What Happens in Amsterdam
By Rachel Lynn Solomon • ★★★★
Two days after I got laid off from my job, I walked into my local romance bookstore (shout out to Swoon City) and picked up this book on a whim. I’d read and enjoyed other books by Rachel Lynn Solomon (and have had a soft spot for her, since her books are set in Seattle), so I figured this one would be an enjoyable, light read to get me through. What I didn’t realize was how relatable this book would be, and how much I was craving an escape from my current life.
The main character, Dani, moves to Amsterdam to pursue a job in her tech career that she *enjoys*. The job ends up being a nightmare — a tech startup with no real support that folds shortly after she arrives. Luckily, she didn’t really enjoy the job anyway; it didn’t make her the best version of herself. Unluckily, she needed the job to stay in Amsterdam. Eventually, she finds something she actually loves and starts the new job.
This is first and foremost a romance book. Dani meets (re-meets) Wouter, her old beau, and — as you can imagine — they fall back in love. The romance is sweet and a good balance to the heavier themes of the story.
This book met me at the right time in my life. So many late-20s and 30-somethings are lost about where they want their lives and careers to go, myself included. I found this book relatable, but not so heavy that it was triggering. Anyone looking for something similar will enjoy this for what it is: a light-hearted romance with a woman on a journey of self-discovery.
What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon. 📌 This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Marin Robinson 