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!

Such a good mystery romance combo! The meet cute is so adorable it breaks my heart!

Description
I stand on the beach and gasp as a wave knocks me over, bringing memories of the night Adam died: 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 believed: about her own memories, the boy she once loved, and the life she’s supposed to live.

Thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture Audio

All the Ways You Save Me
by Melissa Wiesner
Narrated by Greg Lockett, Lauryn Allman
Book 1 of Sandy Harbor
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Pub Date Aug 19 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ARC, I really enjoyed this book. Although the mystery was a bit predictable it was the perfect amount to go along with the romance/mystery book. The sequel I believe is going to be out next year taking on two other characters as the main focus.

Thank you to Bookouture for the gifted copy!

All the Ways You Save Me is my third Melissa Wiesner book and my new favorite (which is saying a lot, because the first two were seriously awesome). This one leans more toward romantic suspense than rom com, but it’s not heavy. I can’t think of a perfect one-to-one comp, so let’s just say it’s what you’d get if you took the best parts of Carley Fortune, Colleen Hoover, and Mia Sheridan and blended it into one sparkling, perfect book.

I loved the dual timeline and dual POVs — they kept me hooked, creating a compelling mystery I couldn’t stop reading. The plot has the twists and drama of a soap opera, but never feels over the top — just utterly gripping. I truly had no idea where the story was going and the ending completely surprised me. The vivid setting pulled me in too, especially the parts in Sandy Harbor. If you’ve ever been to a Jersey beach town “down the shore,” you’ll instantly feel like you’re back there.

It’s a clever concept, brilliantly executed, and completely unputdownable. And this is only the beginning! Book 2 is coming soon (and thank goodness, because I NEED more Sandy Harbor!!).

Audiobook: Greg Lockett (new to me) narrates the male POVs and Lauryn Allman voices Maddie. She’s done a TON of mystery audiobooks, so fans of the genre will likely recognize her voice right away. It’s one of those audiobooks that’s completely solid — it doesn’t necessarily level up the story, but it doesn’t detract from it. This book is great in either format, so pick your poison!

Parts of this I enjoyed, parts I hated. It was complicated. Basically, some of the plot lines- especially the past- were so ridiculous, I was annoyed. However, I enjoyed the present day timeline on the island.

Even some random details from the past annoyed me. Adam slept on a couch in the basement for years. Basement, sure, but not a bed? I know the author mentioned the other rooms had purposes. But for years, they couldn't get the kid a bed? Plus, a minor just can't go live with a friend. Their are legal proceeding that must take place.

I am also annoyed that one thread- that played a fairly major role- was not resolved. I get that it sets up the series, but it shouldn't have had such a focus in this one.

I will probably give book 2 a shot since I did enjoy most of this.

Greg Lockett and Lauryn Allman narrate the audiobook. I enjoyed Greg's narration. Lauryn's was ok.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the heartbreaking audiobook. I wasn’t fully sure what I signed up for. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. She finds the love of her life when her family moves to a new town her last year of high school, and after dating for a while he dies in a freak accident and is declared dead even though no body was found. 10 years later she’s engaged to his best friend and teaching at her high school when a student comes in and they watch a live video of a guy saving 2 little kids from the water, but his face she just can’t get out of her mind, it was the same face of her old high school boyfriend. She can’t stop thinking about it and when her fiancé tells her she’s crazy for wanting to track down this guy from the 2 minute video she ends up calling off the engagement and going back to her old home town where she grew up. Old flames reemerge as she slowly falls for this new guy but still can’t let go of something being oddly familiar.
Did old flames actually die and what was the secret that seems to keep holding her new flame back?
I highly recommend this book and binged it in one day. I was so close to tears when the truth came out and you learn the best befriend betrayed him.

All the Ways you Save Me by Melissa Wiesner
Publishing August 19th 2025

I was absorbed by this one from the very beginning. There was so much mystery and intrigue from the start with the book beginning near the end with Adam possibly being alive when thought dead, and then going back to the start. I really had no clue what happened to him or between him and Jason and it was a quick, easy and propulsive read to get to the bottom of it. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a beach read with some suspense and depth and for fans of Paige Toon and Colleen Hoover.
I'm eagerly awaiting the second book of the series (Sandy Harbor Book 2) because there was a really intriguing back story to Madeline's family and why they left Sandy Harbor all of those years ago and I was left needing to know what happened with that storyline too.

The audio production was well done. It was dual narration (not to be confused with duet), and I enjoyed both narrators. The male narrator was good which was a happy surprise, because I find male narrators can so often be a miss for me. The female narrator was also enjoyable but I didn't love her voice for the character of Jason. I found this book enjoyable reading both with my eyes and ears and would recommend either format for future readers.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

*ARC review*

All the Ways You Save Me is an emotional, beautifully written story about love, loss, and healing. Melissa Wiesner delivers characters that feel heartbreakingly real, and their journey is both raw and deeply moving. I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. A powerful, unforgettable read that stays with you long after the final chapter.

😭😭😭 5 bawling my eyes out stars. My heart, my dang heart!!! I’m dying. This was gloriously devastating. I can’t imagine even. The angst. The twist. Honestly it was so surprising! Oh my goodness!!!! I was shook. The ending was really surprising. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I was sad. I was excited. I was suspicious. I was curious. I was angry. I was excited. I was sad again. I was devastated. I was hopeful. I was nervous. I was even more devastated. I was shook. I was everything!!!

The audio is really spectacular as well. Definitely worth the listen!


Thank you Melissa Wiesner, Bookoutoure Audio, and NetGalley for this opportunity. I was given an advance listeners copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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 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!

🎧 Audiobook ARC Review

All the Ways You Save Me by Melissa Wiesner
📚 Pub Date: August 19, 2025

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spicy Level: 1/5

From high school sweethearts to mistaken identity, this small-town rescue romance swept me away from the very first chapter. 💔❤️‍🔥💫

Melissa Wiesner delivers a beautifully layered story full of emotional twists, heartfelt moments, and second chances. The audiobook narration by Greg Lockett and Lauryn Allman is phenomenal, each voice adds depth and authenticity, making the characters feel real and the emotional beats hit even harder.

✨ Tropes I Loved:
• High school sweethearts
• New/old flame
• Love triangle
• Rescue romance
• Small-town charm
• Mistaken identity

If you're craving a romance that’s heartfelt, dramatic, and full of emotional tension, this one’s a must-listen. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after it ends.

🙏 Huge thanks to @netgalley, @bookoutureaudio, and @melissawiesnerauthor for the advance audiobook in exchange for my honest review. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience this beautiful story ahead of its release!

#AudiobookReview #ARCReview #MelissaWiesner #AllTheWaysYouSaveMe #NetGalley #Bookstagram #RomanceBooks #SmallTownRomance #LoveTriangle #MistakenIdentity #BookishThoughts #BookReview #EmotionalRomance

All the feels! Love it even more being set on LBI! Melissa Wiesner never disappoints, so much depth and romance through her storylines,

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!

I found a new favorite author. This is the best book I've read in a while. The story is fantastic and the characters are wonderful.

5 stars

Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review..

Thank you to the author, narrators, publisher and Net Galley for providing an ALC.

I'm conflicted about this book. I may have enjoyed it more reading a physical copy, though the narration is well done. This book changes time lines and POV's, and I found myself confused at times, even though I listened to the whole book in one day.

The story was predictable. I don't think anyone would be surprised to know it's predictable, just based on the summary. But I also found myself angry at the characters at different times as well. I still have several plot questions as well, so it feels unsatisfying overall.

3 stars.

Initially the plot felt quite similar to what I've read before with the high school boyfriend dying and the girlfriend ending up with his best friend, but what makes this unique is her thinking she sees her high school boyfriend, alive. This premise had me gripped and fully invested in the outcome.

Although I am big fan of the female narrator and I felt her voice didn't fit the flashbacks as the characters were a lot younger, I didn't find this took away from the story and I still really enjoyed it.

This is more than just a romance, it's a mystery as well. I loved the tension of Madeline trying to find out if this man she saw is in fact her old love, Adam. And if he is, how is he alive?
I really liked the small town, beach setting, I felt it added to the atmosphere of the book and to the characters. Madeline rediscovering herself as she stays in the beach town she grew up in was a lovely development for her character.

We get multiple pov and dual timeline with the flashbacks to high school. I really enjoyed the lay out of this book as it took us through the present day and their memories. I do think it could have leaned more in to the angst but overall I really enjoyed this book.

I flew through this book and was so hopeful on the outcome. There were a few points that weren't tied up in this that left me with questions but the note at the end of the book shares that the story will continue to the next book so these points will be revisited and we will get answers. I'm looking forward to the next instalment.

Perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks

Thank you to Bookouture Audio for the advanced audio copy.

Don’t get me wrong, this book started out super entertaining and mysterious, but the more that was revealed the more unrealistic and absurd it was. Also the intentional gaslighting of his identity when she was clearly scarred by his death was so ridiculous. I was crossing my fingers he had memory loss, but NOPE. The plot just wasn’t fully cooked in my opinion.

I was immediately pulled into this story which brilliantly combined the emotional romance with a suspenseful mystery. The multiple POVs and timelines allows insight but doesn’t give the full picture until it naturally unfolds, leaving the final twist until the end. An emotional read that encompassed feelings of grief and heartbreak but also the warmth of first love and loyalty. The romance aspects were touching and genuine and the mystery was very intriguing. Having multiple POVs provided great depth to the characters of Maddie, Adam and Garrett, and their growth was evident over the span of years. Because of the young love aspect, this book would also be appealing to a YA audience as well.
The book does leave some unanswered questions of the side plot which has me anxiously looking forward to the next book!
Madeleine and Adam were high school sweethearts, and along with Adam’s best friend Jason they were a tight knit group until one tragic night when an accident took Adam from them. Ten years later, Maddie and Jason are engaged, trying to move on. Until Maddie sees a video of Adam – impossible but she has to know and bring closure to her devastating loss. And then she meets Garrett and is her instant connection to him the result of his rescue of her or something else?
I also love me a NJ shore setting!!!
Narrated by Greg Lockette and Lauryn Allman who were fantastic in bringing these characters to life.

I picked this up as I read 'The Second Chance Year' by the same author which I adored and gave 4.25 stars. I do own another by her too but as this one was read now and sounded great I immediately requested it.

This one really had such a unique plot, one that I've not read before at least, and it sucked me in.

It actually gave me slight Ashley Poston vibes but without the magical element.

I liked the mystery of us as readers not knowing straight away what was happening with the guy who looked like Adam and finding out through his POV was a good way to do it.

Overall I have given this a 3.75 ⭐️'s as it wasn't as good as the second chance year by the same author but I did still really enjoy myself and the audio narrators were fabulous too.

Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher @bookouture for giving me a free copy of this one.

🏷 #AlltheWaysYouSaveMe #NetGalley #MelissaWiesner #RomanceBooks #ARCs #Gifted #BookReview #AdvancedReadersCopy

⚠️ *spoilers below* ⚠️

There was a few things that ended up unfolding not in the way I had hoped which I think would have made the story more compelling including the way Madeline confronted Adam as it was a little lack lustre. I would have liked them to go on a date or him walk her home again one day and she talk to him about Adam knowing he was him to watch him lie to her face and have some more angst there with that. Also the ending felt a little rushed in my opinion, it all kind of wrapped up far too easily.

All the Ways You Saved Me by Melissa Weisner was an enjoyable listen from start to finish. While the plot was somewhat predictable, that didn’t take away from the experience. Sometimes knowing where a story is headed just makes the journey more comforting. I found myself invested in the characters and appreciated the way the story unfolded. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the emotions and personalities to life, making the audiobook feel even more engaging. Overall, a solid and read that I would recommend!