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Sandy Harbor #1
All the Ways You Save Me
I stand on the beach and gasp as a wave knocks me over, bringing memories of the night Adam the pouring rain, my voice shouting his name. Suddenly, I feel strong arms pulling me from the water. A familiar voice speaks soothing words—and my heart explodes with unspeakable, unbearable hope. I’d know those ocean-blue eyes anywhere. It’s him. It’s impossible. It’s Adam.
Madeline and Adam were high-school sweethearts, and Jason their teasing best friend. The trio did everything together. But one awful night, they lost Adam in a terrible accident.
Ten years later, Madeline and Jason are planning their wedding. They’ll never forget Adam, even though Jason doesn’t like to talk about the past, and happiness feels just around the corner. Until Madeline is saved by a stranger on the beach. As she gazes at his familiar features, she could swear he’s Adam. Her Adam.
It’s been ten years since Adam died. And the man says his name is Garrett. He’s kind, but distant.
Maybe Madeline was confused. This handsome stranger saved her life—no wonder she felt close to him. The fact that his eyes, and lips, and dark wavy hair dripping with saltwater are just the same as Adam’s must be a coincidence. Right?
But a single summer can change everything. And as Madeline searches for answers, she’s forced to question everything she’s ever about her own memories, the boy she once loved, and the life she’s supposed to live.
A totally addictive and unforgettable romance with a touch of spice, about the choices we make when it matters most, and how to follow your heart. Anyone who loves Carley Fortune, Colleen Hoover, or Paige Toon won’t be able to put this down!
Perfect for anyone who loves these
High school sweetheartsNew/old flameLove triangleRescue romanceSmall town romanceMistaken identity
Madeline and Adam were high-school sweethearts, and Jason their teasing best friend. The trio did everything together. But one awful night, they lost Adam in a terrible accident.
Ten years later, Madeline and Jason are planning their wedding. They’ll never forget Adam, even though Jason doesn’t like to talk about the past, and happiness feels just around the corner. Until Madeline is saved by a stranger on the beach. As she gazes at his familiar features, she could swear he’s Adam. Her Adam.
It’s been ten years since Adam died. And the man says his name is Garrett. He’s kind, but distant.
Maybe Madeline was confused. This handsome stranger saved her life—no wonder she felt close to him. The fact that his eyes, and lips, and dark wavy hair dripping with saltwater are just the same as Adam’s must be a coincidence. Right?
But a single summer can change everything. And as Madeline searches for answers, she’s forced to question everything she’s ever about her own memories, the boy she once loved, and the life she’s supposed to live.
A totally addictive and unforgettable romance with a touch of spice, about the choices we make when it matters most, and how to follow your heart. Anyone who loves Carley Fortune, Colleen Hoover, or Paige Toon won’t be able to put this down!
Perfect for anyone who loves these
High school sweetheartsNew/old flameLove triangleRescue romanceSmall town romanceMistaken identity
320 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2025
1097 people are currently reading
2125 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Wiesner
17 books955 followersMelissa Wiesner’s mother didn’t allow her to watch much TV as a child and instead, made her play with paint, colorful pipe cleaners, random bits of fabric, and all manner of other crafty things. This set Melissa up for a lifetime of creative pursuits, and it was only a matter of time before things took a bookish turn.
A night-owl, Melissa began writing novels when her early-to-bed family retired for the evening. She is the award-winning author of both emotional women’s fiction and romantic comedies. Melissa’s book, His Secret Daughter was an Amazon bestseller, The Second Chance Year was a Book of the Month add-on pick, and It All Comes Back to You will soon be translated into almost a dozen languages.
Along with her charming husband and two adorable children, Melissa splits her time between the big city of Pittsburgh, PA and rural West Virginia.
Sign up for Melissa's newsletter! https://www.melissawiesner.com/contact
Website: melissawiesner.com
Instagram: @melissawiesnerauthor
Facebook: MelissaWiesnerAuthor
A night-owl, Melissa began writing novels when her early-to-bed family retired for the evening. She is the award-winning author of both emotional women’s fiction and romantic comedies. Melissa’s book, His Secret Daughter was an Amazon bestseller, The Second Chance Year was a Book of the Month add-on pick, and It All Comes Back to You will soon be translated into almost a dozen languages.
Along with her charming husband and two adorable children, Melissa splits her time between the big city of Pittsburgh, PA and rural West Virginia.
Sign up for Melissa's newsletter! https://www.melissawiesner.com/contact
Website: melissawiesner.com
Instagram: @melissawiesnerauthor
Facebook: MelissaWiesnerAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
August 19, 2025
Sometimes things happen for a reason, and you don't understand it until later. All The Ways You Save Me is the first book in the Sandy Harbor series written by Melissa Wiesner. I have never ever read a book by this author before this one, but oh my goodness, Melissa Wiesner is now an auto buy author for me, I will literally drop everything and anything to read anything this woman writes. Although I didn't bawl my eyes out with this one, I was still emotional as I was reading the story. Despite not crying, Melissa had me awake super late into the night screaming "what the fuck" because the twists and turns definitely left me speechless, I did see a few twists coming, but a majority of them had me covering my mouth so I wouldn't wake up my neighborhood with my profanity filled screams at three in the morning. All The Ways You Save Me was beautiful, emotional, personal, powerful, heart breaking, raw, poignant, authentic, and gut wrenching. Melissa's writing style was so beautiful, you could feel the pain in her words as they just tugged on your heart strings. If you are looking for a book about mistaken identity, a small town romance, high school sweethearts, and a rescue romance, then look no further than All The Ways You Save Me and have your calendars marked for August 19th, 2025 because you won't want to miss out on this beautiful love story and you will definitely want to meet this super handsome surfer that saves people. I can't wait for book two, I just already know I'm going to love it as much as I loved this one.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOOKOUTURE FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
TRIGGER WARNING'S
~Death of a loved one~
~Grief~
~Mentions of Drugs and Drug Use~
"I spent my childhood in this Atlantic Ocean, nothing is threatening me now except my memories".
"Senior year is supposed to be the best part of high school, but it's the absolute worst time to be the new kid at school".
"How can I admit that the ghost of my lost love still haunts me?"
"Just because good things have never happened to me doesn't mean they never will".
"Maybe I'm here to find a piece of myself that I lost a long time ago".
"Sometimes it's important to get closure, even if it breaks your heart. Then you can say goodbye to old memories and move on to the new ones".
"I came here to find the truth, not to find love. But is it possible I may just find both?"
"If having my heart broken is the price for the time I have had with you, then I would choose it every time".
Madeline Sullivan is a beach babe with the biggest heart and one of the most beautiful souls. Ten years ago, Madeline and Adam were high school sweethearts, but one night, Madeline's life was changed and Adam lost his life in a terrible accident. Ten years ago, Madeline was a senior in high school when she left behind Sandy Harbor, New Jersey for Maple Ridge, Pennsylvania because her mom unexpectedly sold their little beach house with no explanation and moved to this middle of no where town- Maple Ridge. Madeline is drop dead gorgeous with strawberry blonde hair and green eyes, she is such a super down to earth person. Ten years later to the present day, Madeline is a twenty-seven year old English teacher at the school where she met her high school sweetheart Adam and her best friend- Jason. Madeline kept her promises and went to Penn State for college. Madeline now struggles with the fact that she never really got closure about what happened to Adam on that awful night. Adam was never just a crush, he was the love of Madeline's life. One day, Madeline had a panic attack at the beach because she got caught in a rip current in the waves that she grew up in when she is rescued by Adam's doppelganger. As Madeline looks at this stranger, she could swear he's Adam, her Adam, but the man just says his name is Garrett. Now, Madeline is taking an impromptu summer long vacation because she now has a rental cottage, a job, and an entire summer to find out the truth about whether Garrett really is Adam. My heart just absolutely shatters for Madeline, she was once a strong swimmer and now she's having a panic attacks in the waves that she grew up when she is recused by a man that looks exactly like her lost love Adam. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give this girl the biggest hug ever.
Adam Nathanson had one of the biggest hearts and one of the most loving personalities. On February 27th, a cold bitter day, Adam lost his life. His car veered off of a winding country road and plunged in a river, meanwhile it was pouring rain, the river was ice cold and there were rip currents, but Adam never knew how to swim, so he was likely swept away and drowned, but no one knows because his body was never found. Adam was just seventeen years old when he died right before his high school graduation. Adam was super attractive, he had dark brown hair and blue eyes like the sky where it meets the horizon on a cloudless summer day. Adam and Madeline met on the very first day of school when Madeline nearly almost hit Adam with her car in the school parking lot because she was the new kid and had no clue what she was doing. During half of the school year before he passed away, Adam ate lunch with Madeline and Jason every single day. Adam had a very rough childhood, at just fifteen years old he was homeless and had to move in with Jason's family. Adam lost his mom due to breast cancer, and his father lost his life to liver failure because he was one of the biggest alcoholics and drank every day after he lost his life. Despite everything Adam had been through, he still managed to love with his whole heart. Adam was always an introvert, he was a little bit insecure, but he was always in Jason's shadow. Madeline and Adam had been dating for six months when he passed away at just seventeen years old. Their love was truly so beautiful and precious.
Garrett is a beach hero and a hot surfer. With a busy schedule, Garrett doesn't have time for long term relationships, he prefers to date tourists so nobody gets too attached. Garrett lives in a beach cottage that he built with his own hands in Sandy Harbor, New Jersey. Garrett builds houses for a construction company with his best friend. Garrett is originally from San Diego, California, but he visited Sandy Harbor for just one day before coming to the realization that he was a beach guy. One day, Garrett saved a few kids from drowning at the beach in Sandy Harbor when a video of him saving these children went viral and everyone hailed Garrett has a hero, but he won't accept the praise. After the video went viral, Madeline saw it and now Garrett is a mirror image of the lost love of Madeline's life. Garrett is a dark haired and blue eyed stranger that loves to surf, but now he is known as a beach hero. Garrett has a knack for rescuing people, he saved those children from drowning and then he saved Madeline from a strong rip current. Garrett has the most beautiful tattoos, he has a sense of humor, his kindness is just so precious, and he has a big heart even though he never accepts praise from anyone. Garrett is now beach cottage neighbors with Madeline while she decided to take an impromptu beach vacation. During their summer together, attraction is now brewing between Madeline and Garrett. Despite her grief and claiming that he looked like Adam, Garrett was so gentle with Madeline, he let her grieve but he was always there to rescue her.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOOKOUTURE FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
TRIGGER WARNING'S
~Death of a loved one~
~Grief~
~Mentions of Drugs and Drug Use~
"I spent my childhood in this Atlantic Ocean, nothing is threatening me now except my memories".
"Senior year is supposed to be the best part of high school, but it's the absolute worst time to be the new kid at school".
"How can I admit that the ghost of my lost love still haunts me?"
"Just because good things have never happened to me doesn't mean they never will".
"Maybe I'm here to find a piece of myself that I lost a long time ago".
"Sometimes it's important to get closure, even if it breaks your heart. Then you can say goodbye to old memories and move on to the new ones".
"I came here to find the truth, not to find love. But is it possible I may just find both?"
"If having my heart broken is the price for the time I have had with you, then I would choose it every time".
Madeline Sullivan is a beach babe with the biggest heart and one of the most beautiful souls. Ten years ago, Madeline and Adam were high school sweethearts, but one night, Madeline's life was changed and Adam lost his life in a terrible accident. Ten years ago, Madeline was a senior in high school when she left behind Sandy Harbor, New Jersey for Maple Ridge, Pennsylvania because her mom unexpectedly sold their little beach house with no explanation and moved to this middle of no where town- Maple Ridge. Madeline is drop dead gorgeous with strawberry blonde hair and green eyes, she is such a super down to earth person. Ten years later to the present day, Madeline is a twenty-seven year old English teacher at the school where she met her high school sweetheart Adam and her best friend- Jason. Madeline kept her promises and went to Penn State for college. Madeline now struggles with the fact that she never really got closure about what happened to Adam on that awful night. Adam was never just a crush, he was the love of Madeline's life. One day, Madeline had a panic attack at the beach because she got caught in a rip current in the waves that she grew up in when she is rescued by Adam's doppelganger. As Madeline looks at this stranger, she could swear he's Adam, her Adam, but the man just says his name is Garrett. Now, Madeline is taking an impromptu summer long vacation because she now has a rental cottage, a job, and an entire summer to find out the truth about whether Garrett really is Adam. My heart just absolutely shatters for Madeline, she was once a strong swimmer and now she's having a panic attacks in the waves that she grew up when she is recused by a man that looks exactly like her lost love Adam. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give this girl the biggest hug ever.
Adam Nathanson had one of the biggest hearts and one of the most loving personalities. On February 27th, a cold bitter day, Adam lost his life. His car veered off of a winding country road and plunged in a river, meanwhile it was pouring rain, the river was ice cold and there were rip currents, but Adam never knew how to swim, so he was likely swept away and drowned, but no one knows because his body was never found. Adam was just seventeen years old when he died right before his high school graduation. Adam was super attractive, he had dark brown hair and blue eyes like the sky where it meets the horizon on a cloudless summer day. Adam and Madeline met on the very first day of school when Madeline nearly almost hit Adam with her car in the school parking lot because she was the new kid and had no clue what she was doing. During half of the school year before he passed away, Adam ate lunch with Madeline and Jason every single day. Adam had a very rough childhood, at just fifteen years old he was homeless and had to move in with Jason's family. Adam lost his mom due to breast cancer, and his father lost his life to liver failure because he was one of the biggest alcoholics and drank every day after he lost his life. Despite everything Adam had been through, he still managed to love with his whole heart. Adam was always an introvert, he was a little bit insecure, but he was always in Jason's shadow. Madeline and Adam had been dating for six months when he passed away at just seventeen years old. Their love was truly so beautiful and precious.
Garrett is a beach hero and a hot surfer. With a busy schedule, Garrett doesn't have time for long term relationships, he prefers to date tourists so nobody gets too attached. Garrett lives in a beach cottage that he built with his own hands in Sandy Harbor, New Jersey. Garrett builds houses for a construction company with his best friend. Garrett is originally from San Diego, California, but he visited Sandy Harbor for just one day before coming to the realization that he was a beach guy. One day, Garrett saved a few kids from drowning at the beach in Sandy Harbor when a video of him saving these children went viral and everyone hailed Garrett has a hero, but he won't accept the praise. After the video went viral, Madeline saw it and now Garrett is a mirror image of the lost love of Madeline's life. Garrett is a dark haired and blue eyed stranger that loves to surf, but now he is known as a beach hero. Garrett has a knack for rescuing people, he saved those children from drowning and then he saved Madeline from a strong rip current. Garrett has the most beautiful tattoos, he has a sense of humor, his kindness is just so precious, and he has a big heart even though he never accepts praise from anyone. Garrett is now beach cottage neighbors with Madeline while she decided to take an impromptu beach vacation. During their summer together, attraction is now brewing between Madeline and Garrett. Despite her grief and claiming that he looked like Adam, Garrett was so gentle with Madeline, he let her grieve but he was always there to rescue her.
August 12, 2025
WOWZA!!! All the Ways You Save Me had me hook, line, and sinker from the very first page!!!!!! I loved this book! This is the 3rd book that I have read by Melissa Wiesner and they have all been 5 star reads! I love her wonderful writing, her well thought out plots, her use of settings, her vivid descriptions and for her fully fleshed out characters that I grow to care about!
Madeline met Adam after she and her mother moved to a new town. They quickly became high school sweethearts who spent all of their time together along with Jason, Adam's best friend. Their futures were bright, they were happy, healthy and young! They had their whole lives ahead of them until one horrific night when Adam was lost in an accident.
It's been ten years and now Madeline and Jason are busy planning their wedding. They bonded over their shared loss of Adam. Then Madeline is in an accident and the man who saves her looks-exactly-like-Adam!!!!!! But the man's name is Garrett! But Madeline can't get past how he looks exactly like Adam! Madeline can't let this go.....
I was literally glued to the pages. I had both the book and audiobook and loved both. The narrators of the audiobook did a fabulous job of bringing the characters and this book to life! I loved the use of memory in this book. I also enjoyed the characters, their likeability, and I especially enjoyed Madeline's search for the truth!
The setting is fantastic and I felt as if I was right there along with the characters due to Melissa Wiesner's beautiful and vivid descriptions. I also enjoyed how the book is told in two timelines - when they met in high school and the present day. With romance books it is all about the journey and this was one incredible journey. This book managed to shock me a few times and I enjoyed the twists and turns that this book took. I did see a few of the reveals coming but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this book at all. This is the first book in a new series and it is off to a fantastic start!
Gripping, evoking emotion, beautifully written, and hard to put down! I can't wait to read the next b book in the series!!!!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Madeline met Adam after she and her mother moved to a new town. They quickly became high school sweethearts who spent all of their time together along with Jason, Adam's best friend. Their futures were bright, they were happy, healthy and young! They had their whole lives ahead of them until one horrific night when Adam was lost in an accident.
It's been ten years and now Madeline and Jason are busy planning their wedding. They bonded over their shared loss of Adam. Then Madeline is in an accident and the man who saves her looks-exactly-like-Adam!!!!!! But the man's name is Garrett! But Madeline can't get past how he looks exactly like Adam! Madeline can't let this go.....
I was literally glued to the pages. I had both the book and audiobook and loved both. The narrators of the audiobook did a fabulous job of bringing the characters and this book to life! I loved the use of memory in this book. I also enjoyed the characters, their likeability, and I especially enjoyed Madeline's search for the truth!
The setting is fantastic and I felt as if I was right there along with the characters due to Melissa Wiesner's beautiful and vivid descriptions. I also enjoyed how the book is told in two timelines - when they met in high school and the present day. With romance books it is all about the journey and this was one incredible journey. This book managed to shock me a few times and I enjoyed the twists and turns that this book took. I did see a few of the reveals coming but that did not hinder my enjoyment of this book at all. This is the first book in a new series and it is off to a fantastic start!
Gripping, evoking emotion, beautifully written, and hard to put down! I can't wait to read the next b book in the series!!!!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
August 21, 2025
4.35⭐
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Sandy Harbor, #1
Setting ~ New Jersey
Publication date ~ August 19, 2025
Publisher ~ Bookouture
Est Page Count ~ 322 (p+ 48 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 3 minutes
Narrators ~ Greg Lockett, Lauryn Allman
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ 10 years ago & present, small town, high school sweethearts, second chance, minimal steamage
Madeline (17) & Adam (17) met when she just about ran him over on their first day of their senior year. She’s new to the town and school, so Adam offers to show her around. They end up having lunch together with his best friend, Jason. Soon the three of them are inseparable, with Madeline and Adam being a couple. Tragically Adam is presumed dead after his truck goes into the water one stormy night and Madeline’s life is never the same.
Madeline (27) & Garrett(27)
10 years after Adam’s accident, Madeline is set to marry Jason. But then she sees a video of a man that looks so much like Adam that she can't help but try to track him down. It can’t really be him, can it? Jason doesn’t seem to think it’s possible, but since she has the summer off she has nothing but time to find out.
Overall, this was so good with some nice twists and I was engaged throughout! It was a lovely story of first love, heartbreak and eventually finding love again.
I’ll definitely be reading this author again as I’m really intrigued by the teaser for the next book in the series which will follow Madeline’s sister, Josie, and also give us some answers to some other little mysteries.
Narration notes:
They both did really good. I don’t have any complaints about their performance.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Pre~reading notes:
Sounds like a heart wrencher. Hope I don’t cry while I’m driving 💕
Genre ~ contemporary romance
Series ~ Sandy Harbor, #1
Setting ~ New Jersey
Publication date ~ August 19, 2025
Publisher ~ Bookouture
Est Page Count ~ 322 (p+ 48 chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 3 minutes
Narrators ~ Greg Lockett, Lauryn Allman
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ 10 years ago & present, small town, high school sweethearts, second chance, minimal steamage
Madeline (17) & Adam (17) met when she just about ran him over on their first day of their senior year. She’s new to the town and school, so Adam offers to show her around. They end up having lunch together with his best friend, Jason. Soon the three of them are inseparable, with Madeline and Adam being a couple. Tragically Adam is presumed dead after his truck goes into the water one stormy night and Madeline’s life is never the same.
Madeline (27) & Garrett(27)
10 years after Adam’s accident, Madeline is set to marry Jason. But then she sees a video of a man that looks so much like Adam that she can't help but try to track him down. It can’t really be him, can it? Jason doesn’t seem to think it’s possible, but since she has the summer off she has nothing but time to find out.
Overall, this was so good with some nice twists and I was engaged throughout! It was a lovely story of first love, heartbreak and eventually finding love again.
I’ll definitely be reading this author again as I’m really intrigued by the teaser for the next book in the series which will follow Madeline’s sister, Josie, and also give us some answers to some other little mysteries.
Narration notes:
They both did really good. I don’t have any complaints about their performance.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Pre~reading notes:
Sounds like a heart wrencher. Hope I don’t cry while I’m driving 💕
Currently reading
January 14, 2026 Currently Reading
read the synopsis and got hooked!
read the synopsis and got hooked!
July 12, 2025
I instantly connected to English teacher Madeline ‘Maddie’ Sullivan and followed her back to Sandy Harbor in search of the truth.
The moment one of her students shows Maddie a video of a dramatic rescue at Sandy Harbor, her world is turned upside down. She’d finally found a 'life ring' to hold onto in her downward spiraling existence. In the ten years since she’d lost her high school boyfriend, Adam Nathanson, Maddie had tried to heal, but found that grief was grabbing her tighter as the years rolled on, rather than easing its grip on her.
Nothing prepares her for what she finds in Sandy Harbor.
I enjoyed a great story that was a perfect balance of mystery and romance. I loved that when Maddie opened her heart to the truth, healing began and the seeds of love were nourished. Wiesner always writes an emotionally charged story that begs to be binge read. I obliged and kept turning pages well past ‘lights out.’ I needed to know if Maddie found what she was looking for and if she could also allow herself to love again.
There were parts that made me uncomfortable, so heads up: this is an open door romance.
I’m looking forward to heading back to Sandy Harbor next year to uncover Josie and Ian’s story in All The Ways You Break Me.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The moment one of her students shows Maddie a video of a dramatic rescue at Sandy Harbor, her world is turned upside down. She’d finally found a 'life ring' to hold onto in her downward spiraling existence. In the ten years since she’d lost her high school boyfriend, Adam Nathanson, Maddie had tried to heal, but found that grief was grabbing her tighter as the years rolled on, rather than easing its grip on her.
Nothing prepares her for what she finds in Sandy Harbor.
I enjoyed a great story that was a perfect balance of mystery and romance. I loved that when Maddie opened her heart to the truth, healing began and the seeds of love were nourished. Wiesner always writes an emotionally charged story that begs to be binge read. I obliged and kept turning pages well past ‘lights out.’ I needed to know if Maddie found what she was looking for and if she could also allow herself to love again.
There were parts that made me uncomfortable, so heads up: this is an open door romance.
I’m looking forward to heading back to Sandy Harbor next year to uncover Josie and Ian’s story in All The Ways You Break Me.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 14, 2026
Thoughts
Oh my heart... 😭This book!!!😭💔 I'm so glad I finally got to this universe, moreover I'm glad I requested the second book unintentionally ( didn't know this was gonna have be a series and in fall transparency I forgot about this until I looked up the author🙈😂) cause who knows how much longer I would've missed out on this universe! This book was heartbreaking perfection till the very end! I ate it up! Can't wait to dive into book 2!
Ps: I hate when the synopsis on goodreads gives away too much! Nevertheless it didn't take away from my reading experience - partly due to skimming through it lol
Plot Summary
A decade after the loss of her first love, Madeline is finally preparing to move on, planning a wedding with Jason, who has stood by her side through the grief. But when she’s rescued from the ocean by a stranger who looks hauntingly familiar, old memories resurface. As the summer unfolds, Madeline is drawn into questions she never expected to face—about love, loss, and how well we truly know the past—forcing her to reconsider the life she thought was settled.
My Bookstagram
Oh my heart... 😭This book!!!😭💔 I'm so glad I finally got to this universe, moreover I'm glad I requested the second book unintentionally ( didn't know this was gonna have be a series and in fall transparency I forgot about this until I looked up the author🙈😂) cause who knows how much longer I would've missed out on this universe! This book was heartbreaking perfection till the very end! I ate it up! Can't wait to dive into book 2!
Ps: I hate when the synopsis on goodreads gives away too much! Nevertheless it didn't take away from my reading experience - partly due to skimming through it lol
Plot Summary
A decade after the loss of her first love, Madeline is finally preparing to move on, planning a wedding with Jason, who has stood by her side through the grief. But when she’s rescued from the ocean by a stranger who looks hauntingly familiar, old memories resurface. As the summer unfolds, Madeline is drawn into questions she never expected to face—about love, loss, and how well we truly know the past—forcing her to reconsider the life she thought was settled.
My Bookstagram
November 5, 2025
Such an addicting read!
The author does a fabulous job of creating suspense and this book was nearly impossible to put down!
I think this is one that would be great to go into without reading the synopsis or any trope list so I won’t say much, other than this was an expertly woven dual timeline that had me on the edge of my seat!
I cannot wait for book 2!
4/5 Solid narration. I don’t really have any complaints. The pacing, pausing, inflection, and voice variations were all solid. I did have to adjust the volume ever so slightly between the male and female narrator but not in any major way. Def. recommend the audiobook.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Bookouture Audio for the gifted ALC and Book. All opinions are my own.
The author does a fabulous job of creating suspense and this book was nearly impossible to put down!
I think this is one that would be great to go into without reading the synopsis or any trope list so I won’t say much, other than this was an expertly woven dual timeline that had me on the edge of my seat!
I cannot wait for book 2!
4/5 Solid narration. I don’t really have any complaints. The pacing, pausing, inflection, and voice variations were all solid. I did have to adjust the volume ever so slightly between the male and female narrator but not in any major way. Def. recommend the audiobook.
| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Bookouture Audio for the gifted ALC and Book. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. 📕
💔 Blurb 💔
“Madeline and Adam were high-school sweethearts, and Jason their teasing best friend. The trio did everything together. But one awful night, they lost Adam in a terrible accident.
Ten years later, Madeline and Jason are planning their wedding. They’ll never forget Adam, even though Jason doesn’t like to talk about the past, and happiness feels just around the corner. Until Madeline is saved by a stranger on the beach. As she gazes at his familiar features, she could swear he’s Adam. Her Adam.
It’s been ten years since Adam died. And the man says his name is Garrett. He’s kind, but distant.
Maybe Madeline was confused. This handsome stranger saved her life—no wonder she felt close to him. The fact that his eyes, and lips, and dark wavy hair dripping with saltwater are just the same as Adam’s must be a coincidence. Right?
But a single summer can change everything. And as Madeline searches for answers, she’s forced to question everything she’s ever believed: about her own memories, the boy she once loved, and the life she’s supposed to live.”
❤🩹 My Thoughts ❤🩹
First of all, I’d like to take a moment to thank my GR friend, Norma, for bringing this book to my attention. 🥰
Second of all, I knew it! Ha-ha! I basically knew everything that happened after reading, mmm, 20-30% of the book. And am I going to tell you anything about what I was right about? Nope. You’re going to have to read it to find out if the handsome stranger who saved Madeline’s life was really her deceased boyfriend or not. ☺
This story took a turn I was not expecting, but I’m glad it did. I love to be thrilled and thrown off guard by twists and turns that leave me wanting more. My suspicions were right. All of them were, and I’ve never been so happy to be right.
I know some might not find it predictable, and some might dislike the predictability, but I think it’s totally worth it. The characters were believable, and they grew as the story progressed. The writing is great, easy to read, and has a nice mix of short and long sentences. The setting fits the story and is spectacular, and the plot flows well, and the conclusion is so satisfying! I cannot wait for the second book! 😁❤
Do I recommend this book? Yes! Absolutely, especially if you like high school sweethearts, rescue romances, small town romances, and a mistaken identity.
❗ Content Warnings ❗
Death, grief, & mentions drugs
#AlltheWaysYouSaveMe #NetGalley
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. 📕
💔 Blurb 💔
“Madeline and Adam were high-school sweethearts, and Jason their teasing best friend. The trio did everything together. But one awful night, they lost Adam in a terrible accident.
Ten years later, Madeline and Jason are planning their wedding. They’ll never forget Adam, even though Jason doesn’t like to talk about the past, and happiness feels just around the corner. Until Madeline is saved by a stranger on the beach. As she gazes at his familiar features, she could swear he’s Adam. Her Adam.
It’s been ten years since Adam died. And the man says his name is Garrett. He’s kind, but distant.
Maybe Madeline was confused. This handsome stranger saved her life—no wonder she felt close to him. The fact that his eyes, and lips, and dark wavy hair dripping with saltwater are just the same as Adam’s must be a coincidence. Right?
But a single summer can change everything. And as Madeline searches for answers, she’s forced to question everything she’s ever believed: about her own memories, the boy she once loved, and the life she’s supposed to live.”
❤🩹 My Thoughts ❤🩹
First of all, I’d like to take a moment to thank my GR friend, Norma, for bringing this book to my attention. 🥰
Second of all, I knew it! Ha-ha! I basically knew everything that happened after reading, mmm, 20-30% of the book. And am I going to tell you anything about what I was right about? Nope. You’re going to have to read it to find out if the handsome stranger who saved Madeline’s life was really her deceased boyfriend or not. ☺
This story took a turn I was not expecting, but I’m glad it did. I love to be thrilled and thrown off guard by twists and turns that leave me wanting more. My suspicions were right. All of them were, and I’ve never been so happy to be right.
I know some might not find it predictable, and some might dislike the predictability, but I think it’s totally worth it. The characters were believable, and they grew as the story progressed. The writing is great, easy to read, and has a nice mix of short and long sentences. The setting fits the story and is spectacular, and the plot flows well, and the conclusion is so satisfying! I cannot wait for the second book! 😁❤
Do I recommend this book? Yes! Absolutely, especially if you like high school sweethearts, rescue romances, small town romances, and a mistaken identity.
❗ Content Warnings ❗
Death, grief, & mentions drugs
#AlltheWaysYouSaveMe #NetGalley
August 17, 2025
(4.25 stars)
Wow, this was my first book by Melissa Wiesner and now I’m going to be searching out her backlist. This is a small town romance, with high school sweethearts, heartbreak and grief, new/old flame, and an intriguing mystery that spans 10 years. So I might call it “romantic suspense.”
Madeline and Adam were high-school sweethearts, and Jason their mutual best friend. The trio did everything together. But one awful night, they lost Adam in a terrible car accident. Ten years later, Madeline and Jason are planning their wedding. They’ll never forget Adam, even though Jason doesn’t like to talk about the past. But Madeline has some misgivings. So she goes back to her hometown on the beach in New Jersey (where she lived until her mother suddenly uprooted her to the town in Pennsylvania where she met Adam and Jason), and while walking along the ocean, she is pulled into a strong current. Madeline is saved by a stranger on the beach. As she gazes at his familiar features, she could swear he’s Adam. But the man says his name is Garrett. He’s kind, but distant. Was Madeline confused or is Garrett actually Adam, who somehow survived that car accident?
The story bounces back and forth in time, but the chapters are clearly labeled so there’s no confusion. And we get chapters from both main characters’ POVs. Once I started reading/listening, I didn’t want to stop and I finished this one in just a couple of days. I had access to both the digital copy of the book and the audiobook and I loved having two narrators on the audio.
I loved the strong sense of place in this story. Much of the book takes place on Sandy Harbor, a barrier island on the New Jersey shore. I’m convinced this is based on the wonderful Long Beach Island, where my family has spent some vacation time. The descriptions were spot-on. I loved the tourists-locals dichotomy.
The main mystery gets explained/solved and I did guess one or two things about it, but definitely not the complete picture. There are some additional “sub-mysteries” that did not get wrapped up neatly by the end of the book, so I’m really looking forward to the next book in this new series.
Warning: There are some explicit scenes.
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Booked With The Emilys for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book and to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Wow, this was my first book by Melissa Wiesner and now I’m going to be searching out her backlist. This is a small town romance, with high school sweethearts, heartbreak and grief, new/old flame, and an intriguing mystery that spans 10 years. So I might call it “romantic suspense.”
Madeline and Adam were high-school sweethearts, and Jason their mutual best friend. The trio did everything together. But one awful night, they lost Adam in a terrible car accident. Ten years later, Madeline and Jason are planning their wedding. They’ll never forget Adam, even though Jason doesn’t like to talk about the past. But Madeline has some misgivings. So she goes back to her hometown on the beach in New Jersey (where she lived until her mother suddenly uprooted her to the town in Pennsylvania where she met Adam and Jason), and while walking along the ocean, she is pulled into a strong current. Madeline is saved by a stranger on the beach. As she gazes at his familiar features, she could swear he’s Adam. But the man says his name is Garrett. He’s kind, but distant. Was Madeline confused or is Garrett actually Adam, who somehow survived that car accident?
The story bounces back and forth in time, but the chapters are clearly labeled so there’s no confusion. And we get chapters from both main characters’ POVs. Once I started reading/listening, I didn’t want to stop and I finished this one in just a couple of days. I had access to both the digital copy of the book and the audiobook and I loved having two narrators on the audio.
I loved the strong sense of place in this story. Much of the book takes place on Sandy Harbor, a barrier island on the New Jersey shore. I’m convinced this is based on the wonderful Long Beach Island, where my family has spent some vacation time. The descriptions were spot-on. I loved the tourists-locals dichotomy.
The main mystery gets explained/solved and I did guess one or two things about it, but definitely not the complete picture. There are some additional “sub-mysteries” that did not get wrapped up neatly by the end of the book, so I’m really looking forward to the next book in this new series.
Warning: There are some explicit scenes.
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Booked With The Emilys for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book and to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
August 16, 2025
Overall, I'd give this book 4 stars. It was a very easy read and kept me entertained. The love story between Maddie and Adam was so sweet and cute, and the mystery with Adam's doppelganger kept me guessing. While I don't like love triangles, stories like Maddie and Jason make a lot of sense. This book is a love story, but I liked that it was also Maddie's journey into finding closure and discovering herself again. I'm intrigued about the set up for book 2 and can't wait to see what happens next.
*Dual POV
*High School Sweethearts
*Grief
*Romantic Suspense
*Found Family
Format: audiobook - narrated by Greg Lockett and Lauryn Allman
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Wiesner, and Bookouture Audio for the advanced audiobook!
*Dual POV
*High School Sweethearts
*Grief
*Romantic Suspense
*Found Family
Format: audiobook - narrated by Greg Lockett and Lauryn Allman
Thank you to NetGalley, Melissa Wiesner, and Bookouture Audio for the advanced audiobook!
August 18, 2025
I love Melissa Weisner's books.
This one had a huge 'Virgin River' feel to it, and seeing as there's going to be a second book, I really hope there is longevity in the characters!
The setting is gorgeous, and I could visualise all the scenery so clearly.
This book has all the drama and I couldn't stop reading. I also had the audiobook version and the narrator was fabulous.
This one had a huge 'Virgin River' feel to it, and seeing as there's going to be a second book, I really hope there is longevity in the characters!
The setting is gorgeous, and I could visualise all the scenery so clearly.
This book has all the drama and I couldn't stop reading. I also had the audiobook version and the narrator was fabulous.
August 27, 2025
Melissa S N A P P E D with this book. I haven't picked up a story and been fully addicted in a while.
Thank goodness "All The Ways You Save Me" fell into my life because it was E V E R Y T H I N G I needed right now. I'm talking mystery, romance, found family, secrets, and a beachy small town. This story came for my SOUL.
I don't even know how to fully review this book without spoiling all its sparkly glory. Just trust me when I say you'll want to quit your job, your plans, your everything when you open the cover.
This is my new favorite book by Melissa. (But I have truly loved everything she's written...maybe I'm biased, but I wouldn't steer you wrong)
I am already itching to read the next book in this series. I have so many questions that are living rent-free in my tiny squirrel brain since I've finished.
If you're looking for something that's going to wake up your brain cells & kick a slump right out into the stratosphere.
Trust your gal....THIS BOOK IS WORTH IT!!!!!
Thank goodness "All The Ways You Save Me" fell into my life because it was E V E R Y T H I N G I needed right now. I'm talking mystery, romance, found family, secrets, and a beachy small town. This story came for my SOUL.
I don't even know how to fully review this book without spoiling all its sparkly glory. Just trust me when I say you'll want to quit your job, your plans, your everything when you open the cover.
This is my new favorite book by Melissa. (But I have truly loved everything she's written...maybe I'm biased, but I wouldn't steer you wrong)
I am already itching to read the next book in this series. I have so many questions that are living rent-free in my tiny squirrel brain since I've finished.
If you're looking for something that's going to wake up your brain cells & kick a slump right out into the stratosphere.
Trust your gal....THIS BOOK IS WORTH IT!!!!!
July 20, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
I don’t know how I’m just now discovering Melissa Wiesner. Her writing has such emotional depth—tender, reflective, and quietly powerful, with a poetic touch that really stays with you.
“All the Ways You Saved Me” was a compelling blend of second‑chance love, grief, and suspense. The story followed a high school romance and tragedy when Maddie fell in love with Adam their senior year of high school in the seaside town of Sandy Harbor, while Jason served as their close-knit best friend. Their idyllic trio crashed into disaster when Adam died in a horrific accident. His body was never recovered and left Maddie and Jason heartbroken. Fast forward ten years, Maddie and Jason became engaged. But everything unraveled when she saw a viral rescue video of a man who looked exactly like Adam. His name was Garrett. Maddie abandoned her wedding plans and followed Garrett back to Sandy Harbor in search of answers. As she was investigating what happened to Adam and secrets start to emerge, Maddie secrets surface, Maddie had to confront reality: Was Adam ever truly gone? And what does this mean for the life she’s trying to build?
I was drawn in by how the story blended heartfelt romance with a subtle, lingering mystery—making each element more compelling together than they would’ve been on their own. I especially appreciated Wiesner’s choice to structure the novel around dual timelines and multiple perspectives. This approach added emotional richness and a steady sense of suspense. The shifts between past and present gradually revealed the characters’ motivations, while the alternating viewpoints offered meaningful insight into each central figure, making their relationships feel layered and real. The structure kept me fully engaged, and I loved how each reveal added depth and clarity to the characters’ decisions and the consequences that followed.
One piece of constructive criticism I have for this novel is the occasional disorientation caused by the frequent shifts between timelines. At times, the transitions felt slightly disjointed, which disrupted the story’s momentum. Additionally, some timelines and perspectives were more emotionally layered than others, leading to an imbalance in the narrative’s emotional weight.
Overall, “All the Ways You Saved Me” was an emotional and well-paced story that blended romance and mystery in a really compelling way. I enjoyed the dual timelines and how each perspective added depth to the characters. It was heartfelt, easy to get lost in, and kept me immersed the whole way through. My only small critique is that a few timeline shifts felt slightly disorienting, but overall, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I don’t know how I’m just now discovering Melissa Wiesner. Her writing has such emotional depth—tender, reflective, and quietly powerful, with a poetic touch that really stays with you.
“All the Ways You Saved Me” was a compelling blend of second‑chance love, grief, and suspense. The story followed a high school romance and tragedy when Maddie fell in love with Adam their senior year of high school in the seaside town of Sandy Harbor, while Jason served as their close-knit best friend. Their idyllic trio crashed into disaster when Adam died in a horrific accident. His body was never recovered and left Maddie and Jason heartbroken. Fast forward ten years, Maddie and Jason became engaged. But everything unraveled when she saw a viral rescue video of a man who looked exactly like Adam. His name was Garrett. Maddie abandoned her wedding plans and followed Garrett back to Sandy Harbor in search of answers. As she was investigating what happened to Adam and secrets start to emerge, Maddie secrets surface, Maddie had to confront reality: Was Adam ever truly gone? And what does this mean for the life she’s trying to build?
I was drawn in by how the story blended heartfelt romance with a subtle, lingering mystery—making each element more compelling together than they would’ve been on their own. I especially appreciated Wiesner’s choice to structure the novel around dual timelines and multiple perspectives. This approach added emotional richness and a steady sense of suspense. The shifts between past and present gradually revealed the characters’ motivations, while the alternating viewpoints offered meaningful insight into each central figure, making their relationships feel layered and real. The structure kept me fully engaged, and I loved how each reveal added depth and clarity to the characters’ decisions and the consequences that followed.
One piece of constructive criticism I have for this novel is the occasional disorientation caused by the frequent shifts between timelines. At times, the transitions felt slightly disjointed, which disrupted the story’s momentum. Additionally, some timelines and perspectives were more emotionally layered than others, leading to an imbalance in the narrative’s emotional weight.
Overall, “All the Ways You Saved Me” was an emotional and well-paced story that blended romance and mystery in a really compelling way. I enjoyed the dual timelines and how each perspective added depth to the characters. It was heartfelt, easy to get lost in, and kept me immersed the whole way through. My only small critique is that a few timeline shifts felt slightly disorienting, but overall, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 19, 2025
Thank you so much to the author, Bookoture and Bookoture Audio for the #gifted book and audiobook! 🫶🏻
I love a romantic suspense/mystery and this one really hit that mark! The dual timelines and dual POVs made this book exceptional and easy to follow.
Maddie is such a realistic, heartbreaking character. I felt for her so much throughout this book. Watching her growth from beginning to end was probably my favorite part! I was literally glued to the pages watching Maddie unravel the truth. The men in this book were written to perfection. Both beautiful and ugly sides of them. I just can’t get over how shocking the ending was! Definitely a book I wish I could read for the first time again.
Greg Lockett and Lauryn Allman did such a fabulous job with the narration. They really brought the characters and story to life. I have no complaints on the way they told the story! I both listened and read the book and have to say you couldn’t go wrong picking either route to be consumed by the story!
I would highly recommend to all my book besties who love romantic suspense and drama!
I love a romantic suspense/mystery and this one really hit that mark! The dual timelines and dual POVs made this book exceptional and easy to follow.
Maddie is such a realistic, heartbreaking character. I felt for her so much throughout this book. Watching her growth from beginning to end was probably my favorite part! I was literally glued to the pages watching Maddie unravel the truth. The men in this book were written to perfection. Both beautiful and ugly sides of them. I just can’t get over how shocking the ending was! Definitely a book I wish I could read for the first time again.
Greg Lockett and Lauryn Allman did such a fabulous job with the narration. They really brought the characters and story to life. I have no complaints on the way they told the story! I both listened and read the book and have to say you couldn’t go wrong picking either route to be consumed by the story!
I would highly recommend to all my book besties who love romantic suspense and drama!
August 15, 2025
This book absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. I went into it thinking I was getting a sweet second chance romance, and instead I got an emotional rollercoaster that had me listening every spare moment I could.
Madeline, Adam, and Jason’s backstory pulled me in right away, it’s that perfect mix of nostalgia and heartbreak. And then the what if? of Adam maybe-not-actually-being-gone??? Ugh, my heart could barely handle it.
The narration definitely brought the emotion and tension to life. Melissa Wiesner nailed that bittersweet, small town summer vibe while also weaving in mystery and some serious romantic tension. The love triangle element didn’t feel forced, and the “is it really him?” question for Madeline kept me hooked the entire time.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange of my honest review!
Madeline, Adam, and Jason’s backstory pulled me in right away, it’s that perfect mix of nostalgia and heartbreak. And then the what if? of Adam maybe-not-actually-being-gone??? Ugh, my heart could barely handle it.
The narration definitely brought the emotion and tension to life. Melissa Wiesner nailed that bittersweet, small town summer vibe while also weaving in mystery and some serious romantic tension. The love triangle element didn’t feel forced, and the “is it really him?” question for Madeline kept me hooked the entire time.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange of my honest review!
July 24, 2025
I’m learning if Melissa writes it, I’ll read it! I read this in less than 24 hours.
I loved the suspense, the young love, that the FMC was a teacher.
The FMC falls in love quickly her senior year. But a tragic accident happens that leaves her to have to move on with her life. 10 years later she swears she sees her first love in a video but it can’t be him. Since it’s summer break as a teacher, she has time to grieve and go visit her hometown.
I kept wanting to read to find out. IYKYK!
Add this to your TBR now!
🩵Romantic suspense
🩵Heartbreaking
🩵High school love
🩵Mistaken identity
🩵Small town romance
🩵Summer vibes
🩵Dual timeline
Thank you NetGalley and Melissa Wiesner for this ARC!
I loved the suspense, the young love, that the FMC was a teacher.
The FMC falls in love quickly her senior year. But a tragic accident happens that leaves her to have to move on with her life. 10 years later she swears she sees her first love in a video but it can’t be him. Since it’s summer break as a teacher, she has time to grieve and go visit her hometown.
I kept wanting to read to find out. IYKYK!
Add this to your TBR now!
🩵Romantic suspense
🩵Heartbreaking
🩵High school love
🩵Mistaken identity
🩵Small town romance
🩵Summer vibes
🩵Dual timeline
Thank you NetGalley and Melissa Wiesner for this ARC!
August 31, 2025
4.5 🤩 I loved the concept of this story! The thriller aspect of this kept me SO engaged. I had to know what was going on. It kept me guessing the WHOLE time and wow I was so wrong at the ending. Such a good read if you like romance & thriller combo’s!!
August 17, 2025
This really tugged at my heart strings from page 1. Most of us can relate to a lost love but the tragic accident 10 years ago where Adam was lost and deemed dead gave this a high intensity as Madeline and Jason moved on . I loved the way the story was told through different pov, would have loved a Jason chapter. The dripping of the past into the present along with the usage of social media dripped me as my heart joined in the hope and need Madeline had for Adam to be alive. I felt as a reader i went on the journey of Madeline and Garrett and felt every emotion and screamed please please let it be so many times as this was written with reality it hurt too. I loved the descriptive narrative it gave more emotion. The plot I guessed about half way but that just made me want to keep on reading especially as this is the first in a series. I really enjoyed this from page 1 to the end it had me hooked as my romantic nature longed for a nice ending. Madeline character grew through the story and I loved the way the past collided. There was also hints of how the story could develop. It never felt ott or cheesefeast but full of real emotion if only real life love stories could play out more. This is a highly recommended 5 star read perfect for anyone who likes a mystery full of romance . Thank you netgallery, publisher and author. I am so looking forward to the next in the series.
August 24, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for this ALC of All The Ways You Save Me!
4.25⭐️ I really enjoyed this book, although the plot was somewhat predictable (in terms of the bad guy) by the 30% mark I still enjoyed every moment of the journey. By far the most wholesome stalker romance I’ve ever read 😂. There was mystery, intrigue, romance, and found family in this. I’m interested in reading the next book in the series because I need to know where certain loose ends fit. But I’ve been told there will be a book coming so 🤞🏾. Overall, this book was VERY enjoyable.
4.25⭐️ I really enjoyed this book, although the plot was somewhat predictable (in terms of the bad guy) by the 30% mark I still enjoyed every moment of the journey. By far the most wholesome stalker romance I’ve ever read 😂. There was mystery, intrigue, romance, and found family in this. I’m interested in reading the next book in the series because I need to know where certain loose ends fit. But I’ve been told there will be a book coming so 🤞🏾. Overall, this book was VERY enjoyable.
August 12, 2025
ALC review!
The narration for this was so good!!
This is my first book by Melissa Wiesner and I am absolutely reading more.
Romantic Suspense
High school sweethearts
Emotional/heartbreaking
Mistaken Identity
I wasn’t quite sure where this book was going, but holy cow! The twist and suspense in this one was perfect! This had me so frustrated and heartbroken for Madeline & Adam, but absolutely loved their characters. I definitely wanted some answers to a few things, but I have a feeling they are coming in book 2! The last 15% of this book had my head spinning in the best way! Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley, Melissa Wiesner, and Bookouture for this ALC opportunity!
The narration for this was so good!!
This is my first book by Melissa Wiesner and I am absolutely reading more.
Romantic Suspense
High school sweethearts
Emotional/heartbreaking
Mistaken Identity
I wasn’t quite sure where this book was going, but holy cow! The twist and suspense in this one was perfect! This had me so frustrated and heartbroken for Madeline & Adam, but absolutely loved their characters. I definitely wanted some answers to a few things, but I have a feeling they are coming in book 2! The last 15% of this book had my head spinning in the best way! Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley, Melissa Wiesner, and Bookouture for this ALC opportunity!
August 17, 2025
All the Ways You Save Me is a deeply moving romance about first love, second chances, and a connection that never fades. Melissa Wiesner's writing is tender and lyrical, pulling you right into the emotions of the characters from the very first page.
The story follows three best friends: Madeline, Adam, and Jason. While Madeline and Adam fall in love as teenagers, Jason remains the supportive friend. Their lives are shattered when Adam is in a tragic accident and presumed dead. Ten years later, Madeline and Jason have found love and are planning their wedding. Then, a video of a man saving children on a beach surfaces, and Madeline's world is turned upside down. The man looks just like Adam. But he's dead... right? Compelled by hope and a flicker of a past she thought was gone forever, Madeline returns to her hometown to find out the truth.
The plot unfolds beautifully across dual timelines and is told from the alternating perspectives of Madeline and Adam, giving us a rich look into their past and present. I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. The story is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and redemption, filled with twists that will keep you guessing. The seaside setting feels like a character itself, and the heartfelt moments perfectly blend nostalgia, longing, and hope. The only thing that would have made this even better would have been a chapter or two from Jason's point of view.
This is the kind of story that steals your heart and lingers. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows three best friends: Madeline, Adam, and Jason. While Madeline and Adam fall in love as teenagers, Jason remains the supportive friend. Their lives are shattered when Adam is in a tragic accident and presumed dead. Ten years later, Madeline and Jason have found love and are planning their wedding. Then, a video of a man saving children on a beach surfaces, and Madeline's world is turned upside down. The man looks just like Adam. But he's dead... right? Compelled by hope and a flicker of a past she thought was gone forever, Madeline returns to her hometown to find out the truth.
The plot unfolds beautifully across dual timelines and is told from the alternating perspectives of Madeline and Adam, giving us a rich look into their past and present. I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. The story is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and redemption, filled with twists that will keep you guessing. The seaside setting feels like a character itself, and the heartfelt moments perfectly blend nostalgia, longing, and hope. The only thing that would have made this even better would have been a chapter or two from Jason's point of view.
This is the kind of story that steals your heart and lingers. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2025
Madeline’s life feels like it’s on steady ground — engaged to Jason, her fiancé and Adam’s best friend, she’s built a future that seems safe. Then that one video changes everything. It shows a man saving children, and there’s something about him that pulls at memories Madeline thought were gone forever. It wasn’t just curiosity — it was like a door she thought was locked suddenly creaked open, and everything she believed started to feel uncertain.
I could feel the weight of her confusion and hope as she wrestled with what to believe and what to hold onto. It’s rare to find a story that digs into that complicated space between past and present without forcing the drama. The way Madeline balances her loyalty to Jason with the questions that keep creeping up felt real — like someone trying to protect herself while also chasing a truth that won’t leave her alone.
The man in the video — he’s not just a mystery to solve. There’s something in the way he’s written that made me pause. He felt layered, quiet, and strangely comforting in the middle of all the tension. Madeline’s reactions, her hesitations, her moments of doubt and longing — all of that felt raw and believable.
The story didn’t rush anything. Instead, it let emotions simmer, letting me live through those moments where nothing is clear but everything matters. I was caught between wanting Madeline to find answers and knowing that some questions might change everything about her life, whether she wanted them to or not.
This wasn’t a story with neat edges or quick fixes. It reminded me how complicated love and loss can be, how the past can reach into the present in ways we don’t expect. Madeline’s journey felt like watching someone slowly open herself to possibilities she never imagined again — painful but full of quiet strength.
I could feel the weight of her confusion and hope as she wrestled with what to believe and what to hold onto. It’s rare to find a story that digs into that complicated space between past and present without forcing the drama. The way Madeline balances her loyalty to Jason with the questions that keep creeping up felt real — like someone trying to protect herself while also chasing a truth that won’t leave her alone.
The man in the video — he’s not just a mystery to solve. There’s something in the way he’s written that made me pause. He felt layered, quiet, and strangely comforting in the middle of all the tension. Madeline’s reactions, her hesitations, her moments of doubt and longing — all of that felt raw and believable.
The story didn’t rush anything. Instead, it let emotions simmer, letting me live through those moments where nothing is clear but everything matters. I was caught between wanting Madeline to find answers and knowing that some questions might change everything about her life, whether she wanted them to or not.
This wasn’t a story with neat edges or quick fixes. It reminded me how complicated love and loss can be, how the past can reach into the present in ways we don’t expect. Madeline’s journey felt like watching someone slowly open herself to possibilities she never imagined again — painful but full of quiet strength.
September 29, 2025
I will have to come back to write a full real review. But this is the message I just sent my friend Pandora. I sent a screenshot of the cover and this voicemail.
OH holy fucking hell you know when you read a book that.. OK so girl just AHhhh read it it is in audible read this book I.. this was an arc that I got from nerd fam and I kept pushing it off and pushing it off cause like I don't know…what the hell I didn't want a book about people in high school AH I didn't give it a chance I forgot even why I signed up girl okay so there's not a lot of spice in it but oh girl the twists and the twist on top of the twist that was a twisty twist and I thought that I knew what was gonna happen and then I was completely fucking wrong but then it happened and then it didn't happen and then it fucking happened and then I'm like what the motherfucking fuck my jaw dropped girl go run now oh
My friend “ok, added to October TBR”
Me: I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that and I’m so glad it is so much better than anything I could’ve expected
Her: The longer I listened though the more it sounds like I need it now 🤣
I’m just going to go read it without knowing anything then 🤣
Then a screenshot of her downloading it.
SO GOOD 🤯
OH holy fucking hell you know when you read a book that.. OK so girl just AHhhh read it it is in audible read this book I.. this was an arc that I got from nerd fam and I kept pushing it off and pushing it off cause like I don't know…what the hell I didn't want a book about people in high school AH I didn't give it a chance I forgot even why I signed up girl okay so there's not a lot of spice in it but oh girl the twists and the twist on top of the twist that was a twisty twist and I thought that I knew what was gonna happen and then I was completely fucking wrong but then it happened and then it didn't happen and then it fucking happened and then I'm like what the motherfucking fuck my jaw dropped girl go run now oh
My friend “ok, added to October TBR”
Me: I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that and I’m so glad it is so much better than anything I could’ve expected
Her: The longer I listened though the more it sounds like I need it now 🤣
I’m just going to go read it without knowing anything then 🤣
Then a screenshot of her downloading it.
SO GOOD 🤯
October 7, 2025
This story completely hooked me from the first chapter. It’s one of those emotional reads that sneaks up on you full of heartbreak, second chances, and the kind of love that never really fades no matter how much time passes.
Madeline’s story grabbed me right away. Ten years after losing her high school sweetheart in a tragic accident, she’s finally starting to move on… until she sees a viral video of a man who looks exactly like him. From there, everything unravels in the best way mystery, emotion, and that gut-wrenching question of what if?
I loved how the story jumped between past and present, weaving together their teenage romance with the fallout years later. It gave the book so much depth and heartbreak. The suspense built slowly but beautifully, and the twist had me flipping pages like crazy.
This was heartfelt, bittersweet, and romantic in a really grounded way messy and human, but full of hope. If you love emotional reads with a touch of mystery and characters who feel real, this one’s worth picking up. I loved it.
Madeline’s story grabbed me right away. Ten years after losing her high school sweetheart in a tragic accident, she’s finally starting to move on… until she sees a viral video of a man who looks exactly like him. From there, everything unravels in the best way mystery, emotion, and that gut-wrenching question of what if?
I loved how the story jumped between past and present, weaving together their teenage romance with the fallout years later. It gave the book so much depth and heartbreak. The suspense built slowly but beautifully, and the twist had me flipping pages like crazy.
This was heartfelt, bittersweet, and romantic in a really grounded way messy and human, but full of hope. If you love emotional reads with a touch of mystery and characters who feel real, this one’s worth picking up. I loved it.
August 15, 2025
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
I requested this ARC because it checked a few of my go-to genre boxes, but it completely exceeded my expectations—I devoured it in a single day! I honestly can't remember the last time I read or listened to a book that quickly.
From the first page, I was pulled into the story. The dual POV and dual timeline beautifully unraveled the love story between Adam and Madeline, with their best friend Jason’s hidden motives adding unexpected depth and tension.
The twists toward the end truly caught me off guard, but I’m happy to say Adam and Madeline get their well-earned HEA.
I can’t wait to dive into All the Ways You Break Me (Sandy Harbor Book 2) and read Josey and Ian’s story!
I requested this ARC because it checked a few of my go-to genre boxes, but it completely exceeded my expectations—I devoured it in a single day! I honestly can't remember the last time I read or listened to a book that quickly.
From the first page, I was pulled into the story. The dual POV and dual timeline beautifully unraveled the love story between Adam and Madeline, with their best friend Jason’s hidden motives adding unexpected depth and tension.
The twists toward the end truly caught me off guard, but I’m happy to say Adam and Madeline get their well-earned HEA.
I can’t wait to dive into All the Ways You Break Me (Sandy Harbor Book 2) and read Josey and Ian’s story!
August 19, 2025
Advanced Book Review! Thank you @netgalley & @bookouture for sending me this book for review. Opinions are my own.
Melissa Wiesner truly knows how to rip your heart out and then carefully put it back together again. Her latest novel, All the Ways You Save Me, follows Madeline, who lost her high school sweetheart Adam in a tragic accident ten years ago. Now, as she plans her wedding with their longtime friend Jason, an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger who looks exactly like Adam turns everything upside down.
I couldn’t put this book down, and found myself telling my husband all about it as I read. The story brought to mind One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Till Death Do Us Part by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn – two books I loved. Without giving spoilers I’ll just say that while this book shares similar vibes, it does stand on its own with a fresh, compelling take.
Can’t wait to read the second book in Melissa Wiesner’s Sandy Harbor series, coming out in February.
Melissa Wiesner truly knows how to rip your heart out and then carefully put it back together again. Her latest novel, All the Ways You Save Me, follows Madeline, who lost her high school sweetheart Adam in a tragic accident ten years ago. Now, as she plans her wedding with their longtime friend Jason, an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger who looks exactly like Adam turns everything upside down.
I couldn’t put this book down, and found myself telling my husband all about it as I read. The story brought to mind One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Till Death Do Us Part by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn – two books I loved. Without giving spoilers I’ll just say that while this book shares similar vibes, it does stand on its own with a fresh, compelling take.
Can’t wait to read the second book in Melissa Wiesner’s Sandy Harbor series, coming out in February.
August 15, 2025
Thank you Nerd fam and NetGalley for gifting me this book as an arc
I could not put this book down!!! It sucked me in and kept me wanting to find out what happened . Love a suspenseful romance book. !!
I could not put this book down!!! It sucked me in and kept me wanting to find out what happened . Love a suspenseful romance book. !!
September 1, 2025
I previously loved The Second Chance Year from this author so I was very excited for this new release and it was everything I wanted it to be! First of all, I love a second chance romance and once I started the book, I could not put it down! The pacing was superb and I was equally invested in both the past and present timelines, which is rare for me, since I usually I prefer one over the other! I also enjoyed the blend of romance and mystery! The ending left me wanting more in the best possible way, so I cannot wait until the sequel comes out! 4.5 ⭐️
August 7, 2025
3.5
I enjoyed this book. It was a bit predictable but it was a good romance suspense. I am curious about an open ended piece in the book which I know there is going to be another one. I will read that to see how that pans out. I did love the MMC in this one and who he grew to be. If you want a book that will keep you guessing but also allow you to predict some plot this is for you.
I enjoyed this book. It was a bit predictable but it was a good romance suspense. I am curious about an open ended piece in the book which I know there is going to be another one. I will read that to see how that pans out. I did love the MMC in this one and who he grew to be. If you want a book that will keep you guessing but also allow you to predict some plot this is for you.
August 18, 2025
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. The premise is so intriguing! Plus, the cover is beautiful! Is the man Madeline sees now her boyfriend that was to have drowned ten years ago?
The plot is somewhat predictable, though. It’s not a bad book at all, but something was just off for me. I kinda felt like the writing was a little choppy and that the plot needed a little more fleshing out.
Read this if you like:
Dual timelines
Dual POV
Romantic Suspense
High school sweethearts/soulmates.
Thank you to Bookouture, Booked With the Emilys and the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The plot is somewhat predictable, though. It’s not a bad book at all, but something was just off for me. I kinda felt like the writing was a little choppy and that the plot needed a little more fleshing out.
Read this if you like:
Dual timelines
Dual POV
Romantic Suspense
High school sweethearts/soulmates.
Thank you to Bookouture, Booked With the Emilys and the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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