Naoise's First Year

by Martina O'Leary

It’s not just where you’re going … it’s who you’re going to meet when you get there.

The dream job, fairytale destination, and promise of love are not much good to you when you’ve closed your heart.

Naoise’s had one tough year (more than one, if we’re honest). But she’s currently traversing Ireland from city to country in a trusty old banger her dad just gave her. Fresh out of college, she’s about to commence her career as a secondary school teacher in the idyllic coastal village where she spent all her best childhood holidays.

And she’s going to reunite with Declan, her best-friend-slash-college-crush, who works in the same school and has never gotten over her. The only problem is, the idea of love is terrifying. And her new neighbour, a gorgeous yet devilish award-winning author, and an older man to boot, knows just how to exploit her fear.

Will Naoise’s heart soften before her second chance with Dec runs out? Is she even still capable of love? And will she remember who she’s supposed to love the most?

Genres: Amazon

Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Martina O'Leary is an Irish author of women's fiction. She obtained a master's and a PhD in literature before settling on the coast of west Cork, Ireland, and commencing her writing, whose primary focus has been on the empowerment of women recovering from relationship trauma. She has three published novels and two novellas, and is soon to publish the final title in her 'Naoise' series. Martina also works as a translator, proofreader and copy-editor.

Reviews

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, quick paced read. Easy to feel invested in how her year turns out from the start. I would have liked a little more about Naoise’s first year teaching challenges and triumphs.

[Anita Dow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dialogue-driven first love romance is a lively, fast-paced read

Written from the viewpoint of twenty-something, newly qualified English teacher, Naoise Enright, this novel is aptly subtitled “A coming of age story of love and recovery in rural Ireland”. Author Martina O'Leary has chosen to write the story entirely through dialogue – mostly spoken, but also through the protagonist Naoise's diary, and her own thoughts and internal comments. There's no description of settings or characters, but skilful writing conveys all we need to know, and I was able to visualise the characters and settings easily. There aren't any speech tags either, so usually you have to work out for yourself who the speaker is, which can sometimes spoil the reading flow. I wasn't keen on this writing style at first but I soon got used to it, as well as warming to the characters. With no descriptions interrupting the flow It's like a dramatisation of a story unfolding on-screen.

The characters use the f-word a great deal, and some other mild swearing, which might make them feel more relatable to some readers, but to me it was over-used. At the beginning, when I was trying to understand the character dynamics, I didn't warm to the narrator, Naoise, mainly because she initially came across as difficult and sweary, but soon I realised this was because of her numerous internal comments to herself. Naoise's First Year is actually a simple coming-of-age story about decent people with integrity, who support and care about their loved ones, friends and work colleagues. The main characters are good role models for young adult readers, and those who have ever been in love are sure to identify with the “he loves me, he loves me not” anxieties of Naoise and Declan in their fledgling romance. All in all, this is a refreshingly different take on 'first love' coming of age stories, and if you're up for a sparky protagonist with anxieties, who happens to swear a lot, this lively, fast-paced read is worth your time.

[Aubrey Cleeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naoise’s First Year by Martina O’Leary is a coming of age story with Naoise as the lead character. It charts her first year moving to a new town and starting a new job as a teacher in a school, as well as the old and new friendships and relationships which develop along the way.

I liked Naoise’s optimism as she plans her future, thinking about her potential partner, her house, and her job. It was the little touches that brought her to life - the desire for a tidy house (‘why do I have this notion that my life will be perfect if only my home is immaculate?) and things like making jam and tending to her garden. In amongst her desire for happiness are her character flaws. She is stubborn and on occasion argumentative, which goes against what she truly wants, which is to be wholesome and pleasant to those she cares about. This is shown in her argument with Fiona, as she is hurt and wanting to heal, but she doesn’t forgive easily despite knowing it will be best for her to move on.

I think this is captured in her personality due to the damage of previous relationships, which the author captures perfectly. Naoise is insecure and struggles with her body, which will resonate with a lot of people, and her past traumas creep into her relationships with Declan and Neesh. She struggles to form bonds on occasion and let down her walls, and the story revolves around her slowly opening up and becoming more assured of herself. Her internal thoughts are documented in journal style entries that do well in documenting her turmoils and indecision.

The story concluded in a natural and organic way, and was right for Naoise. The story is about narrowing the gap in her personality and recovering from her past trauma, in order to move on and grow. I think the author captured this character arc well and presented us with a likeable lead with a good character arc.

[Nicola McDonagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Irish Bridget Jones's Diary

This is an entertaining, often funny book about a young, newly qualified teacher, Naoise, who travels around Ireland in her rusty old car. Eager to begin a new life and job in the local secondary school, she moves into her aunt's rundown house. So begins her epic struggle to not only clean the property, but to re-establish herself among the community, without having to actually spend too much time with anyone.

As expected, she runs into an old crush, Declan, with mixed emotions. When it looks like their romance might kick off, Naoise falls for the charismatic, older writer who lives opposite. They begin an affair, sending Naoise into a panic of, ‘Who do I really love? If anyone?’ Posing the question, who will she choose?

Overall, I liked it. The atmospheric descriptions of the landscape and the musty house's interior gave the narrative a truly authentic feel. But sometimes the descriptions went on for too long, and I wanted more action and less inner musings. Also, some of the chapters/scenes were repetitive in content and subject matter. Dialogue between characters tended to become similar with no real substance. Plus, the ending was a little flat. I think it could have been shorter and snappier, with more attention to the interactions of the characters. However, the characters were believable and fun, and I did chuckle quite a lot. 

If you enjoy amusing RomComs with a hint of Tamara Drewe and a truly Irish flavour, then this is the book for you.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was well done and interesting... the main character, Naoise (I still can't figure out how to pronounce this name, and I am positive I am destroying it in my head), finished her teaching degree and took a job in a coastal Irish village. A man who had shown interest in her previously was already teaching in the school she accepted her position in. In many ways she was very relatable, as she tried to figure out her relationship with friends, family, colleagues and men. Naoise was not a perfect character, and there were times where I felt sorry for Declan and hoped he would just walk away from her. She was fun, yet sometimes spoiled and self-centered, and he presented as more down to earth and accommodating. To me this just shows how well written they were to evoke strong feelings in me.

My two main issues with the book were that 1. It was hard to follow who was narrating as the point of view changed often with no cues... I slowly started to catch on to how this was being done about halfway through the book, and it stopped bothering me. My second issue was that she spoke often about her previous failed relationship, and there were really no issues explained, I have no idea why that relationship failed.

Other than these two issues, which probably come down to personal preference, I really enjoyed the plot and I downloaded the two sequels to continue to follow her story, so obviously it wasn't a huge obstacle to my enjoyment.

[Ella English · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those quietly compelling books that doesn’t shout about itself but sneaks up on you anyway. It’s basically about a newly qualified teacher moving back to rural Ireland, fixing up her aunt’s cottage, starting her first job, and trying (often badly) to get her emotional life under control.

What really worked for me was Naoise herself. She feels very real—funny, insecure, self-sabotaging, occasionally selfish, and constantly overthinking everything. She makes choices that made me want to yell at her, but in a “yes, I’ve absolutely done that too” way. Her inner voice is sharp and honest, and that’s what kept me hooked more than the plot itself.

The romance side is handled well. There’s a love triangle, but it never tips into melodrama. It feels messy and unresolved in the way real feelings usually are, especially when you’re not totally sure who you are yet. Declan, in particular, feels like someone you genuinely care about, which raises the emotional stakes.

I also loved the Irish coastal setting. It’s vivid without being over-described—small-town rhythms, damp weather, seaside walks, and that slightly claustrophobic feeling of everyone knowing your business.

The book’s biggest strength is its honesty about personal growth. Healing isn’t neat or linear here, and that felt refreshing. It’s warm, funny, a bit bittersweet, and very easy to recommend if you like character-driven stories that feel true to life.

[Shuo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naoise’s First Year is a heartfelt, witty, and deeply relatable coming-of-age novel that beautifully captures the uncertainty of early adulthood and the quiet strength that comes from self-discovery. Fresh out of college, Naoise returns to the Irish countryside to restore her aunt’s cottage before beginning her new life as a teacher. Between peeling paint, seaside mornings, and hesitant reunions with her college crush Declan, she learns that healing is rarely linear and that love—whether for others or herself—takes courage. The book shines through its emotional honesty and subtle humor. Naoise’s inner monologue feels authentic and raw, revealing both her insecurities and the resilience beneath them. The supporting cast, including a charmingly roguish author-next-door and the ever-supportive Declan, add layers of warmth and tension to her journey. The writing evokes the cozy melancholy of small-town Ireland—rain-slicked roads, ocean air, and moments of introspection that feel cinematic. It’s a story about finding balance between past and future, fear and hope, and learning to give oneself grace along the way. For readers who enjoy Sally Rooney’s emotional realism and Maggie O’Farrell’s quiet depth, Naoise’s First Year is a gem worth savoring.

[David Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Your Feet and Finding Yourself
This is a warm and easy to read coming of age story that feels honest and relatable. It follows Naoise, a newly qualified teacher who returns to rural Ireland to fix up her aunt’s old cottage and begin her first real job. As she settles into small town life, she reconnects with familiar faces and finds herself caught between old feelings and new possibilities.
What really worked for me was how real Naoise felt. She is messy, anxious, funny and often gets in her own way. Her inner thoughts and dialogue carry the story, giving it a fast pace and a lively feel, almost like watching scenes play out on screen. At first the lack of description takes getting used to, but soon you can picture the places and people clearly.
My favourite part was the beach scene with Fiona, full of cheeky teasing, awkward flirting and Naoise’s spiralling inner thoughts, which perfectly captured the humour and tension of the story.
The romantic tension keeps things moving without turning into heavy drama. I liked that the story shows how growth is not a straight line and that healing takes time. Overall, this is a cozy, thoughtful read about learning to trust yourself and staying open to love.

[Victoria Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Your Own Path
The author tells a warm and heartfelt story about a young woman starting a new chapter in life. Naoise has just finished college and is moving to a small coastal village to begin her first teaching job. She is also fixing up her aunt’s old cottage and trying to figure out who she is after a difficult past.
The story is easy to read and very relatable. The author shows how hard it can be to open your heart when you have been hurt. Naoise reconnects with an old friend and meets a charming older neighbor which makes her question love and trust. The emotions feel real and you can see her struggles and growth.
One of the strongest moments comes in towards the end of the book when she talks about wanting to drive her own car in the morning to gather her thoughts and remember who she is. That small detail really shows how the author makes Naoise’s inner world feel real.
This is a story about courage learning to trust yourself and taking second chances. The author makes the village and the characters feel alive. It is a gentle uplifting read that is both cozy and moving.

[Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

I read Naoise’s First Year and found it sweet, thoughtful, and more emotionally real than I expected. I liked the rural Irish coast setting and the small-town rhythm. It felt warm and lived-in without trying too hard. I also appreciated that Naoise is messy and believable. She makes awkward choices, overthinks, pulls back, and then tries again. That made her growth feel honest, not perfect.
The relationships kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the slow-burn tension with Declan, and I liked the added spark of the older writer next door. The romantic conflict had enough bite to stay interesting, but it did not become over-the-top drama. I also liked the theme that healing is not linear. The story gives space for setbacks and self-doubt, and it still feels hopeful.
A few things did not fully work for me. At times the pacing felt a little slow, and some scenes repeated the same emotional beat. If you prefer more plot movement and less inner reflection, this may feel quiet. Still, I finished the book feeling grounded and calm. It is a gentle coming-of-age story about learning to stay open to love, and to yourself.

[Dave C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning to Let Love In
This book surprised me with how real and lived in it felt. Naoise is not an easy or polished main character and that is what makes her interesting. She is starting her first teaching job, fixing up her aunt’s crumbling house and trying to pretend she is fine when she clearly is not. Her thoughts spiral, she avoids hard conversations and she often makes choices that feel frustrating but honest.
The relationship dynamics are the strongest part of the story. Declan is gentle and steady. Their shared history adds emotional weight to every interaction. The older writer next door brings charm and unease. I liked how the book did not romanticize that situation. Instead, it shows how vulnerability can be exploited when someone is unsure of themselves.
The rural Irish setting adds a cozy backdrop without overpowering the characters. I also appreciated the focus on teaching, friendship and family alongside romance. The pacing is quiet and reflective, while some moments repeat emotionally, it fits the theme. Overall, this is a thoughtful coming of age story about fear, healing and learning to choose yourself.

[Edda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naoise has just finished college, and she's spending the summer restoring her aunt's cottage in the small town of Glenbeg, before she begins teaching secondary school.

Her summer is spent restoring the cottage, but she is also on a journey of self-reflection and discovery. She discovers her strengths and that she is capable of pushing through hard things. Through this time of introspection, she is able to finally open herself up to a man that she cares about.

However, intrusive thoughts of self-doubt still seem to slip in, threatening to tear everything apart.

I think the biggest takeaway from this book is that self-progress isn't linear. As we change and have new life experiences, we will face new challenges that will, at times, feel like setbacks. There will be times we need to give ourselves grace and times to reflect and grow from mistakes.

This book is one that sticks with you. I truly enjoyed the author's writing style and overall story. I definitely recommend picking it up.

[Freya Kissane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is inherently cosy to read. It goes very well with a warm cup of tea and a thick blanket and even though the novel takes place over the course of a year it very much gave me autumn vibes. The story follows Naoise, a first year teacher starting her first job and moving into a rundown house that she sets to work cleaning and renovating. I thought Naoise’s character was likeable, although in some moments of the book I wished she had more going on than just the will she won’t she dilemma with various love interests. This made her feel a bit flat and one dimensional. My other gripe with the book was the stylistic choice to exclude dialogue tags, in conversations where there are three or sometimes more characters talking it became arduous to follow who was saying what. I also feel like this decision limited the story in certain ways as information about how a character said something or their non-verbal actions during scenes simply wasn’t there. Overall though, the novel has atmosphere and is very readable.

[Chris Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Naoise's First Year on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. Martina O'Leary tells a straightforward story about a young teacher moving to rural Ireland to fix up her aunt's cottage while dealing with her own baggage. Nothing groundbreaking, but it works.

What I liked most was how real Naoise felt. She's not perfect, makes questionable decisions, and keeps getting in her own way. The love triangle between her, her college friend Declan, and the older writer neighbor kept me interested without feeling too dramatic.

The Irish setting is nicely done without being overdone. You get a good sense of the small town vibe and coastal atmosphere.

The book's main point about personal growth not being a straight line really landed for me. It's honest about setbacks and self-doubt in a way that felt refreshing. O'Leary writes well and keeps things moving. Definitely worth reading if you're looking for something engaging and thoughtful.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, Naoise’s First Year drew me in with its mix of humour and quiet poignancy. Martina captures the uncertainty of early adulthood with wit and honesty, following Naoise as she restores her aunt’s rundown cottage while trying to settle into her new role as a teacher. I found myself laughing at her misadventures in the small Irish town, yet also pausing to reflect on the deeper themes of self-doubt and resilience. The love triangle between Declan, her old crush, and the older writer across the road added tension without feeling overdone, and I appreciated how flawed yet believable Naoise remained throughout.

The descriptions of the Irish landscape were atmospheric, though occasionally a little drawn out, but they gave the story a strong sense of place. What stayed with me most was the reminder that growth is rarely linear, and that setbacks are part of the journey. This is a heartfelt and engaging read that I would recommend.

[Sean Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naoise’s First Year by Martina O’Leary is a sweet, thoughtful story set along the rural Irish coast, following a young woman returning to a place shaped by memory, uncertainty, and hope. The book centers on Naoise as she begins her first teaching job, repairs her aunt’s cottage, and slowly confronts her fear of love, connection, and vulnerability. The writing delivers a warm, reflective, and gently humorous tone, capturing everyday moments alongside deeper emotional shifts. I enjoyed how the story balances lightness with introspection, allowing space for awkward choices, hesitation, and growth. The setting feels lived-in and comforting, with small-town rhythms shaping the pace of the narrative. I liked the way relationships unfold naturally..... without rushing resolution! and how much attention is given to Naoise’s inner world. The book offers a strong sense of healing, patience, and self-acceptance. I feel like I finished it feeling grounded in LOVE

[Vanessa Benford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly enjoyable story and perfect for either a summertime beach read or a cosy by-the-fire. The premise isn’t exactly new but it works and feels genuine: a newly qualified teacher wants to make her way in the world. She takes her old car and moves into her Aunt’s run-down house with a plan to renovate and clean it to make it her own. These were the parts I liked the most, the descriptions of the house and surroundings made me feel like I was really there, and it transported me away. The love triangle is a definite who-will-she-choose dilemma, which, in my opinion, was aligned with her trying to break free of her old life and start a new one. I liked the shifting from scenes with the two men to more introspective times where she is trying to work out what to do with herself. For that age, it’s spot-on; everyone in their twenties was trying to figure things out.

[Kathy Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naoise's First Year by Martina O’Leary is described as a coming-of-age story of love and recovery in rural Ireland. It throws you right in at the deep end, right into the heart of the matter and right into the thoughts and feelings of Naoise. At times you laugh and at times you want to cry. There are moments when you want to shake the arrogance of youth out of Naoise and times when you want someone, anyone, to protect her from herself and those who would take advantage of her. ‘Naoise’s First Year is such a powerfully observed depiction of friendship, family and young love and the various relationship threads which run through a life. The dialogue carried the story for me, and you feel you are there in the moment with the characters. This book is fresh and lively, and the pacing is perfect. I didn’t want to stop reading even when I was tired and for me, that means the book is excellent!

[Vicky Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Quiet, Honest Look at Love
This is a warm and heartfelt story that follows a young woman trying to rebuild her life while figuring out what love should feel like. The setting feels cozy and the relationships feel real. The book focuses on fear, hope and second chances. It does so in a gentle way that makes the characters easy to care about. It is a simple story about trying again when you are not sure you can.
The last chapter is especially emotional. It shows how unsure the characters still are. The line “We were just two troubled kids with no idea how to take care of ourselves” captures the tired honesty of someone who wants love but is scared of hurting and being hurt. It is direct and touching.
The scene on the step outside is one of the best moments. It is quiet and shy. Dec asks, “Can I join you?” and Naoise worries she sounds rude when she asks for a fresh cup of coffee. Their talk is soft and hesitant. It feels like two people trying to choose each other even though they do not fully trust themselves yet. It is simple, tender and believable.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. Couldn’t put it down. So many moments made me laugh out loud or stop to absorb the ‘feels’. Such an interesting relatable main character. She reminded me so much of how it felt to be a young woman. Her character had such depth and was so relatable. Perfect holiday read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I felt like I was right there and it was so real. Definitely recommend reading this one. I love Naoise! I read this book in one sitting! Though I wanted to draw it out! There’s another one coming out that I’ve pre ordered so I’m looking forward to that.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

hated this! not because of the plot or even the writing it was the typesetting. all the italics felt confusing. I had difficulty figuring out thoughts from dialog for thec2 main characters. I'm going tobrwad the 2nd but if it's published the sane way it will be a DNF.

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Naoise and her world felt so special, heartfelt and inspiring, I will definitely read this again!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I felt like I was right there and it was so real. Definitely recommend reading this one. I love Naoise! I read this book in one sitting! Though I wanted to draw it out! There’s another one coming out that I’ve pre ordered so I’m looking forward to that.