The Magnolia Story

By: Chip Gaines, Joanna Gaines, Mark Dagostino

Narrated by: Chip Gaines, Joanna Gaines

Length: 5 hrs

Publisher's summary

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 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 in to 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 garnered the attention of a television producer who noticed her work on a blog one day.

In The Magnolia Story, fans will finally get to join the Gaineses behind the scenes and discover:

• The time Chip ran to the grocery store and forgot to take their sleeping new baby
• Joanna's agonizing decision to close her dream business to focus on raising their children
• When Chip bought a houseboat, sight unseen, and it turned 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 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."

©2016 Chip and Joanna Gaines (P)2016 Thomas Nelson Publishers

Surprised! This is not a "chick book"

My wife wanted listen to this book due to the popularity of the TV show. I figured it was a "chick book" that I had little interest in. I recently got in to a situation where I had a long wait with no internet. All I had to kill the time was The Magnolia Story my wife previously downloaded. It turns out this is not a book about decorating & design targeting a female audience. It is about a hardworking couple raising a family and building a business telling their unique story. It is literally told from the ground up. To a discerning listener the timeline offers a long-term inside look that answers the question so often asked of successful people, "How did you do it?" There were several points made by both Chip & Joanna that caused me to stop, meditate and reflect. One of the strongest points they made is they idea that we never "arrive". That kind of thinking causes us to become complacent which is a real danger to our personal and professional success. But intentionally rearrange the state of thriving away from a destination and place it on the journey. That simple act will cause us to be intentional about the way we live naturally putting more focus on the everyday process of our lives instead of just the singular events.

Beautiful feel good story!

I have a soft rule of not reading memoirs of anyone less than 60 years old because it seems to me that for anyone younger to write a memoir takes real audacity and excessive ego. Occasionally, I set the rule aside and read such a book. This is one case I'm happy that I did. I purchased The Magnolia Story because it was a $3.95 Audible Daily Deal with an average rating of 4.8 stars with over 10,000 listeners rating it. I've never seen Chip and Joanna Gaines' HGTV show and do not believe I had ever heard of them. The audio book is five hours in length and I had 5 hours to listen; the book has been in my Audible library for a while so I decided to give it a try not expecting to complete it. The book blew me away. It is an inspiring story! Very highly recommended!!

Best story

I haven't heard a good story like this in a long time. Love this story. Can't wait to go visit Texas and see them

Great Couple

Where does The Magnolia Story rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Fantastic Story that keeps you engaged while inspiring you.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Both Chip and Joanna touch my heart and them as a team are something to strive for!

Have you listened to any of Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

NA

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

NA

Truly Inspiring

I really enjoyed seeing into the story of two people who have been very successful based upon only hard work. It's truly inspirational to hear about how they overcame their struggles, personally, relationally, and professionally to build something that's ment so much to so many people. Chip really encourages me to be a better person, and Joanna'd faith makes me want to put a lot more focus on my own walk with God.

Love their story!

I was already a fan of these two. I'm an even bigger one now after hearing their story. I loved how their faith and obedience was rewarding and I'm so glad for their success.

Best couple award!!

Chip and Joanna are nothing short of inspirational. They are crazy creative, great parents, and a godly married couple. The way the respect each other is refreshing, for sure. This book is like hearing their captivating story in person. Well worth your time!

Wonderful book!

I got through this book pretty quickly. Their story is so sweet & I loved the fact that they were the ones telling it! definitely a feel good book!

Great Listen for new Entrepreneurs

Wow, this book was a surprise. So much more depth, full of truth and wisdom from “friends” verses seemingly famous moguls. Every mother will benefit from Joanna’s heartfelt words and difficult truths in chapters 13 & 14. Finally their story is beautiful evidence of Gods providences beyond anything we can personally do within our own strength and vision.

I love that it is Chip & Joanna that are reading

What an inspiring couple! I love how humble they are and how they see God in everything... now days there is such a stigma of you mentioned God. I appreciate it because that how I see my life... God always being there.