Ehm, why does the 1.02 Public Version not contain a Linux *.sh Starter anymore? I would have loved to continue playing the new storyline from my saves, but now, I'm kinda "bummed" since the version only has the *.exe-Windows-files in it (which I can still run via my WINdows-Emulator, but I'll need to start all over again probably *sigh* ).
I'd be really thankful if you could be so nice and add that again... <3
WINE isn't an emulator, it's a compatibility layer. But you are correct, the WINE environment will not have your saves. If you want to play with those, you can download Ren'PY on Linux, and run the game with it via your terminal.
You can also just take the library files, and the '.sh' file, from a previous version of the game and copy them to the latest version. Just copy the folders labeled "linux-i686" and "linux-x86_64" from inside the "lib" folder of the older version and put them in the "lib" folder of the new version, then do the same with the '.sh' file.
The second method I only tested as far as loading previous saves, but I see no reason for it to fail after that. Hopefully you get some use from one of those!
In that case, downloading Ren'Py would be the safest option. However, if you trust random internet strangers, here's the two folders and the '.sh' file: https://drive.proton.me/urls/E9XX8S8A3C#jgCSvlI1qTUI
You'll need to set the files as executable, including the ones in whichever folder matches your device's instruction set. Then, you should be able to run it as normal.