Rockin' Around That Christmas Tree

by Donna Hill, Francis Ray

Denise has always been the faithful wife and dutiful mother. As a matter of fact, it seems that is all she has been in the twenty-plus years she and her husband, Edward, have been married. But the kids are grown and out of the house, and she's ready to live a few dreams of her own. Edward, however, would like to keep things just the way they are, and Denise realizes that if she doesn't do something drastic, then all she will ever be is a mother and wife.

When Denise drops the bomb at Thanksgiving dinner that she is leaving Edward and selling the house, everyone is stunned, and her announcement opens the door to Morrison Family Dysfunction 101. Edward moves in with his crazy Aunt Etta, their daughter Christine moves back home when she suspects her husband is cheating on her, and their son Anthony is simply dazed and confused. In the midst of it all, Edward hatches a plan to get his wife back. Not only does he plan to be back at home and in their bed, but he also knows that, come Christmas, he and Denise will be...Rockin' Around That Christmas Tree.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward thinks that the way to prove he is a man is to be the best provider that he can be for his family. He provided a roof over his family’s heads and gave them anything they wanted. However, he forgot that having a good marriage is a partnership. Denise never worked outside of the home, but she raised her children and took care of her husband’s needs without ever thinking about what she wanted. After 27 years of marriage and their kids out of the house, Denise has decided she wants to design and sew clothes for others. When Edward forbids her from doing this, she decides she is going to wake him up, by asking for a divorce. She even goes as far as contacting a realtor to make it seem like she wants to sell the house. She enlists her daughter, who has hit a rough patch in her marriage, in her scheme. Edward’s response and change are very entertaining. This was a such a fun book to read. It was different than your typical romance novels. The main characters were a mature, married couple who are navigating life after their kids leave the nest.

[Alise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a nice Christmas reconciliation romance. I enjoyed the characters and the subplot that runs parallel through the story. The romance was incredibly sweet. However, it loses all stakes because the character is very clear from the beginning that she is asking for this divorce to get him to change his behavior, not because she intends to go through with it. Overall it seems like that trivializes all the choices she is making because she is often talking about if certain choices are too far and she intends for them to work.

[Shannon Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

How cute was this??

This book had a nice twist on it. What a way to get the attention from your husband and children. I love the inner strength Denise possesses is so beautiful. I love the story line and adding a little Christmas magic always make any story special.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet low stakes christmas romance. Donna Hill writes great characters and dialog.

[Essence Cropper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and enjoyable read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Denise decides that after 27 years of marriage, she has to be able to breath, to grow to do things on her own. Her marriage with Edward has been wonderful, he is a succeful construction company owner. But he has also always done EVERYTHING himself.... Every part of their life is His domain... except the kitchen and cleaning and shopping.... those are his wife. Now that she wants to start her own business of designing and making clothes, he puts his foot down and says now, under any circumstances she will not make clothes for people who just want to take advantage of her because she will make it cheaper than they can buy it.

So she demands a divorce right before Thanksgiving. Edward has until Christmas to get a clue and learn to appreciate his wife. Can he do it? Will Denise get her Christmas Miricle........

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for married couples. It makes you think about your self worth and realize the work that's needed to keep your marriage the blessed reunion it is meant to be!!!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great holiday read! I loved the characters and the swing of it all. Go Girl!