Smoke on the Wind

A Novel

By: Kelli Estes

Narrated by: Linda Macleod, Finlay Stevenson

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.

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?

©2025 by Kelli Estes. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“The narrative is so vivid in its descriptions of the landscapes of today and yesterday that readers can almost see the switchbacks and steep incline of Devil’s Staircase or feel the burn of a broken foot blister. Readers also share the women’s deep emotions—regret over past wrongs and fears of an uncertain future…the journey is deeply moving as the women find their own way by helping one another.”—Historical Novels Review

“Set in the magnificent Scottish Highlands, Smoke on the Wind by novelist Kelli Estes is a fun, fascinating, and compelling read that will be of immense appeal to readers with an interest in original and emotionally engaging stories laced with mystery, suspense, and time displacing adventure. Exceptionally well crafted with memorable characters and an original theme, Smoke on the Wind is one of those novels that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after it has been finished and set back upon the shelf.”—Midwest Book Review

“A captivating time-slip novel that masterfully intertwines two mothers’ journeys across centuries in Scotland’s breathtaking highlands. Kelli Estes creates richly drawn characters whose maternal devotion transcends time itself. With its balance of historical detail, supernatural elements, and emotional depth, this unputdownable story explores the extraordinary lengths mothers will go to protect their children. A haunting, beautiful read that lingers long after the final page.”—Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author of The Wayward Girls

The history of Scotland

The overall story was pretty good, but the two women grew tiresome - a lot of angst. Sadly no connection was made between the two which may have made their connection seem more believable. Loved the descriptions of the landscapes. I believe Scotland is magical, too.

An amazing read that you can't put down

This book is an absolutely unforgettable! Rich with emotion and layered with history, this book weaves the past and present together with grace and power. Estes delivers compelling characters whose strength and vulnerability shine through every page. The writing is lyrical, the pacing perfect, and the story—deeply moving.
This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It made me think, feel, and reflect—everything I hope for in a great read. Kelli Estes has once again proven herself a master of historical fiction. I can’t recommend it enough!

The amount of research needed to write this book was huge.

It was too long. It seemed to drag on. The conclusion had to be as it was.

Interesting and unique storytelling.

Interesting historical fiction—Scottish accent is good…but difficult to understand at times. No sex, but mature themes of poverty/deprivation and injustice.

Scotland calls you.

The discriptions of Scotland were very well done. I also liked the story line and the characters. I truly believe that Scotland calls to you.