Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom

A story of mercy, miracles, and melody—and above all else: love.

During the Great Depression, Fred Allen is born poor and hungry in the shadow of rural Georgia’s infamous cotton mills. By the time Fred is three years old, he can play hymns on the piano without missing a note. In kindergarten, he amazes adults with Chopin. Terrified that Fred’s genius is proof of a curse, his parents lock away the piano.

Cut off from his only source of joy, little Fred sinks into the chasms of neglect, depression, and hunger. Then Eleanor, a woman just released from prison for attempted murder, rents a room in his family’s deteriorating home. Under her fierce eye, Fred is protected, fed, and loved. “You gotta find a way to get out,” Eleanor says. “You were born for so much more than this.”

Fred undertakes an arduous but miraculous journey through the Juilliard School in New York City, Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University, and eventually the professional music scene. With the help of a few miracles, he climbs the ladder of success, marries, becomes a father and a scholar, and establishes an enviable reputation as a Grammy-nominated music producer.

Then in heartbreaking speed, Fred’s past catches up with him, and his family becomes divided. He must choose either to pursue his dreams of fame and success or love.

But miracles aren’t just for those with big-city dreams. In Thomasville, Georgia, amid the wreckage of his history, Fred and his resilient wife, Winnie, reassemble the pieces of their lives and encounter what just might be the greatest miracle yet—not just for them but for the entire town.

 This inspiring story is sure to encourage anyone who has ever hoped their creative abilities might touch the lives of others.

A National Bestseller – New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Publisher’s Weekly

Fall in love with Chip and Joanna Gaines, as you read their story about love, adventure—and dreaming big.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna Gaines, who captured hearts on their HGTV show Fixer Upper, which ran for 5 seasons. It offers 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. 

In The Magnolia Story fans will finally get to join the Gaines behind the scenes and discover:

• The time Chip ran to the grocery store and forgot to take their new, sleeping baby
• Joanna’s agonizing decision to close her dream business to focus on raising their children
• When Chip buys a houseboat, sight-unseen, and it turns out to be a leaky wreck
• Joanna’s breakthrough moment of discovering the secret to creating a beautiful home
• Memories and photos from Chip and Joanna’s wedding
• And more…

Discover the secret to Chip & Joanna’s success—and the ups and downs they experienced along the way. You’ll laugh, maybe even cry, and realize that you can also dream big in your own life.

“Everything in life belongs to God. Our purpose has already been mapped out.”

—David Luiz

One of the rising stars in international soccer, David Luiz has been impressing crowds since he was a boy. But it is his faith, not his fame, that drives him to greater success and keeps him “defending the goal.” David made his debut in professional soccer as a left fullback when he was just 19. He was then picked up by Portugal’s Benfica team and named player of the year for the 2009-2010 season. As a star defender and vice-captain for the Brazilian National team, David shines both on and off the field, inspiring athletes around the world with his incredible soccer skills and his unwavering faith. David currently plays for England’s Chelsea Football Club, one of the premier club teams in the world, and he is expected to play for Brazil in the 2014 World Cup.