I really enjoyed this wonderful book. I enjoyed the journey of Sadie Montgomery so much that once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I devoured it and when I finished, at three in the morning, I felt uplifted. It's a wonderful way to fall asleep.

The Author's Note at the end of the book really resonated with me. I avoided romance novels like the plague until a few years ago. Now it's become one of my favorite genres and Hello Stranger was a perfect example of why that is. This is a story about growth and learning to love yourself and the world as you see it. Way deeper than sexy pirate kidnaps busty beauty, which is what I used to think was the premise of all romance novels. I've never been so happy to learn I was wrong.

Thank you to Katherine Center, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book surprised me in all the best ways. I went into it blind and it was incredibly moving and soul-stirring and had my crying as I felt for Sadie’s impossible situation. I am not going to give anything away here in case you don't want spoilers either.

There were so many beautiful things happening with this story. I loved Sadie and the romance. I loved the artistic descriptions and “watching” her paint. I loved one particular extremely helpful neighbor. I loved picking up on little clues in the story and was excited to see how it would play out. I loved how everything came together with an incredibly satisfying ending. And wow, Katherine Center writes amazing epilogues!

It’s amazing when books can put you in the point of view of someone going through a trial and help you understand what that would feel like. It gives you empathy that you might not be able to grasp otherwise. This was done so incredibly and was very thought-provoking and eye-opening.

This book brought me joy, it made me think, it made me laugh, and it made me cry. It was all blissfully balanced into an amazing and enjoyable story. Pick this up, you won’t regret it!

**P.S. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end about why we love romance novels and why they are important! Make sure you read it! It felt so important that I want to shout her words it to the world! Here’s a small snippet:

“I think love stories are deeply misunderstood—in part, at least, because they don’t work like other stories. Love stories don’t have happy endings because their authors didn’t know any better. They have happy endings because they let readers access a rare and precious kind of emotional bliss…Tragedy is a given, but joy is a choice. Love is nourishing. Love is healing. It’s unapologetically optimistic.”

CW: Strong language
Romance: Kisses, makeouts

I’ve never read any of Katherine Centers books before but I was pleasantly impressed with this book. I love how it was unlike anything I’ve ever read before, making me stay at the edge of my seat, the whole time while reading. I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.

This book was really sweet. The dialogue was very witty and natural, which is always important to me. It was very hard to put the book down!

Let me begin by saying- I adore Katherine Center. This is now the fourth book I’ve read by her, and her writing style truly resonates with me. She handles big life topics with such care. The way she approaches grief brings tears to my eyes every time.

Sadly, Hello Stranger didn’t quite click for me. On the positive end: her writing style continues to be fantastic. Even when I was scratching my head at some serious plot holes, the way she writes had me continually smiling.

Admittedly, I don’t enjoy using face blindness as a plot point in fiction. I was willing to look past it but there were just too many moments that felt so juvenile. The big reveal at the end just didn’t work. At all.

Saying all of this: I will still read anything Katherine Center writes. She has earned her loyal following. So while this one fell very short of the mark for me, I think it will find the right audience who is willing to suspend major disbelief and be along for the ride.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4!

I love every book I've read from Katherine Center and Hello Stranger was no exception.

After swelling in her brain after surgery causes Sadie to be FaceBlind and she can't see faces. She doesn't recognize anyone even if she knows them well. While she is waiting around for it go to away she starts a friendship with her neighbor Joe. She has a portrait painting competition and needs some help from Joe.

There were so many funny moments in this book like when she breaks a door or realizes the baristas Hazel One and Hazel Two are the same person.

The whole book was miscommunications and even though I usually don't enjoy the trope, I really really enjoyed this book.

Thank you St. Martin Press and Netgalley for this arc!

This could be my favorite Katherine Center book. 😍

First few pages I wasn't hooked and I couldn't really get through.. after coming back to it I couldn't put it down. I was thrown into the first twist quickly as the book wasn't at all what I was expecting it would be. It was a fun read and I'm glad I got through the first 3 chapters as after that it was amazing.

There is definitely some trigger warnings of grief as a young girl struggles through the grief and loss of her mother and moves into her own issues.

I've heard alot of good things about this book and it's my first book by this author and I'm so glad I requested and got approved it was such a enjoyable read I loved it.

Katherine Center books are a joy to read. Her stories are never the same and always a delightful surprise. I have never read a book that involves a person with face blindness and it was so incredibly fascinating to watch the story unfold. It was challenging and beautiful and just so so well done. I have read all of Katherine's books and will continue to do so. She is an excellent writer!

This one was super cute. I loved The Bodyguard & Katherine Center’s writing style. I could not even imagine having face blindness, that would be so scary. But I loved seeing how Sadie overcame it & her little support system. I loved her bestie Sue & the Kim’s are adorable. I OBVIOUSLY hated Parker & still don’t care for her. Those kinds of people are just not my cup of tea. The ending was so sweet – her moms painting had me in tears. That twist at the end WOWZA! Didn’t expect that – so cute!

Thank you NETGALLEY for an arc of this book!!

I’ve read one other book from Katherine Center and I can officially say that she is an auto buy author. I’ve loved everything I’ve picked up from her so far, with the bodyguard coming soon… hopefully.

My only gripe about this book was that her best friend wasn’t super supportive and it annoyed me a little that she kept being at the helm of putting her in these situations.

Adored the ending.

Rating: 4/5 stars
Pub date: July 11, 2023

Sadie Montgomery just might catch the big break she’s been looking for. Until one day the struggling portrait artist wakes up with a rare condition known as face blindness. While adjusting to her new reality, Sadie maneuvers through the many obstacles life throws at her. She is forced to see the world in a whole new way, which may not be the worst thing after all.

This is such a light and fun read. It is unrealistic and unexpected, and I liked that. The premise is very unique and I enjoyed reading Sadie’s journey.

I typically don’t read the author’s note, but I am so glad I did with this one. Her words were impactful and made me appreciate the book even more.

This was my first Katherine Center book and it definitely won’t be my last. If you’re looking for an adorable story full of hope, be sure to check this one out!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC!

Katherine C can do no wrong! Her books get me from the cover and do not let go! They have the best family and personal relationships that I just adore. I can’t put down these emotional and heart felt stories. This is one of my favorites since the Bodyguard.

"Friends, Romans, countrymen--" You have to read this book. Just pick it up anyway you can and read it. It seems like it's been a long time that a book made me laugh out loud multiple times and then cry a little.
Sadie is a portrait artist who does not need anyone's help! She is selected as 1 of 10 finalists in a portrait competition when an accident happens that causes her ability to draw very difficult. The competition is her last big break that she needs in order to get out of her situation living in a hovel on top of an apartment building.

I absolutely loved the characters in this book, so much I wish there could be a sequel. It was so interesting to learn about face blindness and I appreciate how the author, Katherine, spent time discussing this issue. I never realized that people who are born with this condition most likely don't know they have it. Sadie's family situation was infuriating and sad, but it was interesting to see how she worked through it. And the 2 love interests?! amazing, I love that this is a closed door romance that is so sweet and fun to read. This is my second Katherine Center book and I loved this and the Bodyguard.
Thank you to netgalley and St. Martins Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is an adorable love story centered around Sadie, an artist trying to stand on her own, and Oliver, a veterinarian who is just an all-around nice guy. Poor Sadie just wants to prove that she is an amazing artist just like her mother who sadly passed away leaving a broken family and memories of a happier time. Now Sadie has a new opportunity to showcase her work at a National Portrait Competition, the same one her late mother was working towards before her passing; however, an unforeseen illness causes some issues with our dear artist and her artistic abilities. Add in a sick dog and a wicked step-sister, and a charming guy, and Sadie is in for one wild and sweet adventure before the competition. Even in hard times, romance always seems to bloom from unexpected places.

If anyone needs a modern-day Cinderella story, this book is for you. I have yet to read a Katherine Center book I did not like and I am happy about it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were unique and their development seem authentic. The story is an emotional ride that was at some points frustrating but enjoyable. I highly recommended this book. I will be reading it again.

Overall, I give this a 5🍷 out of 5. This is a great book!

Wine Pairing: Rosso Dolce'

My sincere thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy. This book is scheduled to release on 7/11/2023.

A unique plot and quirky characters made for a fun read! I enjoyed the lead character although her best friend needs a friendship lesson. This was more a journey of self discovery with a side of romance. I enjoyed following along with her story and seeing her find herself. While the character needs a good therapist to work through her issues, her wittiness and resilience was impressive. I enjoyed this read and the romance. While I had some issues with the story, this was a quick and easy read that left me smiling.

Katherine Center is one of my favorites. I look forward to anything she writes and with Hello Stranger she out does herself! Easily one of my favorite books of hers. This a lovely romance story of a woman who has her life turned upside down and how she deals with it. I have to admit that what happens to her with the face blindness really gave me some anxiety but in a good way. I loved everything about this story; the characters, the setting, the writing. Its a must read!

Katherine Center has something against moms I guess
This was very cute and did make me emo. The "twist" is obvious but I didn't mind it.

Sadie is a struggling artist that may have just got her big break when a sudden accident threatens everything she’s worked for.
This was a quick read for me. It’s about grief, overcoming obstacles, friendship and unexpected love. While I did predict the ending I still enjoyed this read. My one criticism would be the common, overly mean “mean girl”. I adored the hero, Joe and Sadie as well. I loved that her struggles with dealing with, well, just about everything that could go wrong, were believable. I enjoyed her growth and journey throughout the book.

So I have to admit, when I first started this book, I was a bit skeptical. The whole concept of face blindness was odd and I wasn’t sure how this book would turn out. However, in my opinion, Katherine Center knocked it out of the park with this one! I laughed, I cried, I felt all of the emotions with this one. It was just delightful and I will be recommending it to everyone when it comes out in July! Such an interesting concept and it was so well done!

Thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read this one early!