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Make Something Good Today: A Memoir
From Ben and Erin Napier, the stars of the hit HGTV show Home Town, comes Make Something Good Today, a memoir that tells us all to seek out the good in life, celebrate the beauty of family and friends, and prosper within our communities because everything we need in life to be happy, is within our grasp.
Long before their hugely popular TV show, an expanding family, or demolition day on their dream home, Erin began keeping a daily online journal to help her stay focused on the positive and count her blessings in life. She never expected that her depictions of small-town life in the tiny swath of Mississippi where she Ben call home would catch the eye of a television producer and set them off on the journey of a lifetime.
Make Something Good Today offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a couple that America has come to know and love for their easy humor, adoring relationship, and ability to utterly transform a place into something beautiful and personal. This is the poignant story of how Erin and Ben took a small, tight-knit town into their own hands (literally) and used ingenuity, community, and authenticity to rebuild a once-thriving American Main Street. And how, by combining Ben’s carpentry skills with Erin’s design eye, Home Town is making it clear to us all that small-town living can feel as big as you make it.
Complete with family photographs, Erin’s hand-painted sketches, and never-before-heard personal stories, this inspirational memoir reminds us all not to give up hope that great love stories are possible, big things can bloom in small towns, and there is always magic in the ordinary if you know where to look for it.
Long before their hugely popular TV show, an expanding family, or demolition day on their dream home, Erin began keeping a daily online journal to help her stay focused on the positive and count her blessings in life. She never expected that her depictions of small-town life in the tiny swath of Mississippi where she Ben call home would catch the eye of a television producer and set them off on the journey of a lifetime.
Make Something Good Today offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a couple that America has come to know and love for their easy humor, adoring relationship, and ability to utterly transform a place into something beautiful and personal. This is the poignant story of how Erin and Ben took a small, tight-knit town into their own hands (literally) and used ingenuity, community, and authenticity to rebuild a once-thriving American Main Street. And how, by combining Ben’s carpentry skills with Erin’s design eye, Home Town is making it clear to us all that small-town living can feel as big as you make it.
Complete with family photographs, Erin’s hand-painted sketches, and never-before-heard personal stories, this inspirational memoir reminds us all not to give up hope that great love stories are possible, big things can bloom in small towns, and there is always magic in the ordinary if you know where to look for it.
227 pages, Hardcover
First published October 2, 2018
439 people are currently reading
3148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 649 reviews
May 22, 2019
4.5 🌟 Super fun read! I’ve only watched a couple episodes of their show, but knowing their story makes me want to watch it all now! Everyone has a story and theirs is very sweet and inspiring. They didn’t give up when it was hard, and they truly work at finding the positives every. day. I first looked at them as trying to copy Chip and Joanna Gaines, but I was completely wrong and their lives have so much depth and meaning beyond a TV show. I wish there was a little more clarification in how they started in on house renovation. To me the book seemed to skip from him becoming co-partner in her business and building furniture to HGTV contacting them. Did they only renovate their house before the show started? If anyone knows the answer- comment! ☺️
But I truly loved this memoir!!😍
But I truly loved this memoir!!😍
November 27, 2018
I'm a little obsessed with the Napier's HGTV show, Home Town, so I wouldn't have missed this book. I think it's a great story about small-town revitalization and community. I suppose it could a little self-aggrandizing to write a memoir at this point in their career, but the book is all that is lacking in society - lovely narrative about a slower life, with kind, gentle people, loving each other, taking risks, and building relationships.
I dearly hope that Home Town doesn't become the new Magnolia empire, which is totally over-blown and obnoxious. I used to be such a fan of the Fixer Upper franchise, but I am not enamored of all that is has become.
I dearly hope that Home Town doesn't become the new Magnolia empire, which is totally over-blown and obnoxious. I used to be such a fan of the Fixer Upper franchise, but I am not enamored of all that is has become.
April 5, 2022
Love, love, love their story! 💛
Heart-warming, genuine, and wholesome!
Heart-warming, genuine, and wholesome!
May 17, 2020
Loved, loved, loved this book!! I love them on their show and this made me love them more!! As I was reading I could almost “hear” them speaking the words on the page!
January 11, 2019
I personally could not put this book down. These two people are more amazing than they seem on TV. I am a huge fan of their show and read the book in two nights. This book may be too sweet for some people, but I grew up small town Indiana and can relate to about 90% of the "too good to be true" aspects. Great pictures and sidebars through every chapter and the alternating narratives between them is also nice.
May 21, 2020
Ben and Erin Napier are just two sincerely lovely people. I loved this honest and open story of their love and their lives. Closing the book, I felt peaceful and inspired; the best way to end.
January 10, 2019
Full Review:
4.5 Stars - I recommend if you like memoirs and/or HGTV's Home Town.
This book follows Ben and Erin Napier's lives from childhood to the present. This very personal memoir contains their childhood hopes and dreams, their strong personal faith, their love story, their travels, their work with HGTV, their love of Laurel, and their growing family with baby Helen. This is a behind the scenes look at the show, but more-so a story about two people who found each other, found their callings, and are creating a life that they love in Laurel, MS.
HOW GORGEOUS IS THIS COVER?!
As soon as I started reading this.. I could hear it being read in their voices. I always thought I'd love Home Town, and once I started watching it my suspicions were confirmed. Ben and Erin are delightful, hard working, so caring, and a darn cute couple. Anyhow, I was super jazzed to receive this book via the publisher and Netgalley. I was so touched and emotional about their stories, and I just didn't expect that. Especially parts where Ben talks about his younger brother (10 years younger) Tom. That is me and my OE Jo (17 years younger!) to a T. And I missed her dearly when I went to college. I loved reading about Erin and Ben's childhoods, career and twenty-something struggles, their desire to create a community, their love story, and their journey as new parents. It was further personalized by including so many home photos, paintings, and mementos from throughout the years. It felt a bit like you were reading their scrapbook or journal. Some of this book has a religious tone to it, but it's not pushy which I appreciate. It just shows how caring that they are to tell their story which is deeply rooted in their faith, without it coming across in an overbearing way. Even though I do keep ARCs of books that I really enjoy, I would love to have a hard copy of this one!
Right After Reading:
4.5 Stars - I loved this very very personal memoir by HGTV's Home Town stars Ben and Erin Napier. The photos, illustrations, and mementos really made you feel like you were reading their scrapbook or journal.
I was given advance access to this title by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley
4.5 Stars - I recommend if you like memoirs and/or HGTV's Home Town.
This book follows Ben and Erin Napier's lives from childhood to the present. This very personal memoir contains their childhood hopes and dreams, their strong personal faith, their love story, their travels, their work with HGTV, their love of Laurel, and their growing family with baby Helen. This is a behind the scenes look at the show, but more-so a story about two people who found each other, found their callings, and are creating a life that they love in Laurel, MS.
HOW GORGEOUS IS THIS COVER?!
As soon as I started reading this.. I could hear it being read in their voices. I always thought I'd love Home Town, and once I started watching it my suspicions were confirmed. Ben and Erin are delightful, hard working, so caring, and a darn cute couple. Anyhow, I was super jazzed to receive this book via the publisher and Netgalley. I was so touched and emotional about their stories, and I just didn't expect that. Especially parts where Ben talks about his younger brother (10 years younger) Tom. That is me and my OE Jo (17 years younger!) to a T. And I missed her dearly when I went to college. I loved reading about Erin and Ben's childhoods, career and twenty-something struggles, their desire to create a community, their love story, and their journey as new parents. It was further personalized by including so many home photos, paintings, and mementos from throughout the years. It felt a bit like you were reading their scrapbook or journal. Some of this book has a religious tone to it, but it's not pushy which I appreciate. It just shows how caring that they are to tell their story which is deeply rooted in their faith, without it coming across in an overbearing way. Even though I do keep ARCs of books that I really enjoy, I would love to have a hard copy of this one!
Right After Reading:
4.5 Stars - I loved this very very personal memoir by HGTV's Home Town stars Ben and Erin Napier. The photos, illustrations, and mementos really made you feel like you were reading their scrapbook or journal.
I was given advance access to this title by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley
September 4, 2021
If you love Erin and Ben's HGTV Hometown show, you'll love this. It's just as sweet. I love their connection to each other and to Laurel MS. It makes me want to move there and have them renovate a house for me. If it weren't for the heat and humidity I'd be trying to find a way to get there.
There are so many reno shows and I like most of them, but theirs stands apart. Most of the others all turn the homes into very similar styles. The Napiers make theirs not just beautiful, but unique to the individuals by delving deep into what their clients like. They combine the old and new and some specially handcrafted piece from Ben and personalized finishing touches from Erin to create an individualized masterpiece for each client. In a world where everyone is trying to be edgy, they are a breath of fresh air.
They start their story with how each grew up to how they met in college to how they got chosen for an HGTV show. It's heartwarming all the way through.
There are so many reno shows and I like most of them, but theirs stands apart. Most of the others all turn the homes into very similar styles. The Napiers make theirs not just beautiful, but unique to the individuals by delving deep into what their clients like. They combine the old and new and some specially handcrafted piece from Ben and personalized finishing touches from Erin to create an individualized masterpiece for each client. In a world where everyone is trying to be edgy, they are a breath of fresh air.
They start their story with how each grew up to how they met in college to how they got chosen for an HGTV show. It's heartwarming all the way through.
February 25, 2021
This memoir from Ben and Erin Napier, the stars of HGTV's Home Town renovation show was honest, touching, and heartwarming. Since I love the show, I just knew I had to read their book. They are such caring people both on and off the show, and their love story is both enduring and sweet. I was inspired by their ability to stay true to themselves while also spreading joy to others. Since they take turns narrating the audiobook, I would highly recommend listening over reading.
Location: Laurel, Mississippi
Audiobook
Location: Laurel, Mississippi
Audiobook
August 29, 2020
I really enjoyed Erin & Ben’s story. They are so frank & open about their love story, their faith, their process, their hopes & dreams. I was already a fan of the show (Laurel is my husband’s hometown) but now I have a much deeper appreciation for the work & vision needed to restore and redeem something buried & lost.
August 11, 2020
When I first started watching Home Town I really wanted to hate it. I thought it would be just another one of HGTVs home improvement shows that have an astronomical budget to shower us all with the next big design craze. But after a few minutes, I couldn't tear myself away. I've binged watched as much as I could so of course the next step was to pick up their memoir. I cannot find anything about Ben and Erin that I hate. I absolutely love them!
I see myself in Erin. Not her creativity (positive) but her hesitation and anxiety (negatives). We have very similar personalities. When I'm riding high and experiencing a positive moment, I'm always afraid of what's lurking around the corner...waiting for the fall.
I love Erin's design and daring use of color. My house is filled with hand-me-down furniture that I've made my own. I love Ben and Erin's desire to repurpose and reuse the old, dusty antiques as well as their gift to see what's hidden just underneath the surface of each home they remodel.
Ben is my ideal man. His humor, his size, his positivity, his manliness, his kindness...everything in one giant package. The love and passion he has for Erin is evident in every show and every word he wrote for this book.
To sum it all up in one sentence - Ben and Erin are wonderful humans! This book is a must read for everyone. We all would be better off if we were more like them.
I see myself in Erin. Not her creativity (positive) but her hesitation and anxiety (negatives). We have very similar personalities. When I'm riding high and experiencing a positive moment, I'm always afraid of what's lurking around the corner...waiting for the fall.
I love Erin's design and daring use of color. My house is filled with hand-me-down furniture that I've made my own. I love Ben and Erin's desire to repurpose and reuse the old, dusty antiques as well as their gift to see what's hidden just underneath the surface of each home they remodel.
Ben is my ideal man. His humor, his size, his positivity, his manliness, his kindness...everything in one giant package. The love and passion he has for Erin is evident in every show and every word he wrote for this book.
To sum it all up in one sentence - Ben and Erin are wonderful humans! This book is a must read for everyone. We all would be better off if we were more like them.
January 17, 2020
Loved this memoir. Ben and Erin’s love story is sweet, but I enjoyed how the book takes you all the way from both of their childhoods up to the beginning days of their new family. I have only seen one season of their show, so to me their stories are inspirational and the book feels complete. I appreciate that there is only a little bit about the actual show, which is really more background information for fans. I found myself thinking several times that Erin could write fiction because the language she used is so descriptive and imaginative.
August 2, 2020
I love watching Home Town and I loved learning a little more about Ben and Erin. They are delightful!
March 25, 2022
I have always said I would love to have Erin and Ben as my next door neighbors. This audio book confirms that. Recorded after the birth of their first daughter and before the birth of daughter number 2. Looking forward to the next new episode of their HGTV show.
March 18, 2019
I love Home Town, but even if you do don't, this is a wonderful, heartfelt book. Erin and Ben Napier write about their early lives, their courtship and marriage, their desire to do work that satisfied them creatively and spiritually, the whirlwind that is Home Town, and the birth of their baby daughter. You feel like you're having coffee with them. The book is real, open, and heartfelt--a wonderful and inspiring read that motivates you to go for what you love.
March 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this memoir more than I thought I would. I am a big fan of the TV show "Home Town" and have often wondered about Erin and Ben's stories. Then lo and behold, I find their memoir at a used bookstore. Very well written and it proved that they are just special as I thought they were from watching their show.
April 4, 2021
I love Erin and Ben but this exceeded my expectations. Their faith is inspirational. Someday I will make it to Laurel.
August 29, 2021
I just enjoy this couple's tone. A desire to create, foster, and invigorate community and some of the experiences they've had just really resonate and inspire. Great read.
May 21, 2024
Audible sale 5 hours 42 min. Narrated by the authors (A)
Open, honest, and beautifully written. I'm not much on TV, but I admit there were years when, once I learned how, I would watch this couple on Home Town as they helped restore Old Laurel, Mississippi, house by house, though each years series and repeat. And repeat. And repeat. My husband would inquire, "Can't you find anything else to watch?" Then, two years ago, my daughter put together a special trip to visit Laurel as an encouragement to my recuperation from major surgery. "Just let me know when you feel up to doing some walking," she said. It's only a three hour trip by car from Pensacola.
She made my dreams a reality. I have photos and the memories. Laurel, Mississippi, is now in my past. I now no longer watch any TV, but this book was the icing on my piece Laurel cake. If these beautiful people decide to quit filming Home Town, they can create beautiful books that will continue to inspire and to "Make Something Good Today."
Twenty-five years ago, my daughter gifted me a road trip to St. Simon's Island and Savanah, Georgia, so that we could visit the places described by Eugenia Price in her trilogy on the island and her quartet on the city. God bless my daughter.
Open, honest, and beautifully written. I'm not much on TV, but I admit there were years when, once I learned how, I would watch this couple on Home Town as they helped restore Old Laurel, Mississippi, house by house, though each years series and repeat. And repeat. And repeat. My husband would inquire, "Can't you find anything else to watch?" Then, two years ago, my daughter put together a special trip to visit Laurel as an encouragement to my recuperation from major surgery. "Just let me know when you feel up to doing some walking," she said. It's only a three hour trip by car from Pensacola.
She made my dreams a reality. I have photos and the memories. Laurel, Mississippi, is now in my past. I now no longer watch any TV, but this book was the icing on my piece Laurel cake. If these beautiful people decide to quit filming Home Town, they can create beautiful books that will continue to inspire and to "Make Something Good Today."
Twenty-five years ago, my daughter gifted me a road trip to St. Simon's Island and Savanah, Georgia, so that we could visit the places described by Eugenia Price in her trilogy on the island and her quartet on the city. God bless my daughter.
August 7, 2022
Erin and Ben Napier's personal story of their growing up in Mississippi.
Their love for their hometown, Laurel Mississippi.
Their beginnings of art, design, woodworking and history all in Laurel.
They revealed the beginning of their show "Home Town" on HGTV and how they work on four houses at a time.
Their love for their hometown, Laurel Mississippi.
Their beginnings of art, design, woodworking and history all in Laurel.
They revealed the beginning of their show "Home Town" on HGTV and how they work on four houses at a time.
July 30, 2020
I was so excited to finally start this non-fiction memoir of Erin and Ben Napier! I had just finished the mammoth fourth book in the Outlander series and was looking for something short and sweet to read, and this surpassed all my expectations of that.
Going into it, I expected the book to be mostly about their time on the HGTV hit show Hometown, but refreshingly the majority of it was about their life before Hometown. The stories were alternately told by Ben and Erin, letting the reader have a glimpse into their life and happiness and struggles in that moment. The first two chapters were about each’s own childhood. I thought it was interesting the way Ben was raised and how it had such a huge effect on who he is as an adult; the closeness of their family, watching their father make a huge career change late in life, having faith all around them from the beginning. You can really see it all in him even now. As a child, Erin was bullying and teased and left out of groups, but creatively she found solace in making her own costumes and reading to her stuffed animals friends and eventually in making art. I felt I could relate to Erin and how she felt at that time. I remember graduating high school thinking I wanted to be anywhere but my hometown of Valparaiso, Indiana. I couldn’t wait to get out and experience the world, sure I was destined for big things in a big city somewhere. But somehow, the events of both our lives led us right back to the town that made us. I also could relate to her creative side and the struggle she felt in choosing to quit her day job to pursue her passion in art. I work full-time, and though my job is extremely flexible and easy and I love the people I work with, I dream of staying at home, having quiet and productive mornings on my laptop, spending my days writing books and doing nothing else. It’s near in my future, I know it, just as Erin did.
The chapters that centered around Erin and Ben’s growing love for each other and the beginnings of their marriage was sweet and inspiring. Not too much mushiness, but just enough.
I loved the chapters about Erin going full-time with her Lucky Luxe design company, but even more so about Ben leaving youth ministry full-time to start his wood shop. There was something about his story that resonated with me and inspired me, almost like it lit a fire beneath me to get serious, get working, and do what God made me to do.
I am not sure if both of them wrote their own chapters themselves or if they had a ghostwriter to make it somewhat consistent, but both sections were beautifully written. The language was romantic but not flowery, and most importantly it was real. I could feel their emotions dripping off the pages which made me connect with them and their experiences.
Even if you have never seen the HGTV show Hometown, this is a great inspirational book filled with faith, family, and friendship. (And once you watch it you’ll probably want to binge watch the show. It’s really good!) This couple is refreshing and honest and transparent in a way that makes it impossible not to love them.
Going into it, I expected the book to be mostly about their time on the HGTV hit show Hometown, but refreshingly the majority of it was about their life before Hometown. The stories were alternately told by Ben and Erin, letting the reader have a glimpse into their life and happiness and struggles in that moment. The first two chapters were about each’s own childhood. I thought it was interesting the way Ben was raised and how it had such a huge effect on who he is as an adult; the closeness of their family, watching their father make a huge career change late in life, having faith all around them from the beginning. You can really see it all in him even now. As a child, Erin was bullying and teased and left out of groups, but creatively she found solace in making her own costumes and reading to her stuffed animals friends and eventually in making art. I felt I could relate to Erin and how she felt at that time. I remember graduating high school thinking I wanted to be anywhere but my hometown of Valparaiso, Indiana. I couldn’t wait to get out and experience the world, sure I was destined for big things in a big city somewhere. But somehow, the events of both our lives led us right back to the town that made us. I also could relate to her creative side and the struggle she felt in choosing to quit her day job to pursue her passion in art. I work full-time, and though my job is extremely flexible and easy and I love the people I work with, I dream of staying at home, having quiet and productive mornings on my laptop, spending my days writing books and doing nothing else. It’s near in my future, I know it, just as Erin did.
The chapters that centered around Erin and Ben’s growing love for each other and the beginnings of their marriage was sweet and inspiring. Not too much mushiness, but just enough.
I loved the chapters about Erin going full-time with her Lucky Luxe design company, but even more so about Ben leaving youth ministry full-time to start his wood shop. There was something about his story that resonated with me and inspired me, almost like it lit a fire beneath me to get serious, get working, and do what God made me to do.
I am not sure if both of them wrote their own chapters themselves or if they had a ghostwriter to make it somewhat consistent, but both sections were beautifully written. The language was romantic but not flowery, and most importantly it was real. I could feel their emotions dripping off the pages which made me connect with them and their experiences.
Even if you have never seen the HGTV show Hometown, this is a great inspirational book filled with faith, family, and friendship. (And once you watch it you’ll probably want to binge watch the show. It’s really good!) This couple is refreshing and honest and transparent in a way that makes it impossible not to love them.
March 7, 2022
They are just the sweetest 💗
November 18, 2018
While I have only seen this show a few times, I found this book very interesting. Their story about how they met and they fell in love is very sweet. It was also interesting and encouraging to read how they followed their dreams and created businesses out their interests and passions rather than choosing to stay in their stable jobs working for other people. To read about their success and subsequent TV show on HGTV after following their dreams reminded me that one has to follow one's dreams in life and carve one's own path. Not everyone is a fit for every job, even if it uses a skill set you own. Sometimes we have to take chances if we want our life to be what we truly envision for ourself. Their story was a good reminder of that.
October 26, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. It was well written and very real. I enjoy watching their show and this made me feel like I know them even better.
January 6, 2021
Ben and Erin give me hope that there is still kindness in the world. This book is beautiful and uplifting.
January 21, 2024
Four stars. No more, no less.
Liked:
1. Could there be a more cool couple in all of TV?
2. Love story for the ages. I have tried to find some form of interesting believable romance in fiction. I find it in queer fiction and YA fiction but not adult traditional romance fiction. This is a for real legit love story.
3. Erin married a woodworker. I need not say more.
4. I like Ben’s approach to woodworking and love Erin’s design sense.
5. Lots of illustrations.
6. Ben and Erin are emotionally honest and transparent in this book. Refreshing!
7. The two author viewpoint is beautiful in its development and execution. Rarely have I read a book where two authors compliment each other so well.
8. Ben’s relationship with his brothers is refreshing. Every person in this book is presented in a warm loving but realistic way. Loved getting to know Ben and Erin’s friends and family.
Did not like.
1. Too heavy on the Christian aspect. Book comes across as preachy and annoying. Granted, faith is a very real part of their journey.
It is their story and they can tell it any way they want. A bit of an actual plus here is Ben’s honest self examination as he struggles to leave the youth ministry.
Also Erin’s faith as she struggles with health issues.
2. Lots of pages only have one illustration. If I had spent money for this rather than gotten it as a library book I would feel cheated.
No reason for this. Given the budget and cost of the book this should have been a visual feast.
3. Would have loved more in their design and renovation process. They are very efficient at this and I feel readers could learn a lot of different things from both of them.
4. Likewise, more about Laurel MS. Would have been welcome. Been to Mississippi but not to Laurel. Going after reading this book!
5. The young love aspect is grating towards the end without additional content. They sell a “young love” candle in their store for $27.50 plus shipping. Their romance feels similarly packaged by the end of the book.
6. I thought the portion that dealt with the TV show was a little under developed and could have been better edited.
7. I had to come to the last page of this wonderful book and put it down. Sadly. Could have used about 400 more pages. I actually loved, loved, loved this book.
Overall, this review comes off as overly harsh. Did not mean for it to do so.
Strongly recommend this book. And Ben and Erin are still my favorite TV couple, book review meant to be objective and not negative.
Go read this and enjoy!
Liked:
1. Could there be a more cool couple in all of TV?
2. Love story for the ages. I have tried to find some form of interesting believable romance in fiction. I find it in queer fiction and YA fiction but not adult traditional romance fiction. This is a for real legit love story.
3. Erin married a woodworker. I need not say more.
4. I like Ben’s approach to woodworking and love Erin’s design sense.
5. Lots of illustrations.
6. Ben and Erin are emotionally honest and transparent in this book. Refreshing!
7. The two author viewpoint is beautiful in its development and execution. Rarely have I read a book where two authors compliment each other so well.
8. Ben’s relationship with his brothers is refreshing. Every person in this book is presented in a warm loving but realistic way. Loved getting to know Ben and Erin’s friends and family.
Did not like.
1. Too heavy on the Christian aspect. Book comes across as preachy and annoying. Granted, faith is a very real part of their journey.
It is their story and they can tell it any way they want. A bit of an actual plus here is Ben’s honest self examination as he struggles to leave the youth ministry.
Also Erin’s faith as she struggles with health issues.
2. Lots of pages only have one illustration. If I had spent money for this rather than gotten it as a library book I would feel cheated.
No reason for this. Given the budget and cost of the book this should have been a visual feast.
3. Would have loved more in their design and renovation process. They are very efficient at this and I feel readers could learn a lot of different things from both of them.
4. Likewise, more about Laurel MS. Would have been welcome. Been to Mississippi but not to Laurel. Going after reading this book!
5. The young love aspect is grating towards the end without additional content. They sell a “young love” candle in their store for $27.50 plus shipping. Their romance feels similarly packaged by the end of the book.
6. I thought the portion that dealt with the TV show was a little under developed and could have been better edited.
7. I had to come to the last page of this wonderful book and put it down. Sadly. Could have used about 400 more pages. I actually loved, loved, loved this book.
Overall, this review comes off as overly harsh. Did not mean for it to do so.
Strongly recommend this book. And Ben and Erin are still my favorite TV couple, book review meant to be objective and not negative.
Go read this and enjoy!
May 7, 2024
It took me a little while to get through this book, but it was a good, easy read. I have enjoyed watching episodes on Ben & Erin’s show, Home Town, on HGTV and it was interesting to learn more about their backstory. I do wish they had spent a little more time going into further detail about how their TV show came to be, as this seemed to be kind of glossed over. Nevertheless, this was a satisfying memoir, overall.
January 25, 2024
I love them even more now
March 22, 2025
This book was great! I love the show “Hometown” and like Ben and Erin. Always fun to get a big peek into the lives of people who you admire. Nice to learn more about Ben and Erin and how they broke into the HGTV lineup of great shows! 5 big stars.
April 25, 2025
Their story brings to life so much nostalgia. It made me crave hot summers, sweet tea, and slow days spent with family and friends. I love their show, their love to make old things shine new and time spent with those you love. This book didn’t disappoint bringing their whole story to life.
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