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If you’re a fan of HGTV’s Fixer Upper, you will certainly enjoy Chip and Joanna Gaines’s first book, The Magnolia Story. Being a fan of the show, I was excited when I found out they would be releasing a book and stopped by my local Walmart on the day of its release to grab a copy. The Magnolia Story is autobiographical yet reads like a conversation between Chip and Joanna detailing their biographies, their love story, and how they established their highly successful Magnolia Market in Waco, TX.
Reading about how they overcame many obstacles while working in the real estate/interior design industry brought tears to my eyes because I know, as they acknowledge, that their success is truly due to God’s faithfulness in their lives. While this book is not theological in nature, I believe it is important to point out that Joanna claims multiple times throughout the book to have heard God speaking to her (for example, “Joanna, if you trust me with your dreams, I’ll take them further than you could have ever imagined,” pg. 82.)
She also mentions this in her testimony video. Seeing how Chip and Joanna love each other, their children, and others, I am convinced they love Christ. However, their knowledge of His word regarding direct revelation seems to be somewhat amiss. I would encourage readers to consider what Scripture has to say about God speaking to His people, and not adding to what He has said in His word (Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 12:32, Proverbs 30:6, Revelation 22:18). Residing in the Bible belt, I know that direct revelation is a growing trend, yet, I highly challenge readers to practice discernment by taking what they hear about God and comparing it with His word.
This caution aside, The Magnolia Story is a compelling read, and like Fixer Upper, I believe its appeal lies largely in the fact that Chip and Jo are a couple known for their consistent character. This book became a New York Times Bestseller within its first few weeks of release and that, I believe, speaks largely to its authentic appeal (which I can personally vouch for having met Joanna’s mom at Magnolia Market back in January). The Chip and Jo viewers see on HGTV is the same Chip and Jo within the pages of The Magnolia Story.
In a time when most reality TV shows promote drama, it is refreshing to follow one in which home and family are at the heart. I couldn’t put The Magnolia Story down and finished it within 5 days. If like me, you enjoy learning about the story behind the story, you will love The Magnolia Story.
Want more of Chip and Jo? Check out their interview on The Today Show.
