Latest News

June 1, 2025

Here’s what the Midwest Book Review thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you!

June 1, 2025

Here’s what author Kelley McNeil thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you, Kelley!

“Poignant and beautifully crafted, Smoke on the Wind shimmers with the misty allure of the Scottish Highlands and the invisible threads that bind us across time. With rich emotional texture and a haunting sense of place, this evocative novel captures both the tender ache and quiet strength of motherhood with stunning clarity and deep heart.” – Kelley McNeil, author of A Day Like This and Mayluna

June 1, 2025

Here’s what hiking-based travel expert and author Cassandra Overby thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you, Cass!

“When preparing to walk a multi-day trail, there’s nothing more enjoyable than immersing yourself in a good story about it. “Smoke on the Wind” is just that for Scotland’s West Highland Way. Through the interweaving stories of two families that hike it centuries apart—and the mystery that connects them—you gain not only an appreciation of the culture and history of the Highlands, you come to anticipate your own experience on the trail that much more.”– Cassandra Overby, hiking-based travel expert and author of Explore Europe on Foot

June 1, 2025

Here’s what author Elizabeth Boyle thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you, Elizabeth!

“Kelli Estes breathes life and wonder into her stories of loss and redemption. Beautifully evocative, Smoke on the Wind is a love letter to mothers across time, a journey both emotional and touching.” – Elizabeth Boyle, NY Times bestselling author of O Little Town of Bethlehem

June 1, 2025

Here’s what author and screenwriter Pat White thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you, Pat!

“Suspenseful and beautifully written, I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see how these determined women would navigate their challenging circumstances and find peace within their own hearts.” – Pat White, award-winning author and screenwriter.

June 1, 2025

Here’s what author Carla Crujido thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you, Carla!

“Estes is a masterful researcher and storyteller andSmoke on the Wind is a beautiful marriage of her talents. The reader will come away with a keen understanding of the historic Highland Clearances and will feel like they, too, are on the trail with Estes’s characters, both past and present. Smoke on the Wind is a must read for those who love Scotland, historical fiction, and novels about mothers and sons.” – Carla Crujido, author of The Strange Beautiful

June 1, 2025

Here’s what author Laurie London thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you, Laurie!

“Heart-wrenching, heart-pounding and utterly engaging, Kelli Estes’s novel Smoke on the Wind tells the story of two women of indomitable spirit, separated by centuries, who share a similar journey of love, loss, rediscovery, forgiveness, and what it means to be a mother. I absolutely loved it! A perfect book club pick!” – Laurie London, bestselling author of the Sweetblood and Iron Portal series 

June 1, 2025

Here’s what author Julie Carrick Dalton thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you, Julie!

“In Smoke on the Wind, Kelli Estes weaves a powerful story about two mothers emboldened by bone-deep love who travel the same road centuries apart only to find each other, impossibly, in their hours of need. Leaning into the sweeping Scottish landscape, Estes calls on the stone and fields and heather to conjure the mysticism of love and determination in their purest forms in this beautifully rendered, breathlessly propulsive novel.” – Julie Carrick Dalton, author of The Last Beekeeper.

June 1, 2025

Here’s what author Susan Wiggs thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you, Susan!

“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, NY Times bestselling author of The Wayward Girls.

June 1, 2025

Here’s what author Ashley Sweeney Author thought about SMOKE ON THE WIND. Thank you, Ashley!

“In this compelling dual narrative set two centuries apart along the West Highland Way in Scotland, award-winning author Kelli Estes bends reality to create a believable connection between two female protagonists as they protect their sons from past trauma and share the searing pain of letting them go. Readers are left wondering how thin the scrim between past and present might be — and reminds us to look both for signs from the past and from the natural world to propel us toward the future. A well-researched and highly immersive read from an accomplished author of historical fiction.” – Ashley E. Sweeney, author of The Irish Girl

Saturday, June 28, 2025: 6-8pm (PST)

14200 NE 145th St, Unit C, Woodinville, WA 98072

You are invited to the Smoke on the Wind book launch party at Long Shadows Winery in Woodinville, WA. Delicious wine (Kelli’s favorite) and snacks will be available for purchase, Brick & Mortar Books in Redmond will be on hand selling books, Kelli will be signing and talking about the inspiration behind the book. There will be games, giveaways, fun, and the best part…Scottish fiddle and bagpipes! Get your tickets at the following link – they are FREE! More info and tickets HERE: https://longshadows.com/events/smoke-on-the-wind-launch-party

March 16, 2025

June 2025: Kelli Estes, Smoke on the Wind, Lake Union (present day and 1801; in the Scottish Highlands, two devoted mothers separated by centuries discover a haunting connection)

March 9, 2025

Help me celebrate the redesign of my website! If you notice any broken links or other issues, please let me know right away. 

March 2, 2025

My newest novel will hit shelves on June 24, 2025. Pre-order today so it hits your mailbox or Kindle on pub day!