I really enjoyed this book. It's a cute little romance, but the interesting part is the face-blindness that the MC contracts from a surgical procedure. It's fascinating to learn more about this little-known problem, and how it relates to someone that has such a huge part of their life tied in with faces. I admit, I kinda had the punchline figured out, but that didn't diminish the enjoyment of the reveal. The pace of the book was great, the relationships between the MC and her friends and family progressed nicely. I would definitely enjoy reading more by this author.

Hello Stranger- Katherine Center
4⭐️

Katherine Center always delivers the perfect romcom when I need it most! This was exactly what I was needing during a rough week to bring my spirits up. I have realized that the predictability factor that most romcoms have is so comforting. It is part of what makes romcoms what I want to read when I’m having a bad day. You can feel consoled reading it knowing that everything is going to turn out okay. I started having these thoughts while reading Hello Stranger and coincidentally enough, Katherine had a whole authors note at the end of exactly this!

“Romance novels, rom-coms, happy love stories-they all run on a blissful sense that we're moving toward something better. The clues writers drop in romance novels don't give you things to dread. They give you things to look forward to…It's the structure-that "predictable" structure-that does it. Knowing you're heading toward a happy ending lets you relax and look forward to better things ahead. And there's a name for what you're feeling when you do that.
Hope.”

Thank you for putting exactly what I was feeling into words, Katherine (and much more eloquently than I ever could!)

All that being said, I loved this book. Such a fun story line and a great romcom.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Pick up your copy on July 14th, 2023! 🥳

I am a fan of Katherine Center. I read very little romance, but I always make a point to seek out her new books. Reading each one is like unwrapping a delicious candy and savoring it until the very end.

Mrs. Center's new novel, Hello Stranger, centers around the story of a portrait artist who has an accident that results in face blindness shortly after learning she is a finalist in a prestigious portrait competition. This rocks her world, rendering her unable to paint faces and leaving her at the mercy of those around her. Artist Sadie is unwilling to share her struggles with others, determined to hide her face blindness from those around her.

The struggle of her new reality leads her to explore new methods and styles of painting and re-evaluate her relationships. Fortunately she can still recognize the face of her beloved dog. When two men come into her life, including a very hot vet, things get even more complicated.

Can she paint her prize-winning portrait and possibly find love?

I rate this book 5 stars. I enjoyed it very much and found the subject of face blindness very interesting. I recommend it to anyone that is a fan of a light and humorous read.

Thanks to the author, Netgalley, and St. Martin's press for sharing an advance copy of this book for review.

Thank you to St Martins Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC!

I liked this story. It was interesting and different but still cute with the usual misunderstandings and HEA you can expect from a RomCom. The main character annoyed me a lot of the time. And I really didn’t like her internal dialog/the way she asked rhetorical questions constantly.
Was I happy to do the thing?
No.
Did I do it anyway?
You bet.

Over and over and over.

If you’re a Katherine Center fan, I recommend this one. But if not, I could take it or leave it.

Hello Stranger - Katherine Center
Read it for the:
- Character growth
- Complex family relationships
- Unique plot
- Uplifting message
- The Nice Guy

Romance: Closed-door; kissing only
CW: brief mention of attempted suicide, bullying, death of a parent, strong language.
Final Rating 4/5

Hello Stranger is a worthwhile read, a page-turner with well-built tension, complex character dynamics, and a refreshing plot.

I was invested in the plot from the first chapter and found the premise to be the perfect setup for comedic situations. What I wasn’t expecting, but was pleasantly surprised to have, was the emotional moments. Artist and fiercely independent Sadie, now finds herself struggling to recognize the faces of others, and having to open herself up to receiving help. I enjoyed reading her interactions with other characters.

I loved that Sadie was conflicted over her ideal match, Vet Dr. Oliver, or the resident-building nice guy, Joe. I liked both characters. Although readers could piece together what was happening between Joe, Sadie, and Dr. Oliver, I liked how it was explained in the end and the resolution was satisfying. Personality, I think Joe is the single, nicest, male main character ever written, and I couldn’t help but root for him.

My only issue was that I had trouble connecting with Sadie. Her character was described as joyous, a artistic spirit, a girl dancing in the isle of a store. But her internal thoughts conflicted with this image as she was negative and, at times, critical of others. It was like her character was divided. She had it rough, I understand but I wished I could see a bit more growth from her in the story.

But this did not impact my overall enjoyment of this book. Katherine Center knows how to write a balanced story that will keep you glued to the pages, I cannot wait to read what comes out next.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

One of the most unique plots I have read. Imagine being a portrait artist and finally achieving recognition in one of the most prestigious contests, only to lose your ability to do your job due to a freak accident. With the help of a stranger, or two (or one?), you may be able to submit your contest portrait and fall in love along the way, but of course it won't be simple.

Thank you St Martins Press and Netgalley for an ARC of Hello Stranger by Katherine Center.

In the Author’s Note, Katherine writes about receiving her first romance novel as a gift. She then writes about falling In love with them and devouring them. I know exactly how she feels. While I do love a good suspense, thriller, historical fiction, memoir, etc. nothing beats a good, fun, happy romance novel. And I am learning that I can rely on Katherine Center’s books to give me that feeling.

In Hello Stranger, Sadie’s character is witty, defensive, kind, and artistic. After losing her mother as a teenager, her relationship with her dad gets rocky. As an adult, she chooses to follow her dreams to be an artist and much to her fathers dismay, she drops out of med school. As an artist, she relies heavily on her eyes and what she sees. When an emergency brain surgery changes the way she sees things, her whole world gets turned upside down and she must learn how to navigate life in a whole new way.

Katherine Center pulled me into Hello Stranger from the very beginning. It was a definite “snuggle up on the couch and get nothing done for 2 days” type of book which had me giggling and sighing out loud.

This might be my favorite Katherine Center book yet! This is the second book I've ever read that talked about facial blindness. The first book I read about it just mentioned in so I loved how in-depth and educational this book was about the subject. I loved Sadie's character and really admired her strength during what I imagine was a very scary time for her.

This is one of my most favorite contemporary authors. This book was no exception! The character Sadie had so much going against her and just kept plowing along with love of her beloved dog, Peanut! I will think about this book for quite some time.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

This one took a while to hook me but once it did I was completely invested. The idea of a portrait artist losing their ability to see faces is such an interesting concept. The middle of this one lagged a bit for me but the overwhelming feeling of hope made me stick with it. A strong but predictable love story.

Thank you @stmartinspress for the e-arc of Hello Stranger.

Here’s what I liked about this book:
• I learned a lot about Prosopagnosia
• our leading man was perfection
• the book was unputdownable
• the sweetest puppy

I binged this book so fast! I was addicted to the plot. However, the main character really didn’t grow a lot and I found her hard to like, which really damaged my enjoyment overall.

★ ★ ★/5
Steam: make outs
TW: side character bullying to the point of a side character attempting suicide (past but talked about, seizure, prosopagnosia, death of a mom in the past, cheating (MMC‘s ex)

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of Katherine Center's highly anticipated new romance novel.

This is the 2nd book I've read by Center. The Bodyguard was my first and a 4⭐️ read for me.

Although I didn't like this one as much, it was still enjoyable.

Since I go into every book blind, I didn't know that Center often bases her books on medical conditions, and this book was no different. No spoilers here, other than it's uncommon and something I've never seen addressed in a book.

I enjoyed the 2 main characters, Sadie and Joe, and the witty banter between the two.

I did find the story predictable. I know Center talks about how the predictably in romance novels signifies hope, which is all fine and dandy, but I still found it too predictable.

All in all, a cute read.

I usually start all of my Katherine Center book reviews with how much I love her....and get ready, I'm gonna do the same here. Getting an early arc and being able to review this book months and months before its released has been one of the sweetest gifts this season. Like giddy screaming and dancing in my kitchen when I received it kind of joy.
The book it self was delightful. Just as all her books have been. I absolutely love her style of writing. I love the witty banter. I love the female leads. I love that I feel like I'm learning something with each book. In this case, face blindness...which I had never even heard of and immediately googled because I thought it was totally made up. I love the mental processing of the main character and how "in their head" they are. You really get an image of the pain they are struggling through and then you get to feel all the hope! The book was fab- all accept Parker who I especially hated. I experienced an actual internal cringe every time she came on the scene but Joe! I loved Joe. What a helpful sweetie. And Sadie, the lead just seemed a bundle of chaos and fun and I want to be her actual friend.
Again, the book was fantastic and everything I would expect Katherine Center to write. I always love to add that you get a good amount of love and wit without all the extreme spice and GOSH I APPRECIATE IT! I can hand this book out like candy and still feel 100% good about it. BUT I loved this book extra because of the Author's note and I wish like heck I could type out some word for words quotes for ya. Hoping to come back and do that later...but I love love love the defense she writes for romance novels. Sometimes I feel pretty dumb consuming so many romance books and wonder if the judgers and judging. I just really appreciated her stance on why we all love them so much. Because there is hope and anticipation running through the vanes of the book. And boy do I love a little escape of the real time crazy exhaustion that is life- for a little bit of fun in a romance novel. Thanks Katherine. I'll read anything you throw at me :) Thanks @StMartinsPress and @NetGalley- best Christmas present ever.

Love love love ! Katherine Center is just absolutely amazing !

Can you imagine having an accident and not being able to recognize faces ?! As if that’s not hard enough, you are a portrait artist who relies on seeing faces. This book was so good and it even has a little twist that I totally didn’t see coming. Run don’t walk to the book store for this one!

i loved this! it took me a bit to get into, but once i hit close to halfway i flew through the rest by the end of the day. i was cheering when the third act conflict was resolved! i was so happy. center’s characters always feel so real. they’re funny too! her books can be a bit tame on the romance/spice scale, and usually i’d rate a little lower because of that, but the intimate moments between sadie & joe were GOOD. quite the tale/premise here but it was a great read. i recommend for center fans AND people new to her work!

#netgalley

4.5 stars rounded up! This book was a winner for me.

In true Katherine Center fashion, this book features a strong female lead who you can't help but relate to! This story was sweet and it really had me hooked. I loved Sadie and her complicated family relationships and path of self discovery.

Truth be told, this was a close second to The Bodyguard (absolutely loved!). All in all this was an enjoyable read. A huge thanks to St. Martin's Publishing Group for giving me early access to this book! It was a privilege.

Katherine Center does it again! Hello Stranger pulled me in and I couldn't read it fast enough. Sadie and Joe (the main characters) made me want to lock my classroom door after lunch so that my students couldn't come back in. This book will be another hit because Katherine Center knows how to write about hope and finding happiness during challenging times. Her books reach in and tug at my heart strings and make me think about the kind of person I am and who I want to be.

"That's the dark underbelly of hope that nobody ever talks about. How it can skew your perspective. How it can keep you in long past when any reasonable person would've been out."

Sadie is a great character because she's believable, loveable, and down on her luck. You root for her from the start. What portrait artist wants to hear that they have face blindness? Plus, there is an evil step-sister, Parker, who keeps the story interesting- even though I wanted to yell at her more than once to leave Sadie alone.

"If you have a choice between Parker and Sadie? Pick Sadie- every time."

And Joe, Mr. Helpful, is just so kind and dreamy. I don't want to say too much because there are so many wonderful layers to this story that I want to let you peel them back one by one without spoiling anything. I think I’ll have to reread this one so that I can read it more slowly and savor it even more the second time around.

A huge thank you to Erica Martirano and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book early. Scheduled release 7-11-2023.

Katherine Center has done it again. I have yet to read one of her books that I didn't just devour, and this one is no exception. The main character is adorable and loveable, and I found the love story charming and uniquely refreshing. Highly recommend to both fans of Katherine Center and newcomers to her works!

So excited to get an early copy of this book, thank you #netgalley This comes out in May 2023. Sadie is a struggling portrait artist, when she has an accident and is diagnosed with face blindness. She literally cannot see a face, she just sees shapes and pieces of the face, but nothing is in the right place. She tries to identify people by voice, clothes, gait, and anything else she can think of. There is a romance with a lot of false starts. She is an endearing character, and though this is a tough situation, it really is a fun light read. (By the way, face blindness is a real thing-sometimes permanent, sometimes temporary). #hellostranger #katherinecenter #bookstagram #advancereadercopy #bookreview #bookrecommendations #reader #lovetoread #faceblindness #booklover #readallthebooks #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookreviewofinstagram #readallday #booksaremagic

Sadie Montgomery is a struggling artist who catches her first big break when she’s offered a final spot in a prestigious portrait competition. Unfortunately for Sadie, she’s in an accident and discovers she needs brain surgery which leaves her with the inability to see people’s faces. What follows is a story about love, loss, and finding happiness where you least expect it.

I was so excited when I received this early copy as a Thanksgiving surprise. Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I read a few of Katherine Center’s books this year and absolutely loved them, so when I was in the mood for something light last week I knew this would fit the bill - and it totally did. Super funny and relatable characters, amazing leading men, and just an overall adorable read.

I won’t spoil this one with too many details, but trust me when I say this book is a total gem and will leave you feeling hopeful, which as the author points out at the end, is exactly why we read romance and rom-com novels to begin with.

If you, like me, are putting together your TBR for 2023, put this one on your summer list for when it debuts on July 11th. I can’t wait for you to read it!