Major Motion Picture Already in Development with Temple Hill EntertainmentOne of the Best Books of April for Brit + Co and Liz and Lisa!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 … 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.
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I loved everything about this book. It could have been a tear-jerker, but it wasn’t. It was warm, funny, insightful, and the perfect weekend read.
Oh my god, oh my god, OH MY GOD. What is it about men named Jamie? This book is so good, and attached to what’s going to be a super cool movie.
If you loved ME BEFORE YOU, you will love this book. Julia Whelan made me cry on an airplane as only the best books do. Highly recommend.
This book was entertaining from the first scene. I was drawn into the imagery, right away I felt like I was walking around Oxford with Ella. At the opening of every chapter, Julia uses a line from a poem, and every one held meaning for the coming chapter. I loved how deeply I felt Ella’s relationship with her English literature professor, Jamie. This book had all the feels. I was happy, and a few pages later I was grabbing tissues. Somehow after finishing this book, I felt smarter This is a must read!
Since I write historical fiction I mostly read historical fiction, but great writing is great writing, and Julia Whelan’s is flat-out fantastic. Not only is Julia an extremely talented audiobook narrator, she’s about to take the writing world by storm. Don’t miss this charming, smart, constantly surprising read!
I really enjoyed this book, especially the journey that Ella made in her own willingness to love. The side characters, Ella’s friends and Jamie’s parents, were delightful, and some scenes made me laugh out loud! There were a couple of points in the story where Whelan took a few short cuts that, as a reader, I didn’t relish. The second-person montage was one of them. Overall, it was a beautiful story.
An easy read, and a beautiful vacation for the spirit.
Loved this book so much! This is for every American girl who ever dreamed of going to Oxford and falling in love.
Julia Whalen is one of my favorite audiobook narrators, she makes books come alive. In fact, I have purchased audiobooks because she was the narrator. Based on that fact, and that fact alone, when I saw saw she had written a book, I immediately ordered it. I figure if she can make other people’s characters come alive, there was a pretty good chance she could do it to her own characters.
WOW, I was right. The story was interesting and unusual. The characters were great, and the story just kept twisting and turning right up to the heart stopping ending.
I can’t recommend this book more highly. I spent all day today and into the night just listening. I hope anyone reading this review enjoys the book as much as I have enjoyed it.
What an inspiring book – can I go to Oxford to meet my Jamie? This book gave me warm feelings then pulled at my heart strings. I was engaged the whole story. This is a good choice for your next girlfriend’s getaway because you will want a friend to lean on.
“Knotting Hill” meets “Me Before You” in this charming, romantic, heartfelt story that had me rooting for Ella and Jamie to find their happily ever after.
I don’t know if I can write a review that does this beautiful book justice! The story, the writing, the setting, the characters and the soul of this book was just overwhelming.
Ella from Ohio, arrives at Oxford as a Rhodes scholar, planning on returning to DC and a brilliant opportunity to advance her career in politics. She meets an assortment of wonderful friends, as she makes her way through the beautiful halls of the iconic university. Her one goal, no attachments or commitments, while she is slowly absorbed into the experience.
This wonderful story will stay with me for awhile. I’m grateful to Goodreads, Harper Collins and Julia Whelan for the experience. Read it, it won’t disappoint.
Oh my god, oh my god, OH MY GOD. What is it about men named Jamie? This book is so good, and attached to what’s going to be a super cool movie.
This book made me with I had studied abroad. It painted such a magical picture of Oxford, one that only a student can experience over the span of months, not a tourist over a span of days. The characters were lovable and relatable, despite their eccentricities. The story didn’t unfold as expected, and I don’t want to spoil it, so I’ll just say it may have brought tears to my eyes (the sad kind). The romance is closed door and the whole story involves a wistfulness and hopefulness that would make this the perfect read for a late high schooler or college student. I almost felt a little too old to be in teh target audience, despite the characters being around my age. Regardless, it was a wonderful story perfect for romantics.
There is one line that kind of treats a woman as a prize/reward that really rubbed me the wrong way, but it was definitely a heat-of-the-moment, emotional comment that I could see someone mispeak and say in real life. But this isn’t real life, it’s a book that went through editing, and I wish that line would have been given more thought.
As an anglophile, I was hoping for more. This book is high on melodrama, but the immersion in all things Oxford was fun.
If you ever imagined a year abroad studying in England …
Which … come on? Who didn’t? This is for all of us. An American girl at Oxford, her a Rhodes scholar, him a yummy, irresistible British literature professor … What more do you need for a great book? Nothing. You need nothing else than this book to live out all your fantasies of falling in love with a guy with a great British accent and a castle in his family.
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to it on Audible and the author is also
one of the best narrators they have. It is well written, funny yet poignant.
I think you will enjoy it.
4.5 STARS!
I thought I had you all figured out. Thank you for surprising me, Oxford.
This was a romance through and through, but where I thought I had all of the plot predicted, the author threw me some curve balls and gave me my happy ending. At times, the heroine came across as fairly clueless for a Rhodes Scholar, but the the rest of the story and secondary characters helped me look past that.
Written by a screenwriter, based on a screenplay: so you know the dialogue is great. I loved this clever, literary, college romance that isn’t sappy or dull in any way. The plot was not completely original but I loved the characters. Well done, Ms. Whelan.
Difficult situation and subject handled with humour and acceptance. Poetic love story.