This ARC was provided by St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, thanks!!

I went into this book completely blind. I had read The Bodygaurd and enjoyed it so I wanted to give Center’s new book a try. I really loved all the characters in this book and the journey that they all went on. It made me stop and think a lot about the people in my life and what I take for granted sometimes. I had all the different pieces of the story but I didn’t have them put together correctly until the very end. I will continue to read more of Katherine Center’s work.

Sadie is a fiercly independent professional portrait artist on the verge of her biggest career break ever when a series of accidental events leads to a diagnosis of temporary (probably) facial blindness. She can no longer make sense of faces, even of the people closest to her. The doctors can't tell her when or if this will ever go away. Of course, being able to see faces is one of the most critical aspects of being a portrait artist. With her career at a standstill, her family issues popping up around every corner, and her dog going through a health scare, Sadie cannot seem to make sense of her life. That is until she falls in love with her vet while starting a romantic endeavor with her neighbor. Now she's juggling two relationships at the worst possible time because she can't actually see their faces. Can Sadie get her life back on track and face her biggest life challenges yet?

This book warms your heart. I love the idea of falling in love with people even when you can't see their faces. Sadie is such a lovable character. Her goodness shines through every page even when the world keeps trying to knock her down. Her reluctance to ask anyone for help until she absolutely needs it is something I can relate to and learn from. I really enjoyed Sadie's story and I will think about this book for years to come.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of Hello Stranger.

Sadie finally feels like things might be going her way when she got into the finals of the portrait contest, only to have to have fairly emergent brain surgery that affected her ability to see faces commonly known as face blindness. How does somebody who draws faces for a living make it when the faces are now a puzzle that is unable to be put together? And more importantly, how can she get her veterinarian to fall in love with her when she can't pick him out of a lineup?

This book was absolutely unputdownable. I laughed, I cried, and I read well past my bedtime like I did when I was a kid. I could not stop thinking about Sadie, and the phenomenon of face blindness had me SO intrigued. I'm dying to know more about it and through my research it seems that the author did such a great job understanding some of the trials and tribulations that individuals with this condition can potentially experience. What great representation for a fairly large part of the population that I haven't seen represented before. I found this book to be just a fantastic light but thought provoking read, and absolutely enjoyed every second that I took to devour it. I cannot wait for this book to go on sale so that I can share it again and again with all my friends. Absolutely stellar book that was just a true joy to read.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

Thank you NET Galley for an ARC of Hello Stranger!

CONS: I read The Bodyguard so I was excited when I saw an ARC of this book available. Unfortunately, I didn't find the main character of Hello Stranger very enjoyable; she often came off as immature to me. I think some of the side characters were meant to have small redemption arcs but it didn't come across that way, instead I just felt confused about the character's personalities and behaviors.

PROS: The premise is interesting and made for a unique read. The book is quite predictable, which can be fun depending on your mood. It's a quick and easy read and great as a palate cleanser or if you are a voracious rom-com reader. I also enjoyed the best friend's character quite a bit!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5346000724

A very fun twist on the amnesia trope! It wasn’t quite as fun and silly as I hoped (based on The Bodyguard) but wow, does Katherine Center writes excellent love stories. The premise was interesting and well-developed, I really appreciated the detailed descriptions of what was happening in Sadie’s brain. And of course, in classic Katherine Center style, the author’s note was lovely.

That said, the step-sister was too flat—just a boring villain. And her best friend was a really shitty best friend on several occasions, which I felt either should have been worked through between the characters, or else we needed different plot points to throw our MCs together.

Huge thanks to StMartins and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

I FINALLY finished this book.

I have no doubt that this story will be loved by mostly all who read it. It's unique, heartwarming, funny, and fabulously sweet. Very "feel good" romance.

Unfortunately, I was just a lil bored and I'm so sorry for that, because there's nothing I love more than writing a review that screams I COULDNT PUT THIS DOWN I DEVOURED THIS OMG OBSSESED. This just wasn't that for me.

Make no mistake - Katherine is a beyond talented author who's characters are likeable and have depth. I especially appreciated the comical moments, the fresh take on love at first sight sight but sight unseen, and the particularly well written ending. Just know what you're getting yourself into! I think I knew all along this wouldn't be a home run for me because I just enjoy dark/SPICY/high stakes/insane romance books so much.

This book is for you if you're cuddled up with a hot cup of tea on a late lazy Sunday morning and want to feel warm and cozy on the inside. This book is for you if you drew hearts next to your name in middle school. I could go on...

Personally though, it lacked excitement and I craved a little bit of drama. That's a ME PROBLEM, I know lol.

For what it's worth, I highly recommend this to you if you're looking for a comfort read. A beach read, even. I think this will appeal to the masses and be a huge success in the sweet romance world. It just wasn't my favorite!

Due to the interesting premise, well written character development, and feel good closure, I still rate this 3.75 stars and rounded it up to 4 for the goodreads rating. Just know that if we have similar tastes in 5 star reads, you may have a hard time finishing this or getting into it. To each their own!!!

MY RATING: 5/5

QUICK SYNOPSIS: On her way to celebrate becoming a finalist in an art show, Sadie experiences a brain complication resulting in facial blindness. As she struggles to come to terms with her new (hopefully temporary) normal, she has to relearn who she can trust, why she's falling for two men, and how to continue her work as a portrait artist.

WHAT I LOVED: This storyline was so unique! I'd never heard of facial blindness before so following Sadie as she figures out life unable to see faces was truly fascinating. I loved the perspective we get and how we are left in the dark with her on who people she runs into are. I loved the evolution of romance in this one, and the crazy step sister was great comedic relief.

Definitely a must read of you like:
- family drama
- sunshine MMC's
- plot twists

I was not a fan of this book and would not recommend it. I generally enjoy this author’s writing. In fact, one of my favorite parts of this book was actually the Author’s Note. I love how she wrote about the criticism of romance books and how books in this genre are all about hope. Getting to this note after finishing the book almost felt like the author herself was acknowledging how over-the-top unbelievable this book was and trying to provide an counterargument for the criticism that is likely coming- definitely the criticism I’ll provide. This book was just too much! I could suspend reality somewhat to believe that she didn’t recognize that Joe and Dr. Addison were the same person. Even that was a stretch and it was obvious to me from the very beginning. I kept reading though to see how the author would reconcile that. What was not necessary was all the other times that she had apparently met him and not remembered him. Times that he also somehow failed to mention. Did she have to have met him at the grocery store, while moving in, when he saved her in the crosswalk, AND as Joe and the vet?! I don’t think so. If all of that was to make the case for why she recognized him at the end, I think that’s overkill. I also found a handful of the side characters very unrealistic- namely her BFF who someone thought she’d want a surprise party after going face blind and mostly the excessively sinister stepsister. She was so one- note, and I couldn’t buy that she was just repeatedly spiteful just for the sake of being spiteful. There were other elements of the plot that also irked me- the random old high school victim who just happens to show up twice. And the number of times that the main character was overly helpless while also claiming to not need help. How immature she was in her reaction to her parents.

I know the author wants to argue for being hopeful and having faith but this book was a leap to far for me. Also, I’m assuming some good editing is still in order because there are a lot of typos. Maybe there is still some time to edit out some of the unnecessary plot details and focus in on just building a believable, engaging relationship development between the main love interests. Here’s hoping!

Hello Stranger
by Katherine Center
Pub Date: 11 Jul 2023
St. Martin's Press
Romance
Rating 5/5

As a finalist in an elite portrait painting contest, Sadie Montgomery is well on her way to becoming a respected professional artist. Sadly, the aftermath of unexpected brain surgery left Sadie with face blindness. When she looks at faces, she sees a maze of disengaged features.

Sadie meets not one, but two dreamy men while adjusting to her health condition. Besides her best friend and dysfunctional family members, Peanut, her loving dog, also poses challenges to her recovery.

Hello Stranger is highly recommended and should not be missed. Katherine Center tackles grief, infidelity, and unexpected disability with honesty and grace. Readers will not want to miss the author's note at the end of the book. There is a beautiful love note addressed to the romance genre in it.

Thank you NetGalley, and ST. Martin's Press, for sharing this stunning book with me. Your kindness is appreciated.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the author for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 11, 2023
Katherine Center is the queen of light hearted, engaging romantic novels and her new work, “Hello Stranger” delivers exactly that!
Sadie Montgomery gave up medical school to pursue her dream of being an artist, to the dismay of her father. Now, Sadie is living the very definition of “starving artist”, living in a hovel on the rooftop of her best friends’ building and desperately waiting for her career to take off. Finally, Sadie’s work is noticed, giving her the oppourtunity to win $10,000 in a contest, and to display her artwork in a gallery in her hometown. But, as fate would have it, weeks before the competition, Sadie suffers a brain injury which leaves her struggling with prosopagnosia, or face blindless, leaving everyone around her completely unrecognizable, including the new handsome vet she had one-sided dreams of marrying. Against her will, Sadie is forced to literally look at life a different way, and ends up seeing the world in an entirely new way.
“Stranger” is a quirky, delightful novel that, yes, can be defined as a romance novel, but that isn’t all it is. Center, as with all of her other work, focuses more on love itself and less on the over-the-top sexual overtures and acts, as well as the innocence and vulnerability of newly developed relationships. Sadie, initially torn between two men, is strong and stubborn, unable to admit to her own weaknesses, which serves only to compromise both of her possible relationships. She is brave and creative, honest and humble, and readers will immediately connect to her.
I recognized the twist in this novel almost right away, but I loved exploring the rest of the novel with Sadie anyway, and being right beside her when she, too, figured it out. Center not only provided a cute, hard-to-put-down novel, she also brought prosopagnosia to the forefront, and I always love when I can learn a little bit (especially about brain disorders and differences!) while enjoying a great story.
I am not a romance reader in general, but Center’s previous novels (“How to Walk Away” and “Things to Save in a Fire”) introduced me to a whole new type of romance story, and I will never turn down the chance to read another novel by this author.

I didn't love it for the first half of the book. Sadie was a really unlikable person for me, mostly because of her stubborn attitude. Her family situation just made me mad and never really got resolved, but I think it's probably more realistic than most family dynamics that are portrayed I'm books.

Joe, however, was the perfect guy in this story and everything we needed in a romance!

Rounded up to 4 stars just because I love an ending in a romance that comes together so well.

If you’ve read any of Katherine Center’s books you know she has a way of telling a story of romance that also promotes positive mental health. Hello Stranger, is no different. Sadie Montgomery’s life may be falling apart but she’s surrounded with loving friends, neighbors and medical professionals who help her navigate the most difficult time of her life. I love that this book highlights a support system that differs from the traditional view of relying on family members. I wish I had my own Dr. Nicole, everybody should have this amazing woman in their life.

While this is a romance novel it’s not gushy, cringey or closed door. The emphasis is on Sadie’s relationships both with her friends and neighbors and also her love interest. Sadie’s best friend, Sue, is a great supporting character. She’s always trying to lift up her best friend, and just like in real life, doesn’t always read the situation correctly to see what her friend truly needs at the moment.

One of the main themes of the book is to celebrate life. I’ll admit I typically read fiction and am drawn to stories that just make me feel good. This is certainly one of those books that just makes you happy. Sadie learns that different isn’t always bad and that there truly is hope in humanity.

I’m such a sucker for the Author’s Note and this one didn’t disappoint. I know this is an ARC but I sincerely hope nothing in the Author’s Note changes. I loved the book and now I love it twice as much after reading Katherine Center’s thoughts on it.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

TW: brief mention of attempted suicide

“Sadie," Joe said then, "I noticed you from the start. Since that day I carried all those canvases up to the rooftop for you."

Sadie & Joe. What a delight! Sadie has a cured face blindness. Her brain cannot puzzle faces together. “Facepocalypse”!!! Joe is *the* sweetest cinnamon roll. Surprisingly nice. Surprisingly attentive. Surprisingly good at back rubs. Daddy Warbucks. SUPER CUTE! Hello Stranger is perfect for readers looking for a love story with fantastic anticipation! Page-turning magic!

“Knowing how much I used to be missing has taught me to pay better attention. To pause from the hustle more often and just take it all in.”

Ps. Have some tissues ready! You might get a little weepy.

Pps. Don’t skip the back matter! KC’s explanation of love stories is unlike any other!

✨ THINGS AND STUFF ✨
-neighbors
-friends to lovers
-he’s got that golden retriever energy
-acquired apperceptive prosopagnosia aka face blindness
-a cultured, geriatric dog whose also a foodie with a very refined palate
-classic, traditional portrait artist
-roller skates 🛼
-flowers behind your ear
-grief, hope, & joy
-#IsThisAKissingBook: closed door. Smooching! “Fake, not fake kiss.” For humanitarian reasons! “Very nice accidental sweet-revenge kiss.”

Thank you St Martins Press for an advanced copy!

Song: You Send Me by Sam Cook

MARK YOUR CALENDARS ON JULY 11th FOR THE RELEASE OF MY NEW FAVORITE ROM COM, HELLO STRANGER BY KATHERINE CENTER !!!

Sorry for the all caps, it was urgent to get your attention because this book deserves ALL of the attention!

This story follows Sadie Montgomery, a struggling artist who is on the verge of having her BIG break after becoming a finalist in one of the most prestigious portrait art competitions. Unfortunately, as her luck would go, she needs immediate brain surgery. Again with the bad luck - during her recovery it dawns on her that she can’t recognize her best friends face. After realizing that she notices that she can’t see ANYONES face - it’s all crazy mixed up puzzle pieces. Turns out she’s left with a rare (maybe temporary) condition caused face blindness (you’ll learn the scientific word for it 😅). HOW CAN A PORTRAIT ARTIST WORK WITHOUT SEEING FACES?!?!

Now this is pretty much how the story begins. You’ll follow along Sadie as she rediscovers life without being able to recognize/see the people around her. Also there’s a super hot neighbor, a swoon veterinarian & a dog. So much win! It’s so funny, it’s heart warming, its filled with tender moments and lots of love.

100% swoon worthy and 100% bingeable 100% recommend !

TW: death of parent, bullying

Thank you NetGalley, Katherine Center, and St. Martin’s Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review! I can’t wait to purchase my own copy 😍

Wow. This is my first Katherine Center book, and while I knew I'd probably enjoy it, I could not have anticipated just how much!

When everything came to a head for the main character, Sadie, and as I read the last 20-30% of the book, I cried. Sad tears, happy tears, proud tears - all the tears!

As the synopsis suggests, this story follows Sadie in the weeks following a surgery that leaves her face‐blind. There's a romantic relationship at the heart of the story, and it's very well written! But it's also a story about her relationship with her family and ultimatley with herself. There was a depth to it that I didn't expect, but the story was still light and Sadie's wit and humor shown throughout.

The synopsis also alludes to a love triangle, of which I'm not usually a fan. Please don't skip this book based on just that! It was clear very early on that this would not a love triangle in a traditional sense!

"Seeing the world differently helps you see things not just that other people can’t—but that you yourself never could if you weren’t so lucky. It lets you make your own rules. Color outside your own lines. Allow yourself another way of seeing."

This was my first Katherine Center book and I already know I will be reading through her entire backlog. The characters were so beautifully written that I was just sucked right in immediately, all of the little quirks and details were so descriptive that they just jumped out of the page. The whole book was funny and heartwarming and just so adorable!! It was a very unique plot and it was so interesting to read how Sadie muddled through her situation, you end up cheering her on the entire way.

There were a lot of layers to this book as well, there was Sadie's struggle with her face blindness and trying to paint her portrait for the art show, her difficult family dynamics which in turn led her to have a difficult time asking for and accepting help, and then there was the romance element, which was unique and refreshing and just so enjoyable to follow along with.

The ending was also absolutely perfect, I highly recommend going in blind as much as you can with this book and just seeing where the ride takes you!!

"Sadie Montgomery never saw what was coming . . . Literally! One minute she’s celebrating the biggest achievement of her life—placing as a finalist in the North American Portrait Society competition—the next she’s lying in a hospital bed diagnosed with a “probably temporary” condition known as face blindness. She can see, but every face she looks at is now a jumbled puzzle of disconnected features. Imagine trying to read a book upside down and in another language. This is Sadie’s new reality.

But, as she struggles to cope, hang on to her artistic dream, work through major family issues, and take care of her beloved dog, Peanut, she falls in love—not with one man but two. The timing couldn’t be worse.

Making judgment calls on anything right now is a nightmare. If only her life were a little more in focus, Sadie might be able to have it all."

This book was so fun! I'm a huge fan of Katherin Center stories, and this was no exception for me. This was a sweet, romantic hug of a story that plays on your heartstrings and lifts you up. Highly recommend for fans of sweet but not spicy romances with some quirky humor.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The FMC of our story is funny, and simply so charming. She is a struggling artist who paints realistic portraits. We open the story finding out that she is in the top 10 of a really important contest. She just so happens shares this fact with her late mother who died when Sadie was teen. She is going to celebrate her placement when tragedy strikes and her life is put on halt. With her slowing down, Sadie starts to appreciate and learn things that have been there right along, that she hadn't been able to "see" before.

This book was SO good! It was a uplifting, feel good, sentimental story with the cutest characters (including a dog named Peanut!) The way that Center was able to make me feel like I was reading about my friends that I knew everything about, is truly a superpower. This book also touches on healthy communication in relationships, good friendships, bad familial relationships, and therapy as a way to get through hard times.

I loved that the author faced neurovascular issues head on with good facts so I feel like I learned something! KC clearly did plenty of research on the topic. We also love a book that wraps up so beautifully in the end with a pretty bow on top! I can see this being a really successful movie adaptation!

Oh my gosh, I loved this book! I ate it up. Joe and Sadie are the absolute best! There were many quotes in this one that I highlighted and will go back and look at time and time again. I love the way Ms. Center tells a story and this one was in no way predictable (at least not for me) and I was there for it all. These characters—Sadie, Joe, even the supporting characters—were terrific, and I was completely hooked. This would be a great movie! It made me laugh out loud, cry, and forget my responsibilities for the day. That my friends, is a win.
<i>Hello Stranger</i> was perfect for me. This cozy, cute, and self-reflective novel delivered on all fronts.

A unique premise? Check.
Amnesia trope but done a bit differently? Check.
An incredible amount of chemistry between our leads? Check.
Laugh out loud moments and totally adorable scenes? Check.

I could go on.
All in all a very satisfactory reading experience!

(Adding a note here to say there is zero spice in this book. I don’t mind it, but I know people tend to ask the spice level).

Girl gets brain surgery, girl develops face blindness, girl meets 2 boys. 😶🧠

In @katherinecenter’s latest novel she delivers a tale that winds love and friendship and pets and family with a classic case of face blindness. If any other author wrote this, I don’t know that it would work. But as always, Katherine manages to weave enough heart into the characters that it melts yours completely. 💕

My only complaint is that I saw the twist coming from the second I read the word face blind. However, that really didn’t take away from the story.

If you loved the Bodyguard or Things You Save in a Fire, check out Hello Stranger when it publishes this July!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -K

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. 🥰