Hi y’all!

Suddenly, I find myself about 10 books behind on reviews. Okay, it’s actually 7 but still! Sometimes I am just going along staying a few books behind and then suddenly it’s this!! Soooo I’m going to work on that over the next few weeks months starting with this review of The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.

I’m a big Fixer Upper fan–like the rest of America. When we lived in Dallas, I visited Magnolia Market 3 times. It’s such a fun, family friendly place with delicious cookies and fun outdoor games for kids. I would love Joanna to come design my house for me and I really love that fame hasn’t shattered their marriage or their faith. I have had this book on my TBR for years. And when my mom recently got it from the library (thanks, mom!) I decided to finally sit down and read it.

This is a feel good story. It’s pretty straight forward. We know how it ends. We know that they become famous and their show takes off. So it’s not a big page turner to find out what happens. It’s not full of surprises. But it is a lovely story about a couple who put God first and are genuinely good people. I’m glad there are people like them in the world and that the world knows their story.

Initial Thoughts:

• This is a quick read! It’s not too long and the back and forth style writing between Chip and Jo is so fun. It’s also a feel good book. It’ll give you faith in the goodness of people and the power of everyday faith.
• I felt a bit sad that they stopped their show after finishing this book. It’s so fun!
• My favorite parts of this book are the details about their courtship and marriage. And I love that God is such a central part of their lives! Jo even hears a still small voice speak to her about what to do. That’s amazing! I really admire Chip and Jo. 

According to Goodreads, “Are you ready to see your fixer upper? These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV s Fixer Upper. . . .By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America s new best friends. The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.”

I loved Chip and Jo before I read this book. And I love them more afterwards. 

It’s so fun to get both their perspectives on their lives together with the different fonts. That was a clever way to get inside both their heads. I loved the ways they saw the same stories differently. And the way they play off of each other in the text–just like they do on the show. It’s fun to get each of their perspectives on their life together and to see how united they are on the important things in life. Some of my favorite scenes: Chip leaving baby Drake at home accidentally, moving to the shotgun house, their courtship, their first experiences on the land where they would build their farmhouse. Their experiences are so real. They had financial difficulties, disagreements, made hard choices, and still managed to raise their kids together and continue to be in love. It’s a beautiful story.

I couldn’t believe the financial difficulties they had to overcome in their marriage. For so many years, they weren’t always sure they could pay their bills. They even almost went bankrupt! But I loved Jo’s perspective shift during that time to focusing on her kids and raising them in a beautiful childhood. And her faith never wavered. God was always a part of their marriage and their decisions. I needed that. I was also surprised Jo didn’t have any design experience when she opened her shop. She is so talented! It makes it even more neat to learn that she developed her style and skills over time. It’s something any of us can emulate as we work hard to achieve our dreams in any circumstance. 

It’s crazy to read a book about people that are so famous and yet so down to earth. I admire the Gaines so much because they have maintained their values and priorities even though they are so famous. Even after this book things have taken off even more for them with their Target line, cookbook, design book, everything at the silos, BABY CREW, and more. They are some of the most successful people in the world. Yet they still are in love, they still love their kids and are raising them together. That is just beautiful.

I love Fixer Upper, I love Waco, I love the Silos, I love Chip and Jo. The end.

Are you a Fixer Upper fan?