I am a HUGE fan of HGTV’s show Home Town. Well, I’m a fan of HGTV in general, but there’s something about the show HomeTown that really speaks to me. My husband and I watch a lot of home renovation shows, always on the lookout for ideas and inspiration for the forever home we know we’ll eventually have. But we’re very particular about the shows we watch regularly, leaning more towards personalities we can connect with than a “style”. We don’t have cable, so we’re intentional when it comes to seeking out these people who choose to rebuild and renovate other’s dreams for a living.

From the first episode I ever stumbled across, I was sold on Home Town. Erin and Ben Napier, fixing up homes in Laurel, Mississippi, felt like the real deal to me. Wholesome yet quirky, they didn’t break old things that we always feel could be reused, like some renovators. Their homes weren’t cookie-cutter austere like others. Their use of *couch cough* ship-lap was at a minimum. But what I really loved was the couple. The pint-sized artist, and the burly woodworker. We devoured old episodes, and mourned the end of season 2.

When I saw that they had a book coming out, I jumped at the chance to snag a copy on Netgalley. Unfortunately, the formatting of the copy I was sent was more than a little wonky. BUT, I love them enough that I went out and purchased another copy of the book at Target so I could review it anyway! I think the issue had something to do with the photos, and different text fonts when it was Ben or Erin. No grudge held here, I was more than happy to put my money where my mouth is, and support them in any way possible. I definitely think this is a book meant for paper and not digital.

I didn’t think it was possible to love this couple any more than I already did, but after reading their book, I do.

Make Something Good Today is both a love story between Ben and Erin, and a love story to their hometown in Mississippi. It tells the story of their upbringing, their history and culture, what they want for the future, and what has happened in their past. It is filled to the brim with photos they’ve accumulated that perfectly encompasses a lite that sits straddling authentically vintage swagger and modern sensibilities. I loved every ounce of it from cover to cover.

If you’ve ever watched the show Home Town, you should have an idea of what to expect from this beautiful book. It’s NOT a coffee table book filled with photos of renovations. It is a story about two people who are always looking for the good in life. Who, even when faced with dilemmas and struggles, have chosen to do good and try to build a community BETTER. Have you ever watched an episode of a show like Gilmore Girls and thought…wow, I wish towns like this existed in real life? Erin and Ben Napier have fought to turn their town into one that has evening community picnics downtown, and pretty murals painted on the sides of buildings, with festivals regularly and new businesses in the old part of town. I think all of this really appeals to me more, as someone who being a part of the military, doesn’t HAVE a hometown or truly feel a part of a community. I yearn for it.

So, I really can’t recommend this show and book enough. They both give me warm fuzzies.

Make Something Good Today allows you to get a deeper and more intimate view of Ben and Erin Napier. We see them on HGTV, but this book really explores their lives in depth. Make Something Good Today is a feel good story, but inspirational as well. I like watching Ben and Erin, but I truly enjoyed reading their story. Grab a copy, sip on some tea, and take a nice journey with the Napier family.

4.5 Stars - I recommend if you like memoirs and/or HGTV's Home Town.

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!

This was cute read written by an even cuter couple. I loved the alternating perspective and the pictures that accompanied the stories throughout the book.

While I’m a casual fan of HGTV, Home Town is a show that never made it on my radar until a few months ago when I saw a recap special where Erin and Ben Napier seemed sweet, funny, and interesting. As memoir is one of my preferred genres, when I saw Make Something Good on NetGalley I took the opportunity to learn more.
Aesthetically, this book is beautiful, even on an iPad. Their story, told in alternating voices (with different fonts for each writer, which was a solid and helpful choice), is accompanied by photos from practically every stage of their lives. These photos bring their words to life and showcase their relationship and stories. Though their story isn’t filled with “drama,” the way they approach the natural but difficult transitions that life brings is comforting and reassuring. The central theme of finding the good in life is refreshing.
Make Something Good is perfect for fans of HGTV and books by other tv stars, as well as those interested in stories of how others handle life transitions and making big decisions.

This couple is just a joy. I love their tv show and loved this book. They are such loving people with a really good work ethic. Ben and Erin make me want to get out there and make something beautiful

Parts of the books are missing from the copy I got, so the story did not make sense. I love the Napiers from their show, and what I read of the book was well written. I look forward to reading a full copy of the book when it is released.

I actually hadn't seen their show, or know anything about them. I'm so glad I do now.
They seem like such a sweet couple. Great book!

Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.