Still Here: Life Together on the Long Way Home

by Steven Curtis Chapman, Mary Beth Chapman

“Forty years of messy, crazy, good‑then‑bad‑then‑better experiences, and they are Still Here to share it.” —Max Lucado

Everybody knows the music. Everybody knows, as well, their tragedy. But what makes the Chapmans so remarkable—Steven Curtis and Mary Beth—is that the same endurance their relationship embodies can be true of each of ours as well.

Still Here is their take on marriage, on parenting, on the lives we live and the promises we make. The Chapmans’ story, like all our stories, is one of total dependence on God’s grace and goodness, on His faithfulness and forgiveness, and on His readiness to redeem, in all of us, every outbreak of brokenness.

It’s been more than forty years of that now, together, and they’re inviting you inside to see it, to feel it—not to show you how it’s done, but to show you it can be done. Come along on their journey, and see yourself on your journey, trusting God for His faithful mercies on all our journeys home.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Marriage, Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Steven Curtis Chapman is a devout Christian, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, author, and a social activist regarding youth violence prevention and adoption.

He and his wife, Mary Beth Chapman, have six children, four grandchildren and live near Nashville, Tennessee.

Reviews

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book written by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth Chapman. I grew up listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's music so there is a long-time connection/sense of nostalgia I associate with him. I'm not sure how this book would resonate with someone who doesn't have that connection. Generally I strongly dislike books written in a very casual/conversational tone- this is definitely that but probably because of the connection to the author, the tone was endearing and personal vs annoying for me. Marriage books are a dime a dozen and I haven't cared for the majority I've read. This one was not at all didactic- truly a memoir of marriage by a couple who has experienced tremendous challenges in marriage and hardship/grief in life (along with success, too). I found their story and their commitment to keeping their marriage together for 40+ years heartening, encouraging, beautiful, and *real*. My mom listened to the audiobook which is read by both of them and loved that way of experiencing the book as well.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Here is the joined writing effort of recording artist Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife of forty years, Marybeth Chapman. If you know anything about their story or have read their previous books, you know they’ve been through a lot together, and that their marriage has not always been easy. In Still Here, they share about what has kept them fighting for one another over the years. It is important to know going in that this is more of a conversational memoir than a self-help book about marriage. Steven and Marybeth are very candid about their story and offer insights from their own experience, but this is not a “how to have a good marriage book.” I listened to a lot of this on audio and would recommend that format, as the authors read the sections they wrote. I would recommend this for fans of the Chapmans, or anyone looking for general marriage encouragement, especially if you need to be reminded that it’s worth it to keep fighting.
Thank you to Netgalley and B&H Publishing for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come

[Tammi Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knows anything about the Chapmans would not say their life has been easy, but I was surprised by their vulnerability in sharing their marital struggles. It was refreshing and encouraging to read how they have repeatedly decided to choose each other, even through the excruciatingly hard times of losing a child and the career of a musician, as well as the struggles of being two opposite personalities. The beauty of the gospel is so gracefully woven throughout the entire book, and the last chapter, was the perfect ending, showing the beauty, the joy, and the security that is the end result of sticking it out, striving together to be “still here” despite all the odds stacked against them right from the get go. I gave it 4 stars only because at times it didn’t feel quite relatable to me. There were definitely still some really good takeaways, though, and I would recommend it especially to young marrieds as solid biblical advice.

[Rachel Lundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Here is a memoir of the marriage of Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth Chapman. I was encouraged by their commitment to one another through difficult times in life and in marriage. They admit that their marriage has not been easy, but they continued to stay together and to persevere through trials.

For those who are not familiar with the Chapman's story, it would be beneficial to read their previous memoirs before picking up this book. I recommend reading Between Heaven in the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman and Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman. Once you have read those books, it will be easier to follow and understand things referenced in Still Here.

[katescleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book primarily about marriage, Still Here is gritty, personal, bathed in Scripture, and wonderfully relatable. If you believe a successful Christian music career on the outside means harmony behind closed doors, think again. If you say you’ve already heard their stories and know their testimony, start reading.
The Chapmans are wide open and brutally honest about their struggles. But through it all is woven the theme that our only Hope, the only One that can hold us together, is Christ Himself. He gives grace and mercy when we cannot see the bigger picture. He gives kindness and help when we have nothing left. In a very readable, conversational format, the Chapmans beautifully illustrate exactly what it means go forward holding tight to each other and the One who brought us together, so that we too will be able to say “We’re still here.”
There is no magic formula, no 10-step program to follow. Just one family’s story of faith that refuses to quit amidst trials dark and deep. A redemption story that is available to all of us. He makes beauty from ashes.
A huge thank you to the Chapmans for sharing 40 years of God’s faithfulness through every difficult situation. It could not have been easy to write. But it is something we need more of, to know we are all in similar boats, yet there is Someone who can keep us from sinking. No matter what season of life you are in, this book is a must read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Erin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Here: Life Together on the Long Way Home by Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman tells the story of their rather tumultuous marriage of forty plus years. The book reads like a friendly letter and feels like an intimate conversation over coffee. For readers in unsafe marriages, however, I think some of the Chapman’s advice could be damaging. On the other hand, for those in highly compatible marriages, it will not likely be very relatable. I would recommend this read to those in overall healthy yet mismatched marriages. They will find lots of encouragement in its pages to continue working through personality differences. The Chapmans have travelled long together in the same direction, despite their clashing personalities. Theirs has been a hard but rewarding journey, and I admire their bravery in sharing what they have learned along the way. Writing a memoir of any kind is not for the faint of heart, and you can sense their nervousness in putting pen to paper on the subject of their marriage. Still Here is an easy read, and fans (like me) will also enjoy the song lyrics peppered throughout its pages. In reaching for this book, especially if your marriage is in trouble, please remember to read it as a memoir. For marriage advice, seek professional help from a licensed counsellor…just as the authors so transparently share that they have many, many times over the years.

(The publisher sent me an advanced reader copy for review, but all opinions are my own.)

[Katie Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth bring genuine warmth and vulnerability to Still Here, sharing four decades of marriage marked by joy, grief, and hard-won grace. Their honesty about their struggles is the book's greatest strength, and fans of Chapman's music will feel right at home in his familiar voice.

However, readers looking for a focused narrative may find the book somewhat meandering. Themes recur without much new development, and the chapters don't always build cohesively toward a larger whole. The heart behind the book is sincere, but a firmer editorial hand could have sharpened its impact.

Ultimately, Still Here is best suited for devoted Chapman fans or anyone simply looking for companionship on a difficult marital journey. The grace they describe is real — even if the presentation could have been more purposeful. I appreciate their thoughtful Christian viewpoint throughout as they reflect on their journey so far.

Thank you to NetGalley and B&H Publishing for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica Wilczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and B&H Publishing for an advanced copy of Still Here.

Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth Chapman talk about how they are still here and married after forty years together. It is not always easy but it is always worth it. Through their faith they choose each other everyday. No marriage is easy or perfect and that is okay it is not supposed to be.

I really loved the way they spoke about their life and marriage the good the bad and the ugly. They are so relatable and are so open and honest. It was beautiful to hear their story and get insights from them! A must read for every couple!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very open and honest shall we say, “conversation”, between Steven and Mary Beth Chapman about their 40 years of marriage. They share the struggles and the triumphs they have experienced in a way that I am sure many are able to relate to. Marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God to show the sacrificial love of Christ for His bride, the church. Marriage requires a lot of sacrifice and is sanctifying. I believe they have done a good job of showing the reader that truth. I had some difficulty following it as I felt it read more like a transcript to a podcast than a book and because of that, it may be easier to listen to the audiobook version.

Gifted from #Netgalley

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman share their forty years of marriage and life together through this book. They’re the first to admit that they are imperfect, sinful, and still struggle. They’re not trying to teach the readers how to live but rather how God has come alongside them in their seasons.

I think it’s a great way to hear their personal and professional stories. It has a very personal touch.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have loved SCC's music since the 80s, have read both his and MBC's books written after Maria's passing, and was really excited for this book. Alas, DNF at 31%.

I felt it lacked cohesion and a narrative arc--it couldn't decide what it wanted to be, and in that indecision, ended up being ... not much. Maybe it improved as it went on, but when I still felt this way after 31%, it was a tough sell to keep going.

I received an eRC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quite honest personal look at the Chapman’s marriage. The theme is we are by no means perfect, but we are still here for each other … still together after 40 years. I love when one or the other of them is speaking. The ‘It’s Worth It’ chapter was the perfect ending to their ‘great adventure’ so far.

[Rachel Florida]

I love getting a deeper look in to the marriage of the Chapman’s. His music was a huge part of my childhood. They have so many important things to say on marriage. It’s a gem of a book with so many good nuggets of wisdom.

[Ryan Hillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. Small print hard to read. Passed on to my Bible Study Class.

[Kristin Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story of their ups and downs and commitment to their marriage and the faithfulness and grace of the Lord.

[Laura Dineen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christian perspective on marriage. I recommend this to all my “couple” friends. Thank you Steven and Marybeth for your raw candidness. Thankful to God that you are still here.

[Karen Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 6 is awesome! The journey.
Also chapter 10 as they wrap up their story in Still Here.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like sitting down with the Chapman's and having them encourage you in your marriage. It is written in a very conversational style and is not at all prescriptive. They fight, they are opposites, they have been through the indescribable yet they remain committed and manage to still have fun along the way, giving all the credit to God's grace. I think the audiobook read by Steven and Mary Beth will be the best way to consume this one.

[Emily Vreken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved Steven Curtis Chapman's music for many years, so I jumped at the chance to read Still Here by Steven and his wife Mary Beth. Still Here is a memoir of their forty-year-long marriage. It reads as a collection of essays, much more of "this is how we did it" rather than "this is how it should be done". I appreciate their commitment to the vows that they made despite the many obstacles that life has thrown at them. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.