Once again, Katherine Center does no wrong. The only other thing I wanted on this one was a little more of the HEA of the two main characters and more on how her art continued. I actually cried on the plane while reading this.

4 Stars!

I loved almost everything about this unique story. The characters, the setting, the romance, the pets... if I could change one thing, it'd be to entirely remove her step-sister's character. I don't think it added anything to the story and she was incredibly one-dimensional. I was so annoyed by her character, if the rest of the book wasn't so good, I would've stopped reading.

Aside from that, I appreciate all the research Katherine seemed to do to accurately portray the medical diagnosis that the heroine had. It sounded like she was able to find a sensitivity reader as well, but of course, I can't speak for the representation myself since I don't have that particular lived experience. I do, however, have experience with neurological issues and vision issues, and I definitely related to how disorienting it is when something like that happens as a sudden onset.

I enjoy reading anything Katherine Center writes, so I had very high expectations for this one. I'm pleased to say it exceeded all expectations for me. To start off this review, I just wanted to say that this plot was so unique and refreshing to read after reading so many different romance books that tend to feel too familiar after a while. I think it's going to take me a while to stop talking about this book to anyone who will listen. I related so much to Sadie and the journey she went on throughout this book, and the message that was portrayed throughout was beautiful.

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book! I will be posting my review on social media, to include Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, and Instagram!

Katherine Center books are like a warm hug. I love them all so much. I cannot wait to read more by her. I hope everyone picks up this book!

Sadie is a portrait artist, struggling to find her footing. When a freak accident leaves her with face blindness, the timing couldn’t be worse; she’s just about to have her big break in a national contest. She’s desperate to find a way to work around these new limitations. Never mind that she can’t trust her own perceptions, and she’s having fantasies about her vet and a neighbor in her building.

While not my favorite of Katherine Center’s (Sadie was a little immature), this was creative and an interesting exploration of a condition I knew nothing about (and I do love a good book-prompted rabbit hole!). I also loved her author’s note at the end about why we read romance. I related to her words about hope and anticipation–which is why I think I (and many readers) have been leaning into romances and up-lit more than ever before. This provides plenty of both.

Listen, I loved this one. It was so refreshing and honest. It was just a joyful read. I loved Sadie and how she grew as a person. The main love interest was also such an awesome character. It was funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting and this was definitely one of the books I’ve truly enjoyed reading the most this year.

Oh Katherine!!! I laughed, I cried, and I basically went on a wild rollercoaster ride. I cannot believe how wonderfully written this novel was as it tackled heavy terms such as unexpected disability, infidelity and grief. I loved that romance that was intertwined with the plot. Sadie is such a strong character, I truly loved getting to see her strength through all the obstacles thrown her way. Highly recommend this book!

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: Special thanks to Katherine Center for providing me an ARC copy to share my honest review.

I loved this book so much! Pure perfection in every way. I loved Sadie’s inner dialogue and all the laugh out loud moments in this book. I loved her dialogue with her best friend and even the conversations with insufferable Parker (whom I despised completely).

The author did her research and brought forward a clear explanation and understanding of face blindness. Sadie’s journey and struggles of learning to live with her disability was fascinating and enjoyable (sad at times as well). This book had it all, down to the evil step sister and Step mommy.

I did not have it completely figured out (some parts I did) but the ending was still a shock and surprise (in a very good way). I LOVED it and this gem just climbed into my top five reads of all time.

Definitely take the time to add this to your TBR list if it’s not already on it!

I will post my full review of Hello Stranger by Katherine Center once the St. Martins Press boycott has been resolved. Out of respect for the author, I will provide 5 stars for this rating.

Hello Stranger is an inventive rom com centered around a real world medical problem that makes this romance stand out.
The mc Sadie is immediately likeable and her face blindness only makes her more so. It's an interesting read to see how she works to figure out how to be the artist she is so desperately trying to be while managing this new condition. I also liked Joe aka Dr. Addison as a boyfriend for her. I will say what frustrated me so much about this book was why Joe never really confronted Sadie about how she seemingly seemed different to him as her neighbor and then as her client. I felt as a doc (yes even a vet), he should have been able to recognize that something was off. I was also infuriated by the way Sadie was treated by her evil step-sister and father and step-mother. It gave me Cinderella vibes and while it made me sympathize more with Sadie, it was so frustrating to see her treated so horribly and no one stuck up for her.
The romance was cute though and I thought the ending was really emotional but ultimately a satisfying conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this title.

Following a sudden accident, portrait artist Sadie Montgomory has to come to terms with the new reality that she can’t recognize faces. This puts her career in jeopardy and complicates everything else, including dealing with the two men that enter her life.

So far, I would have to rank this one as my favorite of books I’ve read from Katherine Center. It was a sweet and heartwarming read with an adorable elderly dog and a great twist at the end. I always enjoy how Katherine is able to balance challenging topics - in this case brain injury and difficult family dynamics- with a sweet romance.

If you’re looking for a book to add to your summer reading list or take to the beach, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Another great book by Katherine Center. Absolutely loved it!! ! I really connected with Sadie and can't imagine what it's like to have face blindness. I read this back in July 2023 . Reviewed on Goodreads.

I think The Bodyguard is a one off because I have not liked another Katherine Center book that I've picked up. I really, really tried with this one but I just did not like the characters at all. Not one bit.

What a unique plot! I had never heard of this condition before and couldn’t stop thinking about it when I was out there living my life and looking at faces. I loved the characters and the plot kept things rolling which was nice.

Not my favorite Katherine Center book, as I found the main character difficult to connect with. It was an interesting concept but just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

I have read a few books by Katherine Center and have enjoyed each one. This one was no different. Sadie Montgomery is a portrait artist who is competing in an art competition. She had high hopes of winning until an accident left her with a startling discovery. Sadie is not able to see people's faces. This affects her chances in the competition. There is confusion on the romance front but things work themselves out in the end.

I have never read a Katherine Center book that I haven't loved, and this book is no exception! I felt drawn into this story from the very first page and it was as if the MMC and I were besties. I love the way that Center writes. This was one where I couldn't help but laugh out loud while reading. I was able to overlook the miscommunication trope in this one for the golden retriever MMC vibes. High recommend.

I enjoyed reading this book, and really liked the messaging behind it! The main character is an artist who copies the style of painting her mother used to do, prior to the mother passing. A step-sister from the depths of hell, a complicated relationship with both her father and MIL, and recently diagnosed with face blindness? I requested an ARC via NetGalley so quickly.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to read this prior to its release!

Now I love Katherine Center's writing and the fact that the heroine would be temporarily blind was a real hook for me. But to be honest I was a little confused while reading this - only because the synopsis talked about the MFC falling in love/lust with two different men... and the entire time there was NO connection at all with her Veterinarian love interest. The ending was a comedy of errors due to a mistaken identity and "accidental" break up. This was really the only part I didn't love - it was a tad over the top and unrealistic for her to break up with someone she didn't even go on one date with. So all the tension and drama at the end seemed super forced. It was a REAL big stretch Ms. Center. Despite all of that I have to say there was something about this story that I just loved. Mainly I just really enjoyed the characters that were developed. Sadie made me laugh multiple times and Joe was an absolute sweetheart. So bottom line is yes, I would recommend reading this fun story.