Oh man... this one was a rollercoaster for me.

I thought the premise of it was really interesting, but i struggled through the first 40%. Then it got better and I was def more engaged...then I almost gave up at 75% because something happened that had me going WTF??? THEN a twist happened (that I didn't see coming) and it all made sense and was super cute at the end, but like wowsers... I also couldn't past how horrible our FMC's step-sister was and I was not satisfied with how everything ended up... I was all over the place lol

The story had some really great character growth and many "life lessons" learned, which I appreciated, but overall just did not love this as much as I wanted too!

This is the second book by Katherine Center I have read. I did not think this was a light read due to the content nor the character of Parker. That girl has chosen to be evil. She needs help but won’t get it until she’s ready.
I figured out the major plot twist way ahead of time but was compelled to read to the end. I finished this book in one sitting and a box of tissues even though I figured out what was coming.

The topics of this book are: acquired apperceptive prosopagnosia- aka face blindness, family dynamics, and bullying.

Let me say romances are not my usual reading genre. But I was blow away with Things You Save In A Fire, that I had to read this book when given the opportunity. I really like the way the author sets up her books, yes, I’ve only read two. She draws me in and makes me want to continue reading. I felt a full range of emotions as I navigated the story.

I know I’m in for a treat when I pick up a Katherine Center book. I thank Netgalley for allowing me to read the book and Ms. Center for writing it.

I was given an advanced copy and am NOT required to leave a positive review.

Being a devoted fan of Katherine Center, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of Hello Stranger!

In this latest novel, we are introduced to Sadie Montgomery, accompanied by her loyal sidekick, Peanut the dog. As a struggling portrait artist, Sadie faces financial difficulties, residing in a shed intended for painting rather than living. Despite the unfit living conditions, Sadie makes the most of her rooftop abode and its space. Ironically, Sadie's father, a successful doctor, doubts her ability to sustain herself as an artist, leaving Sadie hesitant to confide in him about her dire circumstances. Following her mother's unexpected passing, Sadie's father remarries, and her stepmother and stepsister contribute to her feeling disconnected from her father. The stepsister, in particular, treats Sadie with disdain.

Just as Sadie's father's skepticism about her career seems justified, she receives news of placing in a prestigious portrait contest. However, her newfound hope takes a downturn when she discovers she has a medical condition requiring brain surgery. Although they assure her it's a minor procedure, Sadie wishes to delay it until after the contest. In a rare display of paternal concern, her father convinces her to prioritize the surgery.

Upon awakening from the operation, Sadie realizes she is unable to recognize people's faces—an affliction known as face blindness. The medical team cannot predict if or when she will recover from this condition.

As Sadie anxiously awaits the return of her ability to see faces, she encounters her neighbor Joe and Theo, Peanut's veterinarian. Through the lens of face blindness, Sadie begins to see the world and its inhabitants in a different light.

Hello Stranger is an enjoyable read featuring a captivating cast of characters. The exploration of face blindness adds a fascinating and distinctive element to the story. Thank you to Katherine Center and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Love all things by Katherine Center, this book was sweet and caring and such a fun read. Would be a great vacation beach read for anyone.

I’d like to start by saying that although I’ve been interested in Katherine Center’s books in the past, this was my first dive into her works. Unfortunately, it did not go well for me.

It was really hard to like anything about this book. Our main character, Sadie, was incredibly unlikable. She was super whiny and childish about every little thing both verbally and in her head. She’s a 28-year-old woman who carries herself like a teenager and it was so frustrating to be in her head for 300+ pages. She claims that her big flaw is that she refuses to let other people help her, but this girl was so dependent and needy it was exhausting to read about.

I feel like this concept could have really worked out if it had been executed better. A portrait-artist with face blindness? Trying to start a relationship with two different people you’d never met before your accident? Even while being able to guess the ~twist~ from the synopsis alone, this had the set-up to be a hilarious romcom but it just fell flat for me.

I also had a really hard time believing the rivalry between Sadie and her “evil” step-sister, Parker. You really mean to tell me that this adult woman despises Sadie so much that she makes it her personal mission to infiltrate every aspect of her life and ruin it? I’m not buying it. Even the explanation we got for the family drama didn’t make any of it more believable for me.

The only consistently good part of this book (and the reason for my second star) is dear sweet bowling jacket Joe. He was so kind and caring and understanding and I believe he deserved so much better than what he got.

Also side note but it irritated me sooo much that Sadie was “too embarrassed” to tell people about her face blindness and would prefer struggling through every conversation but could confidently tell her friends and doctor that her veterinarian — that she knew on absolutely no personal level — was her future husband? Like you’re really too self-conscious to explain your actual medical condition but not your deranged fantasies??? Come on.

Overall, just a really ridiculous read in my opinion. The ending was cute enough but just didn’t redeem the rest of the book enough for me.

* I received this book via NetGalley, but all thoughts and opinions are my own!*

Rating : 4.5/5

I requested this ARC a long time ago and solely based on the cover. I did not know who this author was and I did not even read the resumé. So, I did the best thing a reader could do : go in blind. This was 100% the best decision ever. At first, I thought this was going to be a fluffy romance you read and forget about. Perfect spring/summer reading and that's it. (I am reminding you that I just thought this based on the cover which I love btw). Well, this was so much more than I expected. Was it cheesy at times? Did I saw the plot twist coming like a kilometer away? Yes, but the story had so much more than that.

I loved the main character, Sadie, so much and I could relate to her easily. She has a bit too much pride to ask for help and has a sassy attitude that goes with it. She gave a me soft girl boss feeling : focus on the task and she is ready to try anything to complete her portrait. I won't spoil anything (even if the resumé does), but the news she receives at the begining of the book is hard and, in her case, life changing. What if she can't do portrait anymore? The stakes are high for her. The way the author described what Sadie saw with her special condition was really inventive. I was picturing Picasso's painting in my head throughout the book.

As the characters and story line go, I thought it was absolutely well written. The romantics interests were just so sweet and loving. It reminded me about Peeta in the Hunger Games trilogy. Nothing but wholesome vibes. Again, I don't want to spoil anything so I won't go further into my explanations about this topic.

For me, the only downside to the whole story was Parker. I get that she was the evil step sister and all, but I think it would have been really nice to explore further her motivations for doing such awful things to Sadie. It lacked substance there. Same goes for how Sadie and her dad reconciliated. I needed more.

Finally, I also adored how the author decided to write about this specific condition. I never heard or read anything about it and I was immediately drawn to the story. The characters hooked me on right away after that (Yes, I include sweet Peanut in the mix).

I recommend this book to anyone wants to read a lovely romance with some heavier subject. It is a fast read!

I love Katherine Center, I really do, but I did not love Hello Stranger. I honestly just couldn't get into the story (I think that's a me problem rather than the book itself).

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The story overall is quite swoon-worthy and can teach us all about life and the things we miss or don't notice unless they are taken away from us. The main character felt very realistic and I loved the writing style so much that I will be picking up previous published books. Bravo!

This was such a refreshing and funny read. I’m not gonna lie I was putting off reading this book because I haven’t been in the mood to read romcoms lately, worst mistake ever! The story like for this book was something different and I wasn’t expecting. The FL has an accident and gets faceblindness so she can’t see people faces, and as an artist she had to navigate with this while getting ready for an art competition. Plus add a hot neighbor, and a veterinarian.CHEFS FREAKING KISS.

This book wasn’t for me. I was excited because I really enjoyed the bodyguard but almost immediately I wasn’t vibing with this one. I didn’t love the main character and ultimately couldn’t make myself push through and I ended up DNFing about 5 chapters in

The first thing that stood out to me with this one was that it was based on an interesting concept. Sadie, the FMC, has to learn to navigate the world around her after losing her ability to recognize faces.

The main character’s lesson on jumping to conclusions was quite in your face, but you know what? Sometimes that’s the only way we figure things out.

I saw the “twists” coming — possibly from the time I read the synopsis. This didn’t detract from the degree of enjoyment I experienced with the story. I think that’s part of Katherine Center’s magic — the character development is so compelling that the plot is entertaining but doesn’t demand everything from the reader.

This is the second book I’ve read from this author and I think I’m just all in with her. Forever a fan of how she writes a character’s inner monologue.

The author’s note at the end about romance novels, positive anticipate, hope? Just a lovely touch to an already lovely book.

I enjoyed this one. I finished it feeling happy. The delivery of the audio was pleasant and contributed to the overall effect that the story had on the reader.

This book was utterly delightful. I’ve read several of Center’s books and this is my favorite. It is pretty typical for her, and I love the relatable protagonist. It was somewhat predictable, but in no way did that detract from my enjoyment and devouring it in a day.

Hello Stranger was a unique and delightful read. Full of amazing characters from Sadie, Joe, and Dr. Oliver Addison to Mr. Kim. You can’t forget Peanut and his love of Pad Thai, who stole the show in my opinion.

During the book you see Sadie deal with how to go about her life after getting face blindness after having to have brain surgery. This leaves her having to learn how to figure out her life with the uncertainty of how her life will be like if she continues to have face blindness as her career is a portrait artist. You also witness Sadie trying to navigate personal relationships with her step-mom, father, and truly evil step sister. With this part, I do wish we saw some further interaction with Sadie and her father. Especially since this played, what I would say, a large part in the story line.

With every Katherine Center book I read, I fall more and more in love with her writing.

Hello Stranger is another delightful romance from Katherine Center. Sadie has been diagnosed with face blindness. It's maybe just a temporary condition, but she's a portrait artist. And she is working on probably the biggest project of her life. She ends up falling in love, but she's not sure if she can trust her judgment since she can't actually see the guy's face. This is such a fun read, and it is perfect for fans of Katherine Center. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

I've loved every Katherine Center book I've ever read. She writes refreshing, strong, emotionally intelligent female characters with interesting, posh, and unique careers. The ground shakes when the main character is introduced in her stories and that's one of my favorite things about how she writes characters. The guys in her books are always so respectful, so flirty, so kind, and so approachable. Again, very refreshing to read. I love Dr. Oliver. And as with all Katherine Center books, this book is full of funny dialogue, lots of banter, and tension, and will also make you tear up a bit.

Hello Stranger is a delightfully entertaining romance about missed opportunities for communication and connection. The main plot twist was relatively predictable but the journey to get there was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the main characters and felt the pacing was appropriate; striking a nice balance between being character and plot driven. Another winner from Katherine Center. My only gripe is that no self respecting veterinarian would feed a patient pad thai.

Hello Stranger was a joy to listen to. Katherine Center always knows have to suck you into the story!

Hello Stranger is about a medical diagnosis I have only vaguely been aware of and was interesting to have it in this book. Made me think wow how would I do on this situation!

The narration was enjoyable to listen to!

I can’t wait to see what Katherine has in store next!

I haven’t read any of Katherine Center’s books before but I know they are highly rated and beloved by many. I adored this book and the characters were so lovable and one specific character made my eye twitch like crazy. This is one of the romance novels that has a great plot and you get to dive into the story and not be bombarded with unnecessary “tension” between characters. This did have a very adorable, fun twist at the end that I saw coming.

Sadie is a starving artist but she finally got her big break. That is until she collapses in the middle of the street and is saved by a Good Samaritan. After getting brain surgery, she can’t see faces. As a portrait artist and a top ten finalist in a big competition, she is ultimately screwed. Sadie is having a hard time and feels like the universe is constantly punishing her. That was way too relatable.

The love triangle was probably the funniest part of the novel. Sadie meets her dog’s veterinarian and decides he is the love of her life. So relatable! The funniest thing is that she’s falling in love with a guy named Joe in her building. I would love to spoil it but I won't. The internal dialogue for Sadie having a hard time picking between the vet and Joe was so hilarious.

The only reason this is a 4.5⭐️ read is because I was sick and busy while reading this and I didn’t get to enjoy this as much as I wanted to. That is completely on me and not on the author at all. I do plan on rereading this and hopefully enjoy it much more. Also, this book was a bit too long but I really enjoyed everything about this.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC of this book.

I have read and loved every Katherine Center books, and this book was no exception. I love her style of writing, and the humor that she has in her books. Lets face it, she just writes fun and smart books.

In this book, the main character, Saddie, had to have brain surgery, and ends up with face blindness. It was a condition that I had heard about. but didn't know much about it. It was really interesting to journey with Saddie as she navigates her new condition. Along with a dysfunctional family and a looming art contest, Saddie has a ton on her plate.

3.5 stars. Sadie needs unexpected brain surgery, which her surgeon father convinces her to have right away. The only problem is, she's a portrait artist competing in the biggest contest of her life in a few weeks' time, and the surgery has left her with a post-op complication: she can't see faces. It's temporary. Probably. But still a problem, because she has to paint a new portrait for the contest, and her face blindness is making it an impossible task. Ashamed and frustrated, Sadie keeps her condition under wraps as she stumbles through caring for her dog, her career, and the surprising arrival of TWO seemingly perfect men into her life. She can't see their faces, but she knows one of them has got to be "the one" — doesn't he?

Alright so this story was adorable, but I found The Bodyguard to be much more on the "com" side of romcom, while Hello Stranger was pretty firmly a romance. The twist (if you can call it that?) is easy to predict, but I will admit that I did love Katherine Center's author note about predictability in romance novels (definitely don't skip it). Sadie herself is kind of annoyingly stubborn and isolating, but that's part of her journey, so don't get too exasperated with her.

Overall, this is a very cute story with some good "life lesson" type of takeaways, so don't skip it if romance is your thing! (It's not really mine, I'm here for just the romcoms, but I can appreciate it.) Thank you to Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for my advance digital copy.