Books & Spoons Review for A TAILOR-MADE HUSBAND by Winnie Griggs

From Bachelor Sheriff to Family Man  

Tired of pining for handsome sheriff Ward Gleason, seamstress Hazel Andrews plans to head East for a fresh start—until Ward finds an abandoned child. Hazel can't turn down his request that she watch the little girl while he investigates a spate of crimes. But spending time with Ward is sending local gossips—and Hazel's heart—into turmoil. 
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Nothing in Ward's world is the same since he took charge of orphaned Meg…and that includes his growing feelings for Hazel. A fake engagement will allow them to care for the child together until Hazel moves away and finds someone more worthy. But with little Meg convinced she's already found her forever family, can Ward and Hazel dare to make her dreams come true, along with their own?

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An unrequited love for an old friend, a baffling mystery that has the town in the uproar, and a sweet little girl to win the sheriff's heart, and a determined seamstress who knows what she wants.
The Texas Grooms series has proven to be both inspirational and entertaining. Both seamstress Hazel Andrews and Sheriff Ward Gleason have made appearances in the previous books, so I was excited to find about their destiny and road to their happily ever after. Mix in vandalism happening in the town, and a little Meg who is in desperate need of loving and affectionate family, and we have the makings of the story that captivated my mind. 
Hazel was in love with her good friend's older brother, and the whole town knew about her affections. What a position to be in! Yet Hazel manages herself just fine, she is a kindhearted, smart, stubborn, generous person, she knows her mind, she is not afraid to go after what she wants, and say what she means. Truly a spunky heroine to be admired!
Ward lost his heart to little Meg when she was abandoned in a train he was traveling in. Meg adored Ward and the affection, kindness, and encouragement he showered her with. I loved those two together, they had a genuine bond from the first moment. 
There is a lot happening in the town and in the lives of the protagonist, the story is full packed, maybe a little too much is happening and the development of the relationship was left in the background, as was their faith in God, and relying on Him during the troubles. This felt a bit like an afterthought whenever it was brought up in the tale.
The mystery didn't entice me so much as I was just waiting to see how they would figure out the culprit and how long it would take. My interest was to see how Ward, who had known Hazel for a lifetime and was aware of her feelings towards him, would suddenly change his opinion of her, and if his feelings would be authentic and believable. And that left a little bit to be desired, I would have liked to see a bit more about the process of his change of feelings. 
Regardless, the story had a lot to offer. It was entertaining, mysterious, and gave a good look at the small town living back in the day. The secondary characters enhance the story with their antics, being an important part of the plot development. 
An enjoyable historical novel with touch mystery and romance
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

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