If there's one thing I can say about every single one of Darynda Jones' books that I have read, it's that they always give me something to chuckle over. <i>A Good Day for Chardonnay</i> definitely feels like a step up from the first novel in the series about semi-reluctant sheriff Sunshine Vicram in both the plotting and the goof-factor, and after reading one character described as "On a scale of 1 to Ferrari, [he] was a solid Ford Explorer," I feel as if I will now only rate looks in terms of cars. Simply put, this is very engagingly written.

The fly in the ointment for me is Auri, Sunshine's fifteen-year-old daughter. While I liked Auri in the first book, in this one she headed straight down TSTL Drive (Too Stupid To Live) with her antics. Yes, fifteen-year-olds are not not known for their amazing judgement, but so many pains are taken to show us that A) Auri is really smart and B) Sunshine's parents have lived through this before with her mother, and not without some regrets that her entire storyline really strained both my patience and my credulity. She very nearly ruined the book for me.

That she didn't and that I came out feeling like I had a good time overall is a testament to Jones' writing. Sure elements of the mystery are predictable, but there's an overall sense of fun that ties everything together well. I'll definitely pick up book three when it comes out, but I may be tempted to skim any sections from Auri's point of view unless she gets a whole lot smarter.

This is probably my favorite read of the year so far. I was craving a book like this. It is funny, emotional, and suspenseful. The story had my laughing out loud, yelling at my kindle, messaging my friend sharing my shock, and crying at times. I was not ready for the story to end and I can't wait for more!

I am so happy to be back with Sunshine. You will laugh out loud reading this book. If you enjoyed the first book you will be excited and happy to read this one. Sunshine's past come back in both her new case and her personal life. I did guess what the big secret was but it was still interesting to read about it. The case was one that had Sunshine running around to figure out what was going on. I so want the next book now so I can read it but I will be devouring it as soon as it comes out. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.

In book 2 of this amazingly entertaining series, Sunshine Vicram is solving another major crime in Del Sol, while her daughter, Auri also discovers another mystery she is determined to solve. Auri has found some old newspaper articles in her grandparents attic and becomes obsessed with finding the serial killer in their town. Even though all the cases are cold cases from over 40 years ago. To help her she enlists her boyfriend, Cruz, and best friend, Sybil. Meanwhile, Sunshine has to solve the case of a man who was stabbed during a fight outside a bar, but this is not your typical bar fight. Levi Ravinder, the man she has been in love with since a child, is going to help with her case wether she wants his help or not. Sunshine is dealing with all this chaos and more while still trying to uncover event from her past and answer one of her most pressing questions. Is Levi one of the good guys or not?

Another 5 star book in this series! Again the sarcasm and humor throughout, while dealing with such tough issues is amazing! The mysteries and twists are engaging and don’t feel predictable. I loved that in this second book the romance between Sunshine and Levi heats up. There were a lot of things at the end of book 1 I was dying to know and I felt I got enough answers to keep me happy, but of course I am left with new questions now. In this book the we are still in dual perspectives which I love. It is done so well, and I enjoy having the multiple plots of both perspectives, it really keeps me hooked. All the storylines are weaved together perfectly and you can really see the parallels between mother and daughter. I just can’t say enough good things about this book! Everybody should pick this series up. Not only is fun and entertaining, but it takes you through so many emotions, laughing, crying, and everything in between!

I absolutely love this new series by Darynda Jones! A Good Day For Chardonnay is the second installment of this series staring the fabulous Sunshine Vicram. I love how the author writes her characters! I feel like they are my friends and I could sit down and have a coffee with them. The one liners are so funny. She weaves humor, suspense, and tear jerking moments into the story and I can’t wait to continue on these character’s journey!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

Darynda Jones is an absolute queen! Every book I read from her is the perfect balance of funny and smart. Sunshine is hilarious and her friendship with Quincy is one of my favorites. Auri is so sassy and smart and I love reading from her perspective as well. This book had great pacing and never got boring. We found out so many answers in this book and I was super satisfied with the ones we got. I am actually a fan of Wayne Ravinder now. Sunshine’s relationship with Levi makes me all gooey inside. I love them together. I was gasping at the last page and yelling about what a goddess Darynda is. Also cursing her. I cannot wait to see where Sunshine’s adventures take her next.

I requested A Bad day For Sunshine from NetGalley before it was released, going by the blurb. I wasn't sure about it, but was totally blown away by it. I noticed A Good Day For Chardonnay and I thought .... I have to see if it's as good. I actually think it's better. If you like your mystery loaded with intrigue and humor, this is a gotta have. This book is a blend of eccentric characters, humor, bits of romance and mysteries to be puzzled out. What appears to be the answer isn't, but paying close attention does help. Sunshine, her family, friends and officers make this book a joy to read. Ms. Jones has a talent for words and situations that make the book very hard to put down. So now I'm finished, the book is over. I can't wait for the next installment to come out. I adore the characters. I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and plan to get a copy for my library. My opinion is freely given

A Good Day for Chardonnay is a delightful read. The main character Sunshine Vicram, is the new sheriff in her hometown. Sunshine is sharp, salty, and circumspect as she tries to meet the demands of her new job and raising her 14 year old daughter. All the characters are well developed, likeable, and relatable and had me laughing out loud. A witty book with a page-turning plot. I can't wait to read more in this series.

A laugh out loud mystery with romance. Great dialogue and well thought out characters . This is part of a series. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I am really enjoying another great series from Darynda and am already looking forward to book #3. Well done Darynda.

FIVE STARS!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!

Sunshine Vicram might just be one of my favorite literary female leads of all time. She's sassy, smart, and full of drama! With quick dialogue that is very Gilmore Girls-esque, you can't help but love her! The relationship between Sunshine and her fiery red headed daughter Auri is a joy to read about. Auri is sassy just like her mom and she's got a fierce heart. I feel like I know them personally.

This is the second book the in Sunshine Vicram series. I was so excited to see it on the NetGalley website-I hadn't realized there would be more! Now that I'm finished with book 2 that ended on A MAJOR CLIFFHANGER..... there better be more to the story, Ms. Jones!!

A Good Day for Chardonnay truly had every little thing I need to deem this a good book.
Mystery? YES.
Sexual tension? YES.
Heart melting moments? YES.
Heart breaking moments? YES.
Unexpected steamy scene? YES!!

I laughed. I cried. I worried. I blushed.

I need book 3 immediately!

A funny mystery story that weaves together conspiracies, a brooding hunk, a teenage daughter, a missing boy, a wild raccoon terrorizing her chief deputy, and so much more, A Good Day for Chardonnay is sure to brighten your day. Sunshine Vicram is the sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico, a small town where almost anything can happen, and usually will. In this installment, Sunny is on the trail of Levi Ravinder (the brooding hunk) as he tries to track down who attacked his friend in a bar fight and she tries to get him to the ER. This book had me laughing out loud all while spinning a thoroughly engaging and well-plotted story. Try not to laugh too loud when you read it!

Thanks to St Martin's Press for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.

Sunshine Vicram is the local sheriff for Del Sol New Mexico. A job she was elected for without the benefit of running for office. She is raising her teenage daughter Auri while supposedly fighting crime. Though the crimes tend to be raccoons on the loose and paper cut fiascos. Until now…

I love Sunshine and her daughter.

Their connection as mother and daughter is amazing and at the same time….fun! Oh, and did I mention Sunshine’s love interest Levi Ravinder?🔥🔥

There is romance and mystery.

But it’s the humor that shines through this book. Careful if you are reading this book in public as you won’t be able to contain your laughter! Sunshine’s blind dates at the beginning of the book left me giggling remembering some of my own blind date disasters!😂

My only con was there seemed to be so much going on with different plot lines that I found myself lost at times.

Though book one of Darynda Jones’ series A Bad Day For Sunshine remains my favorite… this latest was a strong runner-up. Fingers crossed there will be a book three. Ummm…. Darynda? You are currently working on book three right!?

A buddy read with Susanne

Posted to : https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC to read and review.

It's the morning after... I finished reading A Good Day for Chardonnay around 1:30 last night and for some reason, I am close to tears while writing this. Why? Gosh, you guys, I feel like it's been a long year and for the first time in a long time, I felt kinda normal again reading the words from Darynda Jones. It felt comforting and familiar. I didn't want it to end. Sun is such a kind and loving character and when you throw in the humor and spark she supplies, well... she's my kinda gal. Her back and forth with Levi is a thing of beauty. I swear this needs to be picked up by Netflix and made into a series.

Once again I am left needing more.
5 Sunshiny Stars
~Tanja

Review also posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend.com/

Sunshine & Auri Vicram are Back and that means it’s Time to Celebrate!

It’s also Time for Shenanigans, Sass, and Sweet Nothings!

In “A Good Day for Chardonnay” by Darynda Jones, Sheriff Sunshine Vicram has plenty to deal with, investigating crimes with her best friend and Chief Deputy Quincy. Lately, the best and worst part for Sunshine is that both her past and her biggest case lead her back to one person: Levi Ravinder, the one man she can’t seem to forget.

Auri wants to be just like her mom, and can’t help but get herself and a few of her friends into trouble when investigating what seems like a fairly straightforward case.

For me, the best part about “A Good Day for Chardonnay” were the characters and their relationships. I was rolling with laughter at the antics that ensued between these guys and loved the witty banter that was exchanged between Sunshine and her daughter Auri and Sunshine and Quincy. One scene between Sunshine and Quincy got me and got me good! While I liked the romance between Sunshine and Levi, I was wholly unprepared for how quickly it transpired and found it to be a bit too steamy for my liking.

All in all, however, I enjoyed this addition to the series, loved how it ended, and can’t wait for the next addition to the story.

A buddy read with Kaceey that we both enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Darynda Jones for the arc.

Review published on Goodreads, Netgalley, Twitter, and Instagram.

A GOOD DAY FOR CHARDONNAY is the 2nd book in the Sunshine Vicram series. I don’t want to spoil anything so what I will say is if you haven’t started this series...get on it! The series starts out with A BAD DAY FOR SUNSHINE where we follow newly elected Sheriff (you guessed it, her name is Sunshine) and her daughter Auri. Everything reminds me of Gilmore Girls, but with a crime to solve. It’s truly zany and so much fun. Oh, and I must not forget to mention the potential romance between Sunshine and Levi is 🔥⁣
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This series is truly fun (there better be a 3rd book) and I highly recommend if the premise sounds like it may be your jam. I liked the big case in A GOOD DAY FOR CHARDONNAY better than the first book, but became less interested in Auri’s storyline. But I am so on board for Sunshine and Levi!

Of course I had to read the book as soon as I received the ARC. And I'm glad I did because it was as funny and captivating as the first read. Although I loved the second half more than the first, which also happened in the first book.

We did get answers to some of my most burning questions, but there are also so many more that still need to be answered, also the ending!!!!!!! The wait until the next book will be HARD!!!

I adored the YA romance between Auri and Cruz. I have a big crush on this couple and can't wait to read more about them. Cruz is book boyfriend material, I'm not kidding!!!

And then there is finally more of Sunshine and Levi. They are probably the paring I was the most excited about, and I wasn't disappointed. I'm still very much rooting for them and need more of them stat!!

Thanks to the many quirky characters, and the many lol moments made this book an entertaining read. Although the author's style can be a bit much at times. I realised that during the first half, when the situations and dialogues became a bit over the top, unrealistic, and maybe a bit forced too. Nevertheless I'm as excited to read more in this series as I was last year. The third book can't come soon enough for me.

I loved it! This author is so funny! There are a few mysteries going on in this book and one of them is being followed by Sunshine's teenage daughter. They have a close, witty relationship that reminds me of the TV show The Gilmore Girls. All the characters are a lot of fun and so many exciting things happen in the end. Very touching too. Great book!

10 ++++ Stars!!! I'm in love with this series and OMG...that ending! I'm a little afraid that this is just a duet. I don't think it is, but if it is, I might cry. That very last sentence had me screaming "No please don't end it there!"

I think a lot of people will compare this to the Charlie Davidson series without the PNR twist. I would agree to some of the same characteristics, but it is still it's own series. Either way, I won't complain. I'm a huge fan of both series and I want more, more, more.

The heroine and all the sidekicks are hilarious and keep me very entertained. The hero is smoldering! He's intense and just his description alone has me saying "yes please!" Yep, I'm a fan.

A Good Day for Chardonnay is the 2nd book in the Sunshine Vicram mystery series. The first in the series, A Bad Day for Sunshine introduces Sunshine Vicram, the newly elected sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico and her truly adorable daughter Aurora Dawn "Aurie". The first book was so much fun, and I was truly laughing out loud for most of it.

This book takes place about four months after the events of A Bad Day for Sunshine, and it holds up well after the VERY impressive first book. Darynda Jones is so talented in creating these expansive universes with top-notch characters. I loved the second book, just as delightful as the first.