I adore this story. I also love the fact that I am now, courtesy of Mr Doubler somewhat of a potatoe aficionado and thanks to Mrs Millwood also able to debate the pomology of breeding a Granny Smith. I have to admit the latter isn’t completely new to me after reading an excellent novel with the core themes of apple and tree breeding. Anyway, I digress.

At the heart of this tale is a man called Mr Doubler. He lives on an isolated farm, which is surrounded by land owned by rich businessman, who is determined to have the land Doubler lives on too. Mr Doubler has withdrawn since the death of his wife a few decades ago, almost to the point of agoraphobia. The only contact he has to the outside world are the occasional visits from his children and grandchildren, who are trying to force him into selling his land, and Mrs Millwood the woman who cleans his house.

Until Mrs Millwood is unable to come to work Mr Doubler doesn’t realise how much he has come to enjoy their discussions and her company. He retreats even more and neglects himself, but he hasn’t reckoned with the stubbornness of Mrs Millwood and her daughter.

It truly is an adorable, heart-warming and amusing story about loneliness and friendship. It might seem like a contradiction to mention loneliness and amusing in one sentence, but this story highlights the perfect contrast between chosen solitude and the descent into an almost hermit-like existence. It’s a breathe of fresh air that shows the true breadth of human kindness.

It also shows the magnitude of small acts of goodwill. We live in an era that is known for being almost forgetful, neglectful even, to the elderly and the more isolated in our society. Glaister shows the reader what can happen when we pay attention to someone other than ourselves. It’s a beautiful read.

I really enjoyed this book. I found Doubler easy to like and while set in his ways (to an extreme!) he was quite self-aware. His relationship with his housekeeper was a joy to see unfold throughout the book and she really helped him to develop a life outside his farm. I found the story kept my attention from beginning to end and I cared about Doubler and Mrs Millwood and the whole cast of other characters. I’ve seen the book described as ‘Charming’ and that’s exactly what it is. My only complaint is that it ended a bit too ambiguously- maybe there will be a follow up? I’ll be first in the queue if there is.

The story centres on Mr. Doubler living a solitary life in a hill top farm bereft of wife, at odds with his grown up children, happily intent on the work of breeding a new potato species. However he does enjoy the regular visit of his house keeper who engages him in lively conversation over lunch. When the house keeper is taken ill in hospital they continue their regular conversations on the phone and she decides to somehow gently move him back into society. What happens thereafter makes a most enjoyable read about interesting characters with scintillating dialogue punctuated with many hilarious moments. A story observing old age and solitude and exploring what it takes to get out of the rut and find a new life. The many asides about human relations and old age with the need to adapt to changing roles will strike a note with many readers. A most thoughtful and delightful read.

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.

What a delightful story. Sometimes it's a pleasure to discover a book that is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. The characters are very engaging, Who wouldn't like friends like Mr. Doubler's? The more troublesome people in the novel are so well portrayed too.
If you are looking for a '''feel good factor" story I strongly recommend "Mr. Doubler Begins Again". I loved this book and will certainly be looking forward to reading more Seni Glaister novels. Thank you Netgalley.

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.