Hello Stranger

A Novel

By: Katherine Center

Narrated by: Patti Murin

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

Love is hope!!!

Once again…. A can’t put down, uplifting, romantic, thoughtful listen! Love Katherine Center! And the narrator Patti Murin-makes it!!! Listen for the authors notes at the very end!!

Another great listen!

Always enjoy Katherine Centers books. She has great narrators and interesting story content. I love her characters but also the topics interwoven into her stories. I’ve listened to all her books multiple times. This one will be on my repeat list.

Perfect beginning to end!

I loved everything about this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the premise, but knew it had to be good because of the author. Absolutely her best yet. What a fabulous story line, continuing on to an awesome author’s note.

Truly amazing

This was a 5-star listen for so many reasons. Definitely don’t skip this one.

An Immersive Experience

She knows how to pace the story, keep you engaged, and see the world through the distorted eyes of this main character.

This narrator is amazing, and the writing is very solid at its core. The way the main character faces her internal crises while loss as a strength to guide them in present-day is very relatable. I felt so stressed right alongside the main character.

Absolutely hilarious and cute!

I love how she is torn between Joe and Oliver! That is the best part of the book. Not to mention still trying to win her father’s affection. She has been overthrown by her evil stepmother and stepsister. It is a romcom by far. I caught myself laughing out loud so many times! This is such a joy and heartfelt at times. I highly recommend for those who just want to laugh and feel good.

Amazing!

So loved this book. Loved the humor, the story and the end. It really made you think…loved it!!!!

Aweee! So good!

4.5 stars for this one!! I loved the internal dialogue in this book SO MUCH!! There were so many laugh out loud moments, a few moments of total heartbreak but throughout it all, Sadie was relatable in the best way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️ No steamy scenes in this one and minimal language

Who caught on to the tiny twist? I had an idea that there WAS a twist and was pretty much there but parts of it still surprised me. Ya'll I love a book where I get surprised- I tend to figure them out pretty easily but there are some major bonus points when it all comes together in the end and you couldn't totally nail down the details.

I read and listened to this one and loved the audiobook. Highly recommend this one!

Thank you to the Author!

Thank you for all of the work needed to create such a wonderfully charming book! I say charming because of its kind hearted characters, but this book is so much more then just “charming”. The situation and momentum of its challenges were so unique from other novels! I appreciated never wanting to roll my eyes-as some romance books naive silliness can cause me to do.
What a special epilogue of information and acknowledgements! and also the authors personal experiences in creating this story

Amazing as always!

I have read/listened to all of Katherine Centers books….. and this one… per usual…. Did not disappoint! Loved everything about this book!!!!