I have absolutely loved everything I’ve ever read by Katherine Center! She’s am Auto-buy author for me and, as expected, I can 100% recommend Hello Stranger to anyone! The plot is intriguing and putting a spotlight on a condition I’ve only heard about briefly in the past. KC makes the reader question their own hypothetical choices and strategies on how they would overcome the MCs challenges - and all that wrapped up in an adorable romantic read ❤️ I just had the best of times. Thank you so much, Katherine! (Oh and happy adaptation release day for your Happiness for Beginners 🌟)

Katherine Center has done it again. I loved everything about this book - the story line, the characters, the unique diagnosis, the artistry. This book was an easy read and it would make an excellent beach, vacation or weekend binge read! I'm not a big fan of romance, but I am a big fan of Katherine's writing. I found myself highlighting many sentences in her author's note at the end of the book and she has me believing I just might need more of the romance genre in my life right now. As is her usual, Katherine inserted an overall positive theme/life lesson into this book and it is a good one worth remembering. Did I have the overall theme of the book figured out pretty early? Yes. But it didn't interfere at all with my enjoyment of the book as the story played out. The main characters, Sadie and Joe, were very easy to like, and for me there was even a character to despise and I just love it when I get big reactions from a book.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Hello Stranger, by Katherine Center

This author has never let me down. Center, in all of her novels, has the unique ability to enmesh romance with life’s difficulties. Ahh, if only it were that easy…

Much thanks to @NetGalley & @macmillanusa for this advanced review galley.

This book was so quirky and such a fun read/listen. I felt a little bad for Sadie because it felt like everything that could go wrong, went wrong. Having a seizure in the middle of the street, almost getting into an accident, needing brain surgery, and then as a side effect, having temporary face-blindness, a condition where she can't even recognize faces. The irony, of course, is that she's a portrait artist and has a deadline for a major competition.

I loved the storyline of her cultivating new relationships while having face-blindness, and also figuring out her old relationships (Parker, Lucinda, and her father). I also really really loved her found family, the Kims, and how supportive they are of her. The "plot twists" were a little predictable - I had a feeling that Joe and Dr. were the same person, and was also waiting to see how the man in the beginning of the story who bought her the wine and flowers was going to fit in to the story. But I love that the story leaned less on the romance, and focused more on Sadie's growth and development as a person.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for the digital ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Great rom-com with a twist. Enjoyable characters and plot and who knew so many people were affected with face blindness. Really enjoyed the book.

Thank you #Net Galley for the ARC of one of my favorite authors, Katherine Center. She did not disappoint. One of the things I love about reading her books is that she will often include a topic that I was completely unaware of before reading or topics that I don’t see often. This book included a storyline of face blindness, which of course lead me to researching the topic, which is so interesting. I even took the topic to my 7-8 language arts students, who then also went online to research and find the actual name of it. She masterfully wove this into a story of girl meets boy. What would you do if you met someone for the first time but couldn’t actually see the person’s face? What would your identifiers be?

I cannot wait until the book comes out so that I can actually own my own paper copy to see it for myself.❤️

Yay! I have a signed copy!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

I am a fan of Katherine Center and this one was another hit. The premise was so interesting. A person with face blindness who happens to be a portrait artist! I can't even imagine having that condition. Katherine has a way of mixing emotional, deeper issues with fun situations that bring laughter and a sweet, swoony romance (or two as is portrayed in this book.)

Yes, I saw the twist early on, but the execution still made me smile!

4 stars

This book is one of my top summer reads. The cover is beautiful and relates to the story. I really enjoyed the narration by Patti Murin who brings the characters alive!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy. I also purchased the audible copy.

She constantly and consistently gives us these characters that we not only can not get enough of, but we fall for them every single time. We see ourselves in them, or our sister, or our best friend, or the neighbor that lives a few apartment doors down. She has done it again with this one. Be prepared to like these two alot!

Katherine Center does it again! She is hands down one of my favorite authors, and I will happily read anything she writes. Like all of her books, this story tugged at my heartstrings! I loved, loved, loved it! I adored Sadie, Sue, and Joe, but of course Peanut was my fave! I had heard of face blindness, but I didn’t understand the ways in which it could affect a person’s day to day life until I read this book. I figured out the twist very early on, but I was ecstatic when I was right! I absolutely adored everything about this emotional, heartfelt, feel good book!

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I saw so many great reviews about this book and was so happy to receive an advanced copy of it. However, I did not finish it. The main character, Sadie, got on my nerves and the book was just dragging on.

Center is a new-to-me author and, as with any new author, I wasn’t sure what her book would be like. Though I enjoyed Hello Stranger, I had a hard time figuring out what I was reading. Yes, there was a romance, but without much by way of on-page interaction. Was it women’s fiction? Not really, the only sister involved was an epically evil one and there were no troubled marriages, messed-up children, divorces, or mid-life blues. Our heroine was single, young, career-focused and carried childhood issues. Was it coming-of-age then? Not quite, though our heroine did have to come to terms with her mother’s early death and a new way of living. Was it rom-com-ish funny? In places, yes, and certainly the heroine’s first-person narration was, but it wasn’t slapstick, self-insulting chicklit either. So I had to read Center’s novel on its own terms, which is okay, to leave me wondering and questioning. Its premise is somethin’ else; here are the blurbish details:

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 with every face she sees.

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 into―love? Lust? A temporary obsession to distract from the real problems in her life?―with not one man but two very different ones. The timing couldn’t be worse.

If only her life were a little more in focus, Sadie might be able to find her way. But perceiving anything clearly right now seems impossible. Even though there are things we can only find when we aren’t looking. And there are people who show up when we least expect them. And there are always, always other ways of seeing.

“Other ways of seeing” is Hello Stranger‘s key theme and one I enjoyed immensely. As an artist, Sadie’s face blindness may or may not resolve, but it’s her artistic identity that comes into question. Her identity as a portrait artist is bound up with her mother’s identity as one. Center handled this beautifully, the past, the present, and the working out of how to stay true to the one while building the other. Sadie must “see” how she has identified as an artist as a way of holding onto her mother (and she was a wonderful mother), but has failed to forge her own artistic style and identity. The face blindness is never treated as a “blessing in disguise”, thank goodness, but as a way to develop character, Sadie’s, to work out what has stalled her artistic growth. What stalled Sadie *period*. Yes, her mother’s loss, but also her father’s disappointment. The “face blindness” isn’t only about figuring out how Sadie can still do art, but about her blindness to understanding herself and the people around her: her father and step-mother in particular. Though these relationships aren’t on-page super developped, what we do see of them is sensitively handled.

I’m making Sadie sound too sombre though. Despite her genuine issues, she has a light, droll voice. That moderates the melodrama. I liked Sadie a lot, even when she annoyed me. She annoyed me most when she was closed off to others, from embarrassment about her face blindness, from a false sense of uber-independence. As Sadie comes to these realizations I liked her more and more. And I liked what Center was trying to say thematically, about growth, forgiveness, compassion, and leaving the self-conscious self behind.

If I have a criticism about Center’s “romance”, it’s that there isn’t much of one. And yet it has such great potential. First, there’s sexy DVM who saves Peanut: Dr. Addison is delicious; then, the kind-hearted neighbour Joe. Center writes great banter; here’s one adorable exchange between Sadie and Joe:

“I appreciate the gesture, sir,” I said then. “But I’m fine.” “Why are you calling me sir? We’re like, the same age.” “Sir is not an age thing.” “It absolutely is. Sir is for old men. And butlers.” “Sir is also for strangers.” “But we’re not strangers.” “Gotta disagree with you there, sir.” “But I’m rescuing you,” he said, like that made us friends.” I wrinkled my nose. “I prefer to rescue myself.”

Center doesn’t make “rescuing herself” the point: there are times when Sadie can and does rescue herself. Center’s point and Sadie’s realization is that sometimes you have to ask for help and know how to receive it when it isn’t sought. Both of Sadie’s love interests are great that way: not alpha-over-protective, but just…well, nice. Kind. Thoughtful. Respectful. As I said though, there’s isn’t enough romance. And if Center is guilty of anything, it’s how much she packed into Sadie’s story: the theme of blindness and understanding, the opening up to love, the working out of family relationships. There are also wonderful neuropsychologist sessions that were terrifically executed. There’s a wonderful best friend. There are flashbacks that fill in Sadie and her family. There is so much, maybe too much. Everything, wonderful as it is, but especially the romance is given short shrift. Yet I still enjoyed this very much and would read Center again. Miss Austen and I agree Katherine Center’s Hello Stranger offers “real comfort,” Emma.

Katherine Center’s Hello Stranger is published by St. Martin’s Press and was released on July 11th. I received an e-ARC from St. Martin’s Press, via Netgalley. This did not impede the free expression of my opinion.

Katherine Center does it again! This was such a unique story about a young artist involved in a freak accident that revealed a mass in her brain. After her brain surgery our main character couldn’t see faces anymore!

The character details are everything. Center did a fantastic job of capturing who the characters were without going overboard. I caught on to the main twist at the end but I loved seeing it play out!
This might be my favorite book by this author! I absolutely devoured it!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the digital ARC of “Hello Stranger” by Katherine Center.

If there is one thing about me that you should know is that I’m a Katherine Center reader. Katherine Center has a way of writing books that feel like Hallmark movies. That’s exactly how this book felt while reading it. This book follows Sadie a portrait artist that has just become a finalist in her first ever completion. This is the perfect way she can prove to her father that she can be successful. Due to a sudden medical issue, she has to get surgery. A simple surgery that shouldn’t affect her daily life until it does, when she can’t recognize anyone's faces. Making her odds to win the portrait competition impossible. To make matters worst her soulmate aka her dog Peanut gets sick. Rushing to the vet's office she meets Doctor Oliver, and even though she can't see her face she knows he's handsome. Things get complicated when she starts to get close to her Playboy neighbor. Then again not all things are what they seem especially when you can't see clearly.

Was this book predictable? Well yes. But was it laugh-out-loud funny? YES. There were some many times while reading, that I was tearing up from crying so much. I especially loved the scenes in which she was at the vet's office bringing her dog his favorite meals.

Another thing that I adore about Katherine Center's book is that it's not all about romance. Sadie at the start of the novel doesn't stand up for herself. Hell, even her friend Sue doesn't respect her boundary. I enjoyed later in the book where Sadie starts to believe in herself. Even though the scenes in which she is being bullied are hard to read because you just want her to stand up for herself.

Now this book isn't spicy but is sweet. I love her relationship with one of the characters. Although I do want to say that there is a bit of a plothole in this novel that will have you shaking your head. But if you enjoy sweet romances and don't mind a predictable plotline, this book is for you.

If you are interested in hearing more about our opinion of this book you can check out our podcast Just One More Page. A book theme podcast is run by two best friends who love books. You can find our podcast on Spotify, apple, and on audible.

A special thanks to Netgalley and St Martin Press for allowing us to read this book early for an honest review. We also received this book as an audiobook too! The audiobook was such a great listen as the narrator has a voice that brings you right into the book.

“Hello Stranger” by Katherine Center is a fun, feel good story. This is the perfect book to help get you out of a reading slump or distract you from real life. It was easy to get lost in the book. I finished it in 2 days, which is difficult when you have kids, and even stayed up late to read it!

In the beginning Sadie seems like your typical starving artist, trying to catch her big break. Once she’s in an accident and has brain surgery that all changes for her. Sadie now suffers from prosopagnosia or face blindness. She now has to find her way in the world with this condition that tests her every move.

The face blindness aspect was really interesting. I’ve only heard about it in a college class and in Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney. This aspect made the story unique from other romance novels. You can tell that the author did a lot of research on it. I felt like I could feel what Sadie was going through. It was interesting to read about how Sadie handled her diagnosis and tried to decipher who was who. I also enjoyed her trying to figure out how to paint portraits when she was unable to see faces.

Sadie is a very relatable character. I think we’ve all been in situations that have made us feel uncomfortable and we had to figure out a way to cope (or not cope). Sadie was a real person with real emotions and feelings. I liked seeing her work through her condition and try to find her way. I enjoyed Sadie’s character development throughout the story. She went from getting her big break to one of the lowest points in her life. She was able to overcome her fears (with some set backs) and forced herself to keep going and attend the art show even though she knew she wouldn’t win.

The majority of the characters are very likable. You can’t help falling in love with Sadie, Joe, Sue and the Kims. I enjoyed seeing Sadie’s relationships develop. The people in Sadie’s life are often the voice of reason. Sue and Dr. Nicole help her navigate the world around her and try to give her coping techniques. It’s easy to fall into a story when you enjoy the characters and are rooting for them.

Now Sadie’s family on the other hand is not likeable. Her family is far from perfect. The way her step-sister, Parker, treats her is horrendous. I also disliked Sadie’s Dad, he didn’t have many redeeming qualities. Personally I wish there was more growth from the family members. Parker is pure evil. I can slightly understand her behavior as a teenager but the fact that she continues to be vindictive and evil as an adult seems crazy to me. I kept hoping for her to have a change of heart or for her to get what was coming to her. Also, I wanted the dad to put in more effort. There was some resolution with him in the end but I wanted more. The step-mother, Lucinda, seemed to have the most redeeming qualities. Besides the obvious (face blindness), the family dynamics was the main cause of drama in the story.

The main romance trope in this story is miscommunication. I will start off by saying that miscommunication is one of my least favorite tropes. It’s one of those things that makes me roll my eyes and say “really?!”. Now with that being said I will say that I think it’s well done in this book. The miscommunication has an actual reason behind it beyond something silly. Sadie literally can’t see faces and had brain surgery so it would make sense that the world and people around her can be confusing at times. Overall I think the miscommunication trope was done well and wasn’t too over the top.

Selfishly I wish there was some spice in the book. Joe and Sadie have such amazing chemistry, I wanted more than just some hot kisses but the lack of spice doesn’t bring the book down. If anything it makes their connection stronger and shows how genuine their relationship is.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I loved the main characters and flew through the story. Personally I preferred Katherine Center’s The Bodyguard to Hello Stranger but I think that comes down to personal trope preference. The Bodyguard is fake dating which is one of my favorites. Both books are well written and extremely enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more Katherine Center books. I highly recommend this book for someone who is looking for a light romance, enjoys miscommunication and doesn’t need spice in the story.

Another banger from Katherine Center! Sometimes you just need a light, fun, and easy read that makes you laugh and feel like you're talking to friends. This book checks all those boxes! Admittedly the twist wasn't SO shocking, but at the same time, who cares? The journey to get there was such a blast! I will definitely keep reading all the books she puts out, and can't wait for the next one!

Sadie is just trying to live her best life as a struggling portrait artist when she is diagnosed with prosopagnosia (face blindness) after an accident. The timing couldn't be worse. She's on a tight deadline to complete a portrait for a contest that could make or break her career. On top of that, there's drama with her father and stepfamily, her dog is older and ill, and there's a possible love interest. All the hallmarks of a Katherine Center novel!
I have to admit that I never really understood prosopagnosia, as well as Sadie's living situation. She was also a tad too self-involved and immature for me. But, the story was still compelling and I didn't want to stop reading!
Hello Stranger has a cute ending and I especially liked the positive message in Ms. Center's Author's Note. She includes lots of reference materials about prosopagnosia and I would encourage readers to check them out (especially the Washington Post article) before starting the novel.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read Hello Stranger in exchange for an honest review.

*immediately adds to list of comfort reads* I am obsessed with this book! It could be because I’m currently going through a season of life where I’m struggling to find “me” but this one hit me in all the feels. It made me laugh, cry, and question everything. I loved the characters and the overall plot. The writing is beautiful and flows seamlessly. Instant favorite, definitely recommend💙

Sadie Montgomery thought she was at a high point in her life. She was a finalist in the North American Portrait Society competition...but then she woke up unable to recognize faces as anything more than a jumble of features.

The doctors tell her it's likely temporary, but she can't help but panic. Meanwhile she's got family issues to cope with--and she's falling for two different men.

Hello Stranger has a zany premise, and the book is playful. But I found myself distracted and sometimes irritated by the over-the-top details.

Sadie provides an absurd and incredibly unhealthy dog diet for her beloved pet Peanut (takeout Thai food, for example), who is having health crises. This just seemed harmful and felt too ridiculous for me to buy into.

Her stepsister Parker is absurdly evil and vindictive. Eventually Parker is removed from the vicinity and only vaguely referenced again, but neither the years of systematic bullying and hateful behavior nor other family members' years of support of Parker and disbelief when Sadie attempted to unveil the truth are satisfyingly addressed.

I couldn't let go of the fact that it certainly felt more potentially dangerous than playful to me for Sadie to be entering into vulnerable, one-on-one, and sometimes romantic situations with unidentifiable people who might mean her harm.

And I just couldn't buy in to the idea that others' voices weren't a clue for Sadie as to their identity. She essentially shrugs and says she's not good with voices, but this just seemed so silly that I had difficulty buying into the premise necessary to perpetuate the lighthearted confusion--the heart of which you may easily identify.

The best-friendship was lovely, the dialogue was often sweet and funny, and the attraction was sweet and steaminess was entertaining.

I received a prepublication edition of this book courtesy of NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.

Katherine Center is also the author of What You Wish For, Things You Save in a Fire, The Bodyguard, How to Walk Away, Happiness for Beginners, and other books.

I couldn't get past the holes in the premise of this lighthearted, romantic, zany rom-com long enough to buy into the story of an artist with face blindness who falls for two men, despite not being able to identify them with any dependability.

LOVEDDDDD this book so much! This was my first Katherine Center book and I will definitely be reading more from her in the future! Hello Stranger is everything to me. It's like actually perfect. I couldn't put this book down. I would read at night and tell myself last chapter and then I kept reading 😭. The concept of the story is SO interesting. It was really cool to learn about face blindness too. I never knew the depth of it or how faces even really looked for someone with it. It was kind of hard to picture and I ended up imagining people as faceless even though it was described as just being puzzle pieces of the face in the wrong place. If you read the acknowledgments at the end of the book, it's amazing to see just how much research went into this book. A lot of the people KC interviewed for this book or already knew in her real life were actually written into the story as well. It's just really cool to me and I'm a huge Katherine Center fan now. I definitely recommend this book!!!!