The Magnolia Story

The familiar HGTV hosts of the popular "Fixer Upper" series offer their first audiobook, largely a family biography. It fills in much of the personal history of the couple, their family, and their highly successful real estate, home design, and television interests and activities. The narration is principally performed by Joanna Gaines, with segments usually capped by a brief humorous comment voiced by Chip Gaines. Sadly, in most long passages, Joanna's delivery produces a narration that sounds rushed rather than focused on entertainment and understanding. On the other hand, Chip has focused charm in his few and brief narration moments. As the couple veer from a sequential timeline to personal memories and milestones, the listening becomes confusing. Fans of the Gaineses will enjoy this audiobook, despite its shortcomings. W.A.G. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

December 5, 2016
The husband and wife team who host HGTV’s Fixer Upper and own Magnolia Homes, Magnolia Market, and Magnolia Realty in Waco, Tex., shed light on their success in business and family endeavors, giving fans a humble and heartwarming view of the long and bumpy road leading up to their hit show. Their story translates perfectly into the audio format; Joanna and Chip both read with their signature Texas drawl. Joanna’s impressive cadence and pronunciation is on par with professional audiobook narrators. Her voice is clear and she projects well, and she reads with such a fluid, fast pace that she sounds like she is reminiscing with her husband rather than reading off the page. Chip’s reading is slower and his voice not as polished, but he’s nevertheless endearing. With the authors taking turns reading short sections, the audiobook captures the couple’s special dynamic. There is never a dull moment. A Thomas Nelson hardcover.