Kelli Estes does a fantastic job in writing this book, it had that had that historical fiction element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. The characters had that element that I was looking for in this time-period, they felt like they were supposed to and worked with the overall feel of this.

The Scottish Highlands is my dream. I loved having this as the setting for this novel. The author's writing was beautiful and so was the story. Its a heartwarming emotional read. I look forward to more by this author.

Kelli Estes' latest read provides a poignant portrayal of the bond between mothers and their children. The dual-linear timeline pens a tale depicting Keaka and Sorcha's stories where each mother is forced to say goodbye to their former lives.

While their circumstances differ, both mothers are on a journey to find themselves. In what appears to be an impossible connection between two women born centuries apart, Keaka feels Sorcha's spirit. Embolden by the older woman's bravery, Keaka forges ahead on her mental and physical quest. Will she be able to tell her son the truth before it's too late?

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #SmokeontheWind in exchange for an honest review. While at times it was difficult to keep track of the stories, the novel was the perfect read to commence 2025.

Aaah this saga had my heart! Loved it! One of those that I would love to re-read when I've forgotten many details again. Beautiful. I don't believe I've read many books but I need to go look for some!

Smoke on the Wind by new to me author Kelli Estes, published by Lake Union Publishing, is a touching story, spanning decades/ centuries.
Set in rural Scotland starting in 1801 and ending in this century telling the story of Sorha and Keake. A raw and gritty , emotional read that had me in tears more than one time.
I recommend the book, 5 stars.

Initially, I was going to stop reading this book. The spirit/ghost led me to think it was a science fiction. I decided to give it my usual 50 pages. I became more interested as I went on. I particularly found Keaka interesting since I am going to walk a trail later this year. I enjoyed reading about the Scottish wayside. It was interesting to watch Colin as well as Keaka grow and work through their grief.

In Kelli Estes dual-timeline novel, Smoke on the Wind, we meet two sets of mothers and sons walking the Scottish Highlands over two hundred years apart (1801 and the present). While centuries may separate them, the mothers grapple with similar emotional upheavals and responses to the possibility— and future inevitability—of being separated from their sons . Estes is a master of research and this book is no exception. The reader will come away with a keen understanding of the historical Highland Clearances, and will feel like they too are on the trail with Estes' characters, both past and present. There is also an air of the supernatural to the novel, which is an unexpected and welcome surprise. Smoke on the Wind is a must read for those who love Scotland, historical fiction, or novels about mothers and sons.

Kelli Estes has done it again! You will want to visit Scotland after reading this informative, descriptive book. The stories of two women centuries apart are expertly woven together. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

This book was great! The story was very well written and I felt a lot while reading this book! I would highly recommend reading this book!

Evocative, intertwined, hypnotic.

Dual interlinked narrators - both devoted mothers - centuries apart following in each other's paths.

Keaka - American, 21st Century - hiking in Scotland with her son in the week before he starts University in Glasgow, dealing with the end of her marriage, and what it is to be a mother.

Sorcha - Scottish, 19th Century - escaping the Highlands Clearances in Scotland and fleeing toward Glasgow, dealing with the end of her known life, and what it means to be a mother.

Somehow they become woven in each others stories.

Beautifully written by Kelli Estes, emotional and engaging a 5 star read.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes completely swept me away and I loved it. I was drawn in by the cover and the description, but I did not expect to have such a great reading experience that I have been thinking about constantly since.

This is a dual timeline historical fiction about two mothers, Sorcha and Keaka who have been through tremendous adversity and the lengths that they go to in order to protect their sons. Usually with these types of stories, I tend to root for one timeline over the other, but this book is woven together so well and was sprinkled with a little bit of magic.

This book is beautifully written, it taught me a lot, and was very emotional. What more could I ask for? Highly recommended.

Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me to opportunity to read an early review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.