Love and family and how we connect with others. It’s also about how we create and appreciate art and the beauty that surrounds us.

I picked up "Hello Stranger" by Katherine Center because I needed a literary hug, and for the most part, that's exactly what I got. Sadie's story? It just worked. You know when you read a book and you feel like you're right there with the character, going through all the ups and downs? That was this book for me. Watching Sadie navigate her world after losing her vision, it was like...wow. It made me think about all the little things we take for granted.
Center's writing is just so warm, like a cup of tea on a chilly day. I found myself smiling and even tearing up a little bit. And the romance? Adorable! It's the kind of slow-burn that makes you want to root for everyone involved.
Honestly, I was totally hooked...until the very end. That last chapter? It felt like when you're having a great conversation, and then someone just keeps talking and talking, and you're like, "Okay, I got it, let's wrap this up!" I felt like the story could have ended a bit sooner, and it would have been perfect.
Still, I'd totally recommend this book if you're looking for something sweet and uplifting. It's a feel-good read that'll leave you with a smile, even if you might be tempted to skim the very last bit. Think of it as a cozy blanket, with just a tiny thread sticking out. A solid 3 stars from me!

This book was an amazing and cute read. It had banter, rom-com, and learning about oneself. I resonated with the character in many ways. Katherine Center can really do no wrong in my world. She is an auto read for me. For Sadie Montgomery and what she went through with the condition she had. She had to get to know people from speaking to them, feeling their faces and getting to know them from within and not from the outside. At the end of the day I feel like that's how it should be in the world. Love shows up in mysterious places and mysterious ways.

I loved this book. Katherine Center continues to be one of my favourite romance writers and her books will always be an instant read for me. This book was sweet, uplifting and actually really interesting.

Sweet book and I loved the characters and the twist! Such a great read. I also loved the family dynamics woven throughout the storyline as well.

Another charming read by Katherine Center. This probably wasn't my favorite of her books but still read it in a day! The tone was lighter than I was expecting and I saw the twist coming but still enjoyed seeing it all come together. Recommend for romance readers and Katherine Center fans

Katherine Center once again delivers a charming, funny, and heartfelt story. Sadie isn’t always easy, but she’s someone you can’t help but root for as she navigates her past and present. Her best friend Sue’s blunt humor is a highlight, Joe is endlessly fun, and even Parker, her wicked stepsister, had me laughing at times.

The writing is engaging from start to finish, though the ending had a bit more explanation than I needed. A few plot points required some suspension of disbelief, but as Center brilliantly notes in her author’s note, that’s part of the magic. Definitely worth reading—or listening!

“The more good things you look for, the more you find.”

The FMC is insufferable. I mean, the book was cute, but I just couldn't handle Sadie. I've read some of Katherine's other books before and this one is simply lackluster.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book! I read it in a few hours, if that's any indication. While being a love story, the medical part of this book is so interesting (I spent a few more hours googling that, first to make sure it was real, then kept reading because it's so interesting.)
The characters are all so likeable, except the ones that aren't hahahaaa. Give it a shot, I think a lot if people will really enjoy this book, as much as I did.
Thanks to netgalley, the publisher and author for the chance to read this ARC. (Sorry I am late with my review)

I absolutely loved this! It is such an interesting concept that I was unable to put this down! I really enjoyed the storytelling and getting to see into these characters. Katherine Center has written another hit!

The premise of this was interesting, nothing like I ever read before. Katherine Center always has a way of writing light-hearted cute reads. This was enjoyable.

So I've read all of Katherine Center's novels and I think Hello Stranger may be my favorite out of all of them.
So endearing and engaging and I loved Sadie's character!

I really love how Katherine's books always think outside the box and challenge you to see characters - and ultimetely people - in a different way. It is so creative while still being sweet and endearing at the same time. Will read again!

I hated Sadie. Since before her accident, she was extremely selfish, self-centered, and really judgmental towards everyone. In a scene in the book that another character talks about how nice and good Sadie is, and I just couldn't see what she was saying abou the main character that I was reading about. She goes through no development (by the end she accepts help?! that was such a weird thing the book kept talking about - her thoughts about people helping her). I could not stand her. And for an adult character, she read so immature. I kept thinking I was reading from the point of view of a 13-year-old but then she would talk about rent and her job and I'd remember she was almost 30.

The main love interest was an okay romantic interest but I just couldn't believe how quickly their relationship grew. Not to mention the whole misunderstanding SPOILERS AHEAD: it was so obvious since the beginning that the neighbor and the veterinarian were the same people and that he was talking about a dog in the elevator END OF SPOILERS; I had to wait for her to catch up. Parker was such a random villain - what was the point of the character? We can remove her from the story and nothing changes. And she was just so cartoonish villainous.

The weirdest thing for me is that the author seemed to realize these points in her book and in the end she starts defending the decisions in the story via Sadie making a whole speech about how everything that happened actually does make sense. What?!

I keep waiting to read a Katherine Center book that made me feel like The Bodyguard but alas I'm still waiting.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.

Kathernine Center is one of my favorite authors. I loved the story and what I love about this book is the way Center works in an interesting and relatively unknown medical condition that forces our artist to approach work and life in a different way and to learn that it is ok to let others help you.

This book was so fun in a bunch of unexpected ways! Sadie is “blindly” (literally… she has Prosogagnosia—face blindness) navigating through her passion for art, love for her sweet dog Peanut, conflict & processing trauma with her nontraditional family & falling in love. I found myself laughing, my heart breaking & then swooning & then laughing again & again. A round of applause goes out to Katherine Center for consistently delivering us wonderfully anticipatory rom coms! 👏🏼

This book was so beyond wild I don't know that I even have words. While I appreciated the education in face blindness, this book just took it too far.

Not the most sympathetic heroine, nor believable romance. It was an okay read, but not one I’ll think back on often. Disappointing compared to past titles from this author!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am sorry I waited so long to read this one - I know I love Katherine Center and her writing, I just got behind and this one fell behind new releases. But I am so glad that I finally was able to pick it up.

Hello Stranger is a heartwarming and beautifully written novel that captures the magic of love, resilience, and self-discovery. Center masterfully weaves humor, romance, and deep emotion into the main character’s journey. The love story is tender and unique, offering a fresh take on connection beyond appearances. The supporting characters add charm and depth, making the novel even more immersive. It has witty dialogue that Center has perfected and heartfelt moments that kept me reading!

I Dnfed this at about 20%. Unfortunately the author's writing doesn't vibe with me and I couldn't get into the story.