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.
About the Author
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.
Review of My Oxford Year
Review (4.5 Stars): My Oxford Year was a refreshing and delightful story about finding love when you least expected it. For Ella, she had planned to study at Oxford since she was a young girl and nothing was going to stop her from fulfilling her dream. When she was offered the job of a lifetime, Ella quickly decides that she can do it all and goes on hilarious and at times heartbreaking journey during her year at Oxford.
I enjoyed this novel because I instantly connected with Ella and I loved how Ms. Whelan’s writing style put you right there with Ella as she navigated her way through her new life. This story will stay with me for quite some time and I’m looking forward to reading more from Ms. Whelan in the future.
