A New Life in Amsterdam

A New Life in Amsterdam Could down-sizing her life mean up-sizing her dreams? Since her daughter grew up and left home, Sandy has found herself filling her house with things – impulse purchases that she just has to have but that quickly lose their sheen. Why would she need an expensive set of copper pans when she has no one to cook for? Realising that her shopping habit is out of control, she asks herself: can she de-clutter, downsize and start a new life? She has always wanted to live on a barge, and she reasons that there is no way she would have room for random purchases on a boat. Taking the bravest decision of her life, Sandy buys and refurbishes a barge in the beautiful city of Amsterdam. Relishing her independence, she is not looking for love, but as the nights draw in and the leaves start to fall from the trees, she finds herself drawn to cafe owner and expert hot chocolate maker Abe. Is she willing to take a second chance on finding the one? Purchase Link – https://geni.us/k2IyNBF Author Bio – Helga Jensen is an internationally award-winning British/Danish best selling author and journalist. Her debut novel was a winning entry in the 2017 Montegrappa First Fiction competition at Dubai’s Emirates Literary Festival. Her debut was also a contender for the coveted 2021 Joan Hessayon Award for new writers. Helga’s best selling novel, Fly me to Paris, was a finalist for the 2024 Popular Romantic Fiction Award. In 2025, her novel, A Christmas in Prague, was also a finalist for the Popular Romantic Fiction Award. Helga holds a BA Hons in English Literature and Creative Writing, along with a Creative Writing MA from Bath Spa University. She is currently finishing a Creative Writing PhD. Social Media Links –  Twitter – @HelgajensenF  Instagram – @Helgajensenauthor Facebook – @Helgajensenfordeauthor

Interview with Lisa’s Reading blog – Helga Jensen 

What made you decide to write a story set in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is one of my favourite countries. I love the Dutch people, the food, the places to visit and the scenery with the beautiful canals and rambling streets. It had to be the perfect setting for a romance! 

How long have you been published? 

I signed my first book deal in 2020 and my debut was out in 2021. Twice in a Lifetime first came out on kindle and was later published in paperback the following year. Finally holding my first paperback in 2022 was just amazing. 

How many books do you have out in the world?

My latest book, A New Life in Amsterdam, is my seventh book to be published. In the short time since my first paperback came out in 2022, it has been an absolute whirlwind. I signed three contracts with my publisher, which resulted in the publication of A Scandinavian Summer, Fly me to Paris, My Heart is in Venice, Escape to the French Riviera, A Christmas in Prague and, of course, my debut, Twice in a Lifetime. 

What do you write about? 

I write about mid-life characters. It was important for me to write about characters in their 40s/50s plus. I felt that as we get older, we are not always able to relate to romantic fiction with 20-year-old characters, and so I wanted to write about women in mid-life having the time of their lives! All my books feature characters who are enjoying a second chapter in their life and they are all set in beautiful locations. 

Have you always been a writer?

I haven’t, no. I was previously cabin crew which is perhaps why I just had to write escapist fiction in gorgeous locations around the world. 

What is your favourite book you have written and why? 

I think my favourite book is A Scandinavian Summer because it is partly set on the most beautiful island of Fanø in Denmark. When you arrive in Fanø it is like you have stepped back in time with thatched cottages and people riding around on bicycles. It really is one of the most idyllic places I have been to. The book was also dedicated to my Danish father who died when I was 8 so this has to be a very special book for me.