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meagan_young's review against another edition
5.0
I could have sobbed in almost every chapter of this book. They are the most genuine people with big hearts and big dreams. I love their love for each other, God, and other people. Their story is inspiring and refreshing. This is definitely one I will come back to many times in my life. Also, you HAVE to listen to them read it themselves on audio. It’s a whole different level than if you were just reading their words on a page
bonniehikes's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fantastic read, especially if you're a fan of The Fixer Upper! If I'm ever in Texas, I'm going see all the beautiful houses they have flipped!
rhondafuller's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
emj01's review against another edition
5.0
I adored this book. Chip and Joanna are such a breath of fresh air. It's awesome to hear about good people doing the right thing no matter the cost. I love their stories of God showing up in big ways at just the right time. This is a great read that will leave you feeling inspired.
cooperca's review against another edition
4.0
I was late to the Fixer Upper show on HGTV. Fortunately, I was able to binge watch all 3 seasons over a lazy weekend and fell in love with the Chip and Joanna show. I have absolutely nothing in common with this couple - Happily single! Happily childfree! Happily a big city girl! Yet the authenticity and genuine love they have for each other, their family, and what they do, it's impossible to just not want to hug them.
The book reflects their life's journey from Joanna's and Chip's perspective, from their youth, to their meet-cute, to their marriage and kids, to the show. So often we hear people complain about their jobs, but this is a couple who work hard and loves what they do (I'm sure there are moments they'd disagree). I admire their work ethic, love of family, and love of life.
This was an easy read that provides a happy feel good feeling.
Can't wait for the 4th season of Fixer Upper to begin. I just purchased some holiday items from Magnolia Market and can't wait to holiday up my home. Lovely couple.
The book reflects their life's journey from Joanna's and Chip's perspective, from their youth, to their meet-cute, to their marriage and kids, to the show. So often we hear people complain about their jobs, but this is a couple who work hard and loves what they do (I'm sure there are moments they'd disagree). I admire their work ethic, love of family, and love of life.
This was an easy read that provides a happy feel good feeling.
Can't wait for the 4th season of Fixer Upper to begin. I just purchased some holiday items from Magnolia Market and can't wait to holiday up my home. Lovely couple.
kmkasiner's review against another edition
3.0
I think I enjoyed this more on audiobook than I would have if I was reading the print version. Chip and Joanna narrate it themselves, and that definitely adds character to the book. I enjoyed the earlier chapters where they talk about just getting started, but my eyes were glazing over at some later parts of the book. And I personally found the "just follow your dreams and believe in God and everything will happen!" message a bit idealistic, especially because you know from reading the book how much hard work they really put in. Not everyone can do that...but I'm just a cynic! It was still a fun read.
julia_gets_lit's review against another edition
3.0
The Magnolia Story
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiographical
This little gem hit me with an unprecedented amount of charming, inspiring, yet grounded force. I have spent many-a-mornin’ watching Fixer Upper HGTV with my besotted mother. This was a quick read that focuses on the origin story of TV home-improvement’s favorite couple - Chip and Joanna Gaines. It takes the reader through their… unconventional story in every sense of the word: the way they fell in love, how they made their early living flipping college houses, their bold entrepreneurial essence - all of it is wrapped up in their relatably humble yet bold magic. Yes, there are moments where their narrative is told in such a clean, sing-song way that it sounds a little too good / plot-like to be true, but golly I kind of like to hold onto these pseudo fairytale stories with a sense of tentative and hopeful belief. The voice of the narration bounces back and forth between Joanna and Chip, though Joanna functions as the helm of the story - whereas Chip intermittently flits in with his undeniably likable goofiness. This books touches on the themes of the apocryphal (and perhaps burdensome) idea of a “perfect” household, on the power of an anchored faith, and on the beauty of dynamically producing with a partner - as engaging in creativity with a team member can truly bolster the depth of any relationship. And of course, there is a testament here of how dedicated work - and a brave commitment to giving one’s talents and dreams a chance - can (on occasion) get you to pretty extraordinary places. (*Disclaimer: I know that this sniffs of the American Dream a little, and so I fully concede that there is a vast level of luck and privilege that can play into success as well; in this story, I just merely want to give credit to C and J for going for it with what the resources they had, but of course their story is not accessible for all). Though, of course, this book wasn’t literary genius by any means, it was a amiable, fluffy break from other denser recent reads that just put me in that feel-good zone.
Roses: recommend for fans of memoirs/ celebrity-origin stories, an honest portrayal of a loving marriage, inspiring “success” reads, books that touch on spirituality/faith
Thorns: The sheer optimism of the plot-like portrayal of their story was sometimes seemed a little contrived, may not be relatable for all audiences
4.0 stars
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiographical
This little gem hit me with an unprecedented amount of charming, inspiring, yet grounded force. I have spent many-a-mornin’ watching Fixer Upper HGTV with my besotted mother. This was a quick read that focuses on the origin story of TV home-improvement’s favorite couple - Chip and Joanna Gaines. It takes the reader through their… unconventional story in every sense of the word: the way they fell in love, how they made their early living flipping college houses, their bold entrepreneurial essence - all of it is wrapped up in their relatably humble yet bold magic. Yes, there are moments where their narrative is told in such a clean, sing-song way that it sounds a little too good / plot-like to be true, but golly I kind of like to hold onto these pseudo fairytale stories with a sense of tentative and hopeful belief. The voice of the narration bounces back and forth between Joanna and Chip, though Joanna functions as the helm of the story - whereas Chip intermittently flits in with his undeniably likable goofiness. This books touches on the themes of the apocryphal (and perhaps burdensome) idea of a “perfect” household, on the power of an anchored faith, and on the beauty of dynamically producing with a partner - as engaging in creativity with a team member can truly bolster the depth of any relationship. And of course, there is a testament here of how dedicated work - and a brave commitment to giving one’s talents and dreams a chance - can (on occasion) get you to pretty extraordinary places. (*Disclaimer: I know that this sniffs of the American Dream a little, and so I fully concede that there is a vast level of luck and privilege that can play into success as well; in this story, I just merely want to give credit to C and J for going for it with what the resources they had, but of course their story is not accessible for all). Though, of course, this book wasn’t literary genius by any means, it was a amiable, fluffy break from other denser recent reads that just put me in that feel-good zone.
Roses: recommend for fans of memoirs/ celebrity-origin stories, an honest portrayal of a loving marriage, inspiring “success” reads, books that touch on spirituality/faith
Thorns: The sheer optimism of the plot-like portrayal of their story was sometimes seemed a little contrived, may not be relatable for all audiences
4.0 stars
adelevarley's review against another edition
4.0
4 1/2 stars.
I really liked this one.
I never loved Fixer-Upper itself, but I always liked Chip and Jo. So when their book came out, I saw it at the school bookfair and nabbed it. I'm so glad I did.
I never knew a lot of things about Chip and Jo, and their story astounded me. It was a lot better than I thought it would be.
I recommend this!
A
I really liked this one.
I never loved Fixer-Upper itself, but I always liked Chip and Jo. So when their book came out, I saw it at the school bookfair and nabbed it. I'm so glad I did.
I never knew a lot of things about Chip and Jo, and their story astounded me. It was a lot better than I thought it would be.
I recommend this!
A