Hello Stranger is the first Katherine Center book I’ve read, although I have three others, including The Bodyguard, on my Kindle TBR (those three have now moved up to the top of the list). For me, it was a wonderful rollercoaster of emotions, thanks to memorable characters and sparkling, realistic dialogue that had me laughing and crying (yes, sometimes at the same time).
Sadie Montgomery, a portrait artist who had struggled for a decade, finally gets her first big break by becoming a finalist in a portrait competition. She has six weeks to complete a new work, when she suddenly suffers a seizure. The doctors identify a problem in her brain that must be resolved through surgery. While the surgery is successful to repair the initial problem, the result is that she is now experiencing “facial blindness” (known as prosopagnosia, a neurological disorder where you cannot detect facial features). Of course, this issue features prominently throughout the book, as Sadie navigates what could be her “new normal.” This includes not only trying to figure out how to paint a new portrait but also involves how she navigates relationships with friends, family, and yes, possible new love interests (after all, this is a romance novel).
There were a few plot twists that surprised me, and that, too, added to my enjoyment of this book. I gave this book four stars, because for me, one character was so despicable that she bordered on being a caricature, and I just didn’t see even one redeeming quality or feel an ounce of sympathy for her.
I strongly suggest readers, especially those new to romance novels, read Ms. Center’s “Author’s Note” at the end of the book. She shares she received a historical romance novel as a gift for her 40th birthday, and was hooked. I can relate. I read my first romance novel when I was 61, and like Ms. Center, that first experience was, as she says, “blissful and life changing.” It still is. The anticipation of watching Sadie go through her journey, knowing that at some point there will be “better things ahead” for her is true bliss and gives the reader joy and hope—something we can all use more of.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel. I’m pleased to provide this honest review.

I have always wondered what exactly it it about a Rom Com or Hallmark movie that sucks me in every time. Why do I gravitate towards these books that typically all end the same. Well, Katherine Center cleared all of that up for me — and probably contributes to why I read this book in one night!!!!!

The author’s note is a MUST read!!! But quite honestly, without the note in the back of the book, “Hello Stranger “ is a novel that must be on every Rom Com bookshelf with its perfect use of a real life condition called face blindness and fiction that is so believable.

You better bet I am going to gobble up all of Center’s books because her writing makes me feel that my “escape” is purposeful, meaningful, and nourishing for my mind and soul.

I love a Katherine Center book! I believe it will find an audience with our summer readers. What I liked was Sadie's spirit, her dog, and her positive attitude. Her eye condition was an interesting element to the book. I wished the romance portion of the story was a little more developed, but overall it was enjoyable. I will recommend this one.

Katherine Center has a way of writing books that absolutely tear you apart emotionally while simultaneously bring you so much joy. After finishing this book, I was breathless and had to wait a while to write my review to decompress. This is a book that everyone should read, even those that aren't super big readers. This is definitely going to become a best-selling book.

Some content warnings for this book: parental death, grief, brain surgery, mental health.

The story follows Sadie who is a starving artist that has won a finalist spot for a portrait painting contest. Winning the contest would show her family that she is successful. Unfortunately, Sadie discovers some health issues and has surgery. She wakes up with acquired apperceptive prosopagnosia- face blindness. This is a bit of an issue for a portrait artist that needs to finish a painting of a face.

Katherine did her research for this book because the writing of this condition was so beautiful. In this book Sadie's life flips upside down but she shows so much resilience.

Now to the romance. This is a closed door romance, so don't expect steam or smut. This is a swoony -heart warming romance that makes you want to believe in love. There is the super hot veterinarn Dr. Oliver Addison and the helpful neighbor next door- Joe. Falling for someone without being able to see their face is not easy.

There is a beautiful plot twist that I did not predict. And I think I am still stunned by the absolute mastermind of this plot.

Please read the author's note and the acknowledgments when you reach the end of the book. Katherine writes exactly why I love romances. Romances bring us anticipation that is positively valanced. This gives the reader hope.

This book is like drinking a warm drink on a rainy drink inside. It does deliver hope to the reader. I'm not sure I have ever finished a book and felt such immense joy. Please read this book, because we all need more joy and hope in our lives.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC for me to review honestly.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for this ARC!

To be fair, the plot was a little all over the place in this one but... still, I laughed, I cried, I thought the writing was moving and poignant. So, while it's not my favorite of this author's, still a good read, which got me out of my current slump.

Well this just pains me because I love Katherine Center so much… Her new book ‘Hello Stranger’ (which is out in July) was cute, but I don’t think anything will ever beat ‘Things You Save in a Fire.’

Sadie is one of those ‘quirky’ girls.. you know the type.. ‘I’m so unique, I’m so QUIRKY… I’m an artist who wears vintage dresses while I roller skate’ QUIRKY. Anywho, she passes out on a crosswalk and almost gets nailed by a car when a knight in shining armor saves her. Fast forward… she has a sliiiiight issue with her brain and needs surgery. Fast forward…. well shit, because of her surgery she all of a sudden has face blindness! CRAP! BUT SHE’S A PORTRAIT ARTIST! F! And she’s in a contest. So that’s a problem… because she can’t see faces anymore… also she’s in love with her hot veterinarian and ALSO she’s in love with a guy from her apartment building. But she has face blindness!!! She needs to let one go… you see where I’m going here?

From the very, very beginning I knew the entire story…it was just insanely predictable, and OMG the miscommunication was OVER THE TOP, borderline throwing my kindle into a swimming pool. Of course, I didn’t. I have so many other babies on there.

Also, if I were a violent person I’d have pushed Parker down a flight of stairs. What a B🫢. For real, there were so many parts to this story that frustrated me SO MUCH. Gosh, look at me. Feeling feelings.

I’m stoked I got to read this one early though, thanks to @stmartinspress and @netgalley. Wow, I need a drink!

A lovely story about Sadie, a portrait painter, that lost her ability to recognize faces. This was a beautiful, delightful, and poignant story.
Sadie had emergency brain surgery and one horrible side effect from that was face blindness. She had to redicover how to paint faces for her contest while figuring out her love life, her evil step sister and herself. What I loved was the hope, new possibilities, and positivity across the book. For Sadie, to lose her ability to see faces, it was difficult to grasp the loss, but she discovered herself during her incredible journey. And yes, there were many moments of sadness but also hope which was a powerful tool. Other parts of the book I enjoyed was her love interest. No big surprise for me. He was an incredible person that cared about her and was there when she needed it. Her bestie was okay, wasn’t too thrilled with her as a bestie. Her evil step sister was truly evil. Though she provided a catalysis for our main character that was important. My only smallest complaint was that there were plot errors that I could not overlook.
Overall, I read this in one sitting because it was that good. It was a chef’s kiss, delightful story to read.
I highly recommend this to everyone, you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

WOW just wow. After reading the bodyguard by Katherine Center recently I had an idea that I would enjoy this book but I was not prepared to be blown away by this novel. It may only be January but it will be hard to beat this book as my 2023 fav.

To start I have never read anything like this novel, I don't want to give much away because I would recommend going into the book blind but the topics were both informative and represented themes that deeply resonated with me (asking for help, not making assumptions, letting people in).

Its very rare that I want to reread a book right after finishing it!

In short, read this book.

Another very well written story by Katherine Center. Though this was not my favorite by her, I really loved the characters and the storyline. This book tugged at my heart on numerous occasions. I enjoyed Sadie’s character and though she had to navigate through so much heartbreak in her life, I felt like the message of this book was so perfect! I will continue to read anything Katherine Center writes. I keep waiting for one to top Things You Save In A Fire, but so far that one still remains my favorite!

Thank you to Netgalley for an Arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Oh my gosh I enjoyed this one so much. I was hooked from the first chapter. The characters were so likeable. It was definitely an emotional read, but I found myself laughing out loud at various parts in the book. Katherine has a way with writing romance novels and I felt like I was growing right along side the characters.

Hello Stranger follows Sadie Montgomery, a portrait artist on the brink of her big break. However, when Sadie experiences an unexpected health complication and needs surgery, she ends up losing the ability to see faces. Sadie now has to adjust her perspective on the world with face blindness. She also manages to get herself caught up in a love triangle without meaning to, which brings in another layer she wasn't ready for.

While I have heard of this condition, it was really interesting to see Sadie navigate coping with the condition personally, professionally, and relationally. I also LOVED all of the relationships we encountered throughout this story - with strained family relationships, adopted & chosen family, mental health professionals, and romantic relationships, it was so interesting to observe Sadie being forced to look at things from a new perspective.

Something I look for in a great read is the author being able to tie up loose ends throughout the book and provide the story closure at the end, which Katherine Center definitely did. Truthfully, the only reason this book didn't get 5 stars from me is the grammatical & small plot errors I encountered throughout the book. Hopefully, those errors will be caught before making it to final copy but either way, I HIGHLY recommend this read for the laughs, tears (yes, tears), heartwarming romance, and encouragement to adjust your own perspective on the relationships in your life.

"Isn't it lucky when we're drawn to people who can teach us things we need to learn?"

I'd never read a Katherine Center book before THE BODYGUARD, which was one of my top books of 2022. So I was extremely excited to receive an ARC of HELLO STRANGER. I'll admit, I went into this book cold. I'd skimmed a few blurbs about it, but they were all so generic I had no idea what the plot would actually be, so I was surprised to find it is a book about a portrait artist who, thanks to emergency brain surgery, loses her ability to see faces. I love that setup, and the book delivered on it.

This book was a delight to read as all of Katherine Center books are. I love that they are romance with a little bit of meat to them. You always know you are getting a winner of a book with her!

I’m fairly new to Katherine Center but I have to say, after reading this booking I’m going to go through her whole back list. I ADORED THIS BOOK. It was fantastic. Within the first few chapters I basically had an idea how this was going to end but that did not spoil it for me AND I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I got up in the middle of the night because I needed to know how it was going to play out.

I just adored Sadie, Joe, Peanut and Dr. Addison. And my poor little heart wrenched for Sadie and her life.

This is a must read for 2023. Now I’m off to read some more Katherine Center.

This was a hard book to put a star rating to, I would probably have landed more 3.5 stars but rounded down. I do like this author, I haven't read all of hers, but enjoyed her last book immensely. The good about this book was that the last half was really good and flowed and was wonderful. The bad was that the first part of the book was a lot, from depressing, to sad, to just not great. The hard part with this book was that the first part was so heavy and was hard to keep going, but the last part was wonderful and flowed right along. I'm not sure why, but the beginning was such a struggle for the characters and for the reader. It took effort to go back and keep reading. This book wasn't one I looked forward to getting back to because of how heavy the book was; however, once you get over the half-way point, the book has an ebb and flow that I like about the author, but up until then, it was difficult. I liked it, wouldn't read it again, and wouldn't highly recommend it either. But overall, it was an enjoyable book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARCs!

When you receive a copy of a Katherine Center book, you drop everything and read it. That is exactly what I did.

Hello Stranger was a cute story with a main character you rooted for till the very end. I enjoyed the humor and how the relationship between Joe and Sadie grew. I figured out what was going on pretty quickly, but I think you were supposed too (maybe).

I will say that this wasn't one of my favorite Katherine Center books, There were parts of the story that fell flat for me. The story of Sadie's family felt weird and I didn't connect with it. It felt off and unrelatable, I had a hard time connecting to the story and to the characters. It didn't grab me the way her other books do.

Despite my review I know this book will do amazing and I think it would be a good book to read pool side this summer.

Thank you NetGalley for my gifted copy. It was such an honor to read this one and review it. I look forward to hearing what others have to say about this cute read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opporutnity to read and review!

I really enjoy Katherine Center's novels and this one did not dissappoint, it also prompted me to go back and read The Bodyguard which had been burried in my TBR pile.

Katherine Center has a way of developing characters and place in her novels that draw the reader in and keep them engaged. As Sadie is on the brink of the biggest break in her career as a portrait artist, she undergoes a brain surgery that leaves her with facial blindness. Center describes Sadie's struggle in a way that while the reader can't quite picture how Sadie is seeing faces, it is possible to picture how things have changed for her.

Center develops multiple facets to the storyline, from her facial blindness, the relationship with her step-mother and evil step-sister, and the budding relationships with the hot Vet who saves her dog and her neighbor, Joe.

Overall I really enjoyed this book.

This was very cute, I loved Sadie and her internal monologues and appreciate all the side characters. I loved the romance and how it all played out. But I really hate miscommunication tropes and at the end when they were avoiding each other is where it lost the 5 star feel for me. This would have been perfection if that one chapter was handled differently, if we can stop having characters miscommunicate and just be open and honest would really be a step forward for the romance books.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"I didn't know exactly what he was to me, but he wasn't a stranger. All the touching I was about to do to him... it couldn't be just an art project. It couldn't be just about shapes and textures and tones. There were emotions involved. I didn't know how to get rid of them. And I didn't want to get rid of them...

Hello Stranger is my first Katherine Center book and it is phenomenal! The humor is on point, the romance is quirky and fun, and the story is engaging and insightful. I absolutely adore Sadie and I enjoyed reading from her point of view. I was so thoroughly invested in Sadie's story and Katherine Center's writing. It's been a long time since I've stayed up real late to finish a book and I did not want Hello Stranger to end! Believe it or not, I almost started re-reading the book right after I finished it. I have Katherine Center's The Bodyguard on my shelf and I definitely plan on bumping it up on my TBR pile.

If you love Katherine Center's books, Ashley Poston's The Dead Romantics, and Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese, you will fall in love with Hello Stranger.

5 stars

Hello Stranger
By: Katherine Center
Review Score: 3 1/2 Stars

Five Key Feels

-As a native Houstonian, I love that this book is set in Houston. <3

-This book was a bit of a slow start for me, but once I got into it, I was so intrigued by all of the layers of this story.

-Sadie’s family is wild, but it was wonderful to see her cared for by her best friend’s family.

-I love her interactions with Joe.

-There were some plot twists that I did not see coming.

——

Hello Stranger was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!

Release Date: 7/11/23

I was SO excited to receive a copy of Hello Stranger from Netgalley, I dropped everything and started reading it immediately.

It was fun to learn about Sadie and her struggles as an artist, how the surgery she needed to have shaped her work, and how she fought to care for herself in the face of an unexpected adversity.

I also really enjoyed her interactions with Joe and her best friend Sue.

This book was a bit of a slow burn for me. It took me awhile to get into, but I did enjoy it and would recommend it to others.

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