Let me start this review by declaring my love for Katherine Center. While I have not read every book she has ever published, the handful of books I have read, all landed with me. The Bodyguard was one of my favorite books last year, and I could still summarize the plot of Things We Save in the Fire four years after reading it. THAT is saying something. Now having said all this, it pains me to say that Hello Stranger did not work for me. At all. The premise of the book is that Sadie, a starving artist develops a case of face blindness after undergoing urgently necessary brain surgery . As one could imagine, not being able to see faces turns out to be a bit of a challenge for a young portrait artist! Just as her career and life threaten to entirely derail Sadie meets not one, but two presumably handsome (remember, missy can't see faces!) strangers she becomes infatuated with.
Interesting premise, right?
Alas...
After realizing that I had figured out the plot twist 30% into the story (lucky guess/intuition?), I skim read the rest of the book, hoping to be surprised, but that wasn't meant to be.
Maybe it's a me problem? Surely it's a me problem, as thousands of reviewers on Goodreads strongly disagree with me! However, once I figured out the plot, I had no reason to keep on going, as the characters across the board (the only exception being the "hot vet" and Peanut the dog) were less than likeable and I cared very little to find out what happened to them.
I had a particular dislike for Sadie, our MC. She was whiny, self-absorbed, immature and loved to play the victim. Repeatedly I had to remind myself that she was supposed to be a woman in her late 20's and not a bratty 19 year old college drop out. I couldn't muster one ounce of empathy for her. True, her family is horrible, I'll give her that; alas I also found the evil step-relatives narrative entirely unnecessary. Sadie's best friend Sue was seriously lacking in the best friend department repeatedly ignoring Sadie's wishes and just doing whatever she wanted instead, but then again... Sadie is a challenge to like, so kudos for even attempting.
I truly dislike writing such a negative review, but I am nothing if not honest.
On the plus side, the audiobook narration by Patti Murin was fantastic!
In conclusion I would like to add, that while this book did not work for me personally, I am by no means turned off from reading the authors future works! Tastes vary, and not every book is for every reader.

I love Katherine Center’s books. But lately, her books have been hit or miss for me. Unfortunately, Hello Stranger was a bit of a miss. I appreciated learning more about prosopagnosia (face blindness), but I thought the story was preposterous. Without sharing any spoilers, did the author really think that we couldn’t figure out what was so obvious throughout the entire story?? While I did connect to some of the characters in the book, others were so over-the-top (especially the unrealistic depiction of the evil stepsister) that it just added to the ridiculousness of the book.

Ultimately, the book was entertaining, but I found myself rolling my eyes too many times. Perhaps it was just too much “com” in the rom-com for me.

On a side note, the audiobook narrator was fabulous and I would definitely listen to her again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed listening to this warm-hearted lighter read that has substance. I appreciate the way the author didn’t shy away from dealing with tough issues but did so in a graceful way. I liked the way the story played out, there was a good balance of predicable events and unpredictable surprises.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I have loved every Katherine Center book I have read, but Hello Stranger is my new favorite. I appreciated the female main character having facial blindness (Prosopagnosia). I'm in the medical field, so I enjoy books that include some medical elements. This was the best lighthearted, entertaining, and twisty romance for Sadie. I don't want to say more because that could affect the ending. I am also a huge fan of Patti Murin, so give me all the books she narrates.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press, for my gifted copies.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the suprise of an advance listening copy of "Hello Stranger" by Katherine Center. I love a juicy instrospective self study of a person who encounters unexpected and not easily resolved dilemmas and our main characters faced some big ones. I really like the writing style, especially in audio form. It read like someone was telling me their story and that is not easy to do. Some of the characters were challenging to rally behind, but I was mesmorized by the plot and the dialogue. It was a rewarding listen.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook to review.

I absolutely loved this. My new favorite Katherine Center book. It had me hooked from the start. Patty Murin is a delightful narrator. I appreciated the research that must have gone into writing about facial blindness, and the notes at the end about the condition. The twist was obvious given the premise but it was well-developed.

4.25 stars

I quite enjoyed this book. As the writer states in her note at the end of the novel, she likes writing about love stories because of the anticipation of what’s to come followed by the satisfaction when it actually happens. There was more going on in this book than I initially expected there would be. I also found myself baffled by how the protagonist couldn’t put certain clues together, but in the end, I suppose it was more realistic that she didn’t. I also had a range of feelings about the protagonist’s relationships with her family members, and even if I didn’t love all of the choices, I do think they were largely believable. All in all, this book was different yet still similar to my last one by the writer, and I’m glad I was able to read it.

Just as cute the second time around. Hello Stranger may just be my favorite Katherine Center book to date. The audiobook version is just as lovely! I’ve recommended it already to so many family members and friends who adored Bodyguard. Thank you so much #netgalley for the ARC to listen in and be wrapped up in Sadie and her artists heart all over again.

I LOVED THIS BOOK 😍🩷 This is my first Katherine Center book and I will definitely be back for more.

This book is the true definition of "love is blind". It shows that without looks, it is easier to judge someone's character based on their actions. First impressions matter but they aren't always what they seem.

This story was just so lovely. I felt for Sadie and it was very much a story where the audience knew what was going on but the MC didn't. I just wanted to yell at her the entire time but having never dealt with face blindness, I'm as oblivious as her friend Sue.

The narrator did a great job and I would listen to more books read by her.

Lastly, the author's note at the end of the book was beautiful. Something all rom-com lovers need to hear. "Believing in love is believing in hope.

I loved The Bodyguard and Things You Save In A Fire by Katherine Center, so I was very excited about this new book, Hello Stranger. Unfortunately I didn’t love it, although many advance readers have.

It’s the story of an artist who specializes in portraits and suddenly, after a “minor” brain surgery, she can no longer see people’s faces. I had never heard of such a thing before, but apparently this “face blindness” is a real condition, sometimes permanent and sometimes temporary. Luckily for Sadie, the doctors feel it’s a temporary situation for her, brought on by post-surgical swelling that “should” go away. In addition to this face blindness, Center also has Sadie dealing with long-term reverberations of her mother’s death and continued bullying by her step-sister, Parker - which seemed a bit excessive to me, as they are in their late 20s, but childhood/teen trauma runs deep. Even so, I didn’t much care for Sadie, the main female character. She didn’t seem very likable, and as she was the main voice of the book, she seemed very immature. I had to suspend my disbelief as Sadie didn’t recognize people’s voices, even people she interacted with on a regular basis (other than her best friend, Sue). I did anticipate the twist in the story which involved two men she was interested in, but that’s okay. As Center says in an author’s note, she prefers to use “anticipate” as opposed to “predictable” and I get that. I just wish I could have enjoyed the journey to the anticipated HEA more than I did.

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient. The audiobook was nicely narrated by Patti Murin.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars. This reads like a clean romcom K-drama: unbelievable but also addictive and precious. I’m convinced the audiobook narrator (Patti Murin) IS the FMC (Sadie) because she is so convincing. I loooved the cast of characters. There were so many frustrating and heart breaking parts but it makes up for it with heart warming sweetness. It felt a teensie bit long, but it was still a lot of fun. Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for giving me an ARC!

I like Sadie's character and all that she went through in this book! This book has plenty of humor and also lots of growth and discovery. I liked the facial blindness aspect as we learn how Sadie has to notice other things, and I also liked the veterinary aspect!! This is a great Rom Com, if you are in the mood for a cute story with fun characters and of course some struggles and misunderstandings, this book is for you! The narrator of this audiobook was fantastic!

This was a very enjoyable read. The author did a fantastic job of developing the characters as always. One very minor thing and most people won't care, but the dog on the cover is a Westie. (I love Westies and had one up until she passed away recently.) The dog in the book however IS NOT a Westie. Even though he was cute and wonderful in the book, it bothers me. Once I moved past that, I enjoyed the story overall. Even though I didn't really like the main character, because she's very negative about everything. Also, miscommunication is something I don't like in books and that plays a role in this one. It was a very good, clean romance although there were cuss words.

I am a big fan of Katherine Center so it is no wonder that I absolutely loved listening to this book. I loved the Main character Sadie and despised her wicked step sister, I was still up in the air regarding her step mother at the end of the book. If you like quirky people, animals, romance and art shows than this book is for you.

I LOVE Katherine Center's writing. She's so perfect at giving you an MC that gets their entire world flipped upside down in chapter one as she holds you in walking the MCs life back together, and "Hello Stranger" is no different.

Sadie is about to make her big break as an artist. That is until she has to undergo brain surgery. As Sadie picks the pieces of her life, and dream career, back up she begins to see the world, and her neighbors, in a new way.

Funny at times, sad in others, this combination of family drama and coming to terms. Reminiscent of what Center does best, "Hello Stranger" is another great penning by Center.

4.5⭐
Awww, this was such a feel-good and happy read!! When I finished I had this big grin on my face and felt I want to give strangers a hug like a crazy woman that I am, hahaa! 🤗🥰

Kathrine Center has become my top go-to romance author. Hello Stranger is my third novel by the author and I find her greatest strength to be her characters. I fall in love with her characters every single time.

Her characters are likable and quirky. They often have some sort of challenges in their life and are surrounded by characters that are equally memorable.

Sadie Montgomery's a portrait artist down on her luck and kinda broke. A sudden seizure put Sadie in a hospital and surgery resulted in her temporary (?) face blindness. How will she paint? Her beloved fur baby Peanut is sick and needs to see a vet. Her BFF Sue elopes while she's going through all of this. She can't even see the face of her evil stepmother and sister. That weasel neighbor Joe is just too helpful.

Wow, that's a lot for poor Sadie to overcome. I love how the author adds humor to all that life throws at Sadie. The crush on Dr. Addison, Peanuts's vet who she fantasized about marrying (without knowing what he looks like), and her wonderful landlord Mr. Kim who is like family.

I love the message of joy and strength and how one overcomes her challenges. The author gives readers another heartwarming and clean romance. I completely enjoyed this romcom and yes, I did see the reveal coming a mile away but it was still a pretty amazing read. Don't miss the author's note and the audio by Patti Murin is fantastic. Loooved it!

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center is another addictive addition to Center's growing bookshelf. I particularly enjoyed her latest novel, and the narrator, Patti Murin, truly brought it to life. Center has created a romance that is perfectly balanced with the emotional arcs of the characters. And Murin has a voice I loved listening to. I can't wait for KC's next book, and will definitely search out another PM audiobook too!

4.5⭐️

Yes this was so great!! Katherine Center is so creative and this story was truly unique.

Sadie needs brain surgery and after she has it she has acquired face blindness. And the story goes from there. She falls in love, she breaks out of her shell, treating everyone as if she knows the personally because she can’t tell if she knows them or not. She goes to therapy.

This is a nearly perfect love story. The character grows through her trials and learns so much about herself. She helps to work through her own issues with her dad, step mother and step sister. And this book is funny. Of course Sadie is working through life with this acquired face blindness and things keep happening that are a little bit off but she works through that as well.

Another fabulous audiobook experience. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this hilarious, edge of your seat life drama.
(Fingers crossed that this review doesn't erase my earlier review of the Ebook ARC!)

Do yourself a favour and listen to this "can't breathe - wet your pants - laughing so hard" audiobook.

Sadie is trying to put a brave face on a terrible diagnosis. Joe doesn't know what to make of Sadie.

It all makes for a sometimes heartbreaking, often times hilarious, whirlwind of a story - don't miss this wild but funny ride!

Do I need to say more?!! Hurry up and go listen to it!


My thanks to the author, narrator, publisher and NetGalley for an ARc of this most excellent audiobook.!

Hello Stranger (audioARC) — 4.5 ⭐️

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: July 11th

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 —
🤩 Addicting Read
💗 Contemporary Romance
🔐 Closed Door Romance
😂 Plenty of LOL Moments
🔥 Slow Burn Romance
🧠 Mental Health Rep
🥰 Feel-Good Story
🔺 Love Triangle

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐟 —
🐶 Your dog eats better than you do
🛼 You’re an expert roller-skater
🎨 Your dream job involves painting
💭 You can easily create an imaginary romance in a daydream
🍷 You think cheap wine is the best wine

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: If you enjoy stories with an evil step-sister, an adorable dog, a spontaneous best friend, and the chance to learn about a rare medical condition, look no further - this book is for you, and don’t get me started on the swoony romance!!

After loving The Bodyguard, I was so excited to read Hello Stranger, and it did not disappoint. I found it just as addicting, and the unique plot line kept me intrigued. While I wanted to shake Sadie for a lack of communication sometimes, she was a relatable main character, and I couldn’t help but root for her and laugh at her amusing behavior. Overall, this sweet story gave me a sense of hope and made my heart oh so happy!

While listening to the audiobook, I frequently forgot I “was reading” or even listening to a narrator. I was so caught up in the story! Plus, I’ve enjoyed this narrator in other audiobooks as well.

𝐓𝐖: parental death, bullying, medical content, sick pet/vet visits, panic attacks, fatphobia (minor), suicide attempt (minor)

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me an eARC and audioARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.