'Smoke on the Wind': A Dual-Time Scottish Novel Book Review

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.

About the Book

Smoke on the Wind

by Kelli Estes

(Retailer Description)

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?

Buy the Book

Title: Smoke on the Wind

Author: Kelli Estes

Publisher: ‎Lake Union Publishing

Publication date : June 24, 2025

Genre(s): Dual-Time Fiction, Historical Scottish Fiction, Historical Women's Fiction

Language: ‎English

Read by: Lizzie

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

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