My Oxford Year
by Julia Whelan
HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (April 24, 2018)
Major Motion Picture Already in Development with Temple Hill Entertainment
Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of Oxford, this sparkling debut novel tells the unforgettable story about a determined young woman eager to make her mark in the world and the handsome man who introduces her to an incredible love that will irrevocably alter her future—perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks.
American Ella Durran has had the same plan for her life since she was thirteen: Study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship when she’s offered an unbelievable position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. With the promise that she’ll work remotely and return to DC at the end of her Oxford year, she’s free to enjoy her Once in a Lifetime Experience. That is, until a smart-mouthed local who is too quick with his tongue and his car ruins her shirt and her first day.
When Ella discovers that her English literature course will be taught by none other than that same local, Jamie Davenport, she thinks for the first time that Oxford might not be all she’s envisioned. But a late-night drink reveals a connection she wasn’t anticipating finding and what begins as a casual fling soon develops into something much more when Ella learns Jamie has a life-changing secret.
Immediately, Ella is faced with a seemingly impossible decision: turn her back on the man she’s falling in love with to follow her political dreams or be there for him during a trial neither are truly prepared for. As the end of her year in Oxford rapidly approaches, Ella must decide if the dreams she’s always wanted are the same ones she’s now yearning for.
My Rating:
Favorite Quotes:
His voice is so melodious, so low and soothing, it should be accompanied by choral music.
Everyone else looks very British about it, like this is where fun comes to die.
“Given the lovely turn of your figure, it’s quite gratifying you’re not one of those dreadful American girls who subsist entirely on lawn clippings and glacier water,” Charlie says. My mouth is too full of scone to reply.
He has this ability to go still, as if he’s stopped breathing. Like a vampire. Which makes me realize I’m not breathing.
She also holds a fan. Like, an actual fan. Like it’s Gone With The Wind and she’s about to tap someone flirtatiously on the shoulder with it. She drips money like a leaky faucet.
My Review:
I adored this delightfully crisp and eloquent book; it pleased me and did so in a cleverly amusing and intellectually stimulating manner. I greatly enjoyed the thoughtful and well-chosen quotes and poems that started each chapter, which provided just a little taste of what was to come. Julia Whelan is a master wordsmith with graceful and elegant wordplay. My Oxford Year was written from the first person POV of Ella, an endearing and wholly relatable character that I instantly connected with. I quickly fell into Ella’s vortex and enjoyed hitchhiking in her head and was loath to leave her and her new friends behind. The storylines were unique, relevant, and expertly crafted. Ms. Whelan’s writing was nimble, flawless, lushly detailed, and a felt like a long awaited gift. I will most likely be stalking her listings as long as I have functioning brain cells. I was provided with a review copy of this inordinately clever book by HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours.
About Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan is a screenwriter, lifelong actor, and award-winning audiobook narrator. She graduated with a degree in English and creative writing from Middlebury College and Oxford University. While she was in England, her flirtation with tea blossomed into a full-blown love affair, culminating in her eventual certification as a tea master.
Fantastic review. This one sounds like a sweet read.
You are bad for my TBR goals…instead of chipping away at my list you keep making me add books!! xo
Fabulous review and the book sounds wonderful.
Love the review. Makes me wanna read the book even more!! Ive heard so many good things about this book
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
This one sounds like the perfect, older coming of age book! Since it got such a fantastic review from you DeeJay I’m going to have to check it out.
Lovely review! This book looks like it would be super cute and relatable.
Great review. I like the sound of this book.
Great review DJ, this is the first time I heard about this book and the author Julia Whelan and it looks and sounds absolutely like a amazing and emotional book. I’m so glad and happy you really like this book DJ and the cover is very pretty as well. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post and for putting this book on my radar my friend.
I loved the quotes you chose for this one! I am definitely going to be picking it up as soon as I have a free minute lol 🙂
I’m so glad you loved it!