My Oxford Year

A Novel

By: Julia Whelan

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

Major motion picture already in development with Temple Hill Entertainment

Set amid 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 13: 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 is 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.

©2018 Temple Hill Publishing (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic Reviews

"Narrator Julia Whelan performs her appealing debut novel as well as listeners would expect, which is to say, terrifically.... The personalities pop, her pacing is superb, and the realism she injects will keep you wide-eyed." (AudioFile)

Beautiful

Even before the novel closed on musings about the meaning of it all, I thought to myself, this is life. This is what life is about. This novel is moving, breathtaking, beautiful. I sighed and I laughed and I cried, finishing the book feeling that I had just discovered one of my new favorite novels. Read this—or rather, since you’re browsing on Audible, listen to it. Please. It is in itself a phenomenal journey, and the author’s flawless performance only serves to enhance its brilliance, its warmth, its light.

Put simply: I am so glad this book exists.

4.01 stars

This is a pretty good debut by Julia Whelan. She does a great job with the setting and with the characters. She is a professional narrator, and that's where the audiobook shines most. For those who like romance novels, this one will be a hit. While it's not my favorite audiobook, it is quite good, and I liked it more than I expected I would.

Overall rating: 4.01 stars

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

This book is a must read! I bought the paperback last week, but have been too busy to sit down and read it so I decided to use this month’s credit on the audiobook. I’m soooo glad I did. Julia Whalen is so talented! Not only is she a fantastic narrator, but she can also write. I was hooked immediately and ended up making time to read it too. I laughed and cried. I loved all the characters. Such a wonderful book. I will definitely read it again (and listen too). FIVE STARS!!!

A favorite narrator makes her debut as an author

What's better than a book performed by Julia Whelan? One written by her too! This book checked my two major "what makes me love fiction" boxes: it made me laugh, and it made me ugly cry. Oh, the ugly crying. Set in Oxford, the novel centers on Ella Duran as she attempts to balance her master’s degree studies, romance, and an unexpected new job as the education lead on a presidential campaign. The premise and setting lends itself to rich descriptions and plenty of fun literature references for us book nerds, showcasing Whelan's deep knowledge of both the subject and area. The novel really stays with you, and the love story within managed to both break me and make me feel hopeful. Whelan performs and really shows off her depth as a character actress, effortlessly transitioning between Washington lobbyists and British pub owners, making the listening experience all the more enchanting. Trust me…go get this book!

Fantastic book! Narrator and story were perfect!

Hard to stop listening to this one. It pulls you in from the beginning, and I couldn't wait to get back to it. Hoping for many more from Julia Whelan!

Magnificent book

Heartfelt warm and funny. Rich and deep. Wonderful characters. Fantastic pacing. Just a wonderful read. I highly recommends it.

Fabulous start and then...

I loved the way this story began. I enjoyed the narration. Then came the twist. That was the beginning of the end for me and I listened more to finish the book rather than enjoy it. I found the main character became less sympathetic and the narrator started to grate on me, less so at the very end, but never regained its initial appeal.

Ok

I'm in the minority with this one since I didn't enjoy it as I saw most of my friends.I just didn't feel like this one was for me.I couldn't connect to the heroine and I find the story interesting .

Julia Whelan is quite the author!

I have to admit that I will pretty much listen to any book that is narrated by Julian Whelan so you can imagine my excitement when Audible notified me that not only is she narrating a new book but that she is also the author of that same book...mind blown, lol! As soon as I found out I bought it and listened to it right away. Loved every bit of this book! It was funny, charming and heartwarming. Julia please keep writing more books!

5++++ Stars. Beautiful Book. Beautiful Narrator; Beautiful Author

I’m resisting the urge to re-read immediately. I need to sit with it a while first. This is a beautiful book about life, love and choices. The poetry she chose to include was outstanding. Please write more Julia.

Such a page turner!

"I came to Oxford looking for a Once-in-a-Lifetime-Experience. I chose to experience a life-time."
This book is so hard to put down! It is such an amazing love story and I loved every bit of it. Julia Whelan is an amazing narrator, this is the 3rd book I've listened to (narrated by her) and I can tell you I am in love. Listen to this one. She is reading her own book better than anything else. Completely and utterly in love with this story. Elle and Jamie's journey will stay with me for a long time.