What do you think?
Rate this book
Princess Within, The: Restoring the Soul of a Woman
In her personal, intimate style, Serita Ann Jakes speaks to the hearts of women. Her words resonate with those who feel trapped, but who long to be restored as the "princesses" God created them to be. As she shares her life experiences, Serita's insights and encouragement will surround readers with hope, giving them the courage and strength to break free and experience wholeness in Christ.
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1999
20 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 2, 2017
What is the book about?
Serita shares her story of how she got over her struggles. What she did and how God helped her. It is multifaceted:
1) It is a love story because it looks at the relationship between the author and her husband.
2) It deals with revealing secrets; reminding the reader that God needs us to be honest. He already knows our heart…secrets can hinder us from being truthful.
3) It deals with reality and provides motivation to rise out of the ashes of our past.
The book is written in a simple format—easy to follow—no jargons. It can be left for a long time and you can pickup where you left off without having to refresh your memory on the previous chapters. It is filled with letters to God [referred to as her Secret Keeper]. As she shares her story she introduces questions that will allow the reader to reflect on their lifestyle. It makes reference to Scriptures so it is like a Bible study and a self-help guide in one. She also looks at and compares the reader to three characters in the Bible: Naomi, Ruth and Orpah.
Favourite Part of the Book
It was difficult to choose a favourite part because this book spoke to the areas in my life that needed an injection of life. I will share snippets found in the Forward and chapter 8 as well as my favourite letter.
Forward: T.D. Jakes describes his wife as, “…my Nubian princess, my lover, my
Friend, a jewel by my side to reflect the radiance of the Master.” He continues to say, “Her confidence now strengthens me on when I am tired. Her joy brings a smile to my face when I am low. Her playfulness keeps my child’s heart alive. She is my glory! When she is flourishing, I prosper; and God looks good. Ever since the day we became one flesh, I have entrusted my heart in Serita’s hands. Now, in commending her to you, I entrust you to her also.” This speaks volume and tells you exactly what you will be getting if you get hold of this book.
Chapter 8: Question, “Are you Naomi, Ruth, or Orpah? “I believe there are three kinds of women who are reading this book. You could be like Naomi, Ruth, or Orpah. Most likely we all identify somewhat with all three of the women. They all understood what it was to lose everything…Through faith, two found a new life, better than their biggest dreams, but one lacked courage and retreated to her old way of life.
I hope you are not embracing the attitude of Orpah, who returned to her past and missed what God could have taught her through Naomi. Orpah would have learned everything Naomi taught Ruth, but she could not seem to grasp the vision of new possibilities in God because she was so tied to where she had come from and who she used to be. The unknown intimidated her and she retreated to the safety of her corner.
Perhaps you are like Ruth, who was eager to learn from Naomi. Women like Ruth will initiate a healthy attachment to women like Naomi…she could see gifts in Naomi that Naomi couldn’t even see in herself at the time.
If you are like Ruth, you are fully aware that you have more to learn. Find a woman with the qualities of Naomi and learn from her. Let her know that you admire her and need her instruction. Naomi demonstrated the ability to move when it was time to move. She did not let the disappointments of life consume her. Even though she struggled with sorrow to the point of telling everyone to call her Mara (which means bitterness), I find it interesting that everyone continued to call her Naomi. She must have demonstrated more optimism than she was aware of. Who do you know that is like that?” (page 165-166)
My favourite letter is found on page 43: “Why are we so cruel to one another? I’ve always been a somewhat sensitive person. Whatever I felt, I would feel to the third power…I did not want to say words to others that I would not want said to me. I never believe the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me" I knew how vicious the mouths of insensitive people could be…”
Recommended to:
1. Women who have lost their confidence; those who today may be feeling helpless, aimless or hopeless, in anyway;
2. Women who have been hurt in the past and can’t seem to move forward in their ministry because of such hurt.
Final Thoughts:
A great home for this book is within your church’ women’s department. This book is one of those little treasures you come across. Not many books have touched me like this one. It has a variety on the table. It is food for the wounded soul. This book gets my seal of approval -- 10/10.
*As per review done on BBC Three Counties Radio 15/Sep/2010
Serita shares her story of how she got over her struggles. What she did and how God helped her. It is multifaceted:
1) It is a love story because it looks at the relationship between the author and her husband.
2) It deals with revealing secrets; reminding the reader that God needs us to be honest. He already knows our heart…secrets can hinder us from being truthful.
3) It deals with reality and provides motivation to rise out of the ashes of our past.
The book is written in a simple format—easy to follow—no jargons. It can be left for a long time and you can pickup where you left off without having to refresh your memory on the previous chapters. It is filled with letters to God [referred to as her Secret Keeper]. As she shares her story she introduces questions that will allow the reader to reflect on their lifestyle. It makes reference to Scriptures so it is like a Bible study and a self-help guide in one. She also looks at and compares the reader to three characters in the Bible: Naomi, Ruth and Orpah.
Favourite Part of the Book
It was difficult to choose a favourite part because this book spoke to the areas in my life that needed an injection of life. I will share snippets found in the Forward and chapter 8 as well as my favourite letter.
Forward: T.D. Jakes describes his wife as, “…my Nubian princess, my lover, my
Friend, a jewel by my side to reflect the radiance of the Master.” He continues to say, “Her confidence now strengthens me on when I am tired. Her joy brings a smile to my face when I am low. Her playfulness keeps my child’s heart alive. She is my glory! When she is flourishing, I prosper; and God looks good. Ever since the day we became one flesh, I have entrusted my heart in Serita’s hands. Now, in commending her to you, I entrust you to her also.” This speaks volume and tells you exactly what you will be getting if you get hold of this book.
Chapter 8: Question, “Are you Naomi, Ruth, or Orpah? “I believe there are three kinds of women who are reading this book. You could be like Naomi, Ruth, or Orpah. Most likely we all identify somewhat with all three of the women. They all understood what it was to lose everything…Through faith, two found a new life, better than their biggest dreams, but one lacked courage and retreated to her old way of life.
I hope you are not embracing the attitude of Orpah, who returned to her past and missed what God could have taught her through Naomi. Orpah would have learned everything Naomi taught Ruth, but she could not seem to grasp the vision of new possibilities in God because she was so tied to where she had come from and who she used to be. The unknown intimidated her and she retreated to the safety of her corner.
Perhaps you are like Ruth, who was eager to learn from Naomi. Women like Ruth will initiate a healthy attachment to women like Naomi…she could see gifts in Naomi that Naomi couldn’t even see in herself at the time.
If you are like Ruth, you are fully aware that you have more to learn. Find a woman with the qualities of Naomi and learn from her. Let her know that you admire her and need her instruction. Naomi demonstrated the ability to move when it was time to move. She did not let the disappointments of life consume her. Even though she struggled with sorrow to the point of telling everyone to call her Mara (which means bitterness), I find it interesting that everyone continued to call her Naomi. She must have demonstrated more optimism than she was aware of. Who do you know that is like that?” (page 165-166)
My favourite letter is found on page 43: “Why are we so cruel to one another? I’ve always been a somewhat sensitive person. Whatever I felt, I would feel to the third power…I did not want to say words to others that I would not want said to me. I never believe the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me" I knew how vicious the mouths of insensitive people could be…”
Recommended to:
1. Women who have lost their confidence; those who today may be feeling helpless, aimless or hopeless, in anyway;
2. Women who have been hurt in the past and can’t seem to move forward in their ministry because of such hurt.
Final Thoughts:
A great home for this book is within your church’ women’s department. This book is one of those little treasures you come across. Not many books have touched me like this one. It has a variety on the table. It is food for the wounded soul. This book gets my seal of approval -- 10/10.
*As per review done on BBC Three Counties Radio 15/Sep/2010
May 27, 2008
This was an very easy read. I did feel this book is more for "baby christians" It was well written, but my spiritual level is a little higher than the material presented. I do recommend this book to any young lady who is just getting to know God and getting into His word.
December 9, 2011
I took some brief notes from this book. It was enlightening and refreshing to read such a book...to realize as women we are like a ruby, jewels, and a diamond within...we are priceless and need to find a man who will value us as how God views us! We are jewels. We are loved.
November 12, 2009
A sweet book. Mrs. Serita Jakes authored a beautiful book. I truly enjoyed the stories she told. The way she conveyed her relationship with Our Great Creator was so sweet and personal.
July 15, 2016
This book is an honest and inspiring book with true testimonies. It really is a good book, I think everyone should give it a try. Its an eye opener to really dig within yourself to become all God has called you to be.
October 22, 2021
The Princess Within is a beautiful look at all a woman of faith can be—written like an encouraging letter to support, share hope, and remove barriers for women who may not realize that they are loved, valued, snd forgiven. It reads like a lighted pathway for redemption, acceptance, and joy.
A great book about becoming all that God says we can be. Mrs. Jakes presents an easy to read and relatable look with references from her life and specific women in the Bible. The author shares honestly and leaves you with the feeling that you just spoke with a good friend. I like her style and look forward to reading more of her books.
A great book about becoming all that God says we can be. Mrs. Jakes presents an easy to read and relatable look with references from her life and specific women in the Bible. The author shares honestly and leaves you with the feeling that you just spoke with a good friend. I like her style and look forward to reading more of her books.
December 14, 2025
This book made me more aware of the Princess that God has called me to be. In a world where diseny dreams are just fantasy, The word of The Lord is truth. Surely the truth shall set you free - John 8: 32
October 30, 2020
The best book ever
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2011
WOnderfully CHrist empowering book, and most definatley forthose who are wanting to grow in christ but are have trouble finding their strength to do so. I would reccommend this to all friends and family members not only women, even those presented for them, but men could learn a little from this as well.
November 5, 2013
Best book ever read. Mrs. Serita Jakes has a writing style that invites joy and settles the heart to calm itself. Throughout reading this book you smile, laugh with thanksgiving, cry, and are delivered from your past failures.
September 21, 2008
Easy read, enjoyed the princess theory able to apply some to my life. Truly enjoyed the way TD Jakes describes is wife in the beginning of the book.
January 8, 2013
Great book! the author shares her heart and her experiences and show how great God's love and grace towards us. The power of love that awakes, unleashes and releases our soul.
October 12, 2013
Excellent source of inspiration. Definitely recommended to family and friends.
May 1, 2015
I think every women should read this book
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews