The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

Like most of you, I love HGTV's Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines. He's hilarious and goofy, while she's talented, serious, and calm. They balance each other out. Their strong faith and sense of family is really special. I've been waiting for Christmas break, so I could finally read their book, the Magnolia Story.

It's about their lives growing up to now. I hadn't realized that Chip was such an athlete, having gone to college on a baseball scholarship. He graduated in marketing from Baylor. Joanna was interested in news, did an internship in New York, and graduated from Baylor in communications.

Chip and Jo met in her dad's Firestone store. Though there were lots of reasons they shouldn't have worked out, they did. Chip is a risk-taker, doer, dreamer, and thinker. Joanna is more of a planner and calculated. Chip has always been an entrepreneur.

The book chronicles their start flipping houses, building homes, doing renovations, and Joanna's first little shop. They moved around a lot, but always stayed in Waco. They took a lot of risks along the way, but they all worked out and got them to where they are. Their story is really one of faith, family, hard work, and following your dreams. Chip and Joanna Gaines are inspirations and great role models. Their book is a great read.