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Ours is Just a Little Sorrow

by Gwen Hayes (Goodreads Author)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 54 ratings · 22 reviews

The colony of New Geneva has risen from the ashes of her dying mother planet, Earth, by rebuilding a society based on a time before everything went horribly, horribly wrong...the Victorian Era...

Violet Merriweather first sets eyes on Colonel Winston when he purchases her at auction from Witherspoon Academy, the orphanage where she’d been raised after her rescue from Earth....more

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Dec 22, 2012 Moiety rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, kindle, historical-fiction, indies, novella, sci-fi

Boldly mixing historical fiction, romance, science fiction, with a dash of steampunk, OURS IS JUST A LITTLE SORROW is an enjoyable read with an interesting premise. Earth is a dying planet of our own making. New Geneva, a refuge planet for those "worthy", has fashioned its society after the Victorian era of its mother planet. Violet is a product of this society's rules and ideals; those ideals are challenged when she meets the Winston family, and in particular Gideon, who outright rejects conven...more Boldly mixing historical fiction, romance, science fiction, with a dash of steampunk, OURS IS JUST A LITTLE SORROW is an enjoyable read with an interesting premise. Earth is a dying planet of our own making. New Geneva, a refuge planet for those "worthy", has fashioned its society after the Victorian era of its mother planet. Violet is a product of this society's rules and ideals; those ideals are challenged when she meets the Winston family, and in particular Gideon, who outright rejects convention.

Hayes has a lyrical quality to her writing that allowed the story to flow easily. There were a few typos (easily fixable), but nothing systemic in the writing itself. I read this in one sitting - her words and style carry you to the next page and the next.

The story itself focused mainly on the heroine's relationships and her evolving beliefs and ideals. The mystery is something that is happening in the background, and it is not until the end that the heroine comes head on with it. The ending was a satisfying one, with everything neatly boxed and bowed.

Contrary to what the synopsis suggests, (spoilerish ahead)this is not the typical love triangle that tends to pop up in YA and other romance-focused stories. This is a good thing. And even though there was the element of "the key male characters like her right away", I thought Hayes did a fine job developing the relationships. The interactions between Violet and Gideon, characters from two different camps of thought, were on-the-whole natural and entertaining.

The challenge with mixing so many genres is that each one tends to get watered down. Despite being a novella, the world-building aspect could have been better. The steampunk elements were the weakest of all - like adding glitter to a piece of artwork that's already been sanctioned as complete. The story could have been executed fine without it. There is also no explanation of how people found or got to New Geneva, nor how people from Earth are "approved" to be saved and brought there. On the same token, this is not a bad thing - it leaves a lot to the reader's imagination.(less)

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Feb 05, 2013 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read a great review on this book that made me want to get it. How I pick books is one part on the synopsis given and nine parts on what other people have to say about it. I was on the fence until reading the winning review that helped me realize that I would really like this book, and I did. It had exactly what I was looking for in it. I wanted something a little romance with some steampunk tossed in, and I have a weak spot for the Victorian Era. Not sure why I have the weak spot but it is the...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Readsalot81 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Maybe more like 3.5 stars.

I'm a little conflicted. While I do believe the voice is strong and there were certain plot elements that I really did like (as in the idea of the planet New Geneva) but when you reach from different genres (science fiction, steampunk, historical romance) and mix them together.. it comes out rather odd.

The undertaking of combining several genres into one novel was pretty ambitious, but I felt as if it never quite made it.

I never bought into the steampunk like element...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Melody May rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, novella, romance

Also on http://sillymelody.blogspot.com

I have to say that I'm lucky to get a chance to review this novella, Ours is Just a Little Sorrow by Gwen Hayes. Let me just state that I love it. Before I tell you why I love this novella, here's what the story is about:

First off the story is set in the way future and the earth has been basically destroyed. A certain group of people were able to find another planet and start a new life on it calling it New Geneva.

Violet Merriweather was a child when she le...more Also on http://sillymelody.blogspot.com

I have to say that I'm lucky to get a chance to review this novella, Ours is Just a Little Sorrow by Gwen Hayes. Let me just state that I love it. Before I tell you why I love this novella, here's what the story is about:

First off the story is set in the way future and the earth has been basically destroyed. A certain group of people were able to find another planet and start a new life on it calling it New Geneva.

Violet Merriweather was a child when she left Earth as an orphan and deposit at Witherspoon Academy of Fine Ladies of Suitable (I know a mouthful). Finally, the day had come for her to leave and she became a governess for Colonel Malcolm Winston.

Violet arrives at the estate of Thornfield and meets all the Colonel's sons. First there is John Winston, who is extremely smart (scary smart) and is a tad bit older than her. Next is Gideon Winston, who would be consider a rake. Finally, her charge Phillip, who is a lovable child.

However, there is something weird that is going on and no one really no whats happening. For one thing women that work as maids, companions, or other professions are disappearing. Very scary times. Will Violet become a victim or will she survive? Will she find love while working for the Colonel? Hmmm, all these questions to be answer.

My thoughts: LOVED IT! For one thing its different from what I have read lately. Set in the future, yet they have a Victorian Era touch. I love how Violet is willing to change her views cause of the influences of Gideon. She likes both of the guys for different reasons. The more you read the story you find out Violet has more in common with Gideon when you get down to the nitty-gritty. Overall, I was really surprise with the ending. OH MY GOSH, I didn't expect the ending and I'm pretty good at figuring things out. Total curve ball. So, I really hope you will check out Ours is Just a Little Sorrow when it comes out in a couple days. I loved it and you might too. Plus, you have to agree with me that the cover is fantastic.

So, happy reading.

eARC provided by the Author(less)

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Apr 21, 2013 Jenna Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm giving away one ebook copy of this title on my book blog. Ends 5/4/13 http://www.NovellaReviews.blogspot.com

FIVE STARS
Where do I start? Do you ever find yourself 1/4 of the way into a book and find yourself slowing down because you already know you don't want to see it end? Yeah, that was me with "Ours is Just a Little Sorrow."

Ms. Hayes can write scenes with such stunning detail. They will completely immerse you into the story. Sounds, smells, atmosphere - wow.

I'm not one to gush often, bu...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Maja (The Rambling Readerista) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-from-author

Also posted on my blog The Rambling Readerista

I didn't really have much sense of what the book is going to be about. Since the description said "historical voice", I jumped at a chance to get a new read for free. And ended up reading the book in one sitting.

I really liked this book. That I can say with all my honesty. It is not a hard read, meaning that you have to spend time pondering over what is the point behind something in the book, or what did the author mean by it. Essentially, this is a...more Also posted on my blog The Rambling Readerista

I didn't really have much sense of what the book is going to be about. Since the description said "historical voice", I jumped at a chance to get a new read for free. And ended up reading the book in one sitting.

I really liked this book. That I can say with all my honesty. It is not a hard read, meaning that you have to spend time pondering over what is the point behind something in the book, or what did the author mean by it. Essentially, this is a story about a young woman taking place in a family's household to act as the governess to a five-year-old-boy. There is so much more about this story, but I won't bother you with retelling the plot because there would be no point in that.

As I started reading the booking following the main heroine toward the governess job she is to take, her inner pondering really pulled me into her world and the perspective she has of the society she lives in. Even made me wonder how can she think like that, but page by page (or the scroll, if you will), I became quite the sympathizer of the character. Hayes has molded the storyline and its characters into almost living creatures that are represented through twists and turns.

What I am going to tell you is that, if you are looking for romance (gracefully written, but still toes-curling), a story with a sense for both history and future, this is a story for you. Yes, the historical future does kind of sound contradictory, but the author has successfully been able to pull it of. Hayes has an unique style of writing, the sentence is so flowing and just simply beautiful, historic without making it seem pretentious, with a subplot to the original story of romance, internal growing up, and changing all you knew about life. This book has it all. It even weaves into a juncture of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Jack the Ripper story, making it completely unique and its own with a twist of family relations.

The story of this calibre, with its Victorian demeanor, technologically enchanted setting, a story of love, crime and horror, proved to me that I can devour the book if it is written well. The characters and the setting also contribute to this excellency. The story of the time and customs is what gives this book its historical touch because it represents the times of the repression of women, and still there is a completely new underworld society taking place. All these different aspects were combined by Gwen Hayes very successfully making it easy to read this book, reading with an expectancy of what will come next. (less)

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Sep 20, 2012 Kaylie Austen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: freaking-awesome, arc

I didn’t know what to expect when I received this 112 page ARC. I knew it was an adult story with some adult situations (which were slight and tastefully done). I knew there was a mystery in it, and obviously some romance.
I started reading last night in bed while waiting for hubby to get off the phone. At some point, he got into bed, watched tv, turned off all the lights, and fell asleep. I moved into another room because I couldn’t put Sorrow away. I read the entire novella in one sitting…an...more I didn’t know what to expect when I received this 112 page ARC. I knew it was an adult story with some adult situations (which were slight and tastefully done). I knew there was a mystery in it, and obviously some romance.
I started reading last night in bed while waiting for hubby to get off the phone. At some point, he got into bed, watched tv, turned off all the lights, and fell asleep. I moved into another room because I couldn’t put Sorrow away. I read the entire novella in one sitting…and…it…was…fabulous!
First off, the tone is very Victorian, proper, old-school. I’m a fan of Jane Austen (yes, that’s a century before Victorian, but so similar), so I took to the spectacular vocabulary and arrangement of words like a fish to water.
Sorrow begins on a planet called New Geneva, colonized during Earth’s final days of broken misery and increasing devastations. Violet is an orphan, rescued, and turned into a lady of suitable nature, finding work as a governess for the Winston household where she tutors the youngest of three sons, and struggles between the older two. Her life is dignified, tragic, poignant. She, unlike many women in a pedantic New Geneva, is opinionated, tough, and has the spirit of a woman willing to make the necessary changes to further society.
Although New Geneva is in the future, has some automatons and futuristic items, society has regressed to an age where women are fragile, and in effect, lesser compared to their male counterparts. There’s a steamy underworld where debauchery is fair game and social taboos are equalized. This places a skewed view when skimming the surface where proper life shackles and depravity is acceptance.
Violet finds both passion and torture in her love affair while servants and maids in the surrounding area go missing. The killer is found, leading into a very creepy climax that made me wonder if I’d sleep that night. It was a simple twist, but one I saw coming as I approached the revelation. The ending was semi-happy but satisfying, nonetheless. As I said, a spectacular read.
(less)

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Oct 22, 2012 Samantha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: steam-punk, adult-paranormal, adult-romance

I picked this up because I absolutely LOVED Falling Under and Dreaming Awake. They had rich worlds, intriguing and likable characters, and a roller coaster plot that was unique and unexpected.

This adult novella had none of that. It straddles the line of dystopian and steampunk, while trying to be a romance and a mystery. Needless to say it didn't work for me. I found the plot and dialogue to be stale and forced. While the 2 lead characters were admirably strong and questioned authority, they wer...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Ginny Lurcock rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, read-in-2012

Review also posted at Pure Textuality

My brain and I are fighting. See, my brain likes to go “wouldn’t it be crazy if…” and run through every possible scenario for a book before I actually get to the end. As a result, it’s very rare that “shocking twist” endings are a surprise to me, and if they are they were usually too stupid to see coming.

Reading “Ours Is Just a Little Sorrow,” sent my brain into “what if” fits, so I wasn’t shocked when I got to the end. Well with part of the twist anyways. Th...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: steampunk, romance, paranormal, dark-fantasy

In a time when the Earth is no longer inhabitable, the remaining humans are taken in by a sister planet. The catch, the survivors are now serving class.

Violet Merriweather is purchased by Colonel Winston to be a governess for his youngest son. But is seems both his older sons have plans for a relationship with the new governess.

John Winston is charming and respectable while Gideon Winston is rude and combative. Different as 2 can be, they are both intrigued by Violet.

Young woman of the working...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Juli rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received an advance copy of this for review, and I gobbled it up in one evening. Not just because it is a short book, but also because I could not put down the compelling combination of Gothic, steampunk and romance.

I love the premise of this book, and the world building. A really interesting twist on steampunk -- I won't spoil it here, because I liked where it was revealed in the book, in terms of the main character's understanding of the world around her. I would love to read more books set...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Jeannie Lin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved the title. Loved the cover. LOVED the sample, so I just had to snatch this novella up.

Set on New Geneva, a futuristic colony set apart from a dying Earth. The story had great atmosphere, the "historical" voice of the heroine really shines through from the very first words. Historical is in quotes because the story is actually a sci-fi steampunk with a very foreboding Gothic feel that carries throughout the novella.

Violet Merriweather is purchased into the Winston household as a governess...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Lillie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-galley, ebook, for-review

See the full review at: Read My Mind

OURS IS JUST A LITTLE SORROW starts out at an auction, where orphans are sold into service to wealthy families. Sounds a bit harsh for a beginning? Gwen Hayes is adept at capturing trepidation Violet Merriweather feels as her story opens. The story thrusts the reader into a futuristic world, which has reverted to the Victorian way of living, post-apocolypse. A world where the serving class happens to be those that are raised in orphanages, and the upper class...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Emily (Book Jems) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-fiction, cover-love, kindle, from-author-for-review, romance, first-person-pov, science-fiction, downright-creepy, released, self-published, saw-that-coming, stand-alone

As seen on Ed and Em's Reviews!

Ours is Just a Little Sorrow is a captivating novella about a young woman, bought to be a governess for a young boy with a deeply scarred family.

As I started the story, I was reminded of the classic novel, Jane Eyre. This reminisce was not a bad thing, seeing as Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books. As the story expands, you see that while Jane and our heroine, Violet have some common attributes, they live in very different worlds. While the world Violet lives in...more As seen on Ed and Em's Reviews!

Ours is Just a Little Sorrow is a captivating novella about a young woman, bought to be a governess for a young boy with a deeply scarred family.

As I started the story, I was reminded of the classic novel, Jane Eyre. This reminisce was not a bad thing, seeing as Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books. As the story expands, you see that while Jane and our heroine, Violet have some common attributes, they live in very different worlds. While the world Violet lives in has some historical elements, she lives in a steampunk era with hovercrafts and life on new planets.

Violet grew up in a girl's home, where they were taught how to be companions and governesses. Adopted from a dangerous Earth, Violet's life in New Geneva is all about servitude. She seems to have no issue with it, as it is better than the fate that she would've suffered had she stayed on Earth. As she grows closer and closer to Gideon Winston, she realizes that maybe New Geneva isn't as grand as she thought. The underground becomes not a place of fear and loathing, but somewhere where she can let go of her inhibitions and be her own person. Gideon helps show her that. When girls who work in the neighboring mansions start to go missing, it's not just Violet who is struck by fear. What will happen when she and the Winston family come to find the person behind it all is closer than they realize?

Steampunk is becoming more and more common lately. Personally, I have enjoyed the few that I have read. This novella was definitely under that well-written, engaging category, though I often had trouble imagining its world as steampunk. The world building definitely wasn't the best. There seemed to be things added in just to remind you that the story wasn't historical, but futuristic with historic elements. As much as enjoyed Ours is Just a Little Sorrow, it doesn't portray steampunk as well as it could.

The summary is a bit deceiving and this paragraph is somewhat spoilerly so be warned. After reading it, I would've guessed that this novella had a heart-hurting love triangle. It does not. While there are instances where Violet considers her other options, from the beginning, it is obvious who she truly wants to be with. So many novels lately have created conflict by giving the main character two love interests to choose from, it was refreshing to have a story where the main character has problems outside of what suitor she has to pick from.

Overall, I'd recommend this to romance fans and even though it is classified as a steampunk novel, I'd recommend it to fans of historical romances. It's got all of the elements we see in a historical novel including the brooding, misunderstood love interest that you can't help but to fall for, but with a few minor additives! I would love for Ms. Hayes expand the world and for us, as the readers, to see more of the characters we come to know very well in other stories.(less)

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May 07, 2013 Melanie Bishop rated it 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't going to read this book because I thought it would have alien, sci-fi stuff in it that I am not interested in. But it didn't. I liked the spiciness of Violet, and I loved the family dynamic. The ending seemed a little rushed and while I wasn't surprised, I thought it was a little abrupt. I would have liked to see more signs that were missed early on by Violet. The writing was so solid until the last quarter of the novel.
Still, a great read, better than the Dreaming Awake series (which a...more

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Jan 06, 2013 Ashly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Not my usual genre to read, but it was a very well written book none the less. The suspense was good and the twists and turns were not predictable though the romance was. I enjoyed that though there were two brothers and both showed feelings towards violet that there was not a love triangle, those things get on my last nerve. It was great that a strong woman was the main character that was not completely run by her hart but rather her good intentions. I do not enjoy time era speech and some word...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Amber Skye rated it 4 of 5 stars

Originally posted at www.thereadingaddict.com

Although Ours Is Just a Little Sorrow is a short e-book that most have never heard of, I had high expectations when I started the first chapter. My best friend, the lovely Eliza Mellark, recommended it to me with high praise and quite a lot of swooning. Thankfully, I have been able to join her in her gushing and swooning. This book intrigued me and kept me reading late into the night as I devoured the romance.

The world in which Violet has grown up in...more Originally posted at www.thereadingaddict.com

Although Ours Is Just a Little Sorrow is a short e-book that most have never heard of, I had high expectations when I started the first chapter. My best friend, the lovely Eliza Mellark, recommended it to me with high praise and quite a lot of swooning. Thankfully, I have been able to join her in her gushing and swooning. This book intrigued me and kept me reading late into the night as I devoured the romance.

The world in which Violet has grown up in is an original, fascinating one. Similar to the trending Steampunk novels, the novel is based in a world where gadgets and space travel mix with the romantic Victorian era. Trust me, I gobbled that up. I only wish the story had been longer. I desperately wanted to explore more of New Geneva, and I can only hope that Hayes will continue to build upon this world.

The romance, although it takes place between two young people, is fairly explicit. The book hovers on that thin line between adult and young adult literature. It is a bit too juvenile to be categorized as adult, but there are definitely some scenes that are intended for a more mature audience.

Gideon is the classic bad boy. You know, the one girls are never supposed to fall for but always do. Violet, on the other hand, is a more original character. She is headstrong and determined, even though she is expected to be submissive and fragile. Women in New Geneva are supposed to be beautiful and quiet, serving men in any way that they can. Violet rebels against this expectation, thanks to Gideon's encouragement. It is for this reason that I loved their relationship. Gideon and Violet make each other feel loved and accepted. Plus, they have some amazing chemistry.

In the end, I found myself enjoying Ours Is Just a Little Sorrow more than I thought I would. It's a fascinating tale of new worlds and first loves that I couldn't put down. I'd definitely recommend it to any fans of Hayes, as well as lovers of romance and Steampunk. (less)

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May 01, 2013 Katie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

I don't know. I liked the beginning of this, but the worldbuilding got hard to believe as it went on. It's hard to sell me on the idea that the world will go backwards, that women in the future will be thought less of. And the romance wasn't developed quite enough for me and the missing maids storyline just seemed like too much in the short space of a novella.

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Dec 23, 2012 Daphne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: found-myself-with-a-tear-in-my-eye, dystopian, is-it-hot-in-here-or-is-it-just-a-h, favorites, new-adult

Amazing book! I loved very single minute of it! My only complaint is that it wasn't long enough! It was dystopian and a mystery and a love story all in one, what's not to love? I loved the writing style of Gwen Hayes and her characters were so well developed that I honestly felt like I could see every look on their faces. I highly recommend this book!

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Sep 21, 2012 Stephanie Collins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Thank you so much for letting me read this, Gwen.

Full review to follow.

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Oct 17, 2012 EM rated it 5 of 5 stars

So, so, so awesome!

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Sep 26, 2012 Cana Elene (http://placeofreeds.blogspot.com) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review will be available on October 2, 2012 at http://placeofreeds.blogspot.com

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Sep 29, 2012 Glass rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, love-the-cover, arc, romance

Loved it!
Review soon!
Thank you Gwen for sending me eARC.

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Jun 11, 2013 Maria Berrios marked it as to-read

Jun 10, 2013 Malenelouise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jun 10, 2013 Lisa Asanuma marked it as to-read

Jun 06, 2013 Sue marked it as to-read

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About Gwen Hayes

Gwen Hayes (that’s me) lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real life hero and a pack of wild beasts (two of whom she gave birth to).

She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).

Gwen is represented by Jessica Sinsheimer of the Sarah Jane Freymann Agency and her first Young Adult Paranormal novel, FALLING UNDER, will be released by...more

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