I really enjoyed this book. At first it took me a little to get into it. Sadie seemed the type to overreact to everything. But once we learned more about her family and upbringing, it made her characterization make more sense. I've seen a couple movies that had face blindness as a major plot point so I had a feeling that some of the plotlines would feel a little familiar. And they were, but with different characters, the reactions to situations were fresh and new.
Thanks to Katherine Center's descriptions, I was able to understand just how Sadie felt with loosing what was the most important sense to her. As an artist, sight is her everything. But with it altered after her surgery, she felt lost and didn't know how to cope. With encouragement from her doctor and friend, she learned to recognize and "read" other people based on factors other than their faces.

Katherine Center is always a win! Her stories have so much joy and fun. This book was a great story that kept me hooked from the beginning and I loved having it set in Houston. The big "twist" surprised me and I loved how the story was written. I always come away from a Katherine Center book feeling like I learned more about the human experience and this book was no different!

I loved this. Fun, light romance with great characters. Katherine Center is always great and this lived up to my expectations. It was sweet and funny, and I loved both of the MCs. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free copy. I recommend it to anyone that likes rom/coms. 4.5 stars rounded up.

This book was a solid 3.5 ⭐️ for me. One thing I love about Katherine Center books is that they’re all unique stories and even though they are tropey (as most romance books are) the characters are layered.

Spoiler below? Maybe?



I got easily bored by the Joe/Dr Hot Vet plot- I know we were supposed to know that he was the same guy all along- but the way it was written and dragged out a bit, it seemed like the author thought this was a reveal for the reader?

Thank you NetGalley for the arc. One of my favorite Katherine center books. It made me laugh out loud, cry and everything in between! 5 full stars!

An absolutely lovely romance book. Perfect for vacation or when needing a light read.

Thank you Net Galley & to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I did enjoy this book very much and would recommend it to any of my friends. I love Katherine Center and her way with words that draws the readers in.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was my second Katherine Center book (previously read The Bodyguard).

I will first start by saying the author’s note was my favorite part of the book. I now appreciate these sections more than ever. With the amount of content out there for consumption, having that moment of connection to an author and the story you just read helps it all click. It’s as satisfying as a good epilogue! This was no different.

“Romance novels, rom-coms, happy love stories—they all run on a blissful sense that we’re moving toward something better.”

This novel moved toward something better. It was an interesting concept, plenty of anticipation and a well earned HEA. Katherine Center is becoming an automatic read for me.

I really enjoy Katherine Center books, but I have to be in a mood for them. I really liked Bodyguard so I was excited for this one. I really enjoyed this book, but it wasn’t my favorite Katherine Center.

In Katherine Center's "Hello Stranger," Sadie, a portrait artist gaining recognition, faces a unique challenge when she develops acquired apperceptive prosopagnosia (face blindness). Amidst navigating her condition, Sadie finds herself torn between two men, adding layers to this engaging romantic tale. I found myself pleasantly surprised by the feel-good nature of the story, which delves beyond romance into themes of personal growth and resilience. While the plot unfolds predictably, the journey is filled with humor and heartwarming moments that captivate the reader. Center's well-researched narrative and vivid descriptions bring Sadie's experiences to life, making for an enjoyable read that leaves a lasting impression and a delightful experience.

“Hello Stranger” is a book about change, love, and walking through the misfortunes of life. The ups and downs really do make us who we are. Sadie, for one, was at the top of her game. She had a great career opportunity when her world changed.

I greatly enjoyed the arc and story line of the novel. Katherine Center was right in her author’s note when she talked about the joyful anticipation of romance novels. There’s not a lot of twists and turns in this novel and it is a smooth ride. The book gave me a moment where I could just enjoy the aspect of being taken away in a story. It was fun and I would read this book again.

Sadie is so excited! She just got selected for an exclusive art show. 1000 people entered, but only 10 were chosen to have their art displayed. She must do an original portrait, easy enough. But then Sadie is in an accident and she has to have brain surgery and all of a sudden, she can't see faces. Maybe this will come back before she has to do her portrait, but the chances aren't very likely. Along with a series of other unfortunate events, we see Sadie try to navigate through her world without the ability to see the people in it, even those she knows. Will she be able to participate in the art show, or will she miss out on this opportunity just as her mother before her.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title.

I don't know what I would do, if I woke up from surgery and then was unable to see the faces of my family, no matter how hard I tried. Let alone what happens if I have meet someone, it would be so awkward. You really start to feel sorry for Sadie and all that she has to go through. There is a twist at the end, that I wasn't expecting, but absolutely loved. As well as a romantic aspect to this as well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

@katherinecenter is an absolute favorite author of mine. I love every single one of her books. Before this, How to Walk Away was my favorite. Hello Stranger just took that spot!

I adored this book so, so much. I don’t know why it took me so long to read it. Her books always have a perfect mix of serious topics with beautiful romance. I fell in love with this book and cannot wait to read it again. (And probably again and again…)

I also have to say that the author’s note here was amazing. Can’t think of the last time I said that. Lol. Her take on the romance book genre is so refreshing. I have been reading romance books since I was young because my mom read them. They are my go to when life is stressful or scary or sad. Why? Because I know there will be a happy ending. Life can be difficult enough at times. Sometimes, I just need a book that I know will end on a hopeful, happy note.

Center’s author’s note nailed that idea and fully resonated with me. I have half of it highlighted but my favorite line is:

“Because tragedy is a given, but joy is a choice.”

Read this book. If you like romance. If you like happiness. If you like seeing characters overcome difficult circumstances. If you want something that feels so good for your heart and soul. Read it and thank me later.

I loved the premise of this story and could not imagine, as an artist, having to deal with such an unusual side effect to her problem. Losing sight would be horrible enough, but being able to "see" but have your brain not be able to interpret the information correctly is so much worse. Although I didn't always like the characters, they all added what they were supposed to for the story. The misunderstandings and problems that Sadie had to deal with created some hilarious moments in the book. It was a great read and Katherine Center never disappoints.

I am so disappointed in this story. I really thought from the first chapter that the stranger was going to be the guy in the grocery store. I thought it was going to be about them trying to find each other. That first chapter had my attention. After that it went down hill.

First I was being lectured on people who don't recognize faces, then Sadie went to a therapist who was not encouraging at all.

Sadie's relationships and family are a bunch of people who are not kind or thoughtful or helpful. Give me someone on her side that would be kind to her please.

I can not recommend this book.

I love Katherine Center’s writing and this new book does not disappoint. Hello Stranger definitely has likeable characters, humor, and a meaningful story.

Hello Stranger is the story of Sadie, a struggling artist, who finds herself in a tough time. She's been struggling financially for years, is estranged from her dad and his current wife and stepdaughter, and she's up for one of the biggest career opportunities she's ever had. And then, in a split second, it all goes up in flames when a medical condition reveals itself and she's undergoing brain surgery rather than preparing for an art competition. All goes well except for complication of face blindness post operatively--a devastating complication for a portrait artist.

I was able to predict some of the twists and turns, although Center did a good job of camouflaging them overall. Sadie is an entertaining protagonist. The love interest is a good guy. I had to suspend my disbelief a bit 0n the family dynamics but overall this was a decent read. The description of the medical condition and effects were quite good and the author's notes at the end added to the book.

A solid book. Readable.

I loved this book so much and am completely obsessed with it. Its one of those books that you need to tell everyone you know about. Center has this way of writing where you don't mind that you know what's going to happen. The whole thing is just charming and swoony and lovely.

Sadie Montgomery is in a rough point in her life… medically, emotionally, financially. But she has a glimmer of hope as she is a top ten finalist for a prestigious art competition. However, that all comes crumbling down when she has to get brain surgery and comes out of it with face blindness. Her art? You guessed it, realistic portraits. Talk about hitting rock bottom. Can she figure out a way to win the competition?

I thought this book was poignant in a few ways. The author’s note at the end also really hit home for me. It was a cutesy love story that makes everyone feel warm and fuzzy and has all the important bits - a few lovable, gorgeous characters, a classic misunderstanding, a swoon-worthy kiss, and a predictable but hopeful happy ever after after. But the author also weaves in some really great points about hope and about looking for the good in everything. That was exactly the message I needed right now. So ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!

Katherine Center is always a good read. Middle of road. Nothing earth shattering but typically enjoyable. This one, however, was not good. I could not do it.