The Advent Box

by Shannon Taylor

Christmas should be the best time of the year when your family owns a shop called Deck the Halls. But for twelve-year-old Krista Sorenson, the season's shaping up to be more stressful than merry. Her mom's going on bed rest, stage fright has her stuck in the wings, and her brain turns to tinsel whenever her crush, Nate Alvarez, is around.

When Krista discovers a mysterious Advent Box that seems to grant wishes, she thinks all her problems are solved. But as her wishes take surprising turns—and her grandparents announce they’re selling the store—Krista must uncover the box's true purpose before it’s too late.

Warm, funny, and brimming with holiday cheer, this cozy family story is perfect for readers who believe in the magic of Christmas traditions—and a little wishful thinking.

“This is a Hallmark Christmas movie begging to be made that would appeal to all ages… Hallmark are you listening?? Tear jerker for sure. Loved it.” – Amazon Reviewer

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Shannon Taylor is a former magazine and literature textbook editor. Originally from Minnesota, she's living in an old brick house called "Lolligogin" just north of Baltimore, Maryland. She and her husband have four kids: one's a filmmaker, another works for an organization that supports local artists, and the youngest two are in college. She loves hanging out with her family and their golden retriever (Teddy), knitting, reading, baking, and playing the piano and guitar. She learned how to row when she lived on an island in the Pacific Northwest and is writing a novel based on that amazing experience. She's also working on a cozy mystery series set in a small town on the Chesapeake Bay.

Reviews

[Karey Sizemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas read, just perfect for the holiday season! Bringing the magic of Christmas back one day at a time!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krista lives in a small community in Minnesota where she is surrounded by her family. Her grandparents own a Christmas store, and Krista helps them out often after school. One day, she comes across a beautiful Advent Box that she thinks might be broken, but interestingly enough, the elf inside is writing a letter to her. She’s intrigued so home it goes. Soon she finds out the magic of the Advent Box and what it can do to help her and those she loves.

This is a charming little story! The book was running like a movie in my head while I was reading it so I’m sure it would make a cute Christmas movie. Read this one. It won’t disappoint.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching, creative look at the Christmas season, filled with characters you'll love, a little magic, wonder and suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Shannon Taylor's book. Treat yourself to a new and imaginative holiday read.

[Diane J]

I loved this book. Relatable and well developed characters. Great story and wonderfully descriptive setting. The main character is a seventh grader, but the author is such a good writer that the story will appeal to the most discerning reader, of any age. A touch of magic and mystery. Perfect book to pull out every December and make reading it together a family tradition. It will get you in the mood for the holidays!

[Cheryl Long O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Read it every Christmas. Hope to start reading it to the grandkids as a tradition.

[AngieA Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Advent Box is a delightful book about Krista, a 7th grader in Olson's Landing, Minnesota. Her grandparents own a Christmas shop, Deck the Halls, where Krista finds an antique Advent Box. On December first, she thinks it is broken because the door won't open. Then, her friend, Sam, notices a note on the elf's desk that says, "Krista, make a wish." This is how Krista meets Felix, the resident elf of the Advent Box who sends her clues to the gift of the day. Thus begins a roller coaster adventure of 25 days where Krista and Felix build a relationship where they try to help a small boy, save Deck the Halls, manage Krista's aunt's love life, participate in school concerts, and wait for Krista's new baby sister to arrive! One fun thing about this book is that the chapters are divided by the 25 days of Advent and would make a great family read-aloud for each day. A year's worth of chocolate? A reindeer? A necklace? She is hoping that if Felix is granting wishes, he will help her prevent the need to sell Deck the Halls and keep Aunt Julia from leaving for her high-powered job in NYC. This is a fun story that brings to light how self-confidence can help us do hard things, how families and neighbors rely on each other, how misunderstandings need to be resolved, and how forgiveness is crucial to relationships but not in a heavy handed way. I am happy to add it to my LFL Christmas collection. Highly recommend.

[Laurin Teegarden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect light read to enjoy with family to get in the holiday spirit!

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read that will spark joy in your holidays!

[Diane Whittaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book consisted of a surprise found in the attic that brought magic and happiness into an already caring family and town. A book you won't want to put down.