Sunday Evenings with Joni: Conversations about Life's Chaos and Amazing Grace

by Ruth Schleppi-Verboom

A testimony of courage and hope, Joni Eareckson Tada is considered one of the great saints of our age. The story of her injury as a teenager which left her with quadriplegia, along with her inspiring life of meaning and faithfulness, has encouraged and strengthened Christians for years. In this rare and beautiful glimpse of personal friendship and faith, readers share in Joni’s timeless wisdom.

Every Sunday, Ruth Schleppi-Verboom has enjoyed the privilege of caring for the physical needs of Joni. And in those sacred moments of caregiving, Joni has been caring for the heart, mind, and soul of her friend. The two friends have had countless personal and spiritual conversations—from everyday chaos of life to the big God questions. And Ruth has been listening.

Eager to capture these insights, Ruth began to keep a written record of her conversations with her dear friend. Sunday Evenings with Joni is a collection of the stories and life moments of two friends. Join Ruth and Joni as they talk through doubts, adversities, and the joys of life. Readers will encounter God's amazing grace in ordinary moments and discover biblical guidance for their lives.

Whether you’ve been a longtime admirer of Joni or unaware of her beautiful story of faithfulness, this book will delight and strengthen you through its entertaining stories and down-to-earth, hope-filled wisdom.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when picking up this slender book. Having admired Joni and her ministry for years, I was eager to see what this book would offer. And what I found was a collection of delightful vignettes about the author’s life and how it intersected with and was impacted by Joni and her faith. It was a portrait of a beautiful friendship and, dare I say, was funny at times! The author has such a distinct voice that was filled with more humor than I expected. What a lovely surprise! This is both a memoir and a celebration of what friendship can do—sharpen, exhort, and uplift. Deeply tender and heartfelt, this little book is like drawing up a chair with an old acquaintance who brings out a heaping slice of apple pie as you catch up on life. I enjoyed every moment in its pages.

Thank you to the author and Moody Publishers for my gifted copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Sunday Evenings with Joni by Ruth Schleppi Verboom, readers are invited into a rare and beautiful friendship: Ruth’s weekly conversations with Joni Eareckson Tada. Their moments together are filled with honesty, laughter, questions, tears, and so much faith.
This isn’t a book to rush through. It’s one you linger with, processing the gentle words and wisdom. Preferably with a warm cup of tea in hand. Because in these pages, Ruth offers a reminder that even in life’s hardest seasons, God is near, love endures, and divine grace really does meet us in the ordinary. Simply beautiful!

*Thank you to the author and Moody Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such a disappointment. This book is sold as a conversation between the author and Joni Eareckson Tada. But it is not that at all. It is a monologue from the author and some quotes from Joni Eareckson Tada.
The exposure of her own children's and other family members vulnerability I found questionable. They may have permitted it but it is still something I react to. The theology that does not align with Scripture is a red flag like «inviting Jesus into your heart». I would much rather read a book by Joni Eareckson Tada.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn’t love a book with Joni Tada?! This is outstanding. I loved the honesty by the author, Ruth. I loved each and every chapter. I’d love to make the Dutch Apple pie! What a treasure this book is!

[Courtney Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, light chapters that walk the reader through truth. Very gentle discussions of suffering, prayer, and processing life. I used this to ease me into quiet times with God during a season when I was in a lot of physical pain. Will definitely be using Joni’s 80/20 rule in my prayer life!