This book WAS for me. I adore everything about how the author weaved this story together. I've read most of Center's work, but this one is by far my favorite. I think the spirit of this story is why I'm such a fan: sometimes we're blind even when we can see.

Katherine Center sets the stage with a near homeless aspiring artist, who finally has some good news of a potential opportunity of a lifetime. To celebrate, Sadie is ready to kick off her big break with a party, meeting a potential love interest at the liquor store across from her apartment complex. The banter is adorable, readers will be ready for this moment to last and turn into something more, when Sadie has a near death experience that leaves her hospitalized.

Things start to quickly unravel when she’s diagnosed with a rare brain disease, needing immediate surgery in order for her to survive.

And that’s just the first five chapters. 😉

Center paints her novel with quirky, artsy, heartwarming characters, with family drama dynamics that feels vaguely like a Cinderella retelling. With our prince charming, Dr. Addison, a veterinarian/good Samaritan neighbor, and the wicked stepsister who is literally pure evil.

I loved how Center weaved her story together with Sadie’s acquired neurodivergence (I would pause reading to google face blindness also known as prosopagnosia) and how that affected her personal life and her professional life as an artist, which was fascinating.

As for the spicy-ness🌶️ of this one it’s very minimal.

I would have loved more steam in this romance. I mean the scene with Sadie and Joe in her art studio screamed potential for more spice. My one and only hiccup with this novel was towards the end. Without getting spoiler-y, it was when Sadie talks to Dr. Addison about her feelings and the subsequent consequences that followed. This will make so much more sense when you read it and we can discuss in the comments 😂

With a fantastic setup and full circle conclusion Hello Stranger is a story that will give you all the feels, leaving you ready for the next Katherine Center novel.

Well Katherine Center has done it again! Back with a unique premise about a portrait artist who becomes face blind after an accident as she’s due to compete in the biggest portrait competition of her career she must find a way to paint something she can enter all while juggling a juicy love triangle that ends in a satisfying twist!

Center’s voice is what always keeps me coming back for more. I feel like I’m hanging out with my best friend when I read one of her books. Her humor and wit sparkle in this one. The love scenes are sweet and closed door for those wondering. Highly recommend for fans of romance and commercial/women’s fic crossovers. It was a quick read that will bring a smile to your face and you’ll leave wondering what you’d do if you were thrust into a similar situation. I also learned a lot about face blindness which was interesting. Great read! Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins for the ARC in return for my honest review

5 amazing stars!

I have loved all of Katherine Center's books and this one is not the exception.

Our heroine is Sadie Montgomery. She is a struggling artist who paints portraits. She has recently entered a competition and she might have the chance to win 10000 dollars. This is the same competition her mother, who passed away, entered too. Sadie wants to demonstrate to her father that she can be successful in doing what she loves.

However, six weeks before the competition, she learns that she needs to have brain surgery. The surgery has minimal risk and after it, she could begin painting her portrait. What Sadie was not expecting is to stop being able to see faces. After her surgery, she develops acquire apperceptive prosopagnosia. When she realizes this, she freaks out. To make matters worse, her dog, Peanut gets sick. She takes him to the emergency vet. Dr. Addison is able to save Peanut and even without seeing his face, she falls for him. She's thrilled when he asks her out. But things can't be easy, she also meets Joe. He lives in the same building as she does. At first, she dislikes him but the more she gets to know him, the more she starts falling for him too.

What is Sadie going to do? And how is she going to win the competition without being able to see faces?

Loved it. Love Sadie and Joe. So cute together. I also loved Peanut and thankfully no John Wick harm comes to pass.

Now that Happiness for Beginners it's coming to the screen, Hello Stranger can come out as a movie too.

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hello Stranger was a fun light hearted read. The beginning I thought was very fast paced and I was anticipating every next chapter. It felt like towards the middle it became a bit slower paced and made it hard to want to finish it. I really enjoyed the characters and it wasn’t until about 70% through the book when I eventually figured everything out! The part I really enjoyed was the authors notes. I enjoyed learning more about why Katherine Center started writing romance novels and especially liked the research that went into this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc copy to review.

Hello Stranger was the first book I have read that was written by Katherine Center, and it won’t be my last! The book starts out with Sadie, an aspiring portrait artist, who has just won a prestigious art contest. Unfortunately, she soon has an accident that leaves her with an potentially career-ending symptom: she can’t read faces. With her loving dog, Peanut, by her side, she slowly begins to learn to navigate a world and her artistic place in it.

The premise of this book was one that immediately hooked me. How can you have a romantic book if the main character can’t recognize anyone’s face? Well, believe me: Katherine Center is able to do it, and she does it in style. There are many awkward and funny mishaps in the book because of her new medical malady that left me chuckling and blushing in embarrassment right along with Sadie. It felt like I was right there with her! Not only is the book humorous, it has a hidden depth. There are threads of family trauma and self-worth that I found particularly touching and relevant. This book has a little bit of everything.

Right from the start, I fell in love with Sadie’s internal monologue and narrative. As a character, she was funny and a bit quirky (but in the best way!). Katherine Center was able to perfectly blend relatable and unique with Sadie. I mean she frequently plans her imaginary wedding with strangers she meets in the street in a way that is approachable and not that of a stalker. Who hasn’t done the same? Unlike other “perky” Rom-Com heroines, she didn’t take her new illness in stride, and it made her that much more real for it. I, too, would want to hole away in my room if I were in her shoes! Thankfully, she is surrounded by family and friends who make the book come alive from her spontaneous, well-intentioned best friend to her all-knowing doctor to her quirky neighbor. You slowly, but surely will fall in love with each of these characters.

With it being a Rom-Com, I can’t talk about this book without mentioning the romance. I absolutely loved the love interest. I am not ashamed to say that I squealed and “aw”-ed many a time throughout this book. Reading this book was like getting wrapped in a cozy blanket: it makes you feel all tingly and safe… but it can also get a little warm too! While this book certainly does not have any detailed spicy scenes, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t some scenes that are downright swoon-worthy.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book in a way that I was not anticipating! It had amazing characters, funny plot points, and a twist you won’t see coming! I highly recommend this amazing novel to anyone who loves the Rom-Com movies of the 2000s, laughing at life’s awkward mishaps, and learning how to appreciate challenges as they may turn out to be your greatest gift!

I love Katherine Center books. I've never been a romance novel reader, but she writes so well, and her characters are so lovable, that I read everything she writes! Of course the stories are predictable. Of course her characters are the cutest, sexiest and most functional group of people you'll find. But, her books are so fun, you don't tire of them. I am an independent bookstore owner and she is my go to author when someone asks, "Can you just recommend a good book?"

I always thoroughly enjoy Katherine Center books, but this one might just be my favorite. She always has such thoughtful character development and interesting conflict, I just cannot put it down. Definitely add this to your to be read shelves!

Another great read by Katharine Center!! One of my favorite authors. Thanks NetGalley for sending this one along.

This is my second Katherine Center book. I read “The Bodyguard” and thought it was a simple and cute story, so I was looking forward to this one, but I’m bummed! I feel a little let down. The book itself is pretty short and I just did not think the writing was good. I feel bad saying that, but I really was not impressed with the writing.

The main character was frustrating. I liked parts of her; how she was a struggling artist, her desire to feel connected to her mom. I disliked other parts of her; namely, she was so rude to too many people!! I didn’t understand her obsession of denying even the smallest act of help. She seemed self-absorbed. I liked the dilemma of how can she paint portraits if she can’t see faces. The whole face thing was too far-fetched for me in the beginning, but then I researched it and it’s totally a thing! Crazy!

I did like Joe. I just wanted something more from the two of them and I felt it a bit unbelievable that he would still want her after all her misconceptions and miscommunications. I wish I could have seen more of them in the end after they both had the full picture of everything.

I HATED the whole family storyline. I hated it so much. The stepmom was so confusing to me and I didn’t get it. The stepsister was the absolute worst and I wish her character didn’t exist. It provided NOTHING to the story. Honestly, what was the point of the family drama?? I think I would have liked the story much more if the stepmom and stepsister weren’t in it at all.

Lastly, I noticed quite a few editing mistakes.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader’s copy so that I could provide an honest review.

Another five star story from one of my favorite authors. Mystery, art, romance, and a well-researched view into a physical anomaly most of us have heard of but maybe not deeply considered the impact. A page-turning, heartwarming and funny story about understanding. I enjoyed the Author's Note at the end as much as the novel itself. "Tragedy is a given, but joy is a choice."

Book Title: Hello Stranger
Author: Katherine Center
Publisher: Saint Martin’s Press
Genre: Romance
Pub Date: July 11, 2023
My Rating: 3.6 rounded up

In this story our author Katherine Center approaches neurovascular issues -cavernoma, prosopagnosia (face blindness).
Personal Note: Since I have had two corneal transplants in both eyes due to Keratoconus.
These types of stories always peak my interest.

Sadie Montgomery is struggling artist .Her father is successful surgeon and so far has not been pleased with Sadie’s career choice.
He remarried after his wife/Sadie’s mother dies. Life with Step mom Lucinda has not been ideal. Sadie is bullied by her step sister Parker - what is worst is her father takes Parker’s side!

Sadie has a seizure the doctor’s diagnosis is serious! There’s a malformed blood vessel in the brain: called cavernoma that needs surgery. Although the surgery itself is serious the big side effect is she will not be able to recognize people’s faces- Everyone will looks like stranger.

Yes this situation is serious but the story left me feeling good.
There are several words of wisdom. e.g. “We are lucky in that we are drawn to people who can teach us things we need to know.” Like letting people help us.
Bottom line
The more good things you look for, the more you will find.


Epilogue gives many examples of simple little things.

Personal Note: This reminded me of when I was being treated after breast cancer surgery~` actually had breast cancer twice. We all know that family and friends feel helpless. They don’t know how to help so will ask how they can help.
Most of us will answer~ I’m okay but thank you ~ or I will call when I need some help.

I learned that i t was best to answer their request on how to help by suggesting something small that they can manage.
I need to pick up a few things from the store. Wonder is the next time you go would you pick up . . . .such n such) Guest what they are thrilled to be able to help!
Other suggestions are mentioned in the Epilogue.

The end of the book also gives more info on ‘face blindness.

As always I love to read the ‘Author’s Notes’. This is definitely worth taking the time to read!
{author: Katherine Center tells us that reading romance stories is fun.
She goes on to say that all stories have an emotion
Mysteries ~ curiosity
Thriller ~ Heart Thumping
Horror ~ Fear
Romance ~ gives us the sense that something is going to get better; something to look forward to ~ Awww so true!.

Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for granting me the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 11, 2023

I'd like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Katherine Center book, and it was such a sweet book. Her writing style had me hooked from the start. A chapter in and I was hooked, which doesn't happen often.

And really, this is so much more than a romance novel. There is so much going on in this book that labeling it a romance doesn't really feel fair. I think the other parts of the story almost override the romance all together.

I will say, If you've recently lost a parent you may want to avoid this book. I was not prepared for all the dead mom content. Having lost my dad around the same time Sadie lost her mom, I felt seriously bonded her character. It brought me to tears multiple times. It's a major part of the story line, so be prepared for that.

Other than that, a lot of the other supporting characters just sucked. Her "best friend" mostly sucked. Her family really sucked. And the family drama wasn't really tied up all that nicely at the end. I'm not sure how I'd have wanted that drama to end, because there weren't many good options. Since her family REALLY SUCKED.

Overall, though a quick cute read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Picked it up and could hardly put down, read it in under two days! I look forward to reading more of her books!

Wow! The ending! 😍. I’m usually good at predicting but there was a good twist. I loved her other books and this one was in the same setting as the others I have read. Definitely worth the read.

Rounded up from 3.85. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy! I really enjoyed The Bodyguard, so I had high hopes. Overall, the book was good. I like her writing quite a bit. If I am getting picky, there was an overuse of the word hovel. Don’t get me wrong…. I love the word, but it’s not commonplace, so it stands out a bit when reading. One other small gripe was what seemed to me to be some contradictions about what the main character could “see”. Those couple things bugged me a little, but I would absolutely still recommend it.

Truly enjoyed this book! This author did not disappoint! I love when the story being told includes information in a topic I had no idea existed, “Face Blindness” ! So interesting how the main character tried to overcome her disability so she could still paint! I just loved that she was so positive I’m not letting it rule her and how she researched different techniques in dealing with her situation. I truly enjoyed this book!

Reading a Katherine Center book is a special kind of treat. Her books are always written with such relatable characters with real world struggles but off-set with generous portions of optimism and humour and fun. I hate to brand her as “feel good” literature - because her books can sort of break your heart before they put it back together - but, well, it sort of fits.
Hello Stranger is yet another example of Katherine Center’s uniquely beautiful prose. This time she introduces us to Sadie, a portrait artist who has a medical emergency that takes her down a completely unexpected path. The story is totally unique and completely fascinating, and Center builds anticipation for the reader as you wonder what is coming next. The very definition of a page turner!
Two additional points to note:
1. Be sure to read her authors notes at the end of the book. Those who know Center, know her notes are always as wonderful as the book and this one is fit for a New York Times editorial piece. ❤️
2. Canadian readers will get all sorts of unexpected little Easter eggs throughout this book too - so read it carefully and be sure to find them all! 🇨🇦

When I saw "prosopagnosia" in the description for this book I knew it was for me. What a fascinating premise for a book - plus it worked so well!

If I could rate this more than five stars, I would.

I have no words to even begin to describe how wonderful and insanely well written this book was. Sadie's story and her feelings felt so real. The characters felt well developed and the pacing was steady throughout the story. The discourse on difficult family dynamics felt very relatable and made my heart genuinely hurt for Sadie.

This was an excellent, emotional, and even sometimes funny read.

Lastly, thank you to Netgalley for providing me with the ARC for this book!

I received this e-book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and the author/publisher for the copy!

This was my first Katherine Center book and I'm hooked! I really enjoyed reading this novel! It was beautifully crafted and kept me laughing when I needed it! Normally in romance books, I can predict what's going to happen next, but that was not the case for this one. At one point, I did think that the author forgot about a certain encounter at the beginning of the book, but it was tied up with a little bow later on and I loved it so much.

Sadie Montgomery is a portrait artist who is struggling to get her career off the ground. She finally gets her lucky break, but then tragedy strikes. Sadie ends up in an accident and ends up being diagnosed with acquired prosopagnosia. Suddenly her luck has turned and she must now figure out how to live in this new world of hers, while also trying to figure out how she's going to complete a portrait when she can't even see faces.

This book has a great story line and the characters are perfectly written. I would definitely recommend it if you need a good laugh and read a great book!

Hello Stranger is a captivating, inspiring and informative story about Sadie, an artist who loses her ability to see faces after brain surgery. Unfortunately Sadie had just been selected as one of ten artists to be featured in a show dedicated to the subject’s face. How was she supposed to paint what she couldn’t see? The author, Katherine Center, has extensively researched her topic and reveals the difficulty sufferers have recognizing acquaintances and how other senses come into play. Sadie has much to overcome…a less than supportive father, stepmother and the stepsister whose main goal is tormenting, the looming deadline for submitting a portrait, and an attraction to two men. I absolutely loved this book and will be looking for more by this author, I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.