NOT THAT FANCY
Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting off Your Boots
By: Reba McEntire
Published: October 10, 2023
Publisher: Harper Celebrate
Non-Fiction/Memoir/Lifestyle
Format: Audiobook for Review
I’ve been a fan of Reba McEntire since I was a little girl. I loved listening to her music and watching her in music specials on TV. Reba seemed to be so happy, spunky, and comfortable in her shoes, so to speak. She has always been someone I admired and now after listening to her book, I think even more highly of her.
One of the things I’ve always loved about Reba is that she was never afraid to share her faith. Even though it was common to be a Christian and a country music singer, she never shied away from thanking God for the many gifts she’d been given whether she was on the stage or on TV. Even when she entered the acting arena, she still stuck to her values which isn’t always easy in Hollywood.
I can only attest to the audiobook ARC (advanced review copy) of NOT THAT FANCY. Unfortunately, it did not include photos or the 60+ food and cocktail recipes. If you would choose to purchase the audiobook, a pdf document will be included for you to be able to download the recipes. Even though Reba narrates her own audiobook which makes you feel like you are sitting across the table listening to her stories, I would recommend purchasing the physical copy. Her narration was real and emotional. I loved her laughter while sharing stories and cried as she shared the tragic story of her band perishing in a plane crash. But, I really would have loved to see the photos while hearing her stories. The photos that I’ve found online with the book promotion give you an even more personal glimpse into her life and the food photos look delicious.
Reba shares numerous personal stories from her childhood as well as her life on the road as a performer and as a mom. After she shares stories, she then shares helpful tips related to the stories she shared like tips for decorating your home or how to have fun with your spouse/partner for free like playing board games.
Reba is a proud “Oakie” and is extremely grateful to her family. She lost her mom in 2020 and she credits her mom with much of her success as well as her faith in God. Reba feels like someone you could be friends with as she describes sitting on her porch watching the sunset while sipping an iced tea or whiskey and Sprite. As she says, “I don’t know what heaven’s gonna look like, but I hope it feels like Oklahoma.” Reba hasn’t let the accolades of a successful performing life go to her head. She feels like she could be your neighbor or friend from church. No matter where she is they…
“…make it a point to put God first, take care of our families, work hard, eat well, and always make time for a good hardy laugh.”
That sounds like my kind of advice. After finishing her book, I immediately ordered my own physical copy because I wanted to read through her stories again and try some of her mouthwatering recipes. This would make a great gift for the Reba fan you know!
Watch Reba McEntire share about her book:
Check out this fun behind-the-scenes peek at making the book come together:
To purchase a copy of NOT THAT FANCY, click the photo below:
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under audiobook, Book Review, Lifestyle, memoir, non-fiction, Reba McEntire