My Oxford Year

My Oxford Year

Julia Whelan

my review : ✮✮✮✮

This romance novel pretty much gutted me. Beautifully written, the story totally transports you to the cobblestone streets of Oxford. Written by “your favorite author’s favorite audiobook narrator” (according to USA Today’s piece profiling her), Julia Whelan.

This story follows Ella from Ohio during her Oxford year. She’s a Rhodes scholar with a so-bright-you-can’t-look-right-at-it-because-it-might-blind-you future waiting for her when she flies home at the end of the year. Ella has been dreaming of Oxford since she was 15, and when she arrives, it’s everything she dreamt up—even though, on her first day, she almost gets mowed over by some rude (gorgeous) British man in a flashy convertible. After a chemistry-laden confrontation, she dashes off with her fish and chips, ready to tackle Oxford (and never see the posh prat again). That is, until she walks into her first class and guess who is her professor? I would be remiss to end the synopsis on that note. This is not a romcom. While it’s both romantic and funny, it is also heavy and heartbreaking, but not in a depressing way—more in a way that makes you marvel at the human condition! Have I been vague enough?

I really enjoyed this book. Even if you’re not typically a romance reader, you may surprise yourself with how much you like it. If you appreciate a bit of armchair travel, a whip-smart leading lady (who is not always likable, but are any of us really always likable?), and a setting that truly transports you, may I suggest you give it a go?

Best paired with arguably the most British summer drink, the Pimm’s cup. Swipe for the recipe (if there are any Brits here, please let me know if I’ve royally screwed it up!).

you’ll love this book if you love:

• Armchair travel

• An academic atmosphere

ready to rent or buy this book?

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