You know that feeling when you curl up with a cozy blanket, a cup of hot tea, and just know you’re about to dive into something magical? That’s exactly how I felt cracking open “The Seven Year Slip” by Ashley Poston. As someone who religiously checks publishing news and devours anything with a dash of magic and romance, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one!
Let me start by saying that Poston’s writing style is absolutely enchanting. The way she weaves together the mundane and magical reminded me so much of those nights I spent as a kid, convinced my grandmother’s old apartment had secret passages (spoiler alert: it didn’t, but a girl can dream!). The story follows Clementine, who inherits her aunt’s apartment in New York City – but this isn’t just any ordinary apartment. It has a peculiar habit of slipping through time, specifically seven years back and forth.
The magic system in this book is delightfully whimsical. While some readers might want more concrete explanations about how everything works, I found myself embracing the unexplained nature of it all. It reminded me of those childhood stories where you don’t question why the wardrobe leads to Narnia – you just accept that it does and enjoy the adventure. Sometimes magic doesn’t need an explanation; it just needs to be believed in.
The heart of this story lies in its characters, particularly our protagonists Clementine and Iwan. Their chemistry practically leaps off the page! Iwan especially charmed me with his infectious enthusiasm and passion for cooking (and seriously, the food descriptions in this book had me ordering takeout more times than I care to admit). There’s something so refreshing about a male lead who wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to show his excitement about life.
The exploration of grief and personal growth throughout the narrative really resonated with me. As someone who lost my own beloved aunt a few years ago, I appreciated how Poston handled the complex emotions that come with loss. However, this isn’t just a story about grief – it’s about finding yourself, chasing your dreams, and learning that it’s never too late to change your path.
New York City serves as the perfect backdrop for this story, becoming almost a character itself. The bustling streets, the cozy restaurants, and especially the mysterious apartment building create an atmosphere that feels both magical and grounded in reality.
The romance develops beautifully, though I will say that the pacing in the first half feels a bit uneven. However, once the story finds its rhythm in the second half, it really takes off. The relationship between Clementine and Iwan evolves in a way that feels both magical and deeply human. Their connection reminds me of those rare moments when you meet someone and just know they’re going to be important in your life, even if you can’t explain why.
What truly sets this book apart is how it handles the concept of timing in relationships. Through the time-slip element, Poston explores how we change over the years and questions whether two people can be right for each other at different points in time. It’s a fascinating examination of growth, compatibility, and the role timing plays in love.
The supporting characters add wonderful depth to the story, though I found myself wishing we got to know a few of them better. The glimpses we get of Clementine’s aunt through memories and flashbacks paint a picture of a vibrant, complex woman who clearly shaped who Clementine became.
While the book isn’t perfect – there are moments where the time-travel logistics might make your head spin if you think too hard about them – it succeeds wonderfully at what it sets out to do: tell a story about love, grief, growth, and the magic that can be found in everyday life if we just know where to look.
“The Seven Year Slip” is perfect for readers who enjoy authors like Katherine Center and Emily Henry, but with an extra sprinkle of magic. It’s for anyone who’s ever wondered “what if?” about a missed connection, anyone who’s felt stuck in their life, or anyone who just needs a reminder that sometimes the best things in life can’t be explained – they just have to be experienced.
I ended this book with that warm, satisfied feeling you get after eating comfort food – and isn’t that exactly what we want from a magical romance? If you’re in the mood for a story that blends contemporary romance with magical realism, complex emotions with hopeful moments, this book deserves a spot on your TBR pile.
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