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Herring Cove Road #0
Before Herring Cove Road: Ruth Goldman and the Nincompoop
The prequel to the Herring Cove Road (Not-So-Nuclear Family Saga) series.
With her mother's death two years before, her father's recent marriage to a woman she doesn't get along with, and then finding herself engaged to a man she isn't even sure she loves, Ruth decides to take a year away from home to discover what she wants in life. So with a small savings, the support from her much older and lifelong best friend (her family's servant,) and little knowledge of the common world, she sets off for Cambridge, England, where she will meet some 'different' characters, learn what life is like for a single, independent working woman during the depression and befriend a young man who makes up for his lack of looks with his wit, amusing idiosyncrasies and his love for practical jokes.
On her adventure of self-discovery, Ruth will find more than she ever expected. Unbeknownst to her, a secret hides within her family that will eventually enlighten her to herself, to her past, and permanently change the direction of her future.
ABOUT THE SERIES
Taking place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, during the 1970s, the series chronicles the retirement of an introverted old Jewish man as he reluctantly befriends a young and struggling single mother, her naive and lonely son, and then finally a boy streetwise beyond his years.
Volume 1) On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety
Volume 2) Still on Herring Cove Road: Hickory, Dickory, Death
Volume 3) Off Herring Cove Road: The Problem Being Blue
Volume 4) Before Herring Cove Road: Ruth Goldman and the Nincompoop
With her mother's death two years before, her father's recent marriage to a woman she doesn't get along with, and then finding herself engaged to a man she isn't even sure she loves, Ruth decides to take a year away from home to discover what she wants in life. So with a small savings, the support from her much older and lifelong best friend (her family's servant,) and little knowledge of the common world, she sets off for Cambridge, England, where she will meet some 'different' characters, learn what life is like for a single, independent working woman during the depression and befriend a young man who makes up for his lack of looks with his wit, amusing idiosyncrasies and his love for practical jokes.
On her adventure of self-discovery, Ruth will find more than she ever expected. Unbeknownst to her, a secret hides within her family that will eventually enlighten her to herself, to her past, and permanently change the direction of her future.
ABOUT THE SERIES
Taking place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, during the 1970s, the series chronicles the retirement of an introverted old Jewish man as he reluctantly befriends a young and struggling single mother, her naive and lonely son, and then finally a boy streetwise beyond his years.
Volume 1) On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety
Volume 2) Still on Herring Cove Road: Hickory, Dickory, Death
Volume 3) Off Herring Cove Road: The Problem Being Blue
Volume 4) Before Herring Cove Road: Ruth Goldman and the Nincompoop
286 pages, ebook
First published January 18, 2017
306 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Michael Kroft
9 books80 followersMichael Kroft is a Nova Scotian Haligonian and writes fun, easy-to-read character-driven novels about the relationships between complex and mostly lovable characters that are as important to the story as the plot itself. Having completed his first four-book series, Herring Cove Road, where each novel in the unique series is not like the others, he's now working on his next series, The Lovelys' Family Tree.
Michael Kroft's Current Works:
The Four-Volume Not-So-Nuclear Family Saga Series, Herring Cove Road:
●On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety
●Still on Herring Cove Road: Hickory, Dickory, Death
●Off Herring Cove Road: The Problem Being Blue
●Before Herring Cove Road: Ruth Goldman and the Nincompoop
The Family Saga Series, The Lovelys' Family Tree:
●Indentured Bonds: The First Generation, Circa 1715
Michael Kroft's website: michaelkroft.com
Michael Kroft's Twitter: @michaelkroft
Michael Kroft's Current Works:
The Four-Volume Not-So-Nuclear Family Saga Series, Herring Cove Road:
●On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety
●Still on Herring Cove Road: Hickory, Dickory, Death
●Off Herring Cove Road: The Problem Being Blue
●Before Herring Cove Road: Ruth Goldman and the Nincompoop
The Family Saga Series, The Lovelys' Family Tree:
●Indentured Bonds: The First Generation, Circa 1715
Michael Kroft's website: michaelkroft.com
Michael Kroft's Twitter: @michaelkroft
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 24, 2019
Love this series! This episode focus's on one of the main characters (Ruth) from this series and takes us back to her early 20's and finding out who was influential on her development and impacted the person she is now.
In this episode, Ruth is trying to figure out who she is and what she really wants from life.
By the end of this book -'Before Herring Cove Road'- she has gone through adversity and overwhelming challenges which are also instrumental for her growth - unfortunately without pain we cannot grow - and Ruth does a great deal of maturing as she negotiates (often tough) relationships with those she loves the most - And with a great deal of compassion and openness.
Characters are all interesting and very well developed. Mr. Kroft does a tremendous job making it easy for the reader/listener to fall right into the story and feel part of the good, the bad, and the ugly of their lives. Recommend.
In this episode, Ruth is trying to figure out who she is and what she really wants from life.
By the end of this book -'Before Herring Cove Road'- she has gone through adversity and overwhelming challenges which are also instrumental for her growth - unfortunately without pain we cannot grow - and Ruth does a great deal of maturing as she negotiates (often tough) relationships with those she loves the most - And with a great deal of compassion and openness.
Characters are all interesting and very well developed. Mr. Kroft does a tremendous job making it easy for the reader/listener to fall right into the story and feel part of the good, the bad, and the ugly of their lives. Recommend.
August 20, 2019
Before Herring Cove Road: Ruth Goldman and the Nincompoop is the fourth book in the four-book series Herring Cove Road. While this book is the last one written, it is actually a prequel to the other three. It can be read as the fourth book or the first or even in between. For me, it was the third book I read as I had to wait for awhile to get book three from the library.
It was great to go back in time and meet a young Av and Ruth and witness their courtship. I really enjoyed reading the history of these two characters that I had come to love. There are many laugh-out loud moments and witnessing the growing romance was very satisfying. In fact, this was my favorite of the four books in the Herring Cove Road. Did I enjoy this book more because I was already familiar and fond of Av and Ruth? It’s impossible to know.
I wish the series could have continued but it would not have been nearly as much fun. I highly recommend all four books in the Herring Cove Road Series.
It was great to go back in time and meet a young Av and Ruth and witness their courtship. I really enjoyed reading the history of these two characters that I had come to love. There are many laugh-out loud moments and witnessing the growing romance was very satisfying. In fact, this was my favorite of the four books in the Herring Cove Road. Did I enjoy this book more because I was already familiar and fond of Av and Ruth? It’s impossible to know.
I wish the series could have continued but it would not have been nearly as much fun. I highly recommend all four books in the Herring Cove Road Series.
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November 26, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/26/2019)! 🎁
December 24, 2017
Interesting.
Nice love story. The ones who married are the ones that should have married. Good story. I would recommend it to anyone
Nice love story. The ones who married are the ones that should have married. Good story. I would recommend it to anyone
October 4, 2017
I believe this book is a prequel to a series that many people may have enjoyed. I did not find this book especially engaging, but I guess if you were familiar with the series you would really enjoy the background information.
November 1, 2018
This is one of the most delightful books I have ever read. Genial is, I think the best one word description. In a gentle tone--and with wonderfully sympathetic characters--a story of understated kindness, courage and love draws the reader into a world of goodness.
May 16, 2017
With lots of detail as to the time period (British Depression), it was a good read, but a bit far-fetched as a love story.
October 4, 2020
A good distraction
I found this reading very relaxing and pleasant, distracting me for a few hours a day from the brouhaha of everyday life. Getting a bit deeper in the characters of Ruth and Ariel, this well written, uplifting last book of the series helps understand the first 3 books.
I found this reading very relaxing and pleasant, distracting me for a few hours a day from the brouhaha of everyday life. Getting a bit deeper in the characters of Ruth and Ariel, this well written, uplifting last book of the series helps understand the first 3 books.
July 21, 2021
A really enjoyable tale!
Will definitely read the next one.
P.S. does it irk anyone else when there is a blatant disregard for 'the Queen's English' in a book, though?
#MichaelKroft PLEASE change it to 'the move went quickly' rather than 'quick'! I couldn't believe that was in there. Disappointing.
Will definitely read the next one.
P.S. does it irk anyone else when there is a blatant disregard for 'the Queen's English' in a book, though?
#MichaelKroft PLEASE change it to 'the move went quickly' rather than 'quick'! I couldn't believe that was in there. Disappointing.
February 15, 2019
Once again Mr. Kroft brought me into the lives of Ruth and Avriel Rosen. He gives us their early years and with each chapter they come alive. Their love and life together was built on a strong foundation. Kudos to Mr. Kroft, another job well done~!
February 6, 2019
A good read. I like Michael Kroft’s style. Not as compelling as 43 lb anxiety. But enjoyable.
April 4, 2019
slow to start....picked up and gained speed...
May 30, 2020
This prequel to the Herring Cove series is delightful. It had a positive effect on my troubled COVID-19 mind. Calming, entertaining, and heart warming.
July 22, 2022
I have enjoyed reading this entire series,
September 5, 2023
I found this book a little slow.
December 21, 2023
Call it simple. Call it an easy read. I don’t care! This might be the best book series I’ve ever read. I am so sad it’s over.
April 5, 2024
7/10
Sweet story. It was nice to watch Ruth and Avriel fall in love. Was surprised that Fred was really her biological father.
Sweet story. It was nice to watch Ruth and Avriel fall in love. Was surprised that Fred was really her biological father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2017
be sure to read the whole series.
May 2, 2017
I do not read too many series because I get tired of the same ole same ole! This series has something different in every book. Here is my review for Volume 1. It is by far my favorite. However, this is my second favorite in the series.
I adore Avriel. He is the perfect Nincompoop. His love for Ruth comes through loud and clear. He always "has her back". His personality oozes off the page and he is the perfect match for Ruth. It just takes her a little while to see it.
Ruth is such a strong woman. She goes against the grain to be different, especially in this time period where women stayed home and had babies. Ruth is determined to make her own way. She moves away from home and finds a job. Granted it is a job, which she finds out later, instigated by her father. You need to read the book to see how she reacts!
These two are perfect for each other. Their love for each other overcomes their flaws. This is a wholesome, heartwarming series with wonderful characters. Like I said.... I just love Avriel!
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
I adore Avriel. He is the perfect Nincompoop. His love for Ruth comes through loud and clear. He always "has her back". His personality oozes off the page and he is the perfect match for Ruth. It just takes her a little while to see it.
Ruth is such a strong woman. She goes against the grain to be different, especially in this time period where women stayed home and had babies. Ruth is determined to make her own way. She moves away from home and finds a job. Granted it is a job, which she finds out later, instigated by her father. You need to read the book to see how she reacts!
These two are perfect for each other. Their love for each other overcomes their flaws. This is a wholesome, heartwarming series with wonderful characters. Like I said.... I just love Avriel!
I received this novel from the author for a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews