Book Review: The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston – A Magical Realism Romance Worth Falling For

The Seven Year Slip is a tender, time-crossed love story that blends grief, hope, and the magic of perfect (and imperfect) timing.

Summary:

After the worst day of her life, Clementine forms a plan to protect her heart: work hard, find someone decent to love, and always chase the moon—her aunt’s advice to keep going. Her life seems to be going according to plan, except for the love part, as she keeps people at a distance, unsure if her heart can handle it. Then, she discovers a man in her late aunt’s apartment—kind-eyed, Southern, and with a love for lemon pies. The twist? He’s from the past, seven years ago, while she lives in the future. The apartment is a strange pocket of time, and Clementine knows that if she lets herself fall for him, it could ruin everything. After all, love isn’t about time—it’s about timing.

My Thoughts:

Some stories find you at just the right time—The Seven Year Slip was one of those books for me. With a gentle brush of magical realism and a deeply emotional core, Ashley Poston crafts a beautiful love story about grief, healing, and finding love when the timing is impossibly wrong… or maybe just right.

Clementine is a young woman trying to navigate life after the devastating loss of her beloved aunt—the person who taught her to chase the moon and to always keep one big dream in her back pocket. One year later, she’s trying to move forward, guarding her heart with a carefully laid plan: work hard, maybe fall in love with someone safe, and above all, don’t get too close. Her heart couldn’t bear another break.

But that plan is upended when she walks into the New York City apartment she inherited from her aunt and finds a strange man standing in the kitchen. A man with kind eyes, a Southern drawl, and a love of lemon pies. The twist? He’s living seven years in the past, and she’s in his future.

What follows is an incredibly touching, time-crossed romance that explores how love isn’t just about timing—it’s about the courage to take a leap when your heart finally says yes. I love stories that dip into magical realism, and this one had just the right amount to make it feel whimsical without taking away from the emotional depth.

Clementine is a fully-realized character whose grief, hesitation, and hope feel genuine and relatable. Poston lets us walk alongside her as she heals, dreams again, and begins to believe she deserves love, even if it doesn’t arrive in the way she expected. I found myself completely invested in her story and rooting for her every step of the way.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Brittany Pressley, and it was an absolute delight. Her performance struck the perfect tone—balancing warmth, humour, and emotion—bringing Clementine and her world vividly to life. Her voice carried me through every tender and magical moment.

Final Thoughts:

The Seven Year Slip is a moving and memorable read that blends love, loss, and second chances in such a heartfelt way. I couldn’t put it down—and I think it will stay with me for quite a while.

Another Book I’ve Reviewed Written by Ashley Poston:

A Novel Love Story