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No Crowns in the Castle: Building a Strong Relationship and a Harmonious Life
A Grammy Award-winning singer and her husband share what a Godly marriage looks like and encourage readers with faith-forward and Biblical relationship advice.
Fantasia Taylor—American Idol, Grammy-winning vocalist, and chart-topping singer—and her husband businessman Kendall Taylor were both successful and living in their purpose when they met and married three weeks later. Their marriage has had its ups and downs, but the one thing that has sustained them through all of it is the practice of taking off their crowns—the accolades, their egos, the things the world tells you matter—and serving each other within the home. It doesn’t matter who you are in the world—you need to humble yourself and serve your partner in order to put your marriage, your family, and your faith first.
Seven years later, after facing a host of real-world challenges—from marital stress to professional and financial pressures, to their high-risk pregnancy and the premature birth of their daughter—Fantasia and Kendall’s marriage has become a beacon of hope and love as they have opened up about their lives in their weekly ‘Taylor Talks’ broadcast. Now, in their first book together, Fantasia and Kendall dish about their shared experiences and struggles, opening up about the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced together and how they have come out stronger for them. They also share stories about how they've made their relationship work against all odds and why they try to always treat each other like royalty.
In their trademark no-nonsense, real-talk style, they discuss topics that affect all relationships, including the importance of submitting to one another, handling conflict, clearing the lines of communication, keeping the romance alive, navigating the challenges of blended family, and how to maintain healthy relationships when you haven’t seen them modeled before.
Insightful, wise, and grounded in faith, Fantasia and Kendall’s story offers hope and encouragement and gives straight-up advice about making your relationships last.
Fantasia Taylor—American Idol, Grammy-winning vocalist, and chart-topping singer—and her husband businessman Kendall Taylor were both successful and living in their purpose when they met and married three weeks later. Their marriage has had its ups and downs, but the one thing that has sustained them through all of it is the practice of taking off their crowns—the accolades, their egos, the things the world tells you matter—and serving each other within the home. It doesn’t matter who you are in the world—you need to humble yourself and serve your partner in order to put your marriage, your family, and your faith first.
Seven years later, after facing a host of real-world challenges—from marital stress to professional and financial pressures, to their high-risk pregnancy and the premature birth of their daughter—Fantasia and Kendall’s marriage has become a beacon of hope and love as they have opened up about their lives in their weekly ‘Taylor Talks’ broadcast. Now, in their first book together, Fantasia and Kendall dish about their shared experiences and struggles, opening up about the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced together and how they have come out stronger for them. They also share stories about how they've made their relationship work against all odds and why they try to always treat each other like royalty.
In their trademark no-nonsense, real-talk style, they discuss topics that affect all relationships, including the importance of submitting to one another, handling conflict, clearing the lines of communication, keeping the romance alive, navigating the challenges of blended family, and how to maintain healthy relationships when you haven’t seen them modeled before.
Insightful, wise, and grounded in faith, Fantasia and Kendall’s story offers hope and encouragement and gives straight-up advice about making your relationships last.
- GenresSelf Help
254 pages, Hardcover
Published April 26, 2022
27 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 15, 2022
I liked the hopeful note of this book. It gave good advice and it had a lot of playful banter with Ken and Tasia.
My only qualm is that they are only married 7 years. That’s just not long enough to be truly battle tested.
Also, the advice is very idealistic and not truly giving an honest gritty look into married life.
As a person who has been married almost 20 years, what single people need is an honest account of married life not the “if you make him feel like a king, he will treat you like a queen” speeches.
My only qualm is that they are only married 7 years. That’s just not long enough to be truly battle tested.
Also, the advice is very idealistic and not truly giving an honest gritty look into married life.
As a person who has been married almost 20 years, what single people need is an honest account of married life not the “if you make him feel like a king, he will treat you like a queen” speeches.
February 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ might not be for everyone, but it was exactly what I needed to hear. The narration on audible was great.
April 18, 2022
I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I’m not a huge fan of stardom, celebrities, etc., but I did watch Fantasia’s season of American Idol back in 2004 and remember being touched by her story and powerful, yet soft demeanor.
When I first began reading No Crowns in the Castle
I love the “king” and “queen” references, infusing each other with both respect and surrender, as well as their explanations of ‘submitting’. They don’t claim to be specialists but have successfully transformed their lives from ‘me’ to ‘we’ and want to help guide and encourage others to do the same. I enjoyed this book tremendously and am thankful for their unapologetic beliefs and faith.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
When I first began reading No Crowns in the Castle
I love the “king” and “queen” references, infusing each other with both respect and surrender, as well as their explanations of ‘submitting’. They don’t claim to be specialists but have successfully transformed their lives from ‘me’ to ‘we’ and want to help guide and encourage others to do the same. I enjoyed this book tremendously and am thankful for their unapologetic beliefs and faith.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
June 4, 2022
No Crowns in the Castle by Fantasia Taylor and Kendall Taylor is a great book to help married couples to take care of one another as God wants us to. I really liked it. Love that they seek God in their lives and their marriage. Format was Fantasia, winner of American Idol Season 3, would tell her side and thoughts, then Kendall would. They would sometimes at the end of the chapters have questions for couples to ask themselves and their partners to help them lead to an understanding of one another. Really nice book. Thank you to #NetGalley , the publishers, and authors for the opportunity to read and review #NoCrownsInTheCastle with my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 29, 2024
Fantasia and Kendall did an amazing job on this read. Learning how to communicate, listen, and grow with your partner is truly amazing! I love the way they keep God as the head of their relationship. Beautiful read♥️
May 21, 2022
In No Crowns in the Castle, Fantasia and Kendall Taylor have teamed up to write a book about marriage and building a lasting relationship. As many people remember, Fantasia won American Idol in season three and is now an award-winning singer. Kendall is a successful businessman. In the book, they shared how they met and was married three weeks later. They have since been married for over 7 years and they have a blended family. In the book, she shared how her music contact was written and how she only got paid to perform. All the album sales and songwriting royalties went to other people. Kendall revealed his background and how he was shot twice and was a felony. He sold drugs in his teens.
The book begins by describing how she did an interview on the Breakfast Club. She explained that after she got married, she changed and stopped singing about the same things she used too. Her music and song choices changed on her latest album. She found love and she wanted to make music that brought people together. She went into discussing how women are trying to be the leader and we can’t be the king in the house. She stated how women need to be the queen. She also used a term about how women need to submit and how the queen is the most important piece in chess. This led to a lot of backlash after this interview. They explained how this is a Biblical principle and it requires trust and it can only happen when someone else is aligned with God. They revealed how they believe marriage is become not appreciated and not protected. Their main goal of the book is to help readers to know that marriage is possible and they can have a lasting marriage. They have provided ten topics to help us grow together as a couple. These included dealing with blended families, improving strong communication, emotional conflicts, dating for life, and much more.
I would recommend this awesome book on marriage to anyone who is looking for a book to improve their relationship with their spouse. I immensely loved how they discussed the conflicts of blending a family together and the challenges that come with it. I loved how they are both Christians and they shared how God helped them in building a strong marriage. I also appreciated and connected with how Fantasia compared submission and harmony to marriage and being in key and choosing not to overpower another person while you are performing together.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
The book begins by describing how she did an interview on the Breakfast Club. She explained that after she got married, she changed and stopped singing about the same things she used too. Her music and song choices changed on her latest album. She found love and she wanted to make music that brought people together. She went into discussing how women are trying to be the leader and we can’t be the king in the house. She stated how women need to be the queen. She also used a term about how women need to submit and how the queen is the most important piece in chess. This led to a lot of backlash after this interview. They explained how this is a Biblical principle and it requires trust and it can only happen when someone else is aligned with God. They revealed how they believe marriage is become not appreciated and not protected. Their main goal of the book is to help readers to know that marriage is possible and they can have a lasting marriage. They have provided ten topics to help us grow together as a couple. These included dealing with blended families, improving strong communication, emotional conflicts, dating for life, and much more.
I would recommend this awesome book on marriage to anyone who is looking for a book to improve their relationship with their spouse. I immensely loved how they discussed the conflicts of blending a family together and the challenges that come with it. I loved how they are both Christians and they shared how God helped them in building a strong marriage. I also appreciated and connected with how Fantasia compared submission and harmony to marriage and being in key and choosing not to overpower another person while you are performing together.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords for my honest review.”
April 27, 2022
PLEASE READ THS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://bookreadingtic.com/2022/04/27/... THANK YOU!
Have a Great Life & a Spectacular Marriage!
This is the true story of two very accomplished people. Although achieving that came at a cost, with mistakes and regrets along the way. The two are transparent about the many hard things they faced in their lives. Kendall revealed he was in jail, and had a baby as a young teenager. Fantasia discusses that she was raped, had failed relationships and bankruptcy.
Despite those things, due to hard work and the blessing of God, both have done phenomenally well in their different fields. However, when they married, they found that all their worldly achievements--their crowns--had to stay outside their relationship. They had to face each other on an even playing field, as just an ordinary man and a woman, not stars with all those worldly trappings--AND have the help of God.
By following God's principles, their marriage has, and is, very successful. It is so touching to hear Kendall refer to Fantasia as his queen. As a woman, I would adore having my husband think of me, as well as, call me his queen. Although not always easy, by sticking to Biblical guidelines, they have an amazing relationship--one everyone would be fortunate to have.
I really liked that this couple's story was kept clean, that they have based their relationship on God's word, and their marriage has been very favored. Just like all of us, they are not perfect people, but they follow a perfect God. This five-star book is recommended to anyone in a relationship, or fans of biographies.
Worthy Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, No Crowns in the Castle, for the purpose of review.
Have a Great Life & a Spectacular Marriage!
This is the true story of two very accomplished people. Although achieving that came at a cost, with mistakes and regrets along the way. The two are transparent about the many hard things they faced in their lives. Kendall revealed he was in jail, and had a baby as a young teenager. Fantasia discusses that she was raped, had failed relationships and bankruptcy.
Despite those things, due to hard work and the blessing of God, both have done phenomenally well in their different fields. However, when they married, they found that all their worldly achievements--their crowns--had to stay outside their relationship. They had to face each other on an even playing field, as just an ordinary man and a woman, not stars with all those worldly trappings--AND have the help of God.
By following God's principles, their marriage has, and is, very successful. It is so touching to hear Kendall refer to Fantasia as his queen. As a woman, I would adore having my husband think of me, as well as, call me his queen. Although not always easy, by sticking to Biblical guidelines, they have an amazing relationship--one everyone would be fortunate to have.
I really liked that this couple's story was kept clean, that they have based their relationship on God's word, and their marriage has been very favored. Just like all of us, they are not perfect people, but they follow a perfect God. This five-star book is recommended to anyone in a relationship, or fans of biographies.
Worthy Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, No Crowns in the Castle, for the purpose of review.
December 14, 2023
Oh my GOD! This book is a breath of fresh air! The honesty. The authenticity. The truth that The Taylor’s expressed in this book. They poured out their hearts in this book. They were truly vulnerable about their lives and marriage.
The way Kendall used his business knowledge to break relationships was brilliant!
The way Fantasia used her knowledge on music to break down relationships was genius!
They both broke relationships and marriages down to the lowest common denominator with different perspectives but it all served the same purpose!
Now with Kendall I had to read his writing three times. His metaphors be outta this world! And I was not catching on. Until I read it again, and again and caught on! Then I was like … “Oh that’s a GEM!”.
Now Fantasia writing I caught on right away because I loveeeeee listening to music. So as she broke down relationships, I caught on right away. I read Fantasia writing multiple times as well. Her writing sent chills. I caught myself saying…. “You betta preach Fantasia girl lol”.
I’ve never in my life read a book, highlighted pages in the book, and took notes! By choice! I have never! (I did in school, but that was my FORCE, not by choice).
This book is a GEM! It’s GOLDEN! The Taylor’s really stand for God, Marriage & Family! And this book proves it!
Now I don’t like crying when I read books. I was reading the introduction and I was crying! Lol (So embarrassing).
Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Taylor for a wonderful book!!!!!!!!!!!!
The way Kendall used his business knowledge to break relationships was brilliant!
The way Fantasia used her knowledge on music to break down relationships was genius!
They both broke relationships and marriages down to the lowest common denominator with different perspectives but it all served the same purpose!
Now with Kendall I had to read his writing three times. His metaphors be outta this world! And I was not catching on. Until I read it again, and again and caught on! Then I was like … “Oh that’s a GEM!”.
Now Fantasia writing I caught on right away because I loveeeeee listening to music. So as she broke down relationships, I caught on right away. I read Fantasia writing multiple times as well. Her writing sent chills. I caught myself saying…. “You betta preach Fantasia girl lol”.
I’ve never in my life read a book, highlighted pages in the book, and took notes! By choice! I have never! (I did in school, but that was my FORCE, not by choice).
This book is a GEM! It’s GOLDEN! The Taylor’s really stand for God, Marriage & Family! And this book proves it!
Now I don’t like crying when I read books. I was reading the introduction and I was crying! Lol (So embarrassing).
Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Taylor for a wonderful book!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1, 2024
I’ll give this a solid 3.5. Fantasia and Ken had some pretty solid biblical wisdom/advice pertaining to marriage, however not all of it was biblical. I still heard references to astrology, sage, crystals and all that modern day witchcraft. It started off strong but that aspect did disappoint me. More & more Christian still dapple in it not knowing how harmful it really is. Also for being married 7 years I wouldn’t say you could claim to have found the “secret formula” on how to have a successful marriage. I have parents married for over 32+ years and quite honestly those are the type of people and marriages I want to hear from. I still went into this with an open mind since it was recommended to me. These were just the things that prevented me from giving it a higher rating.
July 9, 2025
4.5 Stars for me. I am an OG Fantasia fan from when she was on Idol. I followed her journey from American Idol to date.
Reading this book for me was especially refreshing seeing her journey of healing, growth, triumph, and thriving in marriage.
It was also great to get insight into her husband and his testimony and how he’s been able to heal, evolve, and grow, especially as a husband.
This is definitely a book that brings honesty into the experience of marriage and doesn’t over glamorize it. Both authors demonstrate self-reflection and accountability into what submission looks like from them both. It does give me hope that marriages can thrive even with little and overcome difficult seasons if you’re willing to be intentional and do the work.
Reading this book for me was especially refreshing seeing her journey of healing, growth, triumph, and thriving in marriage.
It was also great to get insight into her husband and his testimony and how he’s been able to heal, evolve, and grow, especially as a husband.
This is definitely a book that brings honesty into the experience of marriage and doesn’t over glamorize it. Both authors demonstrate self-reflection and accountability into what submission looks like from them both. It does give me hope that marriages can thrive even with little and overcome difficult seasons if you’re willing to be intentional and do the work.
May 20, 2022
Doing it God's way
I really enjoyed this book and even though I will be celebrating my 26 wedding anniversary with my husband this year. It is always good to hear the Love story and the God Story of others. I am Blessed by their story and my prayer is that God will continue to smile upon their marriage and family and that Fantasia will always say Heaven Honey Heaven when she see her husband.
Much love and Blessings to you both .
I really enjoyed this book and even though I will be celebrating my 26 wedding anniversary with my husband this year. It is always good to hear the Love story and the God Story of others. I am Blessed by their story and my prayer is that God will continue to smile upon their marriage and family and that Fantasia will always say Heaven Honey Heaven when she see her husband.
Much love and Blessings to you both .
June 17, 2022
Amazing
This book was a flashlight that lit the way in the dark places in my relationship. It caused me to appreciate the fact that it's okay to serve in God. Read this well put together manual on how to fight the good fight in relationships and win! Many blessings to the Taylors! A job well done!
This book was a flashlight that lit the way in the dark places in my relationship. It caused me to appreciate the fact that it's okay to serve in God. Read this well put together manual on how to fight the good fight in relationships and win! Many blessings to the Taylors! A job well done!
April 27, 2022
Fantasia and Kendall, I just purchase the book today and I'm all READY READY to read it.
May 16, 2022
This was a great book, i could really see their love. And i learned alot from there story. Thank for being so Transparent.
March 24, 2023
Great marriage advice from voices that speak my language.
July 24, 2023
Glad she found love I hope it last. Marriage is hard
August 30, 2023
This book was great. I love their story.
January 11, 2024
A very good book
I liked this book tremendously, it is highly recommended to others. TBE writing style was straight to the point , I felt the love this couple has for each other.
I liked this book tremendously, it is highly recommended to others. TBE writing style was straight to the point , I felt the love this couple has for each other.
January 25, 2024
Insightful, helpful, and enjoyable.
This was so well written and got the message across.
This was so well written and got the message across.
February 26, 2024
My new power couple!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews