The Seven Year Slip

By Ashley Poston

☕︎☕︎☕︎

“You never commit a mundane moment to memory, thinking it'll be the last time you'll hear their voice, or see their smile, or smell their perfume. Your head never remembers the things your heart wants to in hindsight.”

There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and books like this are easy to settle into. The Seven Year Slip has such a fun premise—an apartment that slips through time, giving its tenants the chance to bump into their younger selves. I loved that the magic just exists without any attempt to explain it—it makes it feel more alive and whimsical.

What really stood out to me was the writing itself. Ashley Poston has such a beautiful way with words—her phrasing, her imagery, and the way she handles big themes like grief, joy, and finding your place in the world all felt authentic and moving. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her books.

I also loved the balance of magical realism with the very real challenges of life, work, and happiness. The story carries a strong message about staying true to who you are while also allowing yourself to grow and change.

And of course, the romance. Clementine and Iwan were a joy to read. Her work in publishing and his career as a chef made for such a fun pairing. My only small critique is that the characters weren’t flawed enough to make them real. Their connection came together a little quickly, and I found myself wishing for just a couple more chapters to deepen the relationship.

Overall, this was a beautifully written, cozy read. Not perfect, but absolutely worth the time.