Title: My Oxford Year
Author: Julia Whelan
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: 4/24/2018
Source: ARC from the publisher
ABOUT MY OXFORD YEAR
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.
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.
Ella Durran has a plan for her life; attend Oxford on a Rhodes scholarship, be a consult for THE candidate to beat in the Presidential race, return to the U.S. as the deputy political director for the leading Presidential nominee. Nowhere on her schedule is there time for emotions, for falling in love, for Jamie Davenport.
Jamie Davenport’s Day has been filled with bad news, fights with family and now a loud-mouthed American calling him a ‘posh prat’. It’s really too bad that she is exactly right.
Despite the fact that Jamie Davenport turns out to be Dr. Jamie Davenport, the TA taking over as Ella’s professor, Ella and Jamie have an incredible chemistry. As there are no ‘rules’ about being involved in a relationship with your TA at Oxford, Jamie and Ella begin to spend a lot of time together. Neither one is looking for a commitment and on the surface, it appears to be a perfect arrangement.
The story is told with shimmering detail, painting the Oxford landscape with skillful precision. I was instantly transported to the centuries-old buildings having pretentious conversations with scholars. I felt Ella's excitement and awe as she prepared for a year of study.
Of course with all of this perfection you know there has to be conflict. I won't spoil what happens, but suddenly Ella finds herself making decisions that influence the candidates for the President of the United States. She also finds herself torn between her dream job and a life she never knew she wanted.
This book gripped me by the feels in the beginning and held on tightly to the very last page. It was an emotional ride I will gladly take again and again.
5 out of 5 Stars
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