I'd love to get started on a new author...I don't need the emotional sentimentality, but I love the contemporary, thought-provoking stories.

Elizabeth Berg and Anita Shreve

I love Elizabeth Berg!

Billie Letts  (Where the Heart is, etc)

Lorna Ladvik

and my new favorite:  Joshlyn Jackson (Gods in Alabama, etc)

I was going to recommend Lorna Landvik, Elizabeth Berg, and while I liken Billie Letts more to Fanny Flagg, I really do enjoy her books.  Anna Quindlen fits in nicely, also.

Another pbs member recommended this book and author to me-   The Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian

I read it and it was good. Very thought provoking like Jodi Picoult

I found this list of "readalikes" for Jodi Picoult on the web: Elizabeth Berg, Chris Bohjalian, Diane Chamberlain, Alice Hoffman, Ann Hood, Sue Miller, Jacquelyn Mitchard , Anna Quindlen, Luanne Rice, Anita Shreve

I have read 4 or 5 books by Chris Bohjalian, and I have not been disappointed yet.

IIRC, I read on Picoult's website that she really loves Alice Hoffman's books.

I just recently finished A Ship Made of Paper by Scott Spencer, ISBN 0060933429.  I picked it up because it was a National Book Award finalist.  It reminded me of the Jodi Picoult books I have read.   It was really a very good book.  If you like her books, I really think you'll like this one.

Definitely Chris Bohjalian.  Barbara Delinsky has a couple good ones too.

These have been awesome suggestions!  I've ordered some, and placed others on my wishlist. 

Any others?

I seem to always be promoting Barbara Kingsolver.  Prodigal Summer and the Poisonwood Bibe are two of my favorites of hers.  

Not quite on the same lines but you really should give her a try.

Luanne Rice