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The Doublewide
Candy just wanted a home she could afford. What she found was a whole new beginning.Candy Schein has always lived life from the sidelines—quiet, overlooked, and perfectly fine staying invisible. Life taught her early that silence was safer, so she made a habit of disappearing into the background.
Then she spots a dented, blue doublewide—a kind of faded but beautiful blue, oversized and deeply discounted. It’s imperfect. It’s bold. And somehow, it feels like home.
Buying it should be simple. Instead, it pulls Candy into a world she’s avoided for talking to strangers, navigating paperwork, asking for help. To claim her new home, she’ll have to step forward, speak up, and face everything she thought she’d left behind—including the possibility of being loved.
The Doublewide is a heartfelt, humorous story of self-discovery, second chances, and finding unexpected joy in the messiest, most human parts of life.
Then she spots a dented, blue doublewide—a kind of faded but beautiful blue, oversized and deeply discounted. It’s imperfect. It’s bold. And somehow, it feels like home.
Buying it should be simple. Instead, it pulls Candy into a world she’s avoided for talking to strangers, navigating paperwork, asking for help. To claim her new home, she’ll have to step forward, speak up, and face everything she thought she’d left behind—including the possibility of being loved.
The Doublewide is a heartfelt, humorous story of self-discovery, second chances, and finding unexpected joy in the messiest, most human parts of life.
- GenresBook Club
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 22, 2026
Since the pandemic I have had a hard time finding books to read. My former edgy-dark-dystopian books are too damned close to actual lived reality, and no longer feel like any kind of respite or recreation. So there have been a bunch of books started but not finished.
So this book was all kinds of good for me. The writing is exquisite without being self-conscious or fiddly. And while I have successfully navigated career, marriage, and parenthood, I truly understand the mindset of a Fat Girl, and how it would be so much easier to pull yourself into a shell where you are less likely to get hurt.
What I did not expect was the careful and loving handling of the issues of aging - how hard it is for everyone involved to navigate the “New Normal” that arrives somehow predictably and yet entirely unexpectedly. In my own life I am dealing with a parent who had a stroke four months ago, and lord, the scenes in the care facility hit me hard. The facility is fine and the patients are well cared-for. But this isn’t what anybody wants or expects from their own life and the transitions are terribly hard for everyone.
What I need right now - and what this book delivered, joyfully - is a reminder that people are mostly pretty good. And even when the not-good shows itself, there is a path back to mostly good. What a blessed relief to experience a story that doesn’t use extreme devices to ratchet up the tension.
Highly HIGHLY recommended.
So this book was all kinds of good for me. The writing is exquisite without being self-conscious or fiddly. And while I have successfully navigated career, marriage, and parenthood, I truly understand the mindset of a Fat Girl, and how it would be so much easier to pull yourself into a shell where you are less likely to get hurt.
What I did not expect was the careful and loving handling of the issues of aging - how hard it is for everyone involved to navigate the “New Normal” that arrives somehow predictably and yet entirely unexpectedly. In my own life I am dealing with a parent who had a stroke four months ago, and lord, the scenes in the care facility hit me hard. The facility is fine and the patients are well cared-for. But this isn’t what anybody wants or expects from their own life and the transitions are terribly hard for everyone.
What I need right now - and what this book delivered, joyfully - is a reminder that people are mostly pretty good. And even when the not-good shows itself, there is a path back to mostly good. What a blessed relief to experience a story that doesn’t use extreme devices to ratchet up the tension.
Highly HIGHLY recommended.
October 29, 2025
This sweet novel features a young woman who is embarking through the milestones of adulthood. This includes buying her first home and making her own life decisions.
It’s written as a heartwarming tribute to caregivers of all types. This book was a gentle breath of fresh air.
It’s written as a heartwarming tribute to caregivers of all types. This book was a gentle breath of fresh air.
October 23, 2025
You won't be disappointed by this novel--it is entertaining on every page. The life lessons are real, the anxieties are well portrayed and given just the right amount of humor that you can see growth on the part of the main character throughout. Attention is also brought to those who are caregivers and how much more appreciative we should be of their services that they share with us and with us. Candy, the main character, gives us an intimate view of that life. What a joy to read and offer to others on our shelves at Bay Books!
October 26, 2025
I treasure this touching exploration of self-discovery which unfolds during the life of a healthcare worker.
January 23, 2026
Quietly funny, deeply human, and unexpectedly moving
The Doublewide is one of those books that sneaks up on you. It looks gentle on the surface—and it is—but it’s also sharp, observant, and emotionally honest in a way that feels incredibly real.
Candy Schein is the kind of character you don’t often see centered in a story: quiet, cautious, used to staying invisible because life taught her that was safer. Watching her slowly step into herself—through something as ordinary (and symbolic) as buying a dented blue doublewide—was both tender and surprisingly powerful. The trailer isn’t just a home; it becomes a turning point, a place where Candy starts choosing herself.
Ann Goethals writes with warmth and humor, especially in the awkward, everyday moments: uncomfortable conversations, paperwork nightmares, the fear of asking for help. Nothing is exaggerated, yet everything feels meaningful. I found myself smiling one moment and quietly emotional the next.
What really stayed with me is how the book treats growth—not as a dramatic reinvention, but as a series of small, brave steps. Candy doesn’t suddenly become someone else. She just becomes more present. And that feels earned.
This is a story about second chances, connection, and learning that you don’t have to disappear to be safe—or worthy of love. If you enjoy character-driven novels with heart, humor, and a lot of quiet truth, The Doublewide is absolutely worth your time.
The Doublewide is one of those books that sneaks up on you. It looks gentle on the surface—and it is—but it’s also sharp, observant, and emotionally honest in a way that feels incredibly real.
Candy Schein is the kind of character you don’t often see centered in a story: quiet, cautious, used to staying invisible because life taught her that was safer. Watching her slowly step into herself—through something as ordinary (and symbolic) as buying a dented blue doublewide—was both tender and surprisingly powerful. The trailer isn’t just a home; it becomes a turning point, a place where Candy starts choosing herself.
Ann Goethals writes with warmth and humor, especially in the awkward, everyday moments: uncomfortable conversations, paperwork nightmares, the fear of asking for help. Nothing is exaggerated, yet everything feels meaningful. I found myself smiling one moment and quietly emotional the next.
What really stayed with me is how the book treats growth—not as a dramatic reinvention, but as a series of small, brave steps. Candy doesn’t suddenly become someone else. She just becomes more present. And that feels earned.
This is a story about second chances, connection, and learning that you don’t have to disappear to be safe—or worthy of love. If you enjoy character-driven novels with heart, humor, and a lot of quiet truth, The Doublewide is absolutely worth your time.
January 7, 2026
Sending thanks to Ann Goethals, author and Goodreads First Reads for the eBook Kindle copy of The Doublewide that I won in the Giveaway.
Candy is an interesting and slowly changing character as she works to make her dream of having a home of her own. She has saved for five years for a downpayment while working at a care facility for seniors as a LVN.
She a big girl with a round face and body (author's description) and lives in her mind alone making up stories and plans for the home she wants. She isn't really unhappy with her life and being alone now that her Grandah, who raised her. now lives in the care home where she works.
She has a chance meeting with a nice guy that steps up to help her and give her guidance through the buying procss, finding contractors and givng hints how to make deals with them, shows up to give her advise and her confidence builds.
She not only makes friends with Clint, she deepens her friendship with a couple of co=workers, helps Clint with his elderly Mom and deals with some strangers along the way even whenthey are unkind to her.
The end is a bit up in the air and the story will continue in the next book in the series for Clint and Candy. I look forward to reading it see how it develops for this shy and rather awkward couple with good hearts and heavy responsibilities.
Candy is an interesting and slowly changing character as she works to make her dream of having a home of her own. She has saved for five years for a downpayment while working at a care facility for seniors as a LVN.
She a big girl with a round face and body (author's description) and lives in her mind alone making up stories and plans for the home she wants. She isn't really unhappy with her life and being alone now that her Grandah, who raised her. now lives in the care home where she works.
She has a chance meeting with a nice guy that steps up to help her and give her guidance through the buying procss, finding contractors and givng hints how to make deals with them, shows up to give her advise and her confidence builds.
She not only makes friends with Clint, she deepens her friendship with a couple of co=workers, helps Clint with his elderly Mom and deals with some strangers along the way even whenthey are unkind to her.
The end is a bit up in the air and the story will continue in the next book in the series for Clint and Candy. I look forward to reading it see how it develops for this shy and rather awkward couple with good hearts and heavy responsibilities.
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October 20, 2025Reading the first few pages I'm thinking, why would I care about this character and especially a doublewide trailer home? But I was committed to read this story, so game on - lets see what happens here.
First of all, how many Candy's are out there in the world who live life day-to-day disappearing into the shadows so they don't have to interact with other people? These are folks who don't make eye contact in the grocery aisle, move out of the way if they see you walking down the street or those who make themselves so small that you gloss over them instantly.
Thank you Ann for helping us understand the Candys of the world better by allowing us inside their heads and hearts.
Everybody needs connection and kindness from others. So proud of Candy for her bravery to step out of her secure and stifling world for a better life.
And a huge shout out to the author for shining a light on end of life care. If we're all so lucky to live that long, lets hope we have a Candy to care for us.
I came to care a lot about the characters and can't wait for the next book to see what happens!
First of all, how many Candy's are out there in the world who live life day-to-day disappearing into the shadows so they don't have to interact with other people? These are folks who don't make eye contact in the grocery aisle, move out of the way if they see you walking down the street or those who make themselves so small that you gloss over them instantly.
Thank you Ann for helping us understand the Candys of the world better by allowing us inside their heads and hearts.
Everybody needs connection and kindness from others. So proud of Candy for her bravery to step out of her secure and stifling world for a better life.
And a huge shout out to the author for shining a light on end of life care. If we're all so lucky to live that long, lets hope we have a Candy to care for us.
I came to care a lot about the characters and can't wait for the next book to see what happens!
March 7, 2026
This novel is a joy to read. It makes total sense that the author was a high school English teacher before she retired to write books. We’re inside the head of the main character, Candy, thinking and feeling with her as she learns to navigate her life in Northern Michigan. It’s a comforting read, almost a fantasy, but at the same time believable as we clearly see what brings a “red, fat, alone” young woman out into the world. And what a great premise—how pursuing the dream of buying a modest prefab home can be a life changer.
April 7, 2026
Goethal's debut novel is a heartwarming story about a young woman stepping out of her comfort zone and learning to trust both herself and others.
When Candy Shein falls in love with a blue doublewide and dares to make her dream of homeownership a reality, she embarks on a journey that leads her to new friendships, renewed confidence, and maybe even love.
The beauty and magic of northern Michigan fills Goethal's novel, and I was touched by the recognition of the hard work of nurses and caretakers. I am looking forward to the sequel!
When Candy Shein falls in love with a blue doublewide and dares to make her dream of homeownership a reality, she embarks on a journey that leads her to new friendships, renewed confidence, and maybe even love.
The beauty and magic of northern Michigan fills Goethal's novel, and I was touched by the recognition of the hard work of nurses and caretakers. I am looking forward to the sequel!
January 11, 2026
I loved it!
Candy is the main character & a nurse/caregiver at a nursing home. As a child she was overweight & due to this kids called names, teased her, etc. Because of this you can see why she built a wall to protect herself from others. As an adult she is still afraid of people hurting her & does her best to remain in the background, making herself "invisible". It truly is a feel good book & will bring some "sunshine " into your life.
Candy is the main character & a nurse/caregiver at a nursing home. As a child she was overweight & due to this kids called names, teased her, etc. Because of this you can see why she built a wall to protect herself from others. As an adult she is still afraid of people hurting her & does her best to remain in the background, making herself "invisible". It truly is a feel good book & will bring some "sunshine " into your life.
March 29, 2026
I normally don’t write book reviews, but I am compelled to write one for this special book. Candy is such a well-rounded, realistic character—flaws and all. She makes mistakes, she stews over them, and she learns from them and moves ahead. This was a delightful story to read as she goes through her journey of self-exploration and growth. It also explores our “invisible“ caretakers and the roles that they play in the lives of our loved ones. I highly recommend that you read this book.
October 17, 2025
Candy's life is a struggle, yes, but she is making it... mostly. And suddenly, she is stuck by a seemingly impossible dream. The Doublewide is not a fairy tale, no one shows up with a magic wand. But you care about Candy, you understand her situation and want her to land with her feet on the ground and her head up.
December 20, 2025
Touching and Inspiring…
What makes and defines a person? What makes a home? For one soul, the land and links to her grandfather and the community she loves has shaped her, raised her, and enabled her to mature focusing on her dreams, needs, and independence as she purchases her double wide, a home in a place she loves as much as needs.
What makes and defines a person? What makes a home? For one soul, the land and links to her grandfather and the community she loves has shaped her, raised her, and enabled her to mature focusing on her dreams, needs, and independence as she purchases her double wide, a home in a place she loves as much as needs.
March 27, 2026
Must read!! Our bookclub read this book. Ann Goethals author and local Chicagoan, joined our bookclub to review. She is engaging and authentic! The characters come to life. To paraphrase the author, Candy came to being after seeing the caregivers of her loved ones be ignored. This book should be read by everyone and bookclub.
May 20, 2026
So apparently MAGA people are uncharitable? Really? I can’t recommend this book since it will offend 1/2 the reading population. Seriously unnecessary. I hope this author has more sense when writing the supposed next book. No one cares about your need to make petty jabs. Get over yourself. Very immature.
October 14, 2025
I was really enjoying this book, but I read for entertainment and when you go putting your political views in I'm out, so I only read the first third and then the last few pages to see if she did get what she wanted.
February 22, 2026
Such a beautiful and realistic story of love and growth. I think that anyone who has worked in caregiving or has taken care of an aging parent could really relate and take comfort in this writing. Clint and Candy (and Rusty) forever ❤️
October 11, 2025
Just a good story about a character that was so relatable. The writer created a realistic story of a healthcare worker.
October 19, 2025
4 stars
October 26, 2025
A good story
An honest book. I enjoyed & look forward to the sequel. Good to read of a woman far from perfect, finding her way.
An honest book. I enjoyed & look forward to the sequel. Good to read of a woman far from perfect, finding her way.
November 9, 2025
I loved meeting Candy. I am so happy for her growth and it gives me guidance on how to open up myself to the love that is out there for me in my little life.
February 17, 2026
Short and sweet
March 8, 2026
A lovely novel. I enjoyed the characters and quickly got absorbed into the story. looking forward to the sequel.
March 29, 2026
Cute story. I enjoyed this book in part because the setting was in my neck of the woods. I'm rooting for Sandy and Clint to find love.
April 3, 2026
Some books you pick up and you don’t put down until they’re finished, and this is one of those.
May 23, 2026
"See me now" sings Danielle Ponder.
Here is a book that sees into the complexity of what many of us haughtily assume are simple lives.
Here is a book that sees into the complexity of what many of us haughtily assume are simple lives.
July 13, 2026
I think the word I'd use for this book is... nuanced. There's a lot here, and a lot of it is good. Worth a read.
November 8, 2025
A wonderful story. I’d like to spend more time with Candy and Clint.
November 30, 2025
We rarely hear the concept of Home described this way-
“Time to get serious. Time to go out and bring herself a home.”
I enjoyed this novel. The up north/Traverse City references, the nursing home setting, and the protagonist struggle to build a home made for an interesting and comforting read.
October 7, 2025
Such a great read! Captures the beauty and struggle and perseverance of people in small town northern Michigan
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews