The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

There’s something utterly captivating about the idea of a love that transcends time. We’ve all wondered “what if?” about missed connections and paths not taken. In her latest novel “The Seven Year Slip”, Ashley Poston takes that wistful notion and spins it into a poignant tale of grief, self-discovery, and romance that will tug at your heartstrings.

As someone who’s always been a sucker for a good time travel romance (hello, “The Time Traveler’s Wife”), I dove into this book with high hopes. And let me tell you, Poston does not disappoint. She weaves together past and present, heartache and hope, in a story that feels both magical and deeply human.

A Magical Apartment and a Serendipitous Meeting

At the heart of the novel is Clementine West, a dedicated book publicist still reeling from the loss of her beloved aunt Analea. When Clementine inherits her aunt’s apartment in New York City, she has no idea she’s also inheriting a portal to the past. The apartment, we learn, has the uncanny ability to slip seven years backwards or forwards in time.

It’s through this magical quirk that Clementine meets Iwan Ashton, an aspiring chef with big dreams and an endearingly crooked smile. Their connection is instant and electric. But here’s the rub—they’re separated by seven years. Talk about long-distance relationships, am I right?

A Tale of Two Timelines

Poston deftly navigates between two timelines—Clementine’s present day and seven years in the past. We watch as Clementine and Iwan fall for each other across this temporal divide, sharing meals, dreams, and stolen moments in the enchanted apartment.

But it’s not all moonlight and roses. In the present timeline, Clementine encounters an older James Ashton (Iwan’s professional name), now a successful and somewhat jaded chef. The contrast between the hopeful, warm Iwan of the past and the polished, distant James of the present is stark and heartbreaking.

Character Growth and Self-Discovery

What I love most about this book is how Poston uses the time-slip premise to explore character growth and self-discovery. Clementine’s journey isn’t just about falling in love – it’s about rediscovering her own passions and coming to terms with her grief.

Through her encounters with both past and present versions of Iwan/James, Clementine learns to embrace change and take risks. She realizes that in trying to build a safe, predictable life for herself, she’s lost touch with the adventurous spirit she inherited from her aunt.

Meanwhile, we see how time and ambition have changed Iwan into James. The contrast between his past and present selves serves as a poignant reminder of how easily we can lose sight of what truly matters in the pursuit of success.

A Feast for the Senses

Can we talk about the food in this book? Oh my god, the food. Poston’s descriptions of Iwan’s cooking are mouthwatering. From perfectly crafted fajitas to decadent lemon pies, the culinary elements add a rich sensory layer to the story. Food becomes a language of love, a way for Iwan to express himself when words fail.

These gastronomic interludes aren’t just delicious filler – they serve as powerful metaphors for the characters’ emotional journeys. The contrast between Iwan’s heartfelt, homestyle cooking and James’ technically perfect but soulless cuisine perfectly encapsulates the central conflict of the story.

Grief, Love, and the Passage of Time

At its core, “The Seven Year Slip” is a meditation on grief and how it shapes us. Clementine’s relationship with her late aunt Analea is beautifully portrayed, full of warmth and complexity. The pain of Analea’s loss feels raw and real, informing every choice Clementine makes.

Poston doesn’t shy away from the messy, uncomfortable aspects of grief. She shows how loss can make us retreat into ourselves, afraid to take risks or open our hearts again. But she also shows how love—both romantic and familial—can help us heal and grow.

The time-slip element adds an interesting dimension to this exploration of grief. It allows Clementine to revisit a time when her aunt was still alive, forcing her to confront her pain in a unique way. It’s a clever narrative device that adds depth to the emotional journey.

A Love Story with Depth

While the romance between Clementine and Iwan is swoon-worthy (seriously, that kitchen dance scene? Be still my heart!), it’s not just empty fluff. Their relationship is built on genuine connection and shared vulnerabilities.

I particularly appreciate how Poston portrays the challenges of their time-separated romance. The frustration, the longing, the fear of changing the past—it all feels authentic and adds tension to the story.

The evolution of their relationship across both timelines is masterfully done. We see the spark of first love in the past scenes, contrasted with the more complex, mature connection that develops in the present. It’s a nuanced portrayal of how love can grow and change over time.

Striking a Balance: Magic and Realism

One of the trickiest aspects of writing magical realism is striking the right balance between the fantastical and the mundane. Poston nails it. The time-traveling apartment is presented matter-of-factly, integrated seamlessly into the characters’ reality.

This grounded approach to the magical elements allows the emotional core of the story to shine through. The time slip becomes a vehicle for character development and emotional exploration, rather than a gimmicky plot device.

New York City: A Character in Itself

Poston’s portrayal of New York City adds another layer of richness to the story. From cozy diners to bustling kitchens, from the Met steps to Washington Square Park, the city comes alive on the page. It’s clear Poston knows and loves New York, and her affection for the city infuses every scene.

The contrast between the New York of seven years ago and the present-day city subtly underscores the themes of change and growth that run through the novel.

A Step Up from Previous Works

Fans of Poston’s previous novel, “The Dead Romantics”, will find much to love here. While both books deal with themes of grief and unexpected love, “The Seven Year Slip” feels more mature and nuanced.

Poston’s growth as a writer is evident in the complexity of her characters and the deftness with which she handles the time-travel elements. The pacing is tighter, the emotional beats more finely tuned. It’s a joy to see an author honing their craft book by book.

Final Thoughts: A Timeless Love Story

“The Seven Year Slip” is a beautiful, bittersweet novel that will linger in your mind long after you turn the final page. It’s a story about second chances, not just in love but in life. About learning to embrace change and take risks. About finding the courage to chase your dreams, even when it’s scary.

Poston’s writing is warm and inviting, with just the right touch of humor to balance out the heavier emotional moments. Her characters feel like real people—flawed, complex, and utterly relatable.

This isn’t just a romance novel, though the love story is undeniably compelling. It’s a story about family, friendship, and finding your place in the world. It’s about learning to live fully in the present while honoring the past.

If you’re a fan of time-slip romances like Audrey Niffenegger’s “The Time Traveler’s Wife” or magical realism in the vein of Sarah Addison Allen, you’ll find much to love here. But even if you’re not typically a romance reader, I’d encourage you to give “The Seven Year Slip” a chance. Its themes are universal, its characters engaging, and its story ultimately uplifting.

So grab a slice of lemon pie (trust me, you’ll be craving it), curl up in your coziest chair, and prepare to be swept away by this enchanting tale of love across time. Just maybe keep a box of tissues handy—you might need them.