My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

My Oxford Year

by Julia Whelan

She could never have guessed what the year would hold…

‘A pure delight . . . will stay with you long after you’re done’ TAYLOR JENKINS REID

Gazing up at the dreaming spires of Oxford, American student Ella Duran can’t believe it: she has finally arrived at Oxford University.

A new life starts, and not even Ella’s handsome lecturer Jamie Davenport can distract her from her classes. But, as the term goes on, Ella can’t deny the growing attraction between them – an attraction that soon turns to love.

And when Ella learns of Jamie’s life-changing secret, their relationship becomes deeper than Ella could have ever anticipated.

As Ella’s Oxford year draws to a close, she must decide whether the dreams she arrived with are the same ones with which she will leave…

Reviewed by Sam@WLABB on

5 of 5 stars

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Trigger Warning: Cancer, death of parent

I am embarrassed to say, I have had a copy of this book for over a year. I kept putting it off, because I have to be in the mood for women's fiction. When I saw the audiobook available at the library, I thought, "why not?". I am SO glad I finally picked up this book, because it was magnificent.

It was Ella's lifelong dream to study at Oxford, and she was fortunate to win a Rhode's scholarship, which allowed her to fulfill this dream. Once there, she meets the "pretentious prat". When what she began as a fling turns into a LOT more, Ella begins to think there may not be an expiration date on her time in England.

I loved so many things about this book. Whelan does an amazing job immersing us in the setting. She filled Ella's days there with fun and incredible friends, and worked poetry beautifully and meaningful into the story. But, for me, this was all about Ella and Jamie. I can hardly get my thoughts out about this book, because I was so touched by their story. Their journey together was so meaningful, and I really loved seeing Ella's emotional growth.

It was a such a beautiful story of love and valuing the time you have with those you love. My heart exploded while reading it, and yes, I am crying right now just thinking about it. But, don't worry. There are happy, heartwarming, and funny parts to go along with the heartbreaking parts, and I was left with full heart at the end.

This quote from the book really encompassed the impact this book had on me:
"I came to Oxford looking for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience. I chose to experience a lifetime."


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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 1 May, 2019: Finished reading
  • 1 May, 2019: Reviewed