Recently I was tagged in a Facebook discussion about one of my books. While I’m not able to catch or read every tag, this one caught my eye because it was about the sensuality level in my books.
The initial comment was this: “Who’s finished Searching for You by Jody Hedlund? Great story but, um, a bit steamy in my opinion…”
The ensuing discussion was really interesting.
Some agreed with the comment that the book was too steamy:
Thanks for the heads-up… I will pass on that one.
I haven’t read that one of hers, but I read one of her YA books and thought the same thing.
I liked the way the series wrapped up, but you’re right, it was a little steamy for Christian Fiction.
There were other comments that agreed to some degree but not entirely:
Yes, but I personally like steamy.
I actually have a pretty low tolerance for “steam” but I was ok with that one. It was on that line, but I think it was somewhat essential to the plot.
Her books are bit steamy, but I don’t feel that they cross any lines.
Then other comments entirely disagreed and didn’t think the book was steamy:
It didn’t even cross my mind to label it that. It was pretty tame compared to some, and always appropriate to the story and the faith guidelines.
“Steamy” never crossed my mind, either. Romantic, yes.
I didn’t think it steamy at all. I loved the book and thought it a very appropriate ending to the series.
As you can see, the Facebook post started a really interesting discussion with diverse opinions. And I always love a good discussion that forces me to think more deeply about issues.
In analyzing the various responses, I came up with several thoughts:
1. Readers bring their spiritual world view to their reading experiences.
Most Christians can probably agree that witnessing explicit sexual scenes whether in a book or movie is something condemned in Scripture. However, when it’s not explicit, how much is too much?
Readers’ spiritual backgrounds, denominations, personal convictions, interpretation of Scripture, and more will form the lenses through which they view what is appropriate for a Christian book.
Some readers will cite Bible verses like Phil 4:8 and the need to think on things that are pure. Other readers will point to a book of the Bible like Song of Songs and the sexual references as God-given and something to delight in. Because of such diversity, readers won’t always agree on what accounts for too much sensuality in a novel.
2. Readers like varying levels of romantic tension.
On a continuum, readers have different preferences for how much romance they like in a novel. Some are on one end and prefer very little romance and like a bigger plot with more than just the couple getting together.
Others are at the opposite side of the continuum and want their story drenched in romance on every page and prefer not to be bogged down with other plots that don’t have to do with the romance itself. Then of course, there are those who fall somewhere in the middle.
Is one preference right or wrong? Or is it merely a matter of personal taste?
3. Readers have different experiences with the romance genre.
Many readers have read (or still read) secular fiction. Often secular books contain sex scenes (even those that aren’t within the romance genre). The secular romance genre in particular has exploded with a variety of subgenres that are specifically geared toward explicit sex of all kinds and varieties.
Those readers who’ve been exposed to those kinds of reading experiences will come into Christian fiction with different expectations than those who’ve never run across something more explicit. Perhaps in comparison to what the world offers, Christian fiction feels very chaste.
Whatever your opinions are about how much sensuality is too much in Christian fiction, the really cool thing is that nowadays Christian readers have a wide variety of authors and styles to choose from.
If readers prefer to keep the sensuality at a minimum, then they can find many sweet romances to fit their needs. Those who like a lot of sizzle on the page can also find authors who write more to their preference. We’re blessed to have so many choices!
How about YOU? Do any of the points above resonate with you? What other thoughts do you have about sensuality levels in Christian fiction?
Jody Hedlund
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Jody, I haven’t read anything in your books that is offensive to me. I am very careful what I sit and read and the thoughts put in my mind. I feel like all Christians are responsible for what they allow into their minds and hearts. If a scene causes you to imagine what is going on in an unhealthy thought, then it is the same as pornography because it will cause an unhealthy thought life. I carefully choose my authors and if anything that is offensive to me then I do not read it. The same with profanity and the “New Age” stuff that has been added to a lot of the Christian books. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with us!
Really well said. I’d second your comments.
Beautifully said! I “third” this. 🙂
I agree. Well said! Thank you!
Wow! I would not have said any of your books are sensual! Romance in them yes, but sensual? But, yes I am glad there are lots of Christian authors now – 25 years ago there weren’t many that I wanted to read!
I LOVE all your books! Don’t change a thing…never thought they were too steamy, lol!!
Thank you for all your hard work and passion in writing the stories God gives you! Your readers are so grateful <3
God Bless!
I love your perspective on this. . .. . and I saw my comment in the discussion posted, so I won’t repeat it. . . . . . taking a step back and seeing the big picture keeps you (or any other author) from majoring on minors and learning more about your reading audience. . . . which is quite varied. And when is that ever a bad thing? Just last night, I was standing at my front door talking about your latest series with my next door neighbor. She had read book two first, shared it with her daughter; found the prequel novella, checked the first book out of our church library . . . . and said, “it was sooooo good”!I couldn’t agree with her more!
I’ve read a couple of your books and didn’t notice it being too steamy for me. We are have different opinions/beliefs as to what is too much romance but if such books lead you to unhealthy or unpure thoughts then stop reading it.
I personally do not like explicit bedroom details that you find in secular books. Thank you for posting.
Sexuality is a wonderful and important part of life, but a private one. To me, steam goes beyond romantic tension. I have not read this book, but generally I prefer as little steam as possible. My reason is this: fiction writers write scenes in which readers can feel as if they are right there experiencing what the characters experience. That’s an obvious problem when it comes to sexual scenes. I don’t want to read anything that’s going to make me feel aroused or put sensual thoughts in my head that I don’t want there, and that can occur long before the actual act of sex does. Of course, that varies from person to person just like the other points you mentioned.
I agree with what you said, Jody, and you said it well. Thanks you for posing this question. I just finished your Orphan Train series last month and enjoyed every bit. I did not think it too steamy and was very comfortable reading it. I like a bit of suggestion and this series was very good – well balanced with what was portrayed. Thanks for a really great series.
Great post, Jody. This is such a delicate issue and a really valuable discussion. I’m so glad you shared this. I’ve had readers tag my books as too sensual simply because there was more than one kiss during the course of the story. Everyone’s line is in a different place because of personal spiritual convictions, life experiences, and to some extent age/maturity. A 12-year-old girl is going to be affected differently by a kissing scene than a 35-year-old wife and mother of two. Should we be sensitive to our readers? Absolutely! We never want to cause anyone to stumble. But at the same time, we have to faithfully follow where the Spirit leads us in our storytelling. Physical attraction is a natural part of the human experience, and I believe it can be a powerful message to show our characters dealing with attraction in a God-honoring way instead of pretending it doesn’t exist. We are called to be light in the darkness, to show the world a better way. I pray that Christian romance can help shed some light in a dark, promiscuous world.
I love your perspective Karen!
I agree with you, Karen, and your delightful stories have never caused me to stumble. <3
I really appreciate your thoughts on this subject, Jody! Readers truly do bring their own spiritual worldview, their own preferences regarding romantic tension, and their own history with the romance genre with them every time they open a Christian romance. Writers do the same! I know my approach to my stories is very much influenced by each of those three points.
I an avid reader although I lean towards Christian Fiction. I very much dislike books that are steamy. My pet peeve in this situation is where most of the book has been quite low key or cozy and then the author puts on the steam FULL BORE. I also dislike this practice in movies. I was raised in the church so I would guess my thermometer reading is comfortable lower than some people. I have not read your books but which one or ones would you recommend for me knowing what I just stated?
Hi Bev, Everyone has such different definitions of what steamy is, so I’m not sure if you would consider mine steamy or not! All of my books are definitely romances, but my medieval series is slightly “sweeter” than my others (less kissing, etc.). All of my other books are fairly similar in having a little more passion but nothing beyond kissing. Maybe start with my orphan train series and see what you think? The ebook novella for the series is free on Amazon. That might give you a taste of my writing. (Or you could pick a book up from your library!)
Thank you for being candid with me and responding. I will take your advice and start with your orphan train books. I will be happy to let you know how I like them. Have a great rest of your weekend!!
WOW! You bringing this topic up is almost like a pastor preaching on the Song Of Solomon…awkward for most and no one really wanting to discuss it. God created sexual attraction and sex (for married couples only!), but it seems a lot of Christian authors are accused of trashy writing if any type of intimacy appears in their books, even among married couples. I’m in total agreement that explicit and graphic details are not required to tell a ‘love’ story, but I also think part of the romance is physical interaction. It’s tightrope that I’m sure Christian authors have difficulty walking, but I appreciate the authors who do this with finesse and still tell a beautiful story.
I have read almost all of Jody‘s books, and I found them refreshingly realistic when it comes to the concept of falling in love or being in a healthy marriage. God created us to have sexual responses in our bodies but to keep them under control. I thought her Young Adult books addressed these things tactfully and have encouraged many 16+ year olds to read these books. Her books are a much better influence than most music, TV, and movies out there. It’s a fact of life that the Bible addresses. Thank you, Jody, for being willing to present a normal, healthy physical response and spiritual battle for purity.
I’m LOVING all of your comments, everyone!! Thank you for adding such great thoughts! I appreciate it! Looking forward to hearing from more of you! 🙂
I’ll just say this, christian authors who fail to address the “steam” in romance I think can do a disservice to readers. Because everywhere you go you are encountered with images of “steam.” It’s better to acknowledge that it’s a real thing and should be addressed in a certain way instead of pretending like it doesn’t exist. Especially, most especially, if you want to reach unsaved people for the Gospel in your books. You can’t just ignore what is reality. But if you can address it, then you have credibility. Even more so in this day and time in which we live.
Em, Your comments are, Spot. On. Agree wholeheartedly with what you said and you worded it much better than I.
Yes! Beautifully worded – and very well said! Spot on, Em.
I have not personally found your books to be steamy at all. In fact, I encourage my daughters to read books by you as well as the other authors I saw commenting on this post. I agree that we do have to show the proper place for that attraction, and if we don’t address it at all then we are doing a disservice. Romantic married love is supposed to be a beautiful gift from God. It’s a God given thing that couples moving towards marriage will experience that attraction and sexual tension, and we need stories showing couples experiencing this still following biblical principles in their relationships to help counter all of the stories coming from a worldly perspective.
Well said! I also encourage my oldest daughter to read them. She needs to know it is possible to follow biblical principles in relationships! Wonderful examples like these help.
I read Christian Fiction because I’m not comfortable with hot steamy or sexy romance stories. I’ve never thought of your books as steamy. I’m very particular in what I read. I just don’t like graphic books that describes a bedroom scene. I’ve always thought that books should be rated to take the guess work out of should I read this book. Not familiar with the author!
I read a lot of Christian romances, and don’t remember any of them going over the line (IMHO). The Christian writers I’ve read (MANY over the last 20 years) do a great job showing that the couple is physically attracted to each other. Ignoring a couple’s physical attraction is unrealistic and I’d even suggest it’s a sign of an unhealthy future relationship. Maybe not, but possible. And to this reader, it makes the book BORING! I am going to move Searching For You to the top of my to-be-read pile!
I’m glad I read your article. I was almost mad at people that would have mentioned steamy for your book and criticized it. I just finished Searching for You and the only bad part was that it ended. I wanted to keep reading and reading and reading. It was a delightful, wonderful, uplifting book. It takes a skilled and inspired author to be able to express the physical side of true love in the way that you did! I was so into the story it seemed like real life to me, and I wouldn’t have expected anything different and would have been disappointed had you sugar-coated it or held it down. I hope readers do have the pleasure of experiencing godly love and its physical expressions within their marriages as I have for 44 years! Bring on the steaminess! I’ve got to find my husband and give him a big steamy kiss for putting up with me! but thank you for helping me see it is true we all come with your friend experiences to judge by. Your books are off the chart. I started with Newton and Polly and I’ll try to keep up with all of them! You’re definitely one of my favorites!
I’ve read all of your books, Jody, and I have never felt that the romance in any of them has been over the top “steamy.” I love a good love attraction in a story, and after all, that’s part of life. I have found that some Christian readers are offended by anything other than a hint of a love attraction. Don’t change your writing style for a small minority of readers. Love is what makes the world go around!
I don’t read books that are steamy, or put them down if they do. It (the steam) makes me uncomfortable. While I can appreciate some light romance in Christian fiction, I wish there was less romance overall in this genre. I love historical fiction and mystery/suspense, so can usually find something good to read. But I stick to authors I “know” most of the time, to be on the safe side.
I think you nailed it.
Readers come from different life views and denominations. They have different expectations as a result.
I have never been uncomfortable with the love scenes in your books.
Please keep up the good work!
As so many have stated – I think it all boils down to everyone’s definition of the word “steamy”. Our upbringing and religious beliefs play into it big time. To me steamy means more than romance. Your stories are amazing and I had to giggle when I read that someone labeled it “steamy” – not to offend those, but obviously my definition of it is different. I don’t begrudge those whose opinion differs from mine, either. Knowing everyone has the right to choose what they read I don’t think authors should change how they write because of a few opinions. (unless convicted to) Each person in their season of life needs a different story and different life lessons. God will put them where they are needed.
I am loving this conversation – I have gleaned a few more insights in reading other’s comments.
As a side note: Searching For You was one of my favorites!! 🙂
I do not think your books are too “steamy”. I think you have the perfect balance of history, faith, and romance that keeps the readers coming back for more. I have started reading books by authors who’ve previously published in the Christian Fiction sector only to realize that the books are geared toward general market with more steam than I’m comfortable with toward the middle of the books. I’m more careful now to research the publishers prior to picking up a book.
I agree! I’ve read the same, books by authors who I knew as “Christian” and the inappropriate intimate behavior and cuss words that were included, totally gratuitous! I’ve stopped reading those completely and am ashamed of those authors. Just MHO.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jody. Great topic for discussion! It’s a challenge – and, frankly, an impossible task – for an author to cater to readers’ individual preferences. I think beyond the obvious line about explicit content that we can all agree on, readers need to know themselves (and their weaknesses) in assessing what is personally enjoyable for them.
Personally, I enjoy seeing characters experience attraction and sometimes grappling with temptation and acknowledging the challenge chastity may be. I also like to see that sex is portrayed as a natural part of a healthy marriage that both unites the spouses and is life-giving (meaning produces children and more figurative fruit as well).
Jody, I appreciate how you addressed the sensuality topic. Readers have so many amazing authors to enjoy.
Describing a kissing scene seems to be an art, and one I very much appreciate in a deeply romantic story. It takes me to the emotionally passionate place right along with the characters involved. It can warm the depths of my heart.
Sensuality can also play a healthy part. As a struggle of resistance, it is realistic in Christian romance.
But, when the text includes direct sexual references, or sensations that are directed to the private parts, that crosses the line for me. I do not want to go to bed with them or imagine doing so.
Thank you for asking!:)
I just finished The Orphan Train series in audiobook form on Hoopla. The narrator, Susan Hanfield, did a great job with many voices & accents, and the passionate (but clean) scenes were even more captivating due to the way she read them.
My favorite was the kitchen scene after the rain (& harvesting the potato field) in book 3, Searching For You. I would say it was steamy and loving, wholesome, and nurturing all at the same time.
Well done Jody Hedlund! <3 A treasure! Thank you.
I’m okay with all the touching and tension you create. But do you think that you could give more of your characters a different love language? In every book of yours I’ve read, the main female character loves the kiss, or feeling his hand on her back, or his breath on her neck. But other girls grow wary, cautious, and uncomfortable at this sort of thing and instead like gentle words or sweet actions.
I guess you could say I’m in-between. I don’t think your books are edgy–hey, I’ve read seven and am working on an eighth. I love them (A Loyal Heart especially)! But I hope you hear my voice and give future characters different love languages!
I agree with Em and Amy M., and I’ve even discussed this some with author Bethany Turner (“Sarah Hollenbeck”). God WANTS loving couples to experience a sexual, physical bond, and it’s simply unrealistic (and proven to be unhealthy) to ignore it or see it as shameful. I understand readers preferring that said couples be married and not wanting the “nitty gritty” – closed door please – but waves of emotion before and deep appreciation of what they’ve experienced after? Yes. The touches, the scents, the sighs, the inner warmth, the sight? Yes. Sweet pillow talk after? Yes. Acknowledging the need? That’s real, too. As for my own characters, the physical bond they create in the few, precious days before he ships out during WW2 is very much a part of their character arcs. And yes, it can be done tastefully without bad language or naming specific body parts. (My hero, a musician, calls it “marital improvisation.”) Jody – I have no issues with what you write! Thank you for addressing this hugely-overlooked topic.
While I read Christian fiction to avoid explicit sex scenes, I do like to read about kisses, hugs, and even suggestions of more if the story line supports those in a healthy relationship.
I stand by, Christians aren’t dead! I won’t read anything explicit, and if a couple is having sex outside of marriage I’m out. But attraction is normal. It’s everyday life. I have enjoyed seeing more CF authors exploring this side of romance tastefully. It makes the books so much more realistic and thus enjoyable!!
Good conversation!