Here today with a book recommendation!!! I sat outside Sunday morning, in the warmest February sunshine, finishing the second half of The Magnolia Story. It’s a quick read– perfect for to read on a lazy weekend or to tuck in your carry-on for a flight.
My friend Nicole gave me the book when she was in town the other week. We’re both the biggest Fixer Upper fans, and probably 60% of our text messages revolve around the show and/or Chip and Jo’s perfect relationship. I actually think we need to take a girls’ trip to Waco, Texas now.
If you haven’t watched the show yet, what’s wrong with you? Just kidding 😉 I think you have to be a fan of the show to love the book as it’s essentially a behind-the-scenes of their relationship and the story of their success as a couple, a family, a business, and a television show.
I love the way they chose to write the book (Chip or Jo writing with the other chiming in) because it reads exactly how they interact on the show. Which is why we all love them, right?! It’s got their signature witty banter.
As far as the actual content goes, it can get a little hunky-dory/kumbaya now and then, but it’s overall a very optimistic and inspiring story. It’s crazy to see how it all happened and that their relationship with each other is really what makes the whole thing click.
Okay, but really, I’m ready to go to Waco.
My mom is obsessed with Chip and Jo and Fixer Upper! I actually bought her this book for Christmas and she keeps telling me I need to read it! I just might have to now! They seem like such an awesome couple! I love their sense of humor and how they are so open about their faith. Love your book recommendations! I remember going to the bookstore to buy “The Royal We” like the day after I read your blog post review on it a couple years back, haha!
xoxo,
Abigail
http://www.belleofthebrier.com/
I’ve never heard about this duo. Sounds like a really interesting read!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I absolutely LOVE those two together and their finished houses, but I have a confession: I usually watch the people look at the original houses and then fast-forward to the finished product! Oops. 🙂
xoxo,
Classic Catherine
I can’t wait to read this book. My husband and I love watching Fixer Upper together, it is such a great show and we absolutely adore Chip & Jo’s relationship and personalities! Have you seen the Magnolia House that they created as vacation rental?? It looks like such a great little escape and the perfect place to stay in Waco!
Taylor | http://www.livingtaylored.com
I just saw that you had read this on Goodreads, and I was hoping you would write your opinion on it! Glad you liked it, love your book updates 🙂
Aw! Fixer Upper is great! I loved reading about their story. You are so right that its a great lazy day/weekend book. I was great when Chip talked about their first year of marriage, “and then she cried.” Haha that would be me! A trip to Waco would be so fun. I’ve heard that the town has a welcoming feeling and all the story owners are happy to talk to you about all things Chip & Jo!
I read this book a few weeks ago – such a fun and easy read!
Elizabeth
http://stripesandsolitaires.com/
Aw! Fixer Upper is great! I loved reading about their story. You are so right that its a great lazy day/weekend book. It was great when Chip talked about their first year of marriage, “and then she cried.” Haha that would be me! A trip to Waco would be so fun. I’ve heard that the town has a welcoming feeling and all the story owners are happy to talk to you about all things Chip & Jo!
I listened to the audiobook version of this. It was great. The parts that are written by Joanna are read by her, and Chip chimes in on his sections. It really felt like a conversation. Would definitely recommend the audiobook version!
I just started watching their show a few days ago and I’m hooked! What a cute couple, and they make beautiful houses!!
So I lived in Waco and went to Baylor University from 2012-2016! I love Magnolia and going to the silos. They really boosted Waco’s standing on the map when they opened their store and with the show. I would say it is definitely worth it to visit Waco to go see the silos. (Plus all of the other things to do in Waco!)
I’m so glad you read it! I preordered it and read it right away, I’m full on obsessed with them, my husband got me a Waco shirt for my birthday 🎉
I listened to it and I loved it! Chip and Joanna are the ones who recorded it and I really like their “banter” with each other! 🙂
When I read this book I was completely hooked! I love them as a couple and they are truly inspirational!
http://thegirlfromconnecticut.com/
I just got my first issue of their magazine – I think its their second issue – and it was such a breath of fresh air and such a wonderful, calming read – would definitely recommend getting a subscription! The book is still in my list to read!
Omg I LOVE Fixer Upper! Chip and Joanna are seriously the best. I’ve been dying to read this and don’t know why I haven’t yet! xo Devon Seventeen Dresses
OMG Love Fixer Upper – also Rehab Addict is amazing (Nicole Curtis is the best ever and I want to move in to each one of her homes!!)
A flew through Magnolia and loved it! their love story is the cutest.. The fact that Joanna didn’t want to upgrade her ring is really remarkable.. I would loooove to go to Waco too!
I love Fixer Upper, and I LOVED reading this book! You should definitely take a trip to Waco – it’s the perfect spot for a weekend trip.
xo, Brooke
http://www.livethepreplife.com
Love Chip and Jo! I’ll have to add this to my to-read list. I always appreciate your recommendations!
I love Fixer Upper and had been wanting to read the book but I didn’t want it to ruin the series for me if it wasn’t good! Thanks for the recommendation!
http://www.madsmuses.com
Yes!!! Come visit Waco and I’ll give you a tour of all things Magnolia. 😉 It’s a great little town for a girls’ weekend.
We surprised my mom with a weekend trip to Waco for her birthday! She and my dad had the BEST time. Some tips if you go: they stayed in San Antonio on the River Walk and rented a car (more restaurants and things to do at night there) and then drove to Waco and Magnolia Market during the day- it’s not too bad of a drive if you don’t mind long car rides. They were originally going to do that one day but actually ended up going back to the next day as well. They suggest to all their friends to get there early in the morning before it gets too crowded, that way you have a chance to get a good parking spot and cruise through the store without too much interruption. My mom ended up buying SO many cute little things for the house (and for me!) and already wants to go back. They also raved about the cupcakes from the bakery!
I just finished this book too! I absolutely love their love story. How they live their faith and have such good family values speaks volumes for their character. I want to go to Waco now and visit the Magnolia store too!
Texas welcomes you with two BIG open arms! <3
Sending you lots of positive vibes! :o)
S
I loved this one!!! My mom and I listened to the audiobook on Monday while on a mini road trip and it was so fun to listen to Chip and Jo read it themselves! It made me love them even more, which I didn’t think was possible. I loved how honest they were about being broke and encountering some struggles and wondering “why would anyone want to watch us on tv?!!?”
My baby sister and I are huge fans of Chip and Jo. How they live out their faith was the biggest thing for me. Eventually, I turned team #shiplap and came to LOVE the show as well. I’d love to stay at the Magnolia House (it’s #goals), but it’s always booked! Every time I check, Michel from Gilmore Girls is in my head saying “I’m sorry, we’re completely booked.”
I’m going to take a cue from Kelly and hop on with the audiobook!
I’ve been thinking about picking this up, because who doesn’t love Chip and Jojo!? I just ordered it off amazon after reading this. I also ordered Lauren Graham’s Talking as Fast as I can. I know you were a Gilmore fan – a friend recommended that to me 🙂
xo, Nina
I just left Waco for Dallas, after attending college there for four years. Chip and Jo truly revamped the city, and there’s a special character that encompasses their reach. I definitely recommend visiting, and I’d love to provide Waco recommendations, should you make it down.
Definitely come to Waco and do a meet & greet!! Chip and Jo really have revamped the town into a positive place!!
Love Them! Fixer Upper!!! I literally just went to Waco with my Mom 2 weeks ago! I highly recommend it!!! {My vlog was sooo long because I kept shooting everything in sight. Impossible not to!} 🙂