The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
5 Stars
The Book At A Glance
Clementine’s world is shaken after the loss of her beloved aunt, leaving her with a broken heart and a carefully constructed plan: work hard, keep safe, and don’t let love in too deeply. But everything changes when she discovers her late aunt’s apartment has a secret—it slips through time. One evening, Clementine walks in to find Iwan, a charming man with a Southern drawl and a love for lemon pies, standing in her kitchen. The only problem? He’s living seven years in the past. As Clementine and Iwan’s timelines blur together in the magical apartment, she’s forced to confront her grief, her dreams, and the possibility that love isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about finding the courage to embrace it, no matter when it comes.
Bookish Thoughts
I thought the premise of this book was such an intriguing concept. With the two main characters meeting seven years apart, I honestly couldn’t imagine how their story could ever find a happy ending—but that uncertainty made me even more eager to keep turning the pages to see how it would all unfold. This is the perfect read when you’re in the mood for a mix of romance, heartbreak, and a touch of time travel magic.
Book Review
Clementine, a book publisher still reeling from the loss of her beloved aunt, moves into her aunt’s old apartment—only to discover the magic her aunt once spoke of is real. The apartment has a peculiar quirk: it can slip seven years into the past. One evening, Clementine meets Iwan, a charming young man with dreams of becoming a chef and opening his own restaurant. What follows is a tender and time-bending love story that begins in the past and slowly weaves its way into the present.
What I loved most about this novel was the timeless love story—not only between Clementine and Iwan, but also between Clementine and her aunt, Analea. Their bond extended beyond aunt and niece and into a true friendship, one that felt both grounding and magical. Through Clementine’s memories and the apartment’s slips in time, we get glimpses of their deep connection. I found myself eagerly waiting for the moment when Clementine might see her aunt again through the apartment’s magic.
It was equally touching to watch Clementine and Iwan’s relationship unfold across two timelines. Despite the seven-year gap, Iwan’s love for her never wavered. I especially appreciated the moment when Clementine admitted she wouldn’t have been ready for Iwan seven years earlier—a beautiful nod to the idea of the “right person, wrong time.” The relationships at the heart of this story—romantic, familial, and personal—were what made it so special. By the time I turned the last page, I was in tears, moved by the way love, in all its forms, endured through time.
Ashley Poston’s writing style is so unique, and I loved how she brought not only the characters to life but also the setting itself. The magical apartment building felt so vivid and enchanting that I found myself wishing I could live there, even just for a little while. It reminded me of the Arconia from Only Murders in the Building—a place full of mystery, charm, and secrets—except with an added layer of magic woven into its walls. I completely fell in love with this setting and would give anything to spend just one night in that apartment.
“You are who you are, and you like what you like. You are you, and that’s a lovely person to be.”
Ashley Poston
If You Loved This, Try
A literary pairing similar to this novel is In Five Years by Rebecca Serle, a semi–time-jump story in which the main character is suddenly transported five years into the future and given a startling glimpse of the life she hasn’t yet lived. When she returns to the present, she’s left grappling with the emotional weight of that vision—questioning her choices, her relationships, and how her path could possibly lead there. Like this novel, In Five Years blends time-slip magic with themes of grief, fate, and profound personal growth, making it a perfect companion read for anyone drawn to reflective, emotionally resonant stories.
Ashley Poston is a New York Times bestselling author known for writing heartfelt, cozy, and emotionally resonant stories that blend romance with magical realism. Her novels often explore themes of love, grief, second chances, and finding yourself at the right moment, all wrapped in charming settings and warm, hopeful storytelling that feels both comforting and deeply moving. Her other books written by this author include The Dead Romantics, A Novel Love Story, Sounds Like Love, and many more.
Shelf To Table
Key Lime Pie Shooters: A deconstructed twist on the classic dessert — layers of creamy lime filling, buttery graham crumbs, and a dollop of whipped topping, all served in a glass for the perfect bite-sized treat.
If you loved the time-slip concept in this novel, Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore is a perfect follow-up. The story centers on Oona, who wakes up each New Year in a different stage of her life, jumping unpredictably through decades while staying the same age inside. As she navigates love, career choices, and family across shifting timelines, the novel explores how identity, relationships, and fate evolve over time in a heartfelt, imaginative way.
“Nothing lasts forever. Not the good things, not the bad. So just find what makes you happy, and do it for as long as you can.”
Ashley Poston