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)

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!!!

Magnificent book

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

I just loved this book!

Julia Whelan is such a marvelous narrator and it was especially enjoyable to know she’d actually written this book.
The characters were well developed, likable and unique. The description of Oxford was very interesting and the story is captivating, uplifting and just plain sweet. I hope it was at least semi autobiographical because that year at Oxford, though not uncomplicated, was life altering in a lovely way.

loved it!

great story and I couldn't stop listening. hard to believe it was Julia's first novel!

Great story

A simple but riveting story of love and life’s unexpected twists. I enjoyed the narrators and found the characters very likeable. A great listen!

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

I enjoyed everything about this book so much that I did something I have never done before in my audio book experience. I listened to the book all over again. As soon as I completed the book, I listened to it again. I enjoyed the story, the unexpected turns, and the romance. Thank You Julia!

Loved!

Narration was top rate by the author herself. Great story throughout and perfect ending. Read or listen to it! You’ll be glad you did!

New favorite book.

I found this book because audible suggested it for readers who enjoyed Me Before You. I definitely understand why. I was skeptical because Jojo Moyes is so incredible and I’ve been disappointed by similar comparisons before. I was in no way disappointed by this book. If you want a book to really make you feel, then this is perfect. The narration was great too. I always love to hear a book narrated by the author-you never question if they got the emotion or emphasis correct because they know exactly what they intended.

Me Before You, all over again.

This book reminded me of Me Before You, which isn’t a bad thing (for me, at least .. considering that is officially my favorite book EVER!) .. I read the summary, I swear I did .. but this book still shocked me by its plot. I loved it & I recommend it.

Whelan has quite a voice

I love Julia Whelan as a narrator, and now I love her as an author, too. She didn’t take her story down a predictable path. There were times when I started to get worried that she was going to, but in the end she didn’t disappoint. This was a modern tale with some historical charm at times. Funny and relevant with characters I cared about. Would recommend!