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 love this book so much that I’m actually quite sad that it’s over. I felt like it was interesting, sweet, and unexpected. The plot had several turns and character growth. It was truly a magnificent listen and after this book, I will be buying anything else this author writes. It was so delightful.

Absolutely love it

Beautifully captures the complexity of life… finding joy within the struggles. Each one of Katherine Center books are deep with motivational stories that one keeps returning to again and again

♥️ loved it!

The ending couldn’t have been move perfect for a romance! It was light heated and made me generally feel good. Such a unique story about face blindness but well written to the point where I completely understood Sadie’s predicament.

loved it!!

Loved this book just like I thought I would!! This is one of my favorite authors!

It’s fantastic!

I absolutely love this book! Not only did I learn about a condition I knew near to nothing about, I also got swept away in the story, which was absolutely wonderful. Highly recommend!

Loved it!!

I was so excited about this release and it did not disappoint!! Loved the story and the characters!!

Great story!

Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors and this is a GREAT story. Narrator Patti Murin does a wonderful job. I highly recommend!

L O V E

Loved this. Completely entertaining and not expected twists. Author is a little too wordy on description but it’s worth it.

Good read!

I read these books for two reasons. They are always entertaining and they always leave me feeling like I’ve learned something I didn’t know before. They make me think. I do wish I had not read a spoiler review because I’m sure the buildup to the ending would have hit a bit differently, better, more satisfying… maybe. But I did unwittingly do that. So, I would like to read this in print -the voice of this narrator when she was doing characters other than the main character began to grate on my ear holes. Or maybe it was just the characters themselves. Ugh. The dad, stepmom and stepsister all were awful and I had a hard time believing someone, anyone would put up with that kind of treatment for so many years, even from “family”. Still, all in all it was an enjoyable story and exactly what I want from a Katherine Center novel. A funny hopeful romantic comedy. Maybe they’ll turn it into a movie, too!

Cute and deep

Such a cute story! One of those books that inspires you to keep going no matter what and to be unapologetically yourself because you have a lot to offer.