The main protagonist Clementine is an exhausted book publicist mourning the loss of her cherished aunt and battling to discover inspiration and purpose in her life. Relocating to her late aunt’s rent-con- trolled Upper East Side apartment should have provided her with focus and stabili- ty, but everything falls apart when a mys- terious, attractive man unexpectedly appears in her living room.

After the initial panic, Clementine remembers her aunt had mentioned that her apartment occasionally acts as a por- tal to different times in its history. In this instance, it’s seven years prior, when the scruffy, innovative, charming dishwasher Iwan — who aspires to be a renowned chef in the city — crashed on her aunt’s couch during the summer while she was away in Europe.

Despite her best efforts to resist, Clementine is attracted to Iwan. She finds herself powerless against the apart- ment’s enchanting pull. It has brought them together because they are exactly what the other needs, even though their timelines do not align.

Their encounter takes place both seven years apart and at just the right moment in time. He lovingly calls her my “Lemon.” There are some corny lines sprinkled through- out (including appearances by characters from The Dead Romantics) but overall, The Seven Year Slip will swoon the read- ers in all directions. This is largely due to Iwan, Clementine’s unforeseen squatter. Major book boyfriend alert! Iwan’s kind, considerate, and gentle. The writer cre- ates amazing chemistry between her main characters.

The book has themes about pursuing one’s aspirations regardless of age, as well as what it means to navigate grief. The aspects concerning the former, par- ticularly the careers of Clementine and Iwan, are enjoyable. What truly excels is the painful realities of the latter. Clementine’s bond with her aunt kept her anchored through so many chal- lenges, and when that connection vanish- es unexpectedly, she withdraws; she retreats into herself like a turtle conceal- ing itself in its shell. Iwan’s enthusiasm for life, and his appreciation for vibrant experiences and flavours, add fresh vibrancy to her subdued routine. This book is a heartfelt exploration of love, grief, and self-discovery, woven through a charming time-travelling romance that lingers long after the final page.