Hello Stranger by Katherine Center (St. Martin’s) is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.

Sadie Montgomery is a struggling portrait artist, but things are looking up for her career when she’s selected to participate in a portrait competition. Of course, that’s when she discovers she has a “minor” leak in her brain and has to have corrective surgery. While her recovery prognosis is excellent, the temporary swelling in her brain causes prosopagnosia, or face blindness. Sadie can see people’s bodies, but their faces are mixed-up jumbles. As Sadie struggles with what could be her new normal, she begins to appreciate other things about the people she meets. Her new veterinarian’s confident gait, for instance, or her neighbor’s kindness. Sadie might just be falling in love with both men simultaneously—and she has no idea what either of them looks like. 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. VERDICT Readers who enjoy Jenny Colgan and Susan Mallery will love this engaging, well-written romance from Center (The Bodyguard).—Heather Miller Cover

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon (Forever: Grand Central)

Appeared on the June 2020 LibraryReads list

“In this contemporary romance, three women who were two-timed by the same man become friends. The unique, funny premise cleverly serves as a catalyst for why the women are trying to make changes in their lives. The romance is lovely and finds ways in which the couple struggles to be together. Give this to fans of Mia Sosa and Alisha Rai.”—Ann Carpenter, Brooks Free Library, Harwich, MA

Siri, Who Am I? by Sam Tschida (Quirk)

Appeared on the January 2021 LibraryReads list

“Mia awakes in a hospital with a gold cocktail dress, a cape covered in her blood, a head wound, and her cell phone, and no memory of who she is or how she got there. She uses her Instagram account to begin to piece together her life. For readers who enjoyed Surprise Me and What Alice Forgot.”—Douglas Beatty, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore, MD

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver (Ballantine)

Appeared on the March 2020 LibraryReads list

“A beautifully written exploration of heartbreak and grief, that takes place over the course of 18 months after Lydia loses her fiance Freddie in a tragic accident. For fans of Me Before You and I Almost Forgot About You.”—Ashley Giangregorgio, Virginia Beach Public Library, Virginia Beach, VA