I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Not That Fancy by Reba McEntire Published by Harper Celebrate on October 10, 2023
Genres: Biography & Autobiography / Music, Cooking / Celebrities & Media Tie-In, Cooking / Comfort Food, Cooking / Holiday, Cooking / Regional & Cultural / American / Western States, Cooking / Specific Ingredients / Meat, Crafts & Hobbies / Decorating, House & Home / Decorating & Furnishings, Music / Genres & Styles / Country & Bluegrass, Self-Help / Personal Growth / Happiness
Pages: 288
Format: ARC, eBook, Hardcover
Source: NetGalley
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER | USA TODAY BESTSELLER
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Reba's life and learn tips to savor life's simple pleasures with the people you love most.
The best things in life are really not that fancy. This photo-driven book featuring all-things-Reba invites you to get back to the basics of life: fun, food, friends, and family. In her first book in over two decades, actress and country music legend Reba McEntire takes you behind the scenes and shares the stories, recipes, and Oklahoma-style truths that guide her life.
The perfect gift for anyone who loves down-home recipes, the western lifestyle, heartwarming stories, and a good laugh from the Queen of Country!
FROM REBA:
"To me, there's nothing better than sitting on the back porch looking out at the land that goes on for miles. A beautiful sunset and then me, just sipping on a glass of iced tea (or whiskey and Sprite) with my friends and family. I don't know what heaven's going to look like, but I hope it feels like Oklahoma. Throw in some beans and cornbread, and I'm all set.
"Okies know that the secret to a good life is to keep things simple and be thankful for what the good Lord's given you. That's what I want to get back to. Simple fun, hard work, good food, and laughing with those you love. Everything I'm doing in my life from here on out—personal or professional, doesn't matter—I'm going to have fun.
"That's what I'm sharing in this book—some simple, not-that-fancy truths I live by and a bunch of good stories, photos, and recipes that go along with them. So if you're looking to slow down, get back to basics, and have a heckuva lot of fun, I think we're going to have a good time together in these pages. Come on in, kick off your boots (or leave them on, I don't care), and learn how to bring a little bit of my downhome-inspired life into your own."
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Not That Fancy includes:
- Nearly 200 photographs from Reba's childhood, career, and personal life—many of which are straight from Reba's phone
- Never-before-told stories from rodeoing with her family to pranks with Brooks & Dunn to falling in love over a plate of tater tots
- Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from her music and acting career, with inspiration on how to follow your passion, trust your gut, and take a chance on yourself
- More than 60 recipes of appetizers, mains, sides, desserts, and cocktails from Reba's personal kitchen, from friends and family, and from her restaurant, Reba's Place
- Lighthearted lifestyle tips on how to achieve Reba's signature hairstyle, plan a down-to-earth date night, throw an effortless dinner party, and more
Not That Fancy is the perfect deluxe gift for Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and special occasions. This keepsake book is ideal for Reba fans, country music lovers, or anyone who enjoys an easygoing western lifestyle.
If you are new here, OK, new to my life and who I am, then you may not know that Reba McEntire is my all-time favorite artist. I mean, there are many I love, but then . . . Reba. I’ve read her books, owned her music on tape and CD before digital was an option, and probably even vinyl on my little record player I had as a kid. I’ve watched her shows and movies. Reba. The last thing Ma and I did together was catch up on Happy’s Place. Now, how invested she was that last night is another story, but that’s a memory. And something I’m not quite ready to pick back up, but someday I will. Maybe not tomorrow, but it’s in the outlook. Because . . . Reba. And Momma. Last summer my Aunt surprised me by sending this book to me. She knew that Reba was key. And Reba, while not Mommacita’s favorite artist (that would have been Loretta Lynn), was a connection for me. I’ve loved this book over the last year, and when I found the audiobook read by Reba, I had to listen. Because that’s what you do.
Having read the physical book and now listened to the audiobook, there were differences for me. Overall, you can’t go wrong with something from Reba, no matter what it is or how you encounter it. I will share that the name-dropping of all the people early on was a bit annoying. There’s my drawback. The only one. Listening to Reba read this book is like sitting around drinking some coffee (or sweet tea- half-cut, please) and sharing stories and memories. Reading this book, it’s full of pictures and recipes. Like my Momma, I love a good recipe collection. And friends! I loved the interviews and segments, from friends in the industry to a fun conversation with her siblings. This is the afternoon with Reba you always knew you wanted but didn’t know what to expect or how to act. She makes it easy, as she comes prepared with stories, pictures, and food.
If I had a Reba Bucket List, there are only two things I’ve not checked off. Concert. She played in Springfield eons ago, but work and finances made that dream not come true. Someday I hope to change that. The second is that I’ve not yet been to Reba’s Place. I mean, I’ve been through Atoka multiple times back when I was driving to Texas on a regular basis. I think that once life calms down a bit, going to Atoka for food will be doable, as it’s less than a five-hour drive. I mean, it could be a day trip, but I’m old now, and I don’t know that those long-haul day trips (looking back at a straight shot to New Jersey back in the day) are doable. I’m sure there’s a hotel 😀 I still have the tapes and CDs; I still have some movies on VHS. Someday I’ll have that concert ticket and a dining receipt. Maybe I should have a Reba Bucket List.
About Reba McEntire
Multi-media entertainment mogul Reba McEntire has become a household name through a successful career that includes music, television, film, theater, retail and hospitality. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl member has more than 50 award wins under her belt, earning honors from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, CMA Awards, GRAMMY® Awards and GMA Dove Awards. Reba was also a 2018 Kennedy Center Honors recipient, in addition to multiple philanthropic and leadership honors. Reba has celebrated unprecedented success including 35 career No.1 singles and more than 58 million albums sold worldwide. Reba earned her 60th Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, extending her record for the most Top 10 hits among female artists. Reba’s Top 10 success spans five straight decades, landing her in the singular group with only George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton who have the same achievement. The Oklahoma native and Golden Globe® nominated actress has multiple movie credits to her name, a critically-acclaimed lead role on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun, starred in the 6-season television sitcom Reba and served as a judge on The Voice. Reba has also proven to be a savvy entrepreneur, with longstanding brand partnerships including her Dillard’s clothing line and western footwear collection REBA by Justin™. She has even added restauranteur to the list with Reba’s Place, a restaurant, bar, retail and entertainment venue in Atoka, Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.Reba.com.
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