I had doubts when choosing 'Mr Doubler Begins Again', as this book is not a genre that i would usually read. As i am up for trying something different now again, i am so pleased that i did. Despite a slow start, this turned out to be a very enjoyable. The story will remain for sometime in my thoughts. I am not going to write what the story is about as i prefer one to read it for themselves, but i do recommend.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.

I love the current trend of novels featuring older characters in a protagonist role. Perhaps, its because I am closer to being older than young myself?

‘Mr Doubler Begins Again’, is the story of a man who has lost his wife and retreated into his home and business because it’s what he knows, what he likes, and most importantly it won’t leave him. His children visit, but his main contact with the outside world is Mrs Millwood his housekeeper, who not only keeps his house but also makes sure he receives the emotional support he needs.

His reliance on his trusty housekeeper is shaken when she is hospitalised and he finds his life is lonely, and not as full as he thought.

Told in a charming way, the reclusive Mr Doubler learns to trust others and to give friendship in return. Just like his potatoes, people are many varieties and some are better suited than others.

The characters are steeped in authenticity, and the rural way of life is celebrated. Not everyone has good intentions, but all have a part to play in Mr Doubler’s reemergence from his grief.

A lovely story full of poignant, relatable moments.

I received a copy of this book from HQ via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I loved the premise of this book, whereby the potato obsessed, semi-reclusive Doubler has a second chance at happiness but wanted to know more about Mrs. Milwood. I enjoyed this book and would be happy to read a sequel including more about the other characters. Thanks NetGalley!

What a wonderful touching and funny book about a man who likes routine and potatoes and then suddenly realises that there is a whole wide world out. Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for letting me review this book which I probably would not have thought to do.

This book was a little hard to get into to start. A slow burner, but keep going. It turns out to be a real feel good journey. The characters are stubborn but believable. A great ending to the book too. #mrdoublerbeginsagain, #netgally.

Mr Doubler lives alone at the top of a hill in Mirth Farm. He seeks to be the best potato grower in the country,and devotes his every waking hour to their care and seeking to find the perfect formula to grow and create the best potatoes. He is visited daily by Mrs Millwood who is his housekeeper and keeps him in check, but she always worries about him.. When she is taken poorly it shakes him as his routine is broken, and her daughter Midge starts to visit to help him and offers him a new perspective on life and asks for his help with her mother so poorly.

What I found striking about this story is the mix of characters that we are introduced to. Many of them are very stubborn and set in their ways, but they have hearts of gold and often aren't appreciated by those closest to them. It takes others to see them for what they are and treat them as real human beings, and it only takes a short time to hear their stories and take their feelings into account. Throughout the book we are aware that some of the characters have bad relationships and feelings towards their children, who have seemingly done little to understand them and though they might perceive what they are doing is best for the elderly parent, it is often not what the parent wanted or had hoped for and they become quite bitter in how they have been treated.

But that doesn't stop them from caring about those around them, and as Mr Doubler finds himself more involved in the community he starts to listen to the stories of people he meets and comes up with the most delightful solutions to problems and giving meaning back to people who have been forgotten about in their retirement. It focuses on their mental health and wellbeing and how being involved and having a purpose gives them pleasure - there's more to life than daytime TV and bingo for these characters!

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these characters and loved the charming feel to this story! A delightful read!

Mr Doubler is a sweet man who loves the simple pleasures in life, when his cleaner of 15 years is taken ill his life takes on new fulfilment with the help of a few friends on the way. Mrs. Millwood has been Mr. Doubler's only friend for such a long time when she is taken ill he is at a loss, luckily the long lunch chats have built a bond between them that means she was never going to leave him on him own, she sends her firm but fair daughter to keep him on the straight and narrow up on the secluded Mirth farm. Set on a potato farm, this is a heart warming tale of love and loss, friendships and families, exploring those relationships and how they can help your life flourish. I liked all the characters, even his money grabbing son Julian, well written bad guys are my favourite, although Mr Doubler comes a close second with his immense knowledge of gin! A great read I would reccomend to all those worried about loneliness.

A real feel good story. A slow burner and not the easiest to get into, but a sweet read that's lots of fun and full of heart. Would recommend, especially to fans of Eleanor Oliphant.

This a sweet story about how we’re never too old to change and grow as people, as set in our ways as we may seem and how kindness can have a beautiful effect on everyone around us. A lovely read!

Ohh Mr Doubler, he so captured my heart. Loneliness is obviously something that a lot of elderly people struggle with and Mr Doubler is no different. Its just him and his potatoes. A slow burn sweet story.

This book was a slow starter but ended up being very enjoyable. The cast of characters was different than usual, the setting was interesting and the relationships between the characters were sweet and realistic. Very enjoyable feel good read.

This is such a lovely story about a lonely man and how one persons kindness and generosity opens a whole new world for him. A real feel good story.

What a delightful, gentle, and thought provoking read. Mr Doubler lives on his own with his potatoes and he needs no one, or so he thought. Scratch the surface of this grumpy old farmer and you uncover a kind caring person who discovers that when you make others happy your own happiness follows.
When forced from his routine into the company of others and out of his comfort zone he realises just how wonderful having the right people in your life can be. Great characterisations that will make you laugh, smile and angry too. Beautifully written, a compelling read.

A heartwarming wonderful story- about an old man discovering a different kind of life beyond his farm.
Well written easy read.
Thank you to both NetGalley and HQ for my eARC in exchange for my honest unbiased review

This is a lovely, heart-warming tale of morals, families and friendship. The pace is gentle and there are some interesting discussions between characters. Most of the characters grow on you and evolve in to better people but there are also a handful of villains. This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking novel which is well worth a read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this gentle tale, it is a tale of growing old, loneliness and when everything around seems to be lost there is the discovery of so many uplifting aspects of later life that some understanding, compassion and companionship that inject positive reasons for making the most of every day. The tale itself even starts with the gloomy grey misty days of autumn and winter and then gathers warmth and sunshine with the emergence of spring. A wonderful tale, to give hope and a feeling of cosiness without being twee or cloying.

So many books are fast paced these days that this book makes one take time out, reflect and, with some wonderfully humourous passages, lifts the spirits.

Mr Doubler Begins Again is a heartwarming, quirky read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Mr Doubler is a character that I initially found quite annoying as I felt he was quite set in his ways and quite condescending whilst talking to people. However as the novel progressed I started to learn more about him, I warmed to him and found his little quirks quite endearing. He’s obviously quite a lonely character which might explain many of his flaws and these become slightly ironed out as he decides to get out to make more friends. His attempts to do this and the friendships he makes were very heartwarming to read about and I found myself really enjoying watching him come out of his shell a little bit.

As the reader finds out within the first few pages, potatoes feature quite heavily in the book with the many different types of potatoes and uses for them being described in detail. While this might sound a little bit weird or boring it is actually far from it and I found it quite fascinating to lead more about potato farming. Mr Doubler, and the author, clearly know their stuff and it’s one of the quirks that makes Mr Doubler quite such a unique character.

The reader goes on a wonderful journey with Mr Doubler as we follow him from a lonely, potato obsessed man to his attempts to get out to socialise and the new friends he makes. It was lovely to go on this journey with him and I found myself quite sad to leave him when the book finishes. I hope that this isn’t the last we see of him as he’s a brilliantly character!

This is the first novel I have read by this author and I’ll look forward to reading more from her in the future. It has been compared to The Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry which I think is accurate as the style of the book was similar, and Mr Doubler is a character that the reader can really get behind like Harold Fry.

Huge thanks to Izzy Smith for inviting me onto the blog tour and to HQ stories for my copy of this book via Netgalley.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Mr Doubler who is an older man whose life has been spent farming potatoes... And producing surprising products from his potatoes. As the book evolves we realise that this quiet recursive man is actually a success at what he does. There are stories about cross generation relationships, friendships and disappointments.
All told an enjoyable read, warm and cosy for winter weather!

Mr Doubler is a potato farmer who is hidden away from the world at the top of his field sometimes shrouded by mist other times above the clouds in the sun. He is very certain about his opinions and has no qualms in sharing them with Mrs Millwood over lunch after she has done with the housework. He doesn’t realise how important her visits are until her daughter arrives to let him know she can’t make them at the moment. We slowly get to know Mr Doubler, his foibles and his growing bravery to face his fears. Gentle and lovely. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When the weather is cold and you yearn for a warm blanket and hot drink, reach for this book. It suits this premise perfectly!

Mr Doubler is a very proud potato farmer and like many older people, has loved and lost and now makes do with his lot, with the help of his cleaner.

Until his help falls ill! He starts to struggle on his own and eventually caves in and does something he has avoided for years. Help can come in different forms and can be hard to accept, but what opportunities and joy can be found when you do?

This is a beautiful book in many ways. It is filled with hope, love and compassion. And potatoes. Lots of potatoes!