Hello Stranger

A Novel

By: Katherine Center

Narrated by: Patti Murin

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

The glorious new novel from the beloved author whose bright, hopelessly romantic New York Times bestsellers have been called “My perfect 10 of a book” (Emily Henry) and cheered for their “speedy pacing and sexual tension for miles” (People).

"Patti Murin offers a fun, vivacious performance of this lively romance...with steady pacing and a believable narration, this romance will charm listeners." —AudioFile

“Patti Murin narrates the struggling yet still optimistic Sadie while respectfully acknowledging the hurt and confusion that her condition has caused. Murin’s lively performance and varied character voices make for an engaging and fun listen.”- Library Journal

This program includes an author's note and supplementary materials read by the author.

Love isn’t blind, it’s just a little blurry.

Sadie Montgomery never saw what was coming . . . Literally! One minute she’s celebrating the biggest achievement of her life—placing as a finalist in the North American Portrait Society competition—the next she’s lying in a hospital bed diagnosed with a “probably temporary” condition known as face blindness. She can see, but every face she looks at is now a jumbled puzzle of disconnected features. Imagine trying to read a book upside down and in another language. This is Sadie’s new reality.

But, as she struggles to cope, hang on to her artistic dream, work through major family issues, and take care of her beloved dog, Peanut, she falls in love—not with one man but two. The timing couldn’t be worse.

Making judgment calls on anything right now is a nightmare. If only her life were a little more in focus, Sadie might be able to have it all.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2022 Katherine Center (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"This charming, heartfelt romantic comedy has a well-told, unique storyline, and Sadie’s prosopagnosia feels deftly explained, explored, and treated with respect. There’s chemistry between the protagonists with a slow-burn relationship, but there’s also a focus on Sadie’s mental and emotional growth, as well as her artistic frustrations and problem-solving methods. Readers who enjoy Jenny Colgan and Susan Mallery will love this engaging, well-written romance from Center (The Bodyguard)."—Library Journal

"With a thoroughly modern millennial heroine at the helm, this emotional contemporary from Center (The Bodyguard) tugs on the heartstrings and grabs attention. Portrait artist Sadie Montgomery, 28, may finally get her big break when she’s selected to enter a prestigious competition. Unfortunately, the contest coincides with a minor medical procedure that turns into emergency brain surgery, and the recovery process leaves her unable to make sense of human faces. Though warned by her neuropsychiatrist that her (possibly) temporary face blindness may make her interpret her other senses incorrectly, Sadie works to get her painting back on track with the support of her best friend, Sue, and her neighbor, Joe, who she can only recognize from the bowling jacket he wears all the time. She also tries dating her hunky veterinarian, Dr. Addison, hoping a relationship will help her settle back into normal. But is she seeing the whole picture? Center takes Sadie’s life seriously and her struggles with adulting resonate even before her face blindness sets in. Meanwhile, a dash of humor and an endearing love story make the pages fly. Readers will be hooked."—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"Fortunately, the narrator believes in Sadie's potential for positivity and builds up the character from chapter one. Making it a part of the artist's somewhat infantile charm, Murin does not distance herself from Sadie's resentments and brings her quirky, self-pitying humor to high shine."—Booklist

Absolutely loved it!

I loved this authors last audiobook The Bodyguard and couldn’t wait to listen to this one. It did not disappoint! I am not generally a fan of romance novel but her novels are so much more, just great story, interesting characters, wonderful narration - the whole package!

Standing Ovation for Hello Stranger

I love Katherine Center’s joyful, layered plots. I love her commitment to researching new and interesting topics. But most of all I love the way her romances push me emotionally and make me ever grateful for the complicated ride that ends with finding love. Since Covid I have listened to more romances than mysteries. I think that’s a healthy response to what the pandemic showed us about fear, isolation, and hopelessness.

As for the story, the delightful Sadie and compassionate Joe are easy to care about. The complications Center puts before them are both typical and unusual. The satisfying conclusion doesn’t come easily, nor should it. If you want plot details before you read Hello Stranger, there are many available but none are necessary for you to enjoy this book.

The narration was impeccable. Special shout out to Patti Murin’s vocalizing of the insufferable Parker. It’s not often you long to slap a character. Bravo!

Slow at first

This was an impactful and fascinating read. I have never heard of this diagnosis so found it very informative. It was a little slow at times with some very long inner monologues but those provided a lot of support to the character development. I wouldn’t call this a romance novel as most of it was the heroine navigating through a difficult time. I found her very relatable in that, life can be shit and you don’t have to force toxic positivity or extreme negativity upon yourself to get through it. You can simply get through it.

Perfect

I can’t say enough good things about this book. I mean I cried at the author’s note at the end. The story is so sweet and funny and different. And the characters were so likable. That narrator was perfect for this role. I was sad when it was over. Can’t wait until her next book! Thank you for such a lovely book.

This book is one of my top summer reads!

This book is one of my top summer reads. The cover is beautiful and relates to the story. I really enjoyed the narration by Patti Murin who brings the characters alive!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy. I also purchased the audible copy.

One of a Kind!

Fantastic premise and plot. Original and adventurous! I think that Katherine Center is a thoughtful and brilliant writer. And Patti Murin. She’s perfection, bringing to life these people we probably feel like we’d love to know in real life with such feeling and story telling talent. If you haven’t read all of KC’s books, do it. They are all magical. How she can learn all these facts and compose such characters with compassion and light and relatability is rare.
I loved The Bodyguard so much for the relatability and strength of the mc, and the author’s note at the end (because Duran Duran and school!). I love the author’s notes! They’re a sweet little bit at the end that gives us that extra. Solid win!

Such a quick read

I love all of Katherine Center’s books and this one did not disappoint. I didn’t want to stop listening and now have to wait for another.

Charming and made me laugh!

This was a cute original story. The narrators voice for the step sister is annoying but the step sister herself is awful so I guess that makes sense. I really enjoyed the authors note. Her perspective on what we really want from a rom com and how she delivers, is on point. Worth your time!

Face Blind

I loved the beginning but not much the middle, everything was predictable, overall it was fun to listen.

Great book!

Katherine Center is my favorite author and this most recent addition to her collection did not disappoint. I love that I can listen without worry that my son will hear an explicit love scene. As a medical professional it’s a breath of fresh air to see that she has researched her topics well and made them medically accurate. The audiobook was performed well by the reader, no mispronunciations of words and she was able to convey the story with believability.