Thoughts~
I have loved everything Katherine Center has ever written. She will always be an auto-read author for me, but this story missed the mark for me. I did enjoy parts of it, but then it just felt like it dragged on. The one thing I will always enjoy about Center’s writing is that she is so good at making us feel the characters' struggles. I can’t imagine what it would feel like to not recognize someone you normally would with the exception of her evil stepsister.

There is a fun little twist thrown in that was different, but cute in its own way. If you’re a fan of this author then I would give this a go! I will always read what she writes.

4.5 stars.

The thing about a Katherine Center book is that no matter what mood you are in when you pick it up, you will most certainly be smiling after finishing one of her stories. She's truly a comfort writer in every sense of the word! You might think - it's another contemporary romance, how different can it be from other books, but you'd be surprised my friend. Katherine Center has a knack for unique storylines that just feel like a big warm hug.

Hello Stranger was no different, it was sweet, sentimental and uplifting. And I can't stress enough on how utterly perfect that final twist was. I've read quite a few thrillers and yet, I could never have guessed that one, or should I say it was a classic case of "confirmation bias" haha (you'll get it, if you've read the book!) A story full of hope, heart and humor, Hello Stranger is a "love story that created a fantastic feeling of anticipation" (read the author's note to get this reference) and had me completely charmed. A must read for all romance readers.

I love reading Katherine Center’s books because they always fill my heart with joy and Hello Stranger did just that.
In this book we get to know Sadie, a struggling artist who just got the chance of a lifetime in a portrait contest. But life has other plans and after a necessary brain surgery she is left with face blindness. Now she’s having a hard time doing what she loves: painting faces; and also, being interested in two guys at the same time.
I loved Sadie, she was so funny and I could really connect with her and her fears and worries. I loved Joe too and even when I saw almost everything coming, I was still surprised of how everything developed.
The secondary characters are interesting too, although I hated Parker; and I liked how things changed for everyone, in a good way. I also liked how it talks about deep subjects but in a lighter way, making it easier to read. It was a gripping story and I really enjoyed reading it.

Even though Sadie Montgomery’s father, a famous surgeon, encouraged her to pursue a medical career, she chose to pursue her love of art. She has not found fame, but she is doing what she loves. On the eve of a possible win in an art contest, she suffers a seizure and learns that she has a cavernoma, a blood vessel issue in the brain and needs surgery. After the surgery, her life falls apart when she does not recognize the face of her best friend. What she sees instead are pieces and shapes and this is called prosopagnosia or face blindness. The doctors try to tell her that this may clear up once the swelling subsides, but if not, how will this affect her future? Meanwhile there are two men in her life, the veterinarian who saved her beloved dog, Peanut, and a man who lives in her building. How can she build a life with anyone when she may not recover enough to recognize them? The writing is done in a light hearted fashion, flows smoothly and the ending is a unique twist. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

I absolutely adored this story! It's ironic because I would've said the plot was a little predictable and then I read the author's note about shifting our language and describing romance novels as being anticipatory and that's exactly what this story did. I might've been able to see where it was heading and the trajectory that the characters were on, but it didn't make it any less enjoyable to read.

I absolutely loved Sadie's growth as she tried to navigate herself in the wake of a medical crisis, dealing with a wave of grief, and trying to sort herself out within her different systems of support. Some of the things she said or did were so relatable, I wanted to just hug her.

Joe was a wonderful MMC and I love that he literally received the nickname helper. I wasn't sure if there was any way to redeem him from his super-sexist comments in the beginning of the novel but it was done so perfectly.

My only "negative" on this one was that the "evil stepsister" felt a bit too caricature-like rather than a flawed character, even with the addition of her own backstory.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an honest review in exchange for an eARC.

After not being able to get into the last 3 of Katherine Center’s books, I was hesitant to pick this one up, but I’m glad I did—it’s one of those rare romances where both main characters are really happy, good people. It is also closed-door (there are only 2 kissing scenes and minimal swearing) so I would happily hand this to my teenager.
It had a scene in it that that made me laugh out loud, which is rare, and the ending was so sweet. I do take a little issue with the fact that the main character was a little self-centered and didn’t ask a few questions she needed to, but she had also just had brain surgery.
What I might have loved most about it, though, was the author’s notes at the end that describe her experience reading her first romance novel at age 40. She describes perfectly why romance novels are thriving—every romance novel allows you to anticipate happiness throughout the whole book, and you are never let down. Her ultimate message is “Tragedy is a given, joy is a choice”-so read what makes you happy!
I had a lovely Sunday afternoon of reading this book and am very happy with my choice!

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Thank you NetGalley for my arc!

I can see why everyone has enjoyed this book/why everyone will enjoy this book! I unfortunately feel like I just had a different unusual reading experience from everyone else. I lost interest in the plot rather quickly, didn't especially care for or feel connected to our characters and the romance felt sprinkled in as a side plot rather than being the main plot in my opinion. However, this is NOT a bad book. I give my ratings based on my own enjoyment and unfortunately I just didn't love this.

What I can say is that this book is the epitome of a cute, wholesome, predictable story that will leave cheesy romance readers happy! Just because I didn't seem to enjoy this one does not mean I won't be on the lookout for whatever else this author writes. I did enjoy her writing style and the way she told the story.

I've never read anything by this author before and I really enjoyed the experience.

I'm lucky enough, also, not to be faceblind. I've heard the term, sure, but it doesn't really affect my life.

We suddenly find out that Sadie needs minor brain surgery, and unfortunately she suffers some side effects: in the form of suddenly becoming faceblind... right as she's announced a top ten finalist in a portrait art competition.

This book gave me a whole new insight about what that must be like, and it was fascinating. I stopped on more than one occasion to talk in awe to my hubby about what this must be like.

I really enjoyed the relationships she made and watching how they may change as she's relearning her new expectations and experiences. Dr Nicole has a special place in my heart now.

I was both happily surprised by where it went, and also able to predict parts of it... but that didn't deter me from enjoying this book.

Many thanks for being given a copy of this book on NetGalley.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's press for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This book was so freaking adorable.

What would you do if you woke up one day and couldn`t see peoples faces? Like, you know that the faces are there, but you just can't put all those pieces together: eyes, noses, lips, ears - they are all just pieces of a puzzle that don't quite fit. How about if you've just being given the opportunity of a lifetime - to paint in a super prestigious art competition - but the challenge was to paint... a portrait. When you can't see faces any longer?

What would you do if you couldn't tell people apart... because of this face blindness?

That's the situation Sadie finds herself in. She is finally ready to win a competition and prove to everyone that she has what it takes to be a good artist - when she ends up with face blindness. Add to that the inability to recognize people around her - including a helpful neighbour with a beautiful torso, an attractive veterinarian (with an amazing gait) , and the two coffee shop ladies who work in her favourite coffee shop.

Sadie's other issue is that she refuses to tell anyone about the face blindness (other than her father, step-mother and best friend Sue) - and so she finds herself in one situation after another... and not really realizing that not everything is as it seems (to her at least).

I didn't love Sadie to begin with -but she 100% grew on me. Most of that was because the author allowed Sadie to grow and realize her faults; she made her want to be better. Sadie's relationship with Joe was swoony - and gave me all the feels.

I was highly entertained, loved the banter and side characters (Sue was brilliant). This is targeted as "romance" but really - it's just solid fiction with some love thrown in (it's slow burn AND no spice - so if that really isn't your thing - you will likely really enjoy the story and character development). The details about face blindness reminded me of reading the book "Left Neglected" by Lisa Genova - Katherine Center did a really good job of explaining face blindness.

4 stars! Quick, fast paced and fun. A perfect summer read.
(This book also deals with issues of: death of a mother, difficult relationship with father/step-mother, bullying, inability to ask for help.)

“Love isn’t blind, it’s just little blurry.”

So this was my first Katherine Center book and I absolutely loved it! I read this book in one day because I just couldn’t put it down.

Sadie is a portrait artist who is trying to get her big break. When she finds out she is in the top 10 spot in an elite competition, she has a nonconvulsive seizure which results in her needing brain surgery. After the surgery though, one of the side effects leaves her with face blindness.

I won’t say a lot since this book comes out tomorrow and I don’t want to spoil it for you! You will just have to see for yourself, and you will not regret reading this heartwarming book 🩷

Thank you NetGalley, Katherine Center, & St. Martins Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hello Stranger
Rating: 2 stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.


*****SPOILERS AHEAD******


To be honest I really had high hopes for this one. I loved "The Bodyguard", therefore I was really looking forward to this one. Sadly it was only an okay read for me.
I think the main problem for me in this story was the heroine. I felt bad for all that was happening to her because her family and professional aspects were bad, but there was something about her character that made her seem like a teenager than someone who was pretty soon turning 30, Then to top it off she suffers through a seizure that causes her to have face blindness, which made her life more complicated than it was.
The romance aspect of the story took a while to build up because the first part of the book is her dealing with her condition, but by the time it got to it I lost interest. Also her relation with Joe/Oliver was meh because I would have liked for her to be honest with him from the beginning. It seems that she was benefiting more from the relationship than him and the third act breakup was very unfair to him,

Her family is the worst and I can't believe her step sister got away with so many things that were blamed on Saddie. The dad was no help at all and was very selfish and cruel to her. Argh!! I couldn't stand these people.

The only highlights of this story was Saddie's dog Peanut and her best friend and family.

Katherine Center is absolutely hands down one of my new favorite romance authors. I discovered The Bodyguard because of a bookish friend’s recommendation, and now I’m in the process of binging all of Center’s books. I even bought out all of the titles BOTM currently has in stock (and Hello Stranger is a July 2023 main pick!). This is serious.

Center’s light-hearted, no-spice romances are my new go-to contemporary romance reads. I loved the heartfelt, real-world issues juxtaposed with happy romance that, in this book, was such a great story of people falling in love and the best miscommunication trope I’ve seen used ever.

Sadie is such a positive FMC, and her love interest, whom I will only vaguely reference because I shall not spoil plots, were so great together. Oh, I just loved this book. It’s a must read, even if you only get it from the library. If you’re a fan of romance without the graphic sexual content but still like the sensuality of two people’s attraction and falling in love with one another, you’ll love this book.

Once again, Patti Murin does a great job bringing Center's story to life (Murin also narrates The Bodyguard by Katharine Center). I loved the dramatic reading, the great character voices, and the narration overall was completely immersive.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC for which I willingly give my own, honest opinion.

Wow, did I go through some emotions for this book! I love a book that brings awareness to medical conditions and disabilities as it brings new perspectives of challenges others go through, but also their outlook on life. The FMC is a little stubborn and has a hard time accepting help after losing her mom at a young age and having to go it alone and basically forced into a new family after her dad remarries. Her stepsister is awful, but I feel like her stepmother isn’t as bad as she seems. I loved the chemistry between Joe and Sadie. I felt like their relationship developed at a nice pace. Surprised at when some events occurred but nothing seemed rushed. Her relationship with her dad made me cry, especially when they had their moment and talked it out. I will say I was disappointed in Sue as a friend. Sometimes she’s there and awesome, and other times she just seems flaky and Sadie forgives her and brushes it off so quickly. I also was hoping that there would’ve been more with the Ex BF at the end with just a conversation blurb but it was very glossed over. I love that not only was it a romance, but also the having a good portion about her life, coping, and family dynamics was a nice change. Overall a good read and a book I couldn’t put down! 4.5 stars for me, but rounding up because it made me sad to finish the book and truly enjoyed it!

Many thanks to St Martin’s Press for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

“This love story really created fantastic anticipation.” That’s a direct quote from the Author’s Note at the end of this book - and an accurate way to describe Hello, Stranger!

I remember a buddy-read Zoom with Katherine Center for The Bodyguard last summer where she talked about the premise for this book which sounded so interesting - a portrait artist loses the ability to see faces. I don’t know what took me so long to start the ARC I received. I was immediately swept into the story and needed to read it quickly to know how it all came together. There is a terrific dog character, Peanut, who really enjoys Pad Thai 🤣 And there is another dog part that had me cracking up, too! 🤣🤣
I finished reading the book this morning, cuddled into my couch with my coffee and blanket (it’s not even 70 today!), and good news - the book will be available tomorrow if you want to read it, too!

Sadie Montgomery’s life changed in an instant. One moment, she’s celebrating the most significant achievement of her career as a portrait artist. Next, she’s facing a medical condition, face blindness, that could prevent her from ever achieving artistic success.

Hello Stranger is an enjoyable story of a woman struggling to find a new normal while addressing family issues and finding love. The focus is on Sadie’s journey to learn that asking for help and needing people aren’t weaknesses. There’s a lot of chaos and uncertainty along the way as well as support from an unexpected source.

The romance is secondary in this story. I wish we got a little bit more of it. I did like that there is an unusual aspect to the romance.

While I liked this book, there are other Katherine Center books that I would recommend before this one.

Overall, Hello Stranger is a lighthearted beach read that will leave you smiling.

3.5⭐

Favorite Quote:
“The more good things you look for, the more you find.”

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC of this book.

I adore Katerine Center, her books always have a feel good vibe. Love, friendship, families whether by blood or found she does a great job at creating a lovely story.

However, this was not my favorite book. I had to totally suspend disbelief and just roll with it. Did I think it was far fetched? Absolutely! Will I read her next book, of course!

It was a fast read.

I have mixed feelings about this book because I enjoyed the book and the writing, as I always do with KC books, but I did not particularly like the plot. I think one challenge that established authors like Katherine Center face is that after publishing so many good books, we begin to start comparing them with one another. I kept trying to not hold this book to any standard but it is hard when KC wrote books like THINGS YOU SAVE IN A FIRE and THE BODYGUARD. I really enjoy Katherine Center's books but this just wasn't my personal favorite. I read via ebook and audio formats and enjoyed both!

Katherine Center has hit it out of the ballpark!!! An amazing cast of characters, a squooshy love story, a fluffy dog and a few little life lessons to take away. Maybe we all need a little face blindness to take away some preconceived notions. Thank you Ms. Center for my feel good today!!

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Katherine Center for this ARC. I started this book on an emotional day and the story was so sad to me that I stopped reading it , just a few chapters in. I just couldn’t continue. But this is what makes her books so special, the emotion I feel when I read her stories. I did pick this book up again the next day and read it all the way through.. The main character I loved and felt so much emotion for her. .The step sister I hated, but that’s what we’re suppose to feel for her . The facial blindness was a new medical condition I’d never heard of along with a lot of other readers I’m sure, so that was interesting and how she handled it…I was very surprised at the end, and had to think about it for a while, was this confusing or a crazy ending? Definitely not. But somehow I knew all through the book, her male characters would somehow come together..

I am a huge Katherine Center fan, so I was over the moon when I was given early access to a copy of Hello Stranger. First, let me say that Catherine Center's characters are just the best. Quirky, relatable, and flawed. They just tug at my heartstrings every single time.

Sadie is no exception. She's a portrait artist with a very painful family situation and she's struggling to succeed in her career, but she doesn't want to give up. She's pinned her hopes on an incredible opportunity. But then tragedy strikes, and suddenly, as she heals from an injury, she's dealing with face blindness. The healthcare experts in her life can't seem to tell her if she will ever return to what she knew as normal. Meanwhile, her stepsister doesn't waste a crisis and provokes Sadie at every turn.

I’m not usually excited about a love triangle in a romance novel, but Hello, Stranger has a unique version and I adored it. Some readers are saying they saw the twist coming, but I didn’t. I could not figure out how the author was going to resolve this or which person in Sadie's life she was ultimately going to end up with. That's a testament to excellent writing!

So if you like a light hearted meaningful story with a heroine you can't help but cheer for, and a compelling plot that will keep you reading, then you need Hello, Stranger in your life. The ending is so hope-filled and satisfying. By the way, don't miss the author's note. It's exceptional. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my complimentary arc. I voluntarily read this book and now I'm going to tell everybody I know all about it.