2.75/5 stars.

I thought for sure I would like this book but unfortunately was left disappointed:( I really liked the idea of the plot and the books overall message however the execution fell flat for me. As a character driven reader, connecting to the characters is one of the biggest aspects I look for in a book. If I’m not invested in the characters, why would I be invested in their story? This made it very difficult to read as I really did not care for the main character. I couldn’t quite believe that despite her getting to know “joe” she didn’t ask him one question about what he does for a living??? Or joe bringing up her coming into the vet clinic?? The amount of conclusions that was jumped to in this story was astonishing. I understand the miscommunication in the book was a big point of the story and was used to perpetuate the plot, however I just couldn’t wrap my head around how outlandish it all seemed. I did enjoy the the originality of the plot and learning about Prosopagnosia but because I couldn’t connect to the characters I couldn’t stay invested in the story.

This was my first book by Katherine Center and I can see why so many readers are big fans!
Sadie is a portrait artist who has recently been selected to participate in a coveted competition in her home city. The night she plans to celebrate her entry into the competition her life changes forever. Sadie finds herself in the hospital after suffering a seizure-like episode that reveals a serious situation in her brain. After surgery, Sadie suffers from a side effect known as “face blindness”, she can see everything around her just fine, it is just human faces that are distorted in her mind’s eye. This is the worst case scenario for a portrait
artist.

As Sadie tries to adjust to life with face blindness, she also tries to reinvent her artwork. She interacts with people both new and old who don’t necessarily know about her new condition. Those that do try to help and
some take advantage of Sadie.

There is some truly hysterical dialogue and internal monologues that had me laughing out loud. All in all, this was a feel-good story about family, friendship, and finding love. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to
reading more of Center’s previous work.

I loved this one! I thought it was so adorable and I’ve been so surprised to not see it making the rounds more on bookstagram. It’s pure delight!

Struggling portrait artist, Sadie Montgomery finally gets a break. She has been chosen as one of ten finalists out of a field of 2,000 to compete in a national portrait competition. As Sadie is gathering supplies for an impromptu party to celebrate her success, she has a seizure while crossing the street. A Good Samaritan gets her out of the way of an oncoming car.
Sadie soon discovers she needs brain surgery. As result of her operation Sadie has prosopagnosia or face blindness. Sadie shares the news with only her best friend and family. Sadie needs to figure out how she is going to be able to paint the original portrait required for the competition in the next six weeks.
Being a romance there are two men Sadie becomes involved with. One is Joe who is a tenant in her building and the other is the young vet who is treating her sick dog Peanuts. As her relationship with Joe starts to grow Sadie still feels a lingering attraction to the vet.
I really enjoyed HELLO STRANGER. The inclusion of prosopagnosia put an interesting spin on the love story. The ending does not disappoint.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me access to an advanced digital edition of HELLO STRANGER by Katherine Center.

Love is face blind.

I loved this book's premise but HELLO STRANGER didn't quite do it for me. This book is sweet and interesting and kept me engaged from beginning to end. But it was easy to get frustrated with these characters. This book has a major just-talk-to-each-other! problem (if you hate that sort of thing. And yes, I personally HATE that sort of thing).

And there is a series of twists that I saw coming from a mile away. As in...from the first chapter I easily discerned the ending of this book. And HELLO STRANGER has zero steam. Just kissing.

It's still super-sweet and I loved experiencing a heroine with face blindness, but it wasn't a standout for any other reason.

I really loved this book. Katherine Center's writing is always so much fun. Her characters have great banter and chemistry. There were a couple of overly convenient things that made me roll my eyes, but overall it was a great story with a happy ending. Just what I would expect from my favorite romance author.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for the purpose of review.

This book was absolutely adorable! It was very predictable, but such a fun journey to get to the ending. Some parts were a little juvenile, but it was still such an enjoyable read!

Hello Stranger was an enjoyable read. It dealt with some heavy topics (including bullying) but balanced out nicely with some lighter moments and the sweet romance that Katherine Center is known for. If you're already a fan of hers this book will not disappoint!

Such a sweet book. I loved “Joe” so much the whole book and the ending/twist was such a pleasant, charming surprise. I cannot stand Parker and really hope she gets what’s coming to her. Definitely some sad parts but overall such a feel good, overcomer, happy ending story 🩵

My a* sat down and read this in about 3.5 hours. The audio was pleasant but I can only fold so much laundry, you know?

St Martin's Press made the godawful mistake of giving me an ARC, and I did not get this out on time did I?

Worse yet, this is the kind of read I'm not going to take apart an analytically about why the angst was somehow perfectly balanced, the way I always felt safe with the author, and why her writing really hits that note. No, I can only tell you it was delicious emotionally, nothing resolves perfectly(bc life!) but there's so much good enough that you know the characters are just gonna get there and if they don't, they will be ok.

While nothing felt even a little surprising, that feeling will not shortchange you, with this full cast of characters and a principal at the center with a heart enough to carry them all.

Absolutely STUNNING! I am beyond grateful to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for gifting me the privilege of an advanced reader copy of "Hello Stranger" in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Katherine Center has outdone herself with this masterpiece. "Hello Stranger" has officially stolen the top spot as my favorite among her incredible works, though I must say, I cherish them all. Some books touch your soul and linger in your heart indefinitely, and this one is a shining example. It transcends the mere boundaries of romance, delving into themes of resilience and the pursuit of hope amidst life's trials. Center's ability to craft characters and narratives that ensnare your emotions is unparalleled. I cannot emphasize enough how much I urge you to read this book!! I ran the gamut of emotions from start to finish! Without a doubt, it's a highlight of my 2023 reading list. 🥰🥰

I won't delve into the intricacies of the plot; trust me, it's best to embark on this literary journey with a blank canvas. I will admit that I did anticipate the major twist, but it didn't diminish my enchantment with the story in the slightest. And don't skip Center's author notes at the end—they're enlightening and perfectly encapsulate the essence of the romance genre. I was utterly captivated throughout, and I wholeheartedly endorse "Hello Stranger" as a must-read!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center hit the sweet spot of my romance genre preferences. It made me laugh and cry and when a book can do that it usually gets all 5 stars. The subject was definitely something I haven’t even heard of but by the end felt like I knew what she was going through. These male MCs were also amazing and I was rooting hard for some steam! KC is on my auto buy list and I don’t think anything can change that!

Thank you NetGalley and Katherine Center! Well I’ve already drafted my cast for the movie! I loved this one. The idea that you truly don’t see people is so interesting and I had no idea face blindness existed. I adored the character building the author did and can’t wait on the next one. Huge Katherine Center fan over here. Add this one to your TBR stat❤️

What a fun and chaotic in the best way book! This is my second Katherine Center book and it definitely won't be my last. I felt for the MC as she tries to adjust to her face blindness following brain surgery while being a portrait artist. I loved the depth there was to this story and the conversation on grief. Wasn't crazy about the lack of communication and, while I know this wasn't a thriller or mystery, I did guess the twist to this story. Overall a great book that I enjoyed.

I loved this book as I always do with Katherine Center books. This author has a way of telling a story by taking a very serious subject wrapping it around comedy, romance, and life lessons. This is a feel good story full of hope and I highly recommend it. I'm still in my feelings ❤️ Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review.

The ending was such a shock that I had to go back to the breakup scene and hear from Dr. Oliver’s spew of emotions. SO warm and fuzzy. Kicking my feet and brought so much joy. Katherine Center is a romantic genius.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t learn anything from romance books, face blindness is something new I learned in Hello Stranger. My first Katherine Center book, I kept seeing her books everywhere and decided it was time. Had a great time reading this book, filled with humor, learning about facial blindness, the family dynamics and the romance.

I love nothing more than a classic rom-com story. This book had all the elements and potential to be just that, the perfect cozy rom-com read. However, it fell short for me. I had a hard time relating to Sadie and found her to be a bit annoying. Although Joe was "chef's kiss"! The storyline was definitely different than anything else I've ever read. I just didn't hug the book when I was done. Not bad. Not amazing.

I thought this book was just okay. It took me until I was about 20% through to really become interested in the story. The early hospital scenes felt very rushed, even though they’re pivotal to understanding the main character’s struggles throughout the remainder of the book. I found the main character so annoying and ridiculous most of the time that it was hard to sympathize with her.

I think I mostly enjoyed the writing style and that it felt like we were really inside Sadie’s head as these events were happening, but sometimes she was just too corny for me — a pajanket?? immediately referring to a stranger as her future husband?? come on…. I do think the book started to pick up around 60%; however, that’s still over half of the book that was a struggle to push through.

This book was fantastic! Once again, Katherine Center created amazing, realistic, and relatable characters that I could not get enough of! I found myself sucked into the story, and wishing for all the best things to happen. I loved the face blindness angle for a portrait painter. It created such a beautiful story of self-discovery and healing. I also loved the romance element. All-around, this was a wonderful read!