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The Advent Calendar

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When Aliceâ s Uncle Sam brings home a mysterious calendar thatâ s short on chocolate but big on surprises, she is thrown into an advent she never dreamed of. Codes arrive by text message and open the doors in the calendar, drawing Alice and Sam into fantastical new worlds that are wondrous, frightening and beautiful - and strangely familiar. Packed with codes and secrets, and inviting us to explore the deeper meanings of Christmas, this enthralling and touching tale can be read on many levels, and will be loved by adults and children alike.

253 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

15 people are currently reading
20 people want to read

About the author

Steven Croft

145 books2 followers

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5 stars
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6 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Lucy-Bookworm.
767 reviews17 followers
December 13, 2015
This book has become part of my Advent traditions - I read it every year, and although the story is now very familiar to me, somehow it still surprises & challenges each year
Profile Image for Trish.
1,263 reviews20 followers
November 27, 2022
So I borrowed this on a whim, not really knowing what to expect. And honestly, I'm struggling with exactly how to describe it... A self-absorbed man and his niece discover the true meaning of Christmas as they journey through a magical advent calendar? That makes it sound like a TV movie - and admittedly there are some bits that are a bit cheesy (and dated) but overall it's done very well, and I found myself really drawn in.

I would specifically recommend it for "lifer" Christians. I think we often become jaded in our faith as we lose a bit of wonder, and no longer marvel at the miracles.

My favorite scene: a land of darkness, as a small light appears. And the people's reaction: "But the people around them had never seen light at all, it seemed. Some reached forward straining towards the burning torch, fascinated by its glare. Others shrank back, shielding their eyes and looking for the familiar shadows."
3 reviews
November 22, 2018
My new favorite book

I decided to read The Advent Calendar when an online friend mentioned she planned to read it again this year, one chapter a day in December. I couldn’t stop at the end of chapter one. The writing style reminds me of C.S. Lewis.
This is not your usual Christmas story. It’s so much more. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to know “what all the fuss is about, anyone who is in need of a spiritual boost, or anyone who is well-settled.
10 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2018
Eye opening.

I would recommend this for everyone. I would also like to see this as an actual advent calendar for purchase.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
723 reviews
December 14, 2020
Giving this book a 21/2 stars. It wasn't what I expected and a bit disappointed. Although it had a good message it wasn't my favourite book.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,610 reviews49 followers
November 29, 2012
I almost stopped reading this book, when I was 33% into reading it. I didn't much care for the two main characters. Alice and Sam weren't very nice people. I put the book up for several days to read something else. The book took on more interest as I continued to read. Sam and Alice were given an advent calendar. Sam would get a code each day on his cell phone. When the code was punched, they would be taken to a different reality, and they were taught about the gospel, without really knowing what they were learning. They had several different guides a long the way. Both of them started to change, and became better people. Alice and Sam became examples and helpers to others throughout their lives, because of the experiences they gained through the advent calendar adventures.
Profile Image for Danada.
162 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2020
I've read this one 4 times already (at least) and intend to keep it as part of my Advent/and or Christmas tradition each year. I continue to gain new insight and always love following along with Alice and Sam as they explore the adventure of the Advent Calendar.
Profile Image for Laurel.
Author 1 book37 followers
December 26, 2014
A very interesting story. I really enjoyed the different visual stories for each day, and the character growth of Sam and Alice was excellent. a good read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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