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Naoise's First Year
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?
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?
Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
2 people want to read
About the author
Martina O'Leary
6 books4 followersMartina 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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 17, 2025
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.
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.
November 9, 2025
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.
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.
November 1, 2025
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.
November 29, 2025
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.
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.
October 15, 2025
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.
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.
November 21, 2025
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.
November 25, 2025
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.
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.
December 16, 2025
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2025
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
December 7, 2025
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.
December 24, 2025
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!
November 29, 2025
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.
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.
October 4, 2024
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.
October 16, 2025
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.
December 6, 2025
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.
May 6, 2024
I really loved this book! Naoise and her world felt so special, heartfelt and inspiring, I will definitely read this again!
October 16, 2025
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.
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