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. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people?What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that … people?What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? 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.
They both attended Baylor University in Waco. However, their paths did not cross until Chip checked his car into the local Firestone tire shop where Joanna worked behind the counter. Even back then Chip was a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, ran a lawn care company, sold fireworks, and flipped houses. Soon they were married and living in their first fixer upper. Four children and countless renovations later, Joanna garners the attention of a television producer who notices her work on a blog one day.
In The Magnolia Story fans will finally get to join the Gaines behind the scenes and discover:
- The time Chip ran to the grocery store and forgot to take their new, sleeping baby
- Joanna’s agonizing decision to close her dream business to focus on raising their children
- When Chip buys a houseboat, sight-unseen, and it turns out to be a leaky wreck
- Joanna’s breakthrough moment of discovering the secret to creating a beautiful home
- Harrowing stories of the financial ups and downs as an entrepreneurial couple
- Memories and photos from Chip and Jo’s wedding
- The significance of the word magnolia and why it permeates everything they do
- The way the couple pays the popularity of Fixer Upper forward, sharing the success with others, and bolstering the city of Waco along the way
And yet there is still one lingering question for fans of the show: Is Chip really that funny? “Oh yeah,” says Joanna. “He was, and still is, my first fixer upper.”
This eBook includes the full text of the book plus an exclusive additional chapter from Chip and Joanna that is not found in the hardcover!
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I have always watched Fixer Upper, so I really wanted to read this book. I love the show. I love crafting, decorating, pretty much everything they do so I was really interested! I thought the book was really good. It was written by both of them (well mainly Joanna, with Chip pitching in at some parts). I thought this was kinda cute. It is everything about their lives from before they met, to how they met, to life before kids, to making a store and tv show! They have such a cool business and I eventually wanna go down to Waco to visit!
I saw pictures of this couple randomly around my day-to-day activities but I had never heard of them and didn’t know anything about them. That being said, when I came across this book on my Libby app I decided to see who they are and what their story is. And they tell you. I POSSIBLY would’ve enjoyed this book even more if I read it having “known” them, but I have to say, I loved just getting to know them as they read about themselves and told me their story. I usually think I would’ve enjoyed a book more had it not been read to me, because I always prefer reading a book rather than doing the audio version. But this was great because I had never heard their voices. We don’t have TV and don’t watch it anywhere at all, so no, I really did NOT know anything. My husband builds and remodels homes but he just makes a few suggestions when asked or tells people when what they want maybe is or is not a good idea. But he doesn’t design it. He just does what they want. And I myself have no interest and no dreams about spaces or designs as long as I have enough bookshelves. So I would say anyone would be able to enjoy this book because we all have at least had dreams or hopes and experienced disappointments and challenges. But those of us who know exactly what she means when she talks about that Still Small Voice can probably relate and enjoy this book even more than those who are “into the same stuff”. I would love to read another book by this couple that tells more about their family and kids but maybe they want to keep that more private and I get that too. It was fun hearing the little tidbits about their kids and their family time in this book and it just makes you want to spend more time with them, with even more of their stories.
Fantastic read. These folks are the real deal.
Enjoyed getting to “know” the couple more. Appreciated them sharing their lives
Joanna pulls you into her world. She lovingly relates how she was shocked by Chip’s surprise antics. Joanna then turns what seems like it could catastrophic into a happily ever after romantic life of love and happiness! Wonderful,
Enjoyed this book and enjoy the authors too!
Awesome book!
Chip and Jo are an authentic, hard-working success story. A good read.
A very down to earth book. I appreciate the honesty in which Jo Gaines tells about their life before their show. It’s a great book to read. I’d recommend it to anyone,
A quick, fun book. The audio is narrated by Chip and Joanna, which makes it even more fun.
It was encouraging and interesting to find out about them — many of their stories are quite surprising, as they seem so different on TV. Even still, who they are on TV seems to be exactly who they are.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes memoirs or who needs a faith pick-me-up.
I learned a lot about Chip & Joanna and their strong work ethic and strong Christian beliefs. There are some humorous parts of their stories and some WOW moments of taking the leap in making things work out. They both seem genuinely nice kind people. Clean Read.
I subtracted a star because of the printing of Chip’s story/words. It was done in a different font and a much lighter print. It was difficult to read. Someone with poor eyesight would be unable to read it!!!
I loved hearing how the Gaines’ built their brand.
Great book. Love how they both shared in the book. Very inspirational. Loved hearing their story of how they made it and how God was in it.
I’ve always enjoyed their show. Especially enjoy their story and appreciate that they are strong believers walking out their faith.
Loved this book . It was inspiring in the way that they met and fell in love and all of the stories that were told through the years through the pages in the book. Recommend it to anyone who wants to hear their their story.
Fixer Upper has been one of my favorite shows on HGTV for as long as I can remember. Chip and Joanna Gaines are absolutely adorable on screen and after reading The Magnolia Story I am even more in love! Theirs is really a sweet and simple story of love, family, and trusting God every step of the way.
Reading how Chip and Jo became the Chip and Jo we all have grown to know and love is such a joy. Both coming from humble beginnings and being total opposites gives their tale such character, and I loved how the story is told from both Chip and Joanna’s unique points of view.
Waco, Texas is a place I’ve dreamed of living for years, and after reading The Magnolia Story I wonder if one day I will have a Magnolia home of my own!
If you’re a fan of Fixer Upper, and even if you’re not, this is a must read. The slow paced, laid back vibe is so relaxing, and it has such a clean and pure feel, which matches perfectly with this beautiful couple and the legacy they are creating not only for their family but their beautiful Texas town as well.
I wish Chip and Joanna all the success in the world, and thank you both for sharing your journey with us.
Just like listening to them talking on the show.
Chip and Joanna are such great people. This book gives you the back story of their success. It’s about their sweet love story also. Just a great book!!
Love, love JoAnna and Chip Gaines. This was a good read to understand the whole story. Miss their show terribly.
Great book about a great couple!