My Oxford Year: A Novel

Written by Julia Whelan

Narrated by Julia Whelan

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Apr 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9780062843456

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. 

Reviews for My Oxford Year

[Afoma · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I listened to this book and the narration is SO GOOD! Indeed, it is perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes’ ME BEFORE YOU, even though it’s a slightly different plot. I absolutely loved Jamie and really, all the characters in the book are lovable.

The references to literature were probably my favorite thing about this book — now I’m so intrigued to read books like MIDDLEMARCH. ALSO, the language in the dialogue, especially when Jamie speaks is just such beautiful usage of the English language. I couldn’t stop listening to this.

The only thing I wish is that Ella’s mother’s character was a bit more nuanced. Otherwise, a sweet, lighthearted and compulsively readable novel!

[Sally Gray · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a 10 Star audiobook! Engaging characters with intelligent and witty dialogue. Every word is meaningful to progressing the story. I laughed out loud, I cried hysterically. It’s a rare find- this amazing story so phenomenally performed. Listen now, and thank me later!

[Katie Cash · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it! What a stellar first novel. The cream of the ‘chick lit’ crop. It never once lost my attention with details or pointless bunny trails to just add time.
And this is certainly a book I would come back to at some point!

[Cialina Temena-Husemann · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Julia Whelan is a great audiobook narrator. I've listened to several books she's narrated, and I always enjoy them. Her debut novel is immensely compelling and heartwarming. I definitely felt like I was transported to Oxford. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

[Heather Nielsen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There were several good points that had me thinking. Like the debate of Why, as well as being good at something doesn't make it your passion. The love /relationship was pretty standard, but the subtle messages were thought provoking.

[bookczuk · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Heard about this via one of the websites I read, where it was remarked on as witty, thoughtful, and literate, plus Oxford. I concur. Author's Note was interesting, too.

[Sara Fabian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Best book I ever listened to! Highly recommended! Read it.

[Margaret Diaz-Padilla · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Julia Whelan's performance is as multihued as this beautiful romance. Carried me with it easily and delighted me. What a talent.

[Leslie · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really wanted you like this book, the narrator is one of my favorites, I literally crave her voice reading stories. This book is on par with a Netflix movie that isn't terrible, but that you would skip if you could go back in time and would recommend not reading, if anyone asked. It is strictly a romance, there is no thriller aspect, I got fooled by the description of a secret revealed. It's not thought-provoking or engaging. It's not terrible is the best recommendation I can give it.

[Nirmala Kasinathan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining, realistic and touching … a good and enjoyable read.

[Yury Andrea Hernandez Arango · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great.. good romance to entrega in, light reading! Highly recommended

[Taniel Tun · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

That was a ride. Enjoyed it from start to finish!

[Suncere Frehley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved this book! Julia Whelan is amazing author and narrator.

[Arif Hussain · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A perfect love story. The story and presentation is very smooth and also looks very realistic without depending of fantasy.

[Cheryl Li · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Ella was quite frustrating in her lack of self awareness and the pacing of the romance and relationship felt off.. not sure when the love happened and the transitions were jarring. I loved Julia Whelan's narration as always and that helped me get through the book.

[Alba Machado · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Whelan reads like a pro narrator, not just the author.

[Gowri · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful story - where loving without a plan is the only plan.

There are excerpts from various poems, and each one is carefully selected to match the tone of the proceeding chapter. One of my favourites: “to know and love one other human being is the root of all wisdom” - Evelyn Waugh, Brideshead Revisited.

[Ahiaba Mabe Blessing · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love this book, It was a quick read and I loved it

[Mafê Souza · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ella goes on a self finding journey in a year abroad studying at Oxford. She never expects to find healing and love that will change her life. This is a great book about staying by the side of your dear ones, learning to cope with loss and finding meaning and yourself. Totally adored it - as I did the other Julia Whelan novel, Thanks for Listening.

[SerendipityReads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I spent the first half of this book thinking that I was DEFINITELY going to give this book one of my rare five stars....and then the last half kicked in. :(

Even though there was a happy ending, I'm still left feeling very heavy and depressed. Definite trigger warning for anyone who's had to watch a loved one struggle with a terminal illness. Several aspects just hit way too close to home, for me.

Otherwise, I want Julia Whelan to just continue to write and narrate ALLLLLL the books.

[Nancy Woolley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Everything about this book was excellent. Love Julia Whelan's voice especially, her characters come to life and now her writing is just as excellent. Look forward to more from her in the near future.

[Jessica Keller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So good. I usually have a hard time finding books that keep my attention. This one did it!! Excellent!

[Kiara · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved it! I gave it a four star because it made me cry too much!

[Mary Nayloe · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My favorite books have been narrated by Julia but l had no idea she was an awesome author as well. Now I’ll be looking forward to listen to anything she writes. My Oxford Year would make a great movie.

[Avi Idan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent and exceptional. Enjoyed it on so many levels . Thanks

[Adeola Akeju · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was an amazing book! Really made me put things in perspective.

[brokenteepee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I don’t know what I expected when I agreed to read this book but I can tell you I got something I didn’t expect. I thought I’d be reading more of a coming of age tale but at least in my opinion what I read was a romance.Ella is a young woman who has had her life planned since she was 13 – she would work hard, get good grades and get a Rhodes Scholarship. Why? An article she read at that impressionable age gave her a glimpse of Oxford and she never forgot it.Ella is a young woman of high intelligence and is very driven in her chosen field of education policy. As she is entering England for her year abroad she receives a call that can change her career path; to work on the campaign for a woman running for President. She does not want to give up her Rhodes so they work a way for her to consult remotely with a commitment for her to fully join the team at the end of her term.As she explores her new living situation and meets friends Ella also engages with a professor. Their initial meeting is very antagonistic but sparks fly and soon they dating without strings. But then something happens to change the course of both of their lives.I’m not going to spoil plot points – you know that by now. I will note that I enjoyed reading My Oxford Year. I will also note that it was not a really deep read. I actually read it waiting for a flight and then on the flight from Kansas City to Salt Lake. It didn’t take long; it read very quickly. It made for a great airport/plane book, if truth be told. That being written it just didn’t leave me with any lasting impact. I read it, I enjoyed it and I promptly forgot about it as I turned to my next book.The characters are likable, the plot has a couple of twists but nothing earth shattering. It was just a good, quick, easy read.

[Haryati Hisham · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such a delightful audiobook! Julia wrote and narrated this and it was magical. Just sheer bliss from start to finish.

[Rachel Yoder · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Julia Whelan did a beautiful job narrating this book. The literary references and quotes were fitting and fun. The writing was wonderful however, you must know that this isn't a fun romance. I wish they had mentioned in the description that one of the main characters gets cancer and 1/2 of the book is written like a fun sexually tense build-up to a relationship and then the second 1/2 is a plunge into the heart wrenching, depressing reality of possibly losing someone you love, cancer treatment, and how it emotionally guts everyone close to the person who has it as they struggle to fight for their life. I was disappointed that this was "one of those books" with no hint or warning that it was about a cancer experience and ride so I'm putting it out there for the next reader. It wraps up without knowing whether the person overcame cancer either so that was another disappointment. I personally wish this book was written without throwing in cancer at all. If it stayed with the tone and theme of the first 1/2 I would have bought this book for my permanent library.

[sallyelizabethmurphy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Great narrator, but I was somewhat disappointed by her novel.