Genre: Nonfiction, memoir
Copyright: 2016
I don’t usually read memoir or biography, or nonfiction, but this book caught my attention. I’m a fan of the HGTV show, Fixer Upper, which threw Chip and Joanna Gaines into TV stardom. The unscripted honesty and authenticity that drew people to their show reaches into ever page of their book.
The Magnolia Story tells the story of how Joanna met Chip, and how they worked together to build their business. Chip and Joanna take turns recounting intertwined events that led them to where they are now. They take us from their first date, to the brink of financial collapse, and through God’s orchestrated miracles that came just in time. In regards to their changing lives, Joanna said, “It all seemed to be working out in that perfectly messy way life works when you trust in God and his plans for your life rather than focusing on your own.”
The Magnolia Story is a heartwarming tale about love, family, and keeping the faith in moments of struggle. This novel is great for anyone with a dream, no matter how big or small, and Joanna’s advice is: “Don’t quit, and don’t give up. The reward is just around the corner.”
I gave The Magnolia Story a 5/5 because I couldn’t stop reading. I read this book in two nights. It would have taken one night had I not had work. (Dreams, right?) The writing is excellent. The sentences flow into each other without sputtering or stopping or throwing me out of the narrative. The sections are laid out in such a way that it reads like a story. The themes of the book are genuine and speak to my own life, those themes being keeping family close and trusting in God to watch over you. Even if you don’t believe in God, this book is a great read. They aren’t pushing their faith on anyone, but describing how it has played a role in their lives.
Beatrice B. Morgan 