Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this arc! Hello Stranger by Katherine Center is an actual masterpiece and I have nothing but praise for this book! I loved every second of Sadie and enjoyed the plot so much more than I expected. Katherine Center is officially an auto-buy author for me. I would read her grocery lists. When this book is released on July 11, run don't walk!!

Sadie Montgomery is a struggling artist, following in her mother’s footsteps. She paints portraits-her style being compared to Norman Rockwell-and has just been told that she has earned one of the coveted finalist spots in a competition that could be life changing. She suffers a seizure in the street and is saved by a good Samaritan. While in the hospital, she learns that she needs brain surgery and although she wants to put it off, she has the surgery and now suffers from prosopagnosia (face blindness). This twisty, entertaining, lighthearted romance is centered on Sadie Montgomery who is struggling artist, barely making ends meet, living in her art studio because she’s broke. Her estranged father is successful surgeon who never approves the life choices she’s made. After losing her mother, Sadie’s life completely changes. Her father marries with Lucinda and she gets bullied by her evil incarnation step sister Parker for over and over. ( Parker is worst kind of villanelle who earns ten million slapping points: Because of her Sadie gets kicked out from her school, losing her reputation, her boyfriend. Even her own father picks Parker’s side: she also loses her entire family) The struggle with face blindness was an interesting way to have people look at others as well as your own life differently. Sadie overcomes so much and finds her way. Definitely enjoyed this one and would recommend it.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press
Publication date is July 11, 2023

Hello Stranger! I have to say it feels like we’ve met before, because I haven’t met a Katherine Center book that I didn’t love. I know that was corny on my part, but true nonetheless. The plot line was so interesting with characters you love and also characters you love to hate. It gave me all the feels..happiness, sadness, hopefulness, and butterflies. I may be the last one to know, but I wasn’t aware that the condition face blindness existed. Watching Sadie navigate life with this new condition, and seeing how it affects her, and those around her, was truly thought-provoking. KC paints the story as vividly as her cover, making me feel as though I’m not just reading the story, but watching it as well. Sadie’s story brings past and present together, diving into the challenges of the family dynamic, while adding a romance that made me swoon. Overall, I was so engulfed in this unique storyline that I was reading at 3am; I couldn’t put it down! I was so sad to say goodbye to these characters as the story ended.
Hopefully, we will see them on the page again!

I really love how Katherine creates such unique story lines that are unlike anything else I’ve read. Despite the fact that Sadie is majorly going through it in life, this book still felt light, funny and like a warm hug. There are characters here you will love, despise and root for. The ending was fantastic and totally surprised me, which is rare. I only rated this four stars because I felt like I wanted to see even more of Joe + Sadie, and I wanted a little more depth and connection with some other characters in her life.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of this book!

This was a cute, fast-paced book with a very unique premise! It was clear how much research Center put into the novel, as Sadie's condition was foreign to me, but Center made it clear - so much so that my head began hurting due to so much focus on brain conditions and impaired vision.

While I think the plot was unique and endearing, Sadie took some time for me to warm up to. For one, I found her incredibly juvenile and thoughtless - especially regarding her health, which is realistic to a certain degree, but come on. She discovers brain surgery is imperative, and refuses to do the surgery ASAP. On top of that, a mere week or so after her brain surgery, she .decides to roller skate for the first time in years on the roof of her building!!. Antics like this drove me absolutely insane. Also, how she cared for her dog - feeding him Pad Thai and other nonsense etc. - was just a little ridiculous. But I digress, after a bit, I did grow to like her, and found her funny at times.

I had to suspend my disbelief a lot throughout the story. Without spoiling anything, it's very clear what the major conflict is when it came to the romance, and it all just became very ridiculous. I thought the romance lacked chemistry too, but it was overall sweet. I also felt that many characters felt one-dimensional, specifically Parker, whose character could have been explored more, but instead was used as a vain, malicious, and stereotypical foil to Sadie.

Overall though, this was a cute and sweet story that flowed well.

This book WAS for me. I adore everything about how the author weaved this story together. I've read most of Center's work, but this one is by far my favorite. I think the spirit of this story is why I'm such a fan: sometimes we're blind even when we can see.

Katherine Center sets the stage with a near homeless aspiring artist, who finally has some good news of a potential opportunity of a lifetime. To celebrate, Sadie is ready to kick off her big break with a party, meeting a potential love interest at the liquor store across from her apartment complex. The banter is adorable, readers will be ready for this moment to last and turn into something more, when Sadie has a near death experience that leaves her hospitalized.

Things start to quickly unravel when she’s diagnosed with a rare brain disease, needing immediate surgery in order for her to survive.

And that’s just the first five chapters. 😉

Center paints her novel with quirky, artsy, heartwarming characters, with family drama dynamics that feels vaguely like a Cinderella retelling. With our prince charming, Dr. Addison, a veterinarian/good Samaritan neighbor, and the wicked stepsister who is literally pure evil.

I loved how Center weaved her story together with Sadie’s acquired neurodivergence (I would pause reading to google face blindness also known as prosopagnosia) and how that affected her personal life and her professional life as an artist, which was fascinating.

As for the spicy-ness🌶️ of this one it’s very minimal.

I would have loved more steam in this romance. I mean the scene with Sadie and Joe in her art studio screamed potential for more spice. My one and only hiccup with this novel was towards the end. Without getting spoiler-y, it was when Sadie talks to Dr. Addison about her feelings and the subsequent consequences that followed. This will make so much more sense when you read it and we can discuss in the comments 😂

With a fantastic setup and full circle conclusion Hello Stranger is a story that will give you all the feels, leaving you ready for the next Katherine Center novel.

Well Katherine Center has done it again! Back with a unique premise about a portrait artist who becomes face blind after an accident as she’s due to compete in the biggest portrait competition of her career she must find a way to paint something she can enter all while juggling a juicy love triangle that ends in a satisfying twist!

Center’s voice is what always keeps me coming back for more. I feel like I’m hanging out with my best friend when I read one of her books. Her humor and wit sparkle in this one. The love scenes are sweet and closed door for those wondering. Highly recommend for fans of romance and commercial/women’s fic crossovers. It was a quick read that will bring a smile to your face and you’ll leave wondering what you’d do if you were thrust into a similar situation. I also learned a lot about face blindness which was interesting. Great read! Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins for the ARC in return for my honest review

5 amazing stars!

I have loved all of Katherine Center's books and this one is not the exception.

Our heroine is Sadie Montgomery. She is a struggling artist who paints portraits. She has recently entered a competition and she might have the chance to win 10000 dollars. This is the same competition her mother, who passed away, entered too. Sadie wants to demonstrate to her father that she can be successful in doing what she loves.

However, six weeks before the competition, she learns that she needs to have brain surgery. The surgery has minimal risk and after it, she could begin painting her portrait. What Sadie was not expecting is to stop being able to see faces. After her surgery, she develops acquire apperceptive prosopagnosia. When she realizes this, she freaks out. To make matters worse, her dog, Peanut gets sick. She takes him to the emergency vet. Dr. Addison is able to save Peanut and even without seeing his face, she falls for him. She's thrilled when he asks her out. But things can't be easy, she also meets Joe. He lives in the same building as she does. At first, she dislikes him but the more she gets to know him, the more she starts falling for him too.

What is Sadie going to do? And how is she going to win the competition without being able to see faces?

Loved it. Love Sadie and Joe. So cute together. I also loved Peanut and thankfully no John Wick harm comes to pass.

Now that Happiness for Beginners it's coming to the screen, Hello Stranger can come out as a movie too.

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hello Stranger was a fun light hearted read. The beginning I thought was very fast paced and I was anticipating every next chapter. It felt like towards the middle it became a bit slower paced and made it hard to want to finish it. I really enjoyed the characters and it wasn’t until about 70% through the book when I eventually figured everything out! The part I really enjoyed was the authors notes. I enjoyed learning more about why Katherine Center started writing romance novels and especially liked the research that went into this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc copy to review.

Hello Stranger was the first book I have read that was written by Katherine Center, and it won’t be my last! The book starts out with Sadie, an aspiring portrait artist, who has just won a prestigious art contest. Unfortunately, she soon has an accident that leaves her with an potentially career-ending symptom: she can’t read faces. With her loving dog, Peanut, by her side, she slowly begins to learn to navigate a world and her artistic place in it.

The premise of this book was one that immediately hooked me. How can you have a romantic book if the main character can’t recognize anyone’s face? Well, believe me: Katherine Center is able to do it, and she does it in style. There are many awkward and funny mishaps in the book because of her new medical malady that left me chuckling and blushing in embarrassment right along with Sadie. It felt like I was right there with her! Not only is the book humorous, it has a hidden depth. There are threads of family trauma and self-worth that I found particularly touching and relevant. This book has a little bit of everything.

Right from the start, I fell in love with Sadie’s internal monologue and narrative. As a character, she was funny and a bit quirky (but in the best way!). Katherine Center was able to perfectly blend relatable and unique with Sadie. I mean she frequently plans her imaginary wedding with strangers she meets in the street in a way that is approachable and not that of a stalker. Who hasn’t done the same? Unlike other “perky” Rom-Com heroines, she didn’t take her new illness in stride, and it made her that much more real for it. I, too, would want to hole away in my room if I were in her shoes! Thankfully, she is surrounded by family and friends who make the book come alive from her spontaneous, well-intentioned best friend to her all-knowing doctor to her quirky neighbor. You slowly, but surely will fall in love with each of these characters.

With it being a Rom-Com, I can’t talk about this book without mentioning the romance. I absolutely loved the love interest. I am not ashamed to say that I squealed and “aw”-ed many a time throughout this book. Reading this book was like getting wrapped in a cozy blanket: it makes you feel all tingly and safe… but it can also get a little warm too! While this book certainly does not have any detailed spicy scenes, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t some scenes that are downright swoon-worthy.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book in a way that I was not anticipating! It had amazing characters, funny plot points, and a twist you won’t see coming! I highly recommend this amazing novel to anyone who loves the Rom-Com movies of the 2000s, laughing at life’s awkward mishaps, and learning how to appreciate challenges as they may turn out to be your greatest gift!

I love Katherine Center books. I've never been a romance novel reader, but she writes so well, and her characters are so lovable, that I read everything she writes! Of course the stories are predictable. Of course her characters are the cutest, sexiest and most functional group of people you'll find. But, her books are so fun, you don't tire of them. I am an independent bookstore owner and she is my go to author when someone asks, "Can you just recommend a good book?"

I always thoroughly enjoy Katherine Center books, but this one might just be my favorite. She always has such thoughtful character development and interesting conflict, I just cannot put it down. Definitely add this to your to be read shelves!

Another great read by Katharine Center!! One of my favorite authors. Thanks NetGalley for sending this one along.

This is my second Katherine Center book. I read “The Bodyguard” and thought it was a simple and cute story, so I was looking forward to this one, but I’m bummed! I feel a little let down. The book itself is pretty short and I just did not think the writing was good. I feel bad saying that, but I really was not impressed with the writing.

The main character was frustrating. I liked parts of her; how she was a struggling artist, her desire to feel connected to her mom. I disliked other parts of her; namely, she was so rude to too many people!! I didn’t understand her obsession of denying even the smallest act of help. She seemed self-absorbed. I liked the dilemma of how can she paint portraits if she can’t see faces. The whole face thing was too far-fetched for me in the beginning, but then I researched it and it’s totally a thing! Crazy!

I did like Joe. I just wanted something more from the two of them and I felt it a bit unbelievable that he would still want her after all her misconceptions and miscommunications. I wish I could have seen more of them in the end after they both had the full picture of everything.

I HATED the whole family storyline. I hated it so much. The stepmom was so confusing to me and I didn’t get it. The stepsister was the absolute worst and I wish her character didn’t exist. It provided NOTHING to the story. Honestly, what was the point of the family drama?? I think I would have liked the story much more if the stepmom and stepsister weren’t in it at all.

Lastly, I noticed quite a few editing mistakes.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy so that I could provide an honest review.

Another five star story from one of my favorite authors. Mystery, art, romance, and a well-researched view into a physical anomaly most of us have heard of but maybe not deeply considered the impact. A page-turning, heartwarming and funny story about understanding. I enjoyed the Author's Note at the end as much as the novel itself. "Tragedy is a given, but joy is a choice."

Book Title: Hello Stranger
Author: Katherine Center
Publisher: Saint Martin’s Press
Genre: Romance
Pub Date: July 11, 2023
My Rating: 3.6 rounded up

In this story our author Katherine Center approaches neurovascular issues -cavernoma, prosopagnosia (face blindness).
Personal Note: Since I have had two corneal transplants in both eyes due to Keratoconus.
These types of stories always peak my interest.

Sadie Montgomery is struggling artist .Her father is successful surgeon and so far has not been pleased with Sadie’s career choice.
He remarried after his wife/Sadie’s mother dies. Life with Step mom Lucinda has not been ideal. Sadie is bullied by her step sister Parker - what is worst is her father takes Parker’s side!

Sadie has a seizure the doctor’s diagnosis is serious! There’s a malformed blood vessel in the brain: called cavernoma that needs surgery. Although the surgery itself is serious the big side effect is she will not be able to recognize people’s faces- Everyone will looks like stranger.

Yes this situation is serious but the story left me feeling good.
There are several words of wisdom. e.g. “We are lucky in that we are drawn to people who can teach us things we need to know.” Like letting people help us.
Bottom line
The more good things you look for, the more you will find.


Epilogue gives many examples of simple little things.

Personal Note: This reminded me of when I was being treated after breast cancer surgery~` actually had breast cancer twice. We all know that family and friends feel helpless. They don’t know how to help so will ask how they can help.
Most of us will answer~ I’m okay but thank you ~ or I will call when I need some help.

I learned that i t was best to answer their request on how to help by suggesting something small that they can manage.
I need to pick up a few things from the store. Wonder is the next time you go would you pick up . . . .such n such) Guest what they are thrilled to be able to help!
Other suggestions are mentioned in the Epilogue.

The end of the book also gives more info on ‘face blindness.

As always I love to read the ‘Author’s Notes’. This is definitely worth taking the time to read!
{author: Katherine Center tells us that reading romance stories is fun.
She goes on to say that all stories have an emotion
Mysteries ~ curiosity
Thriller ~ Heart Thumping
Horror ~ Fear
Romance ~ gives us the sense that something is going to get better; something to look forward to ~ Awww so true!.

Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for granting me the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 11, 2023

I'd like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Katherine Center book, and it was such a sweet book. Her writing style had me hooked from the start. A chapter in and I was hooked, which doesn't happen often.

And really, this is so much more than a romance novel. There is so much going on in this book that labeling it a romance doesn't really feel fair. I think the other parts of the story almost override the romance all together.

I will say, If you've recently lost a parent you may want to avoid this book. I was not prepared for all the dead mom content. Having lost my dad around the same time Sadie lost her mom, I felt seriously bonded her character. It brought me to tears multiple times. It's a major part of the story line, so be prepared for that.

Other than that, a lot of the other supporting characters just sucked. Her "best friend" mostly sucked. Her family really sucked. And the family drama wasn't really tied up all that nicely at the end. I'm not sure how I'd have wanted that drama to end, because there weren't many good options. Since her family REALLY SUCKED.

Overall, though a quick cute read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Picked it up and could hardly put down, read it in under two days! I look forward to reading more of her books!

Wow! The ending! 😍. I’m usually good at predicting but there was a good twist. I loved her other books and this one was in the same setting as the others I have read. Definitely worth the read.

Rounded up from 3.85. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy! I really enjoyed The Bodyguard, so I had high hopes. Overall, the book was good. I like her writing quite a bit. If I am getting picky, there was an overuse of the word hovel. Don’t get me wrong…. I love the word, but it’s not commonplace, so it stands out a bit when reading. One other small gripe was what seemed to me to be some contradictions about what the main character could “see”. Those couple things bugged me a little, but I would absolutely still recommend it.