Publishers Weekly
06/08/2020
Country music singer Evans (Love Lifted Me) sparkles in this down-home memoir about her career and Midwestern upbringing. Growing up on a farm in tiny New Franklin, Mo., where her high school graduating class numbered 35, and as part of a large family, Evans was a self-declared tomboy and discovered her musical aptitude at age five. Despite being hit by a car as an eight-year-old (with a long, difficult hospital stay in traction from multiple broken bones and a severe concussion) and her parents’ divorce, Evans describes an idyllic childhood. She then explores her life’s high points—her second marriage to NFL player Jay Barker, her platinum-selling albums —and difficult moments, such as her divorce from her first husband, the father of her children. Evans’s girl-next-door tone will charm readers, and her quiet but powerful testament to her religious beliefs makes clear her values, but, commendably, doesn’t pass judgment on those with other views. Evans’s fans will devour this humble yet incredible life story. (Sept.)
Martina McBride
"When I first met Sara many years ago she was candid, funny, smart, and talented. All these years later I still see that girl, but now she's even more candid, funny, smart and talented! We bonded right off the bat, and our bond all these years later remains centered in a shared experience of being a mother, an artist, a business woman and navigating the sometimes difficult reality of "having it all" in a challenging business. We have so many similarities in our childhood including singing with a family band, being raised in a rural community, and learning the work ethic and values of the Midwest. I am so happy she is telling her story."
Joe Galante
"The first moment you hear Sara's voice, you know it's unique. Everything she writes about in her music revolves around family, faith, fun, and fearlessness. Her outer beauty is obvious, however she is also beautiful on the inside and gives to so many from her caring spirit. We can all learn from her example of how to be a great artist, writer, mother, wife, and friend. I loved her before, but after reading this book my love has grown for her. She was “ born to fly “ and you will fly too as you read each page.”
Booklist
"Fans will devour this book, but many readers are likely to enjoy this warm, approachable read."
Kirkus Reviews
2020-06-16
A popular country singer discusses her life traumas and offers advice about men, marriage, and parenthood.
Missouri native Evans was a self-professed "daddy's girl" who bonded with her father over a shared love of singing and showed a special gift for music at an early age. Her mother put together a family band, and soon Evans and her siblings were playing all over Missouri at everything from state fairs to Eagles Lodge dances. Difficulty coping with the stress suffered when Evans sustained injuries from being hit by a car led to familial strife, and her parents divorced just as she reached adolescence. Because her father ignored her, Evans began a long-term pattern of " 'begging' men to love me” and choosing abusive partners. It was her dream of country singer stardom that helped her leave a bad relationship (which she does not discuss in detail) and go to Nashville. A series of lucky breaks led to a seven-record deal with RCA, but the author did not achieve fame until the release of her third album. Sadly, her "fairy tale" life fell apart when she had a "meltdown" and then divorced the husband she neither describes nor names. A second marriage to a divorced father and former University of Alabama quarterback led to a happy blended family Evans dubs the "Barker Bunch.” In the second half of the book, the author offers such secrets for a happy marriage as “don’t be too needy or clingy [and] have your own friends.” Regarding her children, Evan writes about the need for discipline and fostering open lines of communication. Interspersed throughout with personal photographs, the memoir, though neither insightful nor revealing, will likely appeal to the singer's fans and country music lovers.
Light, not-especially-memorable reading.
