OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is my first book by Kelli Estes, and it won't be my last! It combines my 21% Scottish heritage with the mysticism of the Scottish Highlands. The two created a lovely story!
As a lover of historical fiction, I was thrilled that it had nothing to do with World War II (yeah, me)! I'm looking forward to reading Kell's previous books and anything else that she writes!!
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars.
Writing: 5.0 stars
Kelli's writing is so descriptive, intense, and poetry-like. She writes for two time periods and nails them both!
The use of the Gaelic language is so gorgeous, and she liberally sprinkles it throughout the novel like little pieces of fairy dust!
Character development: 5.0 stars
The four main characters are two pairs of mother and son: Sorcha and Aonghas in 1801, and Keaka and Colin in the present day. Both sets experience similar situations and yet different situations. Two hundred years do not change a mother's love or sacrifice for her son.
The secondary characters are bad guys in 1801 and fellow hikers on the West Highland Way in the present day. Also, both mothers are widows, and their deceased husbands play fairly big roles in their lives.
The tertiary characters are the West Highland Way and Highlands mysticism (I cannot say too much, or it will ruin the plot).
This book developed the characters well. The four main characters develop individually and as family groups.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The storyline is told in two timelines. Sorcha and Aonghas are fleeing an erroneous murder charge in 1801, Highlands, Scotland, while Keaka and Colin are hiking the West Highland Way as a last adventure before Colin matriculates at Glasgow University. Their lives mysteriously intertwine together into a beautiful and satisfying ending.
The location was primarily the West Highland Way, the Scottish Highlands, and Glasgow.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
I learned something new again by reading historical fiction. I knew absolutely nothing about the Highlands Clearances from 1750 to 1860. Now, I need to review my Scottish ancestry to see if this is the time when they emigrated to the United States.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Pretty.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect!
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes
390 pages
Lake Union Publishing
Future release date: 7/24/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Fire, murder, war, physical assault, confinement, hunger, death of a parent, medical content, blood, gore, mild cursing
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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