If you’ve ever wondered what happens when love defies time, The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston has the answer. This enchanting story is filled with heart, humor and a touch of magic, set against the backdrop of bustling New York City. After loving The Dead Romantics, I was thrilled to dive into Poston’s newest work and it did not disappoint. With its unique premise, lovable characters and deeply emotional themes, this novel offers a story that lingers long after the final page.
Summary of The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Clementine is at a crossroads in her life. Still reeling from the loss of her beloved aunt, she’s navigating the challenges of grief while trying to keep her heart safe. Her plan? Work hard, find love and never forget to chase the metaphorical moon, just as her aunt always advised. But Clementine struggles with the love part—her heart doesn’t feel ready.
Then, one day, she discovers a handsome stranger standing in her late aunt’s quirky, magical apartment. Iwan is charming, kind and has a knack for making perfect lemon pies. He’s the kind of man Clementine could easily fall for—except he lives seven years in the past.
Her aunt once described the apartment as a “pinch in time,” where past and present collide like watercolors blending together. Despite her better judgment, Clementine finds herself drawn to Iwan, but their impossible connection leaves her questioning everything. Can love transcend time or will it always be a matter of perfect timing?
Review of The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
I absolutely adored The Seven Year Slip! Ashley Poston once again delivered a story that balances heartwarming romance with deeply relatable emotional struggles. Clementine’s journey felt so real, especially as she grappled with grief, self-discovery and the challenges of following her dreams.
The romance between Clementine and Iwan is magnetic. Iwan’s charm, zest for life and “golden retriever” energy made him an unforgettable character. Clementine’s slow realization of her feelings for him—and her struggle to reconcile those feelings with their impossible circumstances—was beautifully written. I found myself rooting for them, laughing with them and swooning at their tender moments.
The magical apartment added a whimsical touch that set this story apart. While the rules of how it worked weren’t always clear, I decided to embrace the magic and enjoy the ride. The second half of the book truly shines as the romance deepens and the story’s emotional stakes reach new heights.
What I loved most was how Poston portrayed Clementine’s grief and growth. Her love for her late aunt was palpable. Though I didn’t feel deeply connected to the aunt as a character, I could still appreciate how her influence shaped Clementine’s journey. The overarching theme of rediscovering your dreams and embracing life’s messy, unpredictable beauty was deeply moving.
That said, I struggled a little with the pacing of the first half of the book. However, the second half made up for it, pulling me in and making me fall hard for Clementine and Iwan’s story. By the end, I didn’t want to leave these characters behind. I wanted another 200 pages of their story.
About the Author, Ashley Poston
Ashley Poston has a remarkable talent for creating stories that blend romance, humor and a touch of magic. Known for her ability to write characters that feel deeply human, she has earned a devoted following of readers.
Poston first gained attention for her young adult novels, including Geekerella and The Princess and the Fangirl, which reimagined fairy tales for the modern age. She transitioned to adult fiction with The Dead Romantics, a delightful blend of romance and supernatural themes that became an instant hit. I also really enjoyed her book, A Novel Love Story. Her ability to weave heartfelt stories with imaginative twists makes her a standout in contemporary fiction.
Final Thoughts
The Seven Year Slip is a beautifully written story about love, loss and finding yourself in the midst of life’s uncertainties. The emotional depth, engaging romance and touch of magic make it a truly memorable read. Although the beginning started off a little slow for me, the second half of the book more than made up for it!
If you enjoy stories with unique premises, lovable characters and heartfelt themes, this book belongs on your reading list. I’m so glad I picked it up and I can’t wait to see what Ashley Poston writes next!
Have you read The Seven Year Slip or any other books by Ashley Poston? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let me know in the comments, and feel free to share your recommendations for my TBR pile.
Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Fiction, Mashup
