I enjoy novels that have creative twists on temporal dimensions (Susanna Kearsley and Rebecca Ross both have fantastic tales that exemplify how to develop a creative connection between women in two different time periods) so I was excited to read Smoke on the Wind since the marketing blurb implies that two women on Scottish soil - Keaka and Sorcha - are connected despite living almost 200 hundred years apart.

In modern times, Keakahas committed to a weeklong West Highland Way hike with her son before he enters university in Glasgow. As a recent widow, Keaka is dreading the end of this hike as it signifies the end of this stage of motherhood and a return to a life alone back in the United States.

In the early 1800s, Sorcha and her son are also on a journey but not a leisurely one. Instead readers are given insight into what is now referred to as the "Highland Clearances" in which landowners displaced families from the land on which familial generations had dwelled. These families often gave their lives up in support and protection of these landowners so the forced removal was an intense betrayal. After being forced from their home, Sorcha and her son are perpetually in dire situations and are under constant threat of repeat betrayal.

While I enjoyed both Keaka's and Sorcha's stories and I liked the way Estes connected the two in time, I think Smoke on the Wind has some pacing issues. The beginning starts off with quite a bit of excitement but while there are fearful moments in Sorcha's journey and exciting moments on the long hike for Keaka that naturally propel the plot, we do languish a bit between all of that. We seem to return quite frequently to the frustrations that Keaka had in her marriage - of which her son is unaware - and we are continually aware of the danger that Sorcha is facing.

The ending is incredibly satisfying (especially for Sorcha!) but I wish Estes had created a stronger genealogical connection between Keaka and Sorcha to explain their physical bond.

Thank you to Kelli Estes, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

Another winner from Kelli Estes! This one was definitely a page turner for me. The Scottish Highlands were a character unto themselves. This book deals with the bond between mother and son in two different timelines that interconnect. Be swept away...it made me want to walk the West Highland Way myself! Very highly recommended!

Kelli Estes' has done it again. This dual-timeline novel is beautifully researched and written. Trust me when I say, buy it!

Set mostly in Scotland on the West Highland Way during 1801 and the present day.

In 1801 Sorcha Chisolm and her son Aonghas are evicted from their cottage in Srath Ghlais in Scotland. Sorcha and her son travel towards Glasgow trying to find a better life.

In the present day, Keaka and her son Colin, walk along the West Highland Way together. Keaka is feeling very emotional; her son is about to start his studies at a University in Glasgow and she will be flying back to the United States. Originally her son and her husband Adam were going to do the walk from Glasgow to Fort William but when Adam died Keaka decided to do the walk with Colin.

At the beginning of the walk Keaka discovers a carving of a flower on a stone bridge, while having a closer look she becomes very emotional and sad. Keaka keeps noticing the carved flower petal on rocks along their walk.

I loved the descriptions of Sorcha and how she marks her travels with a small carving of a flower petal on rocks, to help mark her return to the Highlands.

This was about families and grief.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Lake Union Publishing for a chance to review this E-Book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

*Scottish setting
*dual timeline
*mothers love
*mother son relationships
*very descriptive

Beautifully and masterfully written, this is raw, emotional, and poignant in its descriptions of the love a mother holds for their child and the impossible choices mothers can face in trying and frightening times.

I didn’t find this the easiest read but it was incredible and is a story that will stick with me.



Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up for the absolutely stunning Scottish countryside setting. In this time-travel-ish novel, a 17th century Scottish mother and her son are on the run while a 21st century American mother and her teenage son are on a hiking trip in the same area of Scotland. The story is told from the POVs of both mothers, showing how their very different lives intersect. The story is engaging, but I docked half a star because of sheer overuse of the "mother's love" trope.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Kelli Estes's novel, 'Smoke on the Wind,' takes readers on a journey that intertwines dual timelines with the deep emotional bonds of family. The story revolves around two mothers, Keaka Denney and Sorcha Chisholm, navigating the complexities of loss and identity across different timelines.

As the story weaves between the present and the past, readers experience Scotland's beautiful landscape while being thrust into the emotional journeys of both women, though I especially enjoyed and was drawn into Sorcha's timeline and story. Although, I also wish I was on the walking trip with Keaka in her timeline (sounds the an amazing experience).

Sorcha's storyline immerses readers in historical Scotland, depicting landscapes, traditions, and societal norms that resonate even today. Estes describes the beauty of the Scottish Highlands with stunning detail and evokes the struggles women faced during that period, worsened by the unimaginable struggles of losing everything and having to find the strength to start over again.

While some transitions between the two timelines were a little more difficult to follow (may have been more me than the writing), this format allows readers to draw connections between the two women. The mild violence content is appropriate within the historical context.

The author's writing style truly immerses the reader into the story with great pacing, fascinating research, well-timed tension, and heart-wrenching emotion.

And I love the cover! It's what drew me in before the description.

Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes was a difficult read for me. I didn't know there was a glossary of Scottish words until I finished the book. If I had know that it would have been easier to understand the Scottish vocabulary. Also, with the story being of two time periods it make it more difficult. I would recommend to the publisher that the glossary of Scottish vocabulary be in the beginning of the book. The book does a good job with dealing with mother/son relationships. I am a fan of historical fiction but found it confusing. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this novel prior to its publication.

I enjoyed this second chance historical fiction with a small bit of romance. Even I'm normally not a fan of Scottish hero's. But I think that type of hero is growing on me and I'm here for it.

Smoke on the Wind kicks off with Sorcha desperately trying to save her son, Aonghas, from attackers—after already losing her husband and first son. From page one, I knew I’d love this book, and it did not disappoint. The high-stakes conflict had me holding my breath, afraid for Sorcha and her son. I also loved how Kelli first told us about Sorcha’s previous losses, making this moment hit even harder. Who wouldn’t want to keep reading after that?

Then we meet Keaka, who sets off on a hiking adventure with her son, Colin. Her journey is bittersweet—she’s soaking up precious time with him while dreading the day they’ll be apart.

This book beautifully captures the fierce, undying love of a mother. Kelli did an incredible job bringing the emotions to life. I felt the pain, the loss, the fear—and the triumphs—right along with these women, especially Sorcha. Both embark on hikes with their sons—Keaka’s for leisure and exploration, Sorcha’s for sheer survival. It felt like I was running with Sorcha and hiking with Keaka. I wanted to be right there, trekking through Scotland, soaking in the scenery. And yes, I’m absolutely the bed-and-breakfast type. Who’s with me? Let’s go!

This book was masterfully written. The pacing was spot-on, the descriptions vivid, and the tension kept me hooked. Honestly, I struggled to find anything to critique. The only thing I would have loved is a deeper exploration of what truly connects Sorcha and Keaka.

This isn’t just a great read—it’s an experience. One of the best books I’ve ever read. Pick it up. You won’t regret it!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.

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.