Review: SMOKE ON THE WIND by Kelli Estes

Christina Boyd
Sep 10
2 min read

Updated: Sep 15

Book cover of "Smoke on the Wind" by Kelli Estes, featuring a woman in a plaid shawl. Includes a review praising the vivid Scottish setting.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the magnificent Scottish Highlands, two devoted mothers separated by centuries discover a haunting connection in a gripping novel by the USA Today bestselling author of The Girl Who Wrote in Silk, Kelli Estes.

Struggling with the tragic end of her marriage, Keaka Denney is on a bittersweet adventure in Scotland with her son, Colin. She’s joining him on a weeklong hike along the West Highland Way before he enters university in Glasgow. Soon into the journey, Keaka’s disquieting visions begin―a woman from ages past reaching for Colin, a burning cottage, violence.

Scotland, 1801. After Sorcha Chisholm and her son are wrenched from their home in a brutal eviction, they face an arduous trek toward a new beginning. When Sorcha learns she’s wanted for a murder she didn’t commit, she and her son run for their lives. Then help arrives from the strangest woman in the most unexpected ways.

Centuries apart, Keaka and Sorcha walk the same path―devoted mothers in circumstances beyond their control who will do anything to keep their sons safe. Defying logic, they find strength in each other. But what does their connection mean? And how far will it go?

Woman in period attire holds fabric, standing in a scenic landscape. Text reads: Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes, author of The Girl Who Wrote in Silk. — Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes

A Quickie REVIEW by Christina Boyd

Smoke on the Wind is an engaging story about two mothers, centuries apart, connected by a shared path through the Scottish Highlands. USA Today bestselling author Kelli Estes creates a vivid setting—the rugged beauty of Scotland adds a strong sense of place, almost as if another character.

The story follows Sorcha Chisholm in 1801, who is on the run with her son after being falsely accused of a crime, and Keaka Denney, a modern woman trying to reconnect with her son on a hiking trip. Sorcha’s determination to protect her son felt genuine; Keaka’s emotional struggles read honest, too. The mystical elements added an interesting layer. The connection between the two women’s stories kept me curious throughout. The ending provided an unexpected resolution that made the journey especially worthwhile. Sorcha’s portrait was a nice touch, offering a satisfying sense of redemption.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystical mystery and family themes, Smoke on the Wind is a must-read.

Smiling woman in plaid shawl sits on a teal chair against a gray background. The shawl has blue, red, and green patterns. — USA Today bestselling author Kelli Estes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli Estes is the USA Today bestselling author of SMOKE ON THE WIND, coming June 2025. Her first novel, THE GIRL WHO WROTE IN SILK has been translated into twelve languages and was the recipient of the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association Nancy Pearl Book Award and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association Star Award (Debut). Her second novel TODAY WE GO HOME was the nationwide Target Book Club pick for September 2019. Known for dual-timeline stories that show how history is still relevant to our lives today, Kelli is passionate about learning all she can about people and events that shaped our world. Kelli lives in Washington State with her husband and two sons. Find Kelli on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.kelliestes.com.