evil (2011) by Kathi Macias
Pearl in the Sand (2010) by Tessa Afshar

Pornography
Exposed (2010) by Ashley Weiss
Last Light (2005) by Terri Blackstock

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Nightshade (2010) by Ronie Kendig
Digitalis (2011) by Ronie Kendig
Wolfsbane (2011) by Ronie Kendig  
In Plain Sight (2010) by Michelle Sutton
Yesterday's Tomorrow (2011) by Catherine West
Jenna's Cowboy, 2010 by Sharon Gillenwater

Racism
Trial by Fire (2000) by Terri Blackstock
The Rhythm of Secrets (2010) by Patti Lacy
What the Bayou Saw (2009) by Patti Lacy 
Above All Things (2009) by Deborah Raney
Too Good to Be True (2007) by Trish Perry 
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
The Embittered Ruby (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
The Winds of Sonoma (2005) by Nikki Arana
The Rhythms of Grace (2008) by Marilynn Griffith
Chasing Moondrops (2010) by Jennifer Valent

Retirement
On a Someday (2010) by Roxanne Henke

Schizophrenia
House of Secrets (2011) by Tracie Peterson
Finding Alice (2003) by Melody Carlson

Self-Image
Save the Date (2011) by Jenny B. Jones
A Constant Heart (2008) by Siri L. Mitchell
Miss Invisible (2007) by Laura Jensen Walker
Perfecting Kate (2007) by Tamara Leigh
Faded Denim: Color Me Trapped (2006) by Melody Carlson
Surrendered Hearts (2011) by Carrie Turansky
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome

Self-Mutilation
Reclaiming Lily (2011) by Patti Lacy
Blade Silver: Color Me Scarred (2005) by Melody Carlson
The Weight of Shadows (2010) by Alison Strobel

Singleness
The Guy I'm Not Dating (2006) by Trish Perry

Spiritual Warfare
Rooms (2010) by James L. Rubart
Moon White: Color Me Enchanted (2007) by Melody Carlson
The Shadowed Onyx (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace
Winter (2011) by Keven Newsome  

Substance Abuse
I Called Him Dancer (2011) by Eddie Snipes

Suicide
Chasing Lilacs (2010) by Carla Stewart
The Novelist (2006) by Angela Hunt
Wildflowers from Winter (2012) by Katie Ganshert
Pitch Black: Color Me Lost (2004) by Melody Carlson
The Shadowed Onyx (2012) by Nicole O'Dell
Unlocked (2010) by Karen Kingsbury 
The Amen Sisters (2007) by Angela Benson
Son of Mine (2011) by Karen Malena
Traumatic Brain Injury
I Can't Remember Me (2006) by Jude Urbanski and Courtney Martin Larson 
First Love (2010) by Michelle Sutton 
The Familiar Stranger (2009) by Christina Berry

Unplanned Pregnancy
Child of Grace (2001) by Lori Copeland
A Moment of Weakness (2000) by Karen Kingsbury
Song of Erin (2008) by B.J. Hoff
Firstborn (2003) by Robin Lee Hatcher
The Atonement Child (1999) by Francine Rivers
The Mother Road (2012) by Jennifer AlLee
It's Not About Him (2009) by Michelle Sutton
It's Not About Me (2008) by Michelle Sutton
Sunset Beach (2009) by Trish Perry
Angels in the Shadows (2011) by Lisa Grace  

Workaholism
The Pastor's Wife (2010) by Jennifer AlLee
Composing Amelia (2011) by Alison Strobel

Worry
Out of Her Hands (2008) by Megan DiMaria
Unforgettable (2011) by Trish Perry 

3 comments:

Weslie O said...

I'd also add to the "Infertility" category a new boow, "He Remembers the Barren" by Katie Schuermann: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/he-remembers-the-barren/17147420?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/1

She also maintains a great blog about this topic.

Weslie O said...

The blog: http://heremembersthebarren.com/

Tracy Ruckman said...

I've updated the list - thanks, Weslie!

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