This book is bonkers, and I absolutely loved every second of it. It's such an original romance with a lot of humor and heart. I loved Sadie and getting to see how she coped with her condition after brain surgery while working on her portrait for a prestigious competition. Were all parts of this story completely believable? Absolutely not. My biggest complaint: Sadie has an actual evil stepsister. Yes, it helped create conflict, but Parker was full on evil in ways that seemed excessive and unnecessary. I also found the plot to be incredibly predictable — but even with all that, I loved this book. I rarely find time to reread books, but this is one I could definitely see myself returning to very soon. If you loved The Bodyguard and/or are interested in unconventional romcoms, this one's for you!

4.5/5

Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.

I loved this book. It was such an interesting premise and lots of angst, heartache, and hope. I hated the evil stepsister Parker to the point I almost hope there is a sequel to this story with her having a change of heart, because man, she was vile. Loved Sadie, Joe, and Sue, especially since she was a different sort of best friend. She was wonderful, but also not perfect! She tries to do her best but gets it wrong sometimes, and that’s ok.

If nothing else, please read or listen to the author's note at the end of this story. It is a beautiful tribute to why we read romance, and it is spot on. The “anticipation” of this story was there and wonderful!

I received a free ARC from Netgalley and it did not influence my opinion in any way.

There is just something about Katherine Center’s writing that I adore! It draws me in and makes me not want to stop reading or listening. My heart broke for Sadie so many times during the course of this book. It seemed like nothing was ever going to go her way. Having a seizure and brain surgery was traumatic enough, but not being able to do what she loved and was passionate about was such a blow. I loved her friendship for Joe that becomes more. Her friendship with her sweet pup was another favorite part for me. This was the second time Center made me a little nervous as we neared the ending, but as expected, it was everything and more. I adore Patti Murrin’s narration! I can’t wait to have this book on my shelf.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ok this review will be short because I refuse to spoil even an ounce of this amazingness. However, I will say this may be my favorite of the @katherincenter books which is saying a lot because I have loved each and everyone one. The way she writes is filled with such love and hope and also heartbreak. It will make you truly feel (and cringe - at one point I was yelling at Sadie) all of the emotions. And you will learn - because Katherine always does her research and I always learn something new from her books. Also, can we just all agree that Lucinda is the best step mother name ever?

I also can’t not mention how much I loved the author’s note. “Light matters just as much as darkness” - I so agree. The knowledge that when I read a romance novel it will end in a happy ending makes it the perfect escape in a busy stressful world. That cocktail of emotions is what I come back for. And I love the challenge to change the framework that romance novels are “predictable” to rather we can “anticipate” the happy ending. @katherinecenter challenge accepted!

Thank you to @katherinecenter @netgalley and @stmartins for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this arc. Words can’t begin to describe how much I loved this. The story is swoon worthy, the writing is amazing and the characters are beyond captivating. While a little predictable, Hello Stranger had me at the edge of my seat. I’m usually not a big of the miscommunication trope but it really worked so well in this and there was a valid reason for the communication issues that brought everything together. I loved everything about this story. The narrators were incredible and I really felt immersed in this world. 10/10 would recommend for anyone looking for a cutesy love story.

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.

It's so easy to be optimistic and hopeful when everything is going your way. Sadie is a struggling artist who wants so badly to believe that life is on her side - despite the fact that the she is continually being presented with reasons to doubt this. Who she is today is a culmination of her past and the craziest circumstances of her present and through it all she is unapologetically human and so relatable in her beautifully chaotic life. Sadie clings to that hope for a happy ending in all facets of her world; her professional life as a portrait artist, her love life, and her longing for the family that she lost when she lost her mother.
The narrator, Patti Murin, brings Sadie to life in a way that makes you feel like you've just spent the best weekend catching up with your best girlfriend as she takes you along on this funny, heartbreaking and hopeful story. You will be cheering for Sadie and keeping your fingers crossed till the sweet surprise waiting for you at the end.

Overall, I liked this I didn’t LOVE it.

What I did like:
-The overall message about confirmation bias and seeing beyond face value of people
-I thought the way all the characters were connected was neat, I didn’t see some of it coming
-learning about face blindness! That was super cool!

Things I didn’t like:
-the dog’s eating habits. Very cringe to me.
-I did not like the stepsister AT ALL. I didn’t like how she was involved in the story and it all was mean for no reason.
-the fat shaming. Don’t get me started on the horrible miscommunication trope. Just not a good time.

*Listened to on audiobook

Oh. My. Goodness! I LOVED this book so very much. I have already recommended it to everyone I know. I started recommending it before I was even a quarter of the way through. I think this is a great way to introduce people to prosopagnosia, a condition which Brad Pitt said he had in a recent article, and how it can be overcome, even in a severe case. When I tell people about this book, they have not heard of this disorder and are shocked. It is strange because when I first heard of it several years ago, I heard it on a TV show, then twice more, one was another TV show. It was just so strange. This will be a great beach read for sure! I honestly do not have the words to put into how much I love this book. I will not be able to stop talking about it. Also, before I forget, I loved the author providing the definition of prosopagnosia and the different types. Such great information. Now, what are you waiting for? Everyone! Go out and buy this book!

Thank you so very much to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you’ve read any of Katherine Center’s books you know she has a way of telling a story of romance that also promotes positive mental health. Hello Stranger, is no different. Sadie Montgomery’s life may be falling apart but she’s surrounded with loving friends, neighbors and medical professionals who help her navigate the most difficult time of her life. I love that this book highlights a support system that differs from the traditional view of relying on family members. I wish I had my own Dr. Nicole, everybody should have this amazing woman in their life.

While this is a romance novel it’s not gushy, cringey or closed door. The emphasis is on Sadie’s relationships both with her friends and neighbors and also her love interest. Sadie’s best friend, Sue, is a great supporting character. She’s always trying to lift up her best friend, and just like in real life, doesn’t always read the situation correctly to see what her friend truly needs at the moment.

One of the main themes of the book is to celebrate life. I’ll admit I typically read fiction and am drawn to stories that just make me feel good. This is certainly one of those books that just makes you happy. Sadie learns that different isn’t always bad and that there truly is hope in humanity.

I’m such a sucker for the Author’s Note and this one didn’t disappoint. I know this is an ARC but I sincerely hope nothing in the Author’s Note changes. I loved the book and now I love it twice as much after reading Katherine Center’s thoughts on it.

I thoroughly enjoyed both the digital and audio versions of Hello Stranger. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARCs.

TW: brief mention of attempted suicide

Loved this book - the author's style is perfectly fluffy (a mix of hard topics treated with humor and well-grounded, rather than overwrought dramatics). The only reason I couldn't quite make it five stars was that the jig was up on the major plotline way before the denouement, so while the story progresses you're still hooked, but frustrated.

Hello Stranger 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A super fun five star Rom Com that will make you feel good & laugh out loud. I didn't want to put it down.
Sadie was hilarious. I have loved all of Katherine Center books so far that I've read.
This book is for you if you want a sweet charming romance with emotional bliss.
Lots of great quotes in the book. Here's just two of many more to come.
"Love is a form of Hope."
"The more good things you look for the more you find."
Thank you NetGallery for the chance to read & enjoy this book!!

Hello Stranger is the newest release from Katherine Center and while I’ve always really enjoyed this author’s books in the past, this book right here easily took the cake as my new fav! I cried multiple times reading this book and then again with the author’s note at the end about romance books! This book just meant so much and was perfect!

Sadie is a struggling portrait artist but feels like she got a big break when she lands a coveted spot in a portrait competition! She runs out of her apartment to celebrate by buying some (cheap) wine at the local corner store but realizes while checking out that she totally forgot her wallet. A man behind her in line offers to pay but she declines and rushes off to get her wallet, later she runs into him and realizes he bought her wine anyways for her and even added in a bouquet of flowers to her bag. Aww’ing at the thoughtfulness of it all, she ends up getting hit by a car and rushed to a hospital! While at the hospital, the doctor finds a malformed blood vessel in her brain on the scan and informs her she’ll need brain surgery to fix the issue.

After the successful surgery, Sadie realizes that she is unable to see faces and is told she has face blindness (there is a technical term but that is basically what it is). They’re hoping it is just temporary and will last 2-6 weeks, but Sadie is devastated considering her living is painting portraits! Along the way she ends up finding out about her past, struggles to save her career, deals with her complicated relationships with her family (dad, stepmom, and stepsister), and has a really sweet and helpful guy she wants to get to know more!

The romance was just so so precious and I couldn’t get enough of Sadie and her story! I didn’t find the romance to be a twist, I thought it was clear to see what was going on in the story very early on, but I adored the journey of it all anyways and seeing it all play out. This was easily my favorite by this author and the audio narration in particular was amazing!

Thank you so much to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press for an ARC and MacMillan Audio for an audio ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. Hello Stranger has a pub date of July 11, 2023!

All the stars for Hello Stranger by Katherine Center. I am going to have the biggest book hangover after reading this heartwarming story that has me smiling, giggling, laughing and crying. This book all had the emotions, and felt like a big hug from the author.
Portrait artist Saddie Montgomery has finally had a break in career by advancing to the finals in a National Portrait contest, and she feels her life is about to change. She is one win away from breaking out in her career. However, after a near death mishap, she finds out that she needs to have brain surgery ASAP. The surgery is successful, but leaves her face blind. So she has weeks to come up with a portrait, while she can't see faces. We follow Saidie's journey of living with this condition, dealing with past and meeting two handsome men who help her along the way.
Thank-you to Netgalley and St. Martin's press for the ARC.
This is a must read summer read and will fill you with joy and inspiration.

Updated to add that I have now listened to the audiobook, and Patti Murin does an amazing job narrating. Plus make sure to listen to the Author's notes at the end of the story. Katherine Center has such a wonderful essay on the romance genre.

This book was well written and captivating! This is my first book by Katherine Center. I will be sure to read her other titles in hopes they are as good as this one.
Working with a disability a young heartbroken art student persevered against all odds.
I love a romance novel based on love, the relationship and that overcomes a challenge. This story pulls at your heartstrings and makes you cheer for the underdog.
Narration was excited perfectly. I especially enjoyed the authors notes at the end.

Wow! I really enjoyed this read. This was my first book by Katherine Center to pick up and it did not disappoint. It was so new and original and I’ve never read anything like it. I found myself googling face blindness and trying to find pictures that could try to show me what someone who deals with that experiences.

I loved Sadie but sometimes she drove me crazy. I couldn’t figure out why she wouldn’t just tell people what she was struggling with. It would have fixed so many problems that ended up arising. I really loved Joe the helper and Sue but man did I want to punch Parker in the face. She is just the worst human being.

I really enjoyed the narrator of this book as well. I think she did a fantastic job. All in all I really loved this and I couldn’t stop listening because I just wanted to see how everything would end up going down!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio of an advanced copy of this audiobook. All thoughts are my own

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook and binged it all in one day. My apologies to my family for being absent, but the premise of this book was just too fascinating to walk away. Hello Stranger focuses a portrait artist struggling to cope with a sudden onset of face-blindness. This isn’t a topic I have ever seen covered in contemporary fiction and I found it to deeply shift my perspective of what someone might be going through at any given time. It really does make for a shift in how someone moves through the world, on or off the page. I commend the author for taking this subject on. It made for quite a different story line than I was expecting!
The story was adorable, though somewhat predictable, and I loved the narrator’s voice and cadence of speech. This is my first book of Katherine Center and I think I may need to go down a rabbit hole of reading all of her past books!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook!

3.5 ⭐️

Full review (link) coming soon! This was a cute fast paced audiobook. I loved peanut and the fact that he was a foodie had me LOL! The face blindness aspect of the story I found a little disjointed but overall still a really cute yet predictable rom com!

Katherine Center is now one of my favourite authors. Her stories (or the ones I’ve read so far anyway) always leave you feeling so good and hopeful.

I really enjoyed this book. It had ups and downs and you were really rooting for Sadie to be able to paint her portrait for the competition. And I loved Joe. He was so kind and gentle with Sadie, even though she should have told him about what was going on with her.

The side characters were also something special! They were so supportive of Sadie and wanted to help her and see her be happy. Except for her stepmother and stepsister. We don’t like them.

With the twist, I did see it coming. There were a few hints but the scene at the vets clinic put it all together for me. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying it, I just kept hoping that the characters would also figure it out to find their happy endings.

The narrator for this audiobook did an amazing job. She did a great job adding expression to the book and I really enjoyed listening!

I loved the narration of this book. I switched between e-book and audio, and found myself gravitating more towards the audio. The narrator did a fantastic job switching between voices and changing her inflection. This was a very fun and unique storyline. I absolutely loved the concept of the MC losing her ability to see faces and learning how to identify people based on other characteristics and body language.

The main character was funny, brave, relatable, and likeable. The fact that she powered through life without being to see any faces was charming and entertaining.

I will say that the miscommunication trope is my least favorite, so I found myself having second-hand embarrassment a handful of times throughout the last quarter once I figured out a few of the plot twists - which I felt were pretty predictable.

Overall this was a fun, quick, quirky read. I think a lot of people will enjoy reading this one. I highly recommend the narration.