The Spoils of Eden (The Dawn of Hawaii Series book 1) by Linda Chaikin

 I have recently picked up Linda Chaikin's series, Dawn of Hawaii and finished book 1 The Spoils of Eden and book 2 Hawaiian Crosswinds.  Below you will find a synopsis for both books from the back cover as well as my personal review. 

From the Back Cover:
Rafe Easton rescued an abandoned baby from certain death on a forbidden island.  Now that courageous act could cost him his pending marriage and reputation.
The Hawaii of 1891 is not untamed as it was when the first missionaries arrived, but the dangers haven't disappeared.  Power, wealth, and ambition still drive the affairs of island life, and Rafe Easton is poised to win big on all three--except for one thing.  The woman he loves is walking away from their promise of life together on account of a baby boy...and the forsaken people of the island he came from. 
For her part, Eden Derrington must choose between her father's lifelong dream of curing leprosy, and a life of privilege with the man she's loved since childhood.  Will Rafe wait for her while she serves alongside her father?  And what if she herself falls victim to the dreaded disease that took her mother many years ago?
Set against the backdrop of tropical paradise, revolutionary intrigue, hidden motives, and deadly secrets, The Spoils of Eden sheds light on Hawaii's colonial era and the men and women whose sacrifices yielded such unexpected results.

My Review:
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series.  Linda Chaikin's novels are well written and so informative on the historical time period of the late 1800's in Hawaii.  I am learning a lot about what when on in Hawaii during that time.  It's funny that we know so much from our history classes about what went on in the lower 48 states, but little when it comes to the state of Hawaii.  I had no idea that there was a leper colony on Molokai.  Here are some links of the history behind that colony--Molokai, Kalupapa, and old photos.  Besides the facts concern Hawaii's culture, this book has a great plot full of mystery and a great love story.  I also appreciate the fact that Linda Chaikin doesn't shy away from the truth of God's Word.  She weaves it into her stories so beautifully. 
If you're looking for a great series to read and add to your library, make sure to pick this one up.  It's a keeper!

***I picked this book up on Amazon and reviewed on my own initiative.  All opinions are my own.