A review by jess_bythebook
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’ve read hundreds of romance novels, but never one with this type of story before. I loved the uniqueness of it, the funny conversations, and the cute girl-next-door vibes. An entertaining and clean romance that will lift your spirits. 

Sadie Montgomery is a painter. Or at least she was. After being urged to have brain surgery, she now suffers from a condition known as face blindness - which is rather upsetting when you paint portraits and you have a major art piece due in just 3-6 weeks.

As if dealing with the repercussions of a massive surgery were not enough, pile on top some family drama, neighbor problems, a sick dog, and a good dose of lust. Actually the lust part is a good distraction, so she leans heavily into daydreaming about the guy she’s lusting after. But things aren’t always what they seem and soon she finds herself making her way through life with a completely different view on it. Literally. 

I got the feeling that the reader is supposed to guess the twist near the end because the subtle hints that were peppered throughout the story are not quite so subtle. Instead, you’re left anticipating how it’s all going to play out. For me, it was a little slow. While I enjoyed the character arc, I wish there was less internal dialogue and self-loathing and more communication and growth. Especially to make up for the lack of a romantic plot twist. That’s not to say there’s no plot twists! But I picked the book because of the romance aspect.

All in all, this is super cute and I’m actually really glad I read it. It gave me a glimpse into another world I didn’t know existed that was right out my own front door. And it changed my perspective on how to view life in ways I didn’t expect. 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.