Women's Health October 12, 2026 0 Comments

These 3 Audiobooks Have Reba Hooked — And They Could Change How You Crush Your Day Too!

Reba McEntire—now there’s a powerhouse who’s mastered more than just country tunes . Have you ever wondered if someone with a voice as legendary as hers could also harbor a secret passion that’s a world apart from the spotlight? Turns out, Reba’s love for a good book runs just as deep as her love for a catchy song. It all started at home, with her mother Jacqueline, a devoted teacher and librarian who not only nurtured Reba’s talent but also instilled in her a lifelong appetite for stories. After Jacqueline’s passing, Reba crafted a beautiful tribute that lives on in Jac’s Library, perched in the heart of Reba’s Place—a cozy nook in her Oklahoma venue where pages meet melodies. But what books does a queen of country tune into these days? Stay tuned as we dive into Reba’s top audiobook picks, handpicked for their heart and soul—and vetted by the ever-picky Goodreads community. Ready to swap your playlist for a page-turner? Let’s go . LEARN MORE

For country music legend Reba McEntire, her love of a good read is just as meaningful as her love of a good song. With a career spanning decades and countless hit songs, Reba has plenty of reasons to be celebrated. But the beloved singer and actress is also a songwriter and devoted book lover who knows the joy a great story can bring.

A look into Reba’s book tribute to her mother

Reba’s passion for reading began at home, thanks to her mother, Jacqueline McEntire, who spent more than two decades working as a teacher and librarian in Oklahoma. Books remained a treasured part of Jacqueline’s life, and Reba found a special way to honor her mother’s legacy after her passing in 2020.

When Reba opened Reba’s Place, her restaurant, bar and live music venue in Atoka, Oklahoma, in 2023, she included a very personal touch with Jac’s Library. Located on the restaurant’s third floor, the cozy reading corner is home to her mother’s real book collection and gives visitors a place to relax, browse the shelves and enjoy a little quiet time.

For Reba, it’s a heartfelt reminder of the woman who helped nurture her love of books. And now, she’s sharing her joy of reading with the world. Here, Reba gave Woman’s World a peek into her own personal reading list with her top three favorite audiobooks of the moment to add to your own TBR—or should we say to-be-listened-to—list! Plus, we checked with Goodreads readers and they confirm the must-reads!

Reba McEntire's favorite books — Chloe Kern/WireImage

Reba McEntire’s top 3 favorite audiobook recommendations, according to Goodreads

‘Circus People’ by Trisha McClanahan

In Circus People, author Trisha McClanahan introduces readers to Nikki Carpenter, a sharp-witted entertainment publicist who navigates life’s awkward moments, complicated relationships and family expectations with plenty of sarcasm and humor. As Nikki and the people in her orbit face unexpected challenges and life-changing decisions, they discover that no one can be neatly defined by a label. Blending laugh-out-loud mishaps with poignant insights into what it means to be human, this novel explores the unexpected ways our lives intertwine and reminds us that there’s always more to a person’s story than meets the eye.

Reba says: “The one I’m listening to right now is Trisha McClanahan’s book Circus People. She’s got two books out, so I am on the first one and really looking forward to reading the other one [The Needlepoint Theory].”

Why Goodreads readers love it: “This may be the most ‘real’ fictional book I’ve read in a while. It makes you wonder how certain events, actions, and histories can reverberate through your own circle of friends and acquaintances. Every character felt like someone I know, and the situations they find themselves in don’t all wrap up neatly…as in life, those situations lead to new challenges and joys yet to come.”

‘Peacemaker’ by Joseph Bruchac

In Peacemaker, author Joseph Bruchac tells the story of Okwaho, a 12-year-old Iroquois boy whose world is shaken when his best friend is kidnapped amid ongoing conflicts between neighboring nations. As fear and anger threaten to fuel more violence, Okwaho encounters a mysterious visitor known as the Peacemaker, whose stories inspire him to imagine a future beyond revenge. Based on the creation of the Iroquois Confederacy, this compelling historical novel explores the power of courage, understanding and unity to overcome hatred and finally bring peace to a divided people.

Reba says: “Another one I’m learning about is Peacemaker by Joseph Bruchac; it’s about Native American Indians.”

Why Goodreads readers love it: “I’d read about the Iroquois Confederacy and its founding when in school, so it was great to return to these stories as an adult and to experience them through the eyes of a youth. I absolutely loved this story, one whose messages of peace, family and friendship are so appropriate in these times. A story for all ages and all times.”

‘The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion’ by Fannie Flagg

In The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion, Fannie Flagg delivers a heartwarming, humorous tale of family secrets, unexpected discoveries and second chances. After her youngest daughter’s wedding, Sookie Poole is ready to enjoy a new chapter of life in Alabama when a startling revelation about her overbearing mother turns everything she thought she knew about her family upside down. Determined to uncover the truth, Sookie embarks on a journey that leads her to the story of Fritzi, a spirited young woman who ran her family’s filling station during World War II alongside an extraordinary group of women. As the past unfolds, Sookie discovers a surprising family history that challenges her sense of identity and inspires her to embrace new possibilities for her own future.

Reba says: “The books I love, and I’ve read all of them, are Fannie Flagg books. The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion is one of my favorites of all time.”

Why Goodreads readers love it: “The characters and the tiny Alabama town will completely charm you…Even if, like me, you’ve never lived in a small town, you will instantly recognize and long for Flagg’s version of ‘home.’ As an added bonus, this book is completely hilarious!”

Reba McEntire is the cover star of the October 19, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine. Get your copy here!