Keeping a Princess Heart: In a Not-So-Fairy-Tale World

by Nicole Johnson

How can a woman live with hope . . . in the midst of reality? You were once a little girl, dreaming of "happily ever after" like a fairy-tale princess. But unlike the fantasy world of Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella, reality has hit you hard. Living in the not-so-fairy-tale world of laundry, kids, carpools, and your sometimes not-so-charming prince, you wonder how your heart wil survive, because what you have isn't even close to what you hoped for . Hang on! Real hope is found in the tension between the two?in an invisible kingdom. This place is where you discover the true heart of a princess?one full of dreams, wonder, delight, and joy. With rich insights and compelling stories, Nicole helps you discover the timeless truths that can transform a woman's heart into the heart of a princess. You are recognized by the King, loved by the Prince, and promised the happiest "happily ever after" of all times.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Inspirational, Religion, Christian Living, Faith, Princesses

189 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Amanda]

As little girls, we loved fairy tales. Once we reach big-girl status, we've either decided that fairy tales are entertaining, but ridiculous, or that there is a prince and a perfect life out there "somewhere" if we could just get past all the frogs. In Keeping a Princess Heart in a Not-So-Fairy-Tale World, Nicole Johnson tells us that fairy tales are essential. We are worthy of love and attention, and there is nothing wrong with believing that. We are daughters of the King, so we are Princesses.

We just have to strike a balance between dreaming of castles in the sky and locking ourselves in the dungeon of a heart that has given up. Johnson gives practical and Biblical advice on how to be satisfied and content with your life without giving up your dreams.

[Lisa Belcastro]

Wonderful book, reminding every women that she is loved by the King, and that happily ever after DOES exist in God's love. I started this book on Saturday afternoon on a plane flight. I couldn't put it down. Nicole Johnson's words touched my heart, and gave me hope. The premise of happily ever after has taken a beaten in our broken world. Nicole writes about the truth of fairytales, the pitfalls that can trip us up, and the reality that God's love is the greatest gift to every woman and where we should place our hope, trust and dreams.

[Jada]

This book had such promise, and I love the idea, but Johnson just kept repeating the same few points throughout the entire book. Sure, there were a few really good points that make the book better, but I don't feel any more like I have a princess heart than when I began reading this. Some parts about cynicism almost affirmed in my mind why I think that way sometimes. I know I shouldn't, but the way she presents it all was just not very appealing.

[Taryn Haumann]

A dear friend gave this book when I was having a hard time. It helped me assess my faith and my expectations for myself and my husband. Loved it!

My only critique is that I wasn't a huge fan of her writing style (personal preference). She poses a lot of questions throughout the book, which I didn't think was always very effective. Other than that, would highly recommend!

[Vanessa]

Kept my word to a friend and finished this book. It only took 11 years.

[ANNETTE]

I thought this was interesting and something to ponder.

[Emmi Rose]

Finally finished this sweet, sweet book! So thankful for God leading me to this in a Goodwill one day because it's something I really needed recently. Even though it's taken me almost a year to finish it. This is a book that perfectly captures my heart and feelings as a daughter of the King and it was very encouraging. Even though I couldn't always relate to the stories she told I got the feeling and the meaning of what she was trying to say which is just as important. Definitely will be treasuring this book and going through all the highlights I made. ♥️

Beautifully written, beautifully said and worthy of every women young and old reading.

[Rebecca]

I got this book at a used booksale probably for $1. I don't think I ever read the book jacket. I couldn't decide whether the author wanted women to ignore fairy tales and stories because men aren't really like that and aren't coming to rescue you. Or whether it was ok to believe them. She preached about God a lot too. I wasn't expecting that. The book did nothing but annoy me.

[Sussie]

3.5 lol to everyone else in the comments saying it took them years to finish reading this book because it also took me around a year to finish it. Overall, I liked the message in this book. I liked her mix of stories, and Scripture spread our throughout the book. It's not a book I would go out of my way of getting, but it's not bad if you do end up reading it.

[Anna]

I took this with me on a retreat. It is a great perspective on our identities as daughters of a king and what being a princess truly means. I loved princesses when I was growing up for their courage and tenacity. This book brought that love into my prayer and adult life.

[Joy Musselman]

Excellent book. I'm not big into fairy tales so it took me awhile to appreciate and get thru the book.

[Jordan]

This book was refreshing & comforting. It reminded me that I am loved and valued.

[Emma Wilds]

Love, Love and Love!

[Linda]

Facing disappointments isn't fun or easy, but this book gives a very different perspective to our fairytale dreams. It's definitely not a doom and gloom book, but rather a very realistic and humorous book. i enjoyed this one very much!

[Naturegirl]

It's time to revisit this book...let the reread begin!

Well, the second time around, I still really liked this book. However, I wish there had been more of a "how" to keep a princess heart as opposed to a "do" keep a princess heart. The book is more encouraging than applicable, but I think every Christian woman should read it at some point as a reminder of her worth and value that can only come from God.


This is a fabulous book to read as a follow-up to "Captivating." Johnson talks about fairy tales in our lives that have been broken or fallen by the wayside, and how important it is for every woman to remember that she is precious and worthy of royalty simply because of who she is. This is an uplifting and encouraging read, but challenging as well.

[carlene ☼]

This book captures all of the thoughts and truth behind a woman’s heart so beautifully and seamlessly, I can’t help but wonder how Johnson did it.

UPON REREAD: I’ve decided that every girl in the world needs to read this at least once in their lifetime. This book is amazing and you won’t understand how amazing until you’ve read it for yourself. Annotating it and summarizing my thoughts on it that way was a journey and a half, and I loved every minute of it. Johnson forever has my utmost respect for what she was able to do in this book and with this book.

[Audrey]

I read this book a few years ago and am now re-reading it for a women's Bible study. I recommend picking this up if you've ever wondered why life doesn't seem like the fairy tale you once imagined it, and you still have so many dreams and desires buried down inside. Nicole Johnson does a good job tackling some of life's deep disappointments while revealing insights into truly living and embracing a joyous life with God's love and grace.

[Jamie]

While writing this book, the author was staying in an English castle and relates her time there to what she's writing. She has so many stories but knows how to connect them to deep truths. I thought it would be a little cheesy, but it really did something to change my heart and see myself differently.

[Adrianne]

I’ve read this book at least four times. And no matter what I’m going through, it reminds me of everything I need to hear. It provides the perfect amount of humor and makes every situation relatable to a woman in any phase of life. If there’s one book I recommend to all of my girlfriends, it’s this one!

[Angela Good]

If you struggle with life's disappointments, read this book. This book should be mandatory reading for every gal (married, single, widowed, etc.)....READ THIS BOOK!!! Nicole draws you closer to the Prince of Heaven and our happily ever after.

[Marisol]

Enjoyed much. I did dreamed a happily ever after story of myself too when i was little. The book reminded me to keep my princess-self inside and keep believing that my "prince" up there is still waiting for me in His kingdom and that to enjoy life graciously as it comes to. :)

[Becky]

A good inspirational reminder to keep your focus on how God sees you instead of how the world sees you. Not much depth or any real advice about how to do this from day to day. The theology is sound. I believe this book could be read by many different denominations within the Christian community.

[Hanah]

A very girly book, but wow, it was filled with profound truths. It was a memorable read for my wonderful small group.

[Amy]

For every girl/woman who has lost hope in the "happily ever after" that we thought would someday be ours.

[Beth Emery]

i felt this was a little simplistic and spent too much time on the problems and not enough time on the solutions, but still interesting.

[Catherine]

I really enjoyed this book. I checked it out from my church library. I think this author does a good job highlighting the soul searching that women go through in seeking their true heart. :)

[Lois Marshall Clayton]

Nicole is simply amazing. She really puts everything into reality of a girls idea of who she is in God.
Very moving!

[Lacy]

it was uplifting. I learned some useful things.

[Jp]

This book was awesome! Definite smelling salts for the "happily ever after" mindset that is oblivious to the inevitable realities of growing up in a "not so fairytale world".

[Ella]

Too much explanations and less story. I understand that its clearly not my genre.