A Princess Story: The Real-Life Fairy Tale Found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ

by Jaci Wightman

Discover your own personal princess story. This inspiring book helps you see your divine potential, recognize your inner princess, and learn how the plan of happiness is just like a fairy tale. Perfect for young women, moms, leaders, and princesses of all ages, this is an enchanting read that will guide you on the path to your own happily ever after.

Genres: Lds

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 2015

About the author

Jaci (JAY-see) Wightman is a 6-time author, Certified Health Coach, and Biblical Life Coach. Her Christ-Centered Wellness online platform includes her You Made New podcast, a YouTube channel, and several faith-based online courses. With her 7 children now grown, she’s also relishing her new role as Eema to a quickly expanding tribe of grandkids. But Jaci’s greatest passion lies in teaching and testifying of Jesus. You can visit her online at jaciwightman.com.

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been a sucker for a princess story and I loved the way this author tied in a classic fairy tale formula with real life and our divine potential. Each chapter is set up as an element of a fairy tale and really brought things home for me. I learn well with metaphors and comparisons and this book does a good job of relating life to a typical girl's hopes and dreams in a way that, for me, is understandable.

As I read through, I could see things in a new way, but I will admit, the things I saw didn't always make me happy. Who wants to hear that you're not as good as you thought you were? I sure don't! I attend my religious meetings, I try to be kind, I do my best to give service and to go through the motions of what I'm "supposed" to do, but there are still miles worth of improvement! And that's not something I wanted to hear. For example, if I've had a bad day, I'm a little depressed, I'm overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged, where do I turn? Oh, yeah, straight to a hard run, a carton of Ben & Jerry's, or some good upbeat (or sometimes depressing--depending) music. Where should I turn? To the scriptures, to the Lord, to the gospel. Yikes. What makes me feel good about myself? Losing weight, looking good, and feeling liked by others. Does that really matter? Uh, no. That's not what it's about and that really pierced me to the core. I'm doing things all wrong!

I enjoyed the layout of the story and the way scriptures, quotes, and stories are tied in. I also like how each chapter has a small section for additional study to delve deeper into the subject. This is a good book to read if you have a teen, or to have her read, or to even just read yourself, especially if a good discussion is involved and each chapter is savored.

Content: this is specific to the LDS faith and views are relevant to that religion, but good points can be drawn for anyone Christian.

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet and well-done book! I have always loved that this gospel includes so much about divine nature and individual worth. We ARE princesses, and we ARE in our own princess story --- our own princess training program, if you will, with Christ as our Hero, a real villain, and struggles so that we can try to overcome ourselves and the world around us to return to His kingdom willingly. We can always be princesses on the inside even when we don't feel like it on the outside. I'm only surprised that Proverbs 31:10 never came up!

I loved all of the etymologies, themes, and research backing everything up in this book, from Wightman's explanation of difficult concepts like spiritual death and, later, its tie-back with "the Spirit [quickening] all things" (D&C 33:16), to mentions of things like emotional abuse and intrusive thoughts, choosing Christ over cultural things, how all of this will help prepare those reading to make covenants in the temple, how our faith can be our shield and it must be alive and active, and how Zion resides within each of us --- WE are the kingdom! Of course, all of the outside princess story tie-ins were fun, too. I thought how Tangled was used in particular was really good.

The hope out of all of this is for all of us to understand what we are up against and to make it through those times where it feels like all is lost to the happily ever after. Get to know Christ --- REALLY know and love Him. REALLY change. Turn to Him and prioritize Him. Accept Him. BECAUSE of Him. Include Him in every part of your life, even the more ordinary and boring parts. Because that's how we put in our part of the work to be able to get home.

Overall, it's really good. I can see it how it might be specifically geared toward the Young Women, although I also still really liked it personally as a YSA. If you want to think a little differently about the gospel and renew your light and commitment, or even if you just really like the idea of being a princess but have no idea how that's possible, this book is for you!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Princess Story, the Real-Life Fairy Tale Founded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is a book women and young women of all ages will thoroughly enjoy. It is a book that will inspire and remind women and girls alike who we really are and what our potential is if we follow God’s plan for us and strive to do and be the best we can. This book shares teachings from the Prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as refers readers to the scriptures that readers can use in their every day life. The enjoyable interactive, thought-provoking section at the end of each chapter will benefit readers as well.

Genre: LDS, inspirational
Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Publication date: January 12, 2016
Number of pages: 208

Content Rating: G
Book Rating: 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am choosing not to finish this book for various reasons. I chose to review this book for free, even though it is not my targeted audience. The age of this book is a lot younger than me, and I really couldn't get into it. I was a bit confused as to what age range exactly, this would fit best with. It seems as though young girls, but I don't know how many youth are really into princesses still? Maybe I'm missing the point of the story. We are all princesses, but I grew up with Belle, and Cinderella, and Snow White. Very different time for me.

Great book with fabulous references. I am not sure exactly who I would recommend this book to.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It's written in a fairy-tale style with you starring as the princess. In each chapter, the author provides the reader with a challenge to learn more about herself by reading in the scriptures and writing in her journal.

This is one of those books that you actually want to be able to read more slowly so that you can learn more about yourself, even taking the time to re-read some of the chapters would be very helpful.

I'm excited to share this book with my own daughter so that she can learn more about herself and about how she can become the princess that she was meant to be.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does your heart resonate with princess stories?
Do you often feel that you are battling a dragon?
Do you wish for the Prince to come rescue you?

This book will explain it all--

You will never look at a princess movie the same again!
Become the star of your own princess life :)

My Favorite Quote
"Each of you was born to be a queen."

I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK!
So many things to ponder!

I am going to go put on my armor right now-- and call on my Prince to rescue me from my dragons!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how this book is told like your very own personal princess story. I also like how it references different princess stories and it relates to the gospel. At the end of each chapter, they have additional study with different scriptures and general conference talks.

However, I thought some of the chapters (scenes) were hard to read but I think every princess has overcome a obstacle like a evil step-mom, or a dragon before she can find her prince and lived happily ever after.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not finish this entire book but have set it aside for sometime now... wanted to put in a quick review. I found this a very basic but simple and fun way to look at the Gospel. Would recommend to youth (YW age). Would like to pick it up and finish someday.