I haven’t shared a review in a while, mainly because I’ve been in a rut of mediocre books. It seemed like every book I picked was hmm- meh! There’s one book that I haven’t even finished because I’m struggling to stay interested. In respect to the author, I will not share the title of said book. BUT – I’m happy to report that my bad book streak has officially ended. I just finished The Magnolia Story. It is the Chip and Joanna Gaines book that you need to read.
Table of Contents
Who is Chip and Joanna Gaines?
Many of us were first introduced to Chip and Joanna Gaines by HGTV’s Fixer Upper. We fell in love with the couple’s opposite personalities that seem to balance each other out and make the show entertaining. Chip is the one that thinks big and is very outgoing while Joanna is more low key and logical. Together it just works! Viewers followed them over the years and watched the edited version of them building their empire in Waco, Texas. They have successfully started Magnolia Realty, Magnolia Market, Magnolia Homes, Magnolia Silos and Magnolia Table. The Magnolia Story gives us insight on their journey and refreshing prespective on struggle, setbacks and relationships.
How Chip and Joanna Gaines Met
Both Chip and Joanna were graduates of Baylor University. Joanna graduated with a degree in communications and Chip has a degree in Marketing. Joanna spent some time in New York City to be a journalist but fell in love with home design and found herself back in Waco. Chip was into starting business and selling them as well as fixing up properties in a run down up and coming neighborhood. The two met when Joanna was working at her dad’s shop and she went out to talk to “Hot John” but chickened out. She ended up talking with Chip (“Hot John’s” college roommate). The two hit it off and were married a couple years later.
What is the Net Worth of Chip and Joanna Gaines
Тhе соuрlе have bоth nurturеd еасh оthеr’ѕ dreams. Тhеy have worked hard to bring those dreams into reality and it has paid off. As of February 2022, they hold an estimated net worth of about $20 million.
Why I love The Magnolia Story
Non-linear journey- This is a book about their non-linear journey to success and it feels so real and relatable. I gained a new perspective on struggle, relationships and setbacks. They share stories when they were first starting out and times when money was tight. They also express their personal struggles with identity – who they taught they should be and where their dreams and visions were leading them.
The early days of their marriage – When they spoke about the early days of their marriage it reminded me of me and my husband. The decisions they had to make and lessons learned. When they told the story of how they started their business and the steps they took – I found myself taking notes. I mean people will pay a lot of money for seminars and books on flipping houses but they give it to you in their book. It wasn’t intentional because that wasn’t what the book was about but it was organically built into their story.
Entertaining stories – Some parts of the book are very entertaining because well – Chip is involved. Joanna Gaines has an arrest warrant. Chip gets arrested and then comes out on bail with a big smile as he thanks Joanna for bailing him out. I won’t tell you why she had a warrant or how Chip was arrested – you’ll have to read the book for that.
Overall message – In addition to entertaining the book emphasizes on them working diligently to make their dreams a reality and giving back to the community. Their success is encouraging as it feels attainable for the average person! They didn’t have a trust fund or rich parents but they had each other and a dream they worked together to achieve. It is a feel good book but not over-the-top, just wholesome.
Do I recommend The Magnolia Story?
Yes! I give this book 5 heartbeats. If you were on the fence whether to buy the book or not – I hope this review gave you the gentle nudge to purchase the book.
Have a Book Suggestion?
I’m always looking for new books to read or listen to on the Audible App. Comment a book that you have enjoyed recently and it might be featured in my next book review.