Cover Image: Not That Fancy

Not That Fancy

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Member Reviews

I liked this cookbook/lifestyle book by Reba McEntire. It's a fairly straightforward title that doesn't have many surprises but that can be a good thing. For fans of Reba McEntire, this book is going to be exactly what they are looking for - a peek into the life of a country music icon with some good recipes shared along the way.
This title would be a nice addition to collections that are frequented by fans of country music or Reba. Though I wouldn't purchase it for my school library I can see it making a nice gift for the right person and I feel like it will be well-loved in certain public libraries. 3 1/2 - 4 stars.

Many thanks to @netgalley and @harpercollinsfocus for the ARC.

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Truth be told, I love Country Music, but...not a Reba fan.
I don't dislike Reba, but I don't rush out to buy her music (or stream it these days).
That being said. I am a FAN of Reba the Person.
This is a wonderful look into her life, Country Music and the way it works, as well as the many other outlets Reba is/has been passionate about.
Any Reba fan would love this book. Any fan of Country music would love this. And anyone looking for a story of a strong successful female that has overcome obstacles will love this.
5/5!

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I found this delightful! Absolutely delightful. And I got a cookie recipe out of it that I'm excited to try. I wasnt in it for the recipes, but Reba won me over. I grew up watching Reba and she is a delight and seems genuine and I like her writing style.

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This is a great look at Reba McEntire's life and how she really dug back into her roots during the 2020 pandemic.
She shows us parts of her life and how she still chooses to live simply, even in the thick of being a musician.
I liked the recipes and learning more about where she comes from and what brings her joy, besides music.
My mom is a huge Reba fan and I can't wait to purchase this for her when it comes out.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

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Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
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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.

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."
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.

What else can I say about a book after such a thorough description? I loved this book and can see myself making many dishes from it as it is down-home non-fancy food that hubby and I both love. And, coming from a music icon, it will appeal to her fans as well. Highly recommended to friends, family, patrons, country music fans and lovers of good food alike. #shortbutsweetreviews

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Reba McEntire is going back to basics and she takes us with her in "Not That Fancy." Beautiful photos fill the book along with lists of ideas, recipes, and McEntire's take on her life in Oklahoma.

Very down-homey and an utter delight. I found I breathed deeper as I took in the simple yet deeply profound ideas to be found here.

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