First Book From Christian 'Fixer Upper' Stars Chip and Joanna Gaines Tops Best-Seller List - 7 Month before Release

By Leah Marieann Klett
Chip and Joanna Gaines
Chip and Joanna Gaines are the stars of the hit HGTV show "Fixer Upper." Photo Credit: HGTV

Christian "Fixer Upper" stars Chip and Joanna Gaines are once again demonstrating they have the golden touch, as their latest book, "The Magnolia Story," has reached the No. 1 spot on Amazon's bestseller list - and it's not even released yet.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Amazon.com and Christianbook.com started taking pre-orders on Monday for "The Magonlia Story." While the book won't be published until October 18, the book has already reached the No. 1 spot on Amazon.com's Best Seller list.

Joanna took to Instagram to announce the release of the book in January, which was written with New York Times bestselling collaborator Mark Dagostino.

"We're so excited to announce that our FIRST book, "The Magnolia Story," will be coming out on October 18, 2016! [Chip] and I had so much fun writing this book together [and] getting to share some of our favorite stories about our life together...We can't wait to share it with you!"

A description of the forthcoming 240-page book on Joanna's personal blog reads, "'The Magnolia Story' is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today."

Chip and Joanna, whose wildly popular home improvements show, "Fixer Upper," airs every Tuesday night on HGTV, have rapidly expanded their business beyond remodeling into retail, real estate and furniture.

Earlier this month, the Waco, Texas couple announced that their new bakery, called "Magnolia Flour" will open mid-March, and will feature some delicious-looking treats, such as strawberries and cream cupcakes.  

"From a young age I loved spending time in the kitchen with my family, and dreamed of owning my own bakery," Joanna announced back in January. "Coming in 2016, this dream will come alive at the Silos, and I can't wait to share it with you. The vision behind Magnolia Flour is that you feel my family's love for baking and experience an unexpected grouping of fresh baked pastries, breads and sweets. We will be open this Spring and can't wait for you to see it when you visit the silos!"

In addition to opening an updated version of their home-good store, Magnolia Market, the couple are preparing to launch a furniture line and open a bed and breakfast.

In the past, the couple has revealed that their success wasn't instant: After the birth of their second child, Chip and Joanna felt that God was calling them to close Magnolia Market. 

Although devastated, Joanna recalled feeling a strong sense of peace about the decision: "God taught me to study the Word and believe it, even when it hadn't been fulfilled yet. I really had to cultivate a place of faith that I never had before. I had to trust Him as He would speak His promise to me," she explained.

 "This trust brought peace, although my circumstance hadn't yet reflected his promise. His Word doesn't return void, and God was working in my heart to establish deeper levels of trust that I now look back on and am thankful for," she added. 

The Gaines, who are sometimes seen praying with their children on national TV, are quick to credit the success of their rapidly-growing empire to their Christian faith and God's blessing on their lives, calling to mind Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

"Our family has made a commitment to put Christ first, a lifestyle our parents modeled for us very well. They showed us how to keep our marriage and family centered around God," Chip said during a recent interview with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Joanna echoed her husband's sentiments last April, revealing that she seeks to use her platform to share her faith.

"I can look back now on the pattern of my life and really believe God has a purpose for me, but He also has purpose for you," the mother-of-four said.

"Whether you're staying home and raising beautiful babies or you're the CEO of a multi-million dollar company, let God speak into your life," Joanna continued. "Let his father heart come and say, 'This is what I have for you.' I think that's the key - not believing the lies, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and walking in the truth.'"