Sunshine Vicram is the Sheriff of a small-town New Mexico police force.  She is also a single mother to a fifteen year old daughter Auri, who has inherited her mother’s fascination with solving crimes.  With several investigations going on at the same time,  Sunshine has been kept busy with work,and keeping track of her daughter.  Luckily she has her parents nearby to help.  While this leaves little time for romance, Sunshine continues to wait for Levi Ravinder to make his move.  At the end of another busy day, all Sunshine really wants is a big glass of Chardonnay.

I enjoyed reading A Good Day for Chardonnay.  The book is told from the dual perspective of Sunshine and Auri.  The characters continue to be quirky, interesting and likeable.  There were a number of concurrent mysteries in this story including an event from Sunshine’s past.  I enjoyed following these investigations and remained intrigued to see how each would be resolved.

Although I was entertained by this book,  I must say I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first.  The book is as full of quick wit as was the first in the series, but it became very tiring going in to the second part of this book.  While I loved the Gilmore Girls like relationship between mother and daughter in the first book, I was disappointed to find that this bond had evolved into one more reminiscent of sisters in this book.  I felt at times that Sunshine wasn’t prioritizing Auri,  and counted on her parents way too often.  While this didn’t take away from the actual plot, it affected my enjoyment of the book.

I was happy to see that Lorelai King returned to narrate this second book in the series.  She provides another great performance and is believable as both the voices of Sunshine and Auri.  Her voice is expressive and easy to listen to.  I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.

No, No, No!!!! Darynda Jones could not possibly have ended this stupendous follow-up to A Bad Day for Sunshine at the point she did. As I type these words, A Good Day for Chardonnay has not even officially been published, so my wait for the next book in the series will truly be unwarranted and extreme. A Bad Day for Sunshine was entertaining and engaging; A Good Day for Chardonnay gripped me from the opening lines and kept me riveted to the final--SO NOT AN OKAY PLACE TO STOP--words.

Everything in this book was more nuanced: Sunshine's (she's the sheriff of Del Sol, New Mexico) relationship with her co-workers, including her bestie/deputy Quincy, her shared living arrangement with her wonderfully supportive but remarkably unconventional parents, her all-consuming love for her daughter Auri, and most intriguing, her love/hate relationship with her childhood crush, Levi Ravinder.

There's a real engaging story in this volume involving theft, kidnapping, and murder, but it's the relationships among the main characters and the persistently upbeat tone of the book that kept me spellbound. Each chapter begins with a quotation found somewhere around the small desert town, most frequently from the police blotter or the local cafe, and they make me want to pack my bag and head straight out there. Here's one from the start of chapter two: "'If you don't talk to your cat about catnip, who will?' - sign at Del Sol veterinary clinic."
And as for relationships: I've raised daughters, and I am a daughter. The relationship between Sunshine and her daughter makes me green with envy. No mincing words, no pretending that sex, drugs, and violence aren't omnipresent, but an open and all-accepting love that recognizes and contemplates judgment but then puts it aside. And, equally unique, there are parallel and compelling love stories evolving with both mother and daughter, each developing slowly in an age-appropriate manner. And I want to know more about both of them right now!!!!

Installment two of Jones' series about Sunny, a small town sheriff in New Mexico, who often bites off more than she can chew. The plot is faced paced, and the characters are extremely likeable. This series is well on its way to rivaling Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. If this is a genre you enjoy, try out this book! Lorelei King is one of the top audiobook narrators: she infuses every character with just the right timber and tone of voice!

By turns funny and heartbreaking - this mother-daughter mystery series featuring Sunshine Vicram and daughter Aurora is like a cross between Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars with a touch of Stephanie Plum. Sunshine is the sheriff in a small New Mexico town with a traumatic past that just won't leave her alone. Full of a memorable cast of secondary characters, this is a must read series for anyone who loves mystery with heart and characters you can't help but cheer for. I can't wait to read the next instalment. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!

Having just finished Dial A for Aunties (which was laugh out loud funny), I was unimpressed with this book. I think that A Good Day for Chardonnay is supposed to be like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, but there were way too many series sections (and there was no one comparable to Lula). I also thought that the "jokes" were more along the lines of sarcasm, and the humor between Sunshine Vicram and her daughter included making fun of drug addiction.

Also, I love mysteries and thrillers, but there were three different plots going on in A Good Day for Chardonnay. I had to rewind multiple times to make sure I was keeping track of what was happening. If you're interested in this book, I wouldn't recommend the audiobook because it's a little confusing.

This second in a series by Jones was just okay for me. I love the Sun/Auri relationship and the slow-burn Levi/Sun action, but I did feel like there was just a little too much going on in this one - with the bar fight altercation, Auri's seriel killer hunt, Sun's abduction case....I occasionally had a hard time transitioning between these storylines. I do appreciate that it wrapped up a few questions and I will continue to read the series, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first!

I loved this book SO MUCH! This is quickly becoming one of my favorites series ever.

I don’t know how Darynda Jones can keep all the storylines in these books straight, but she’s a genius. This book (and the first) has three or four threads going at once, all of them are super interesting.

These books are bursting with fun characters, murder, complicated family relationships, lifelong family feuds, mutual pining and STEAM. This one is much steamier than the first and I liked it.

As always, narrator Lorelei King remains the best in the business. She brings an audiobook to life like no other.

I can’t say enough good things, just go buy it!

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillanaudio for my gifted copy.

This book is a whacky ride. It took me a minute to buckle in but then I was thoroughly entertained.

Our tour guide is Sunshine ( Sunny) Vicram a sarcastic sheriff of a small town in New Mexico. Retrograde Amnesia muddles her history a bit so, like the reader, she needs some help figuring it all out.

Help arrives in a cast of characters that includes her 15 year old daughter and would be crime solver, a partner and best friend plus many more to add spice.

The town itself is another character with all its mysteries and mischief.

I went into this book blind because I hadn’t read the first in this series and I don’t recommend that approach but enough is explained that I caught up easily.

Lorelei King’s narration was fantastic and I hope she continues adding her voice to this series. It ends on a cliffhanger which makes me impatient for Darynda Jone’s next installment. Definitely a series I will continue.

*Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this Advanced Listening Copy

Darynda Jones does it again! This is an adorable and hilarious series following Sunshine - the sheriff in a small town in Jee Mexico - and her daughter Aurora - your typical teenager. Book one gave us a decent introduction to everyone in the storyline and in this one (book two), while the “case” is different, we find more information about Sunshine’s past.

I get the impression this series is going to revolve around figuring out exactly what happened to Sunshine when she was 17. While there is nothing funny at all about that story, the entire series definitely has a humorous tone.

The mother-daughter relationship is amazing. I can see it being considered problematic but I love it. I get total Gilmore Girls vibes from Sunshine and Aurora (Ari). They have an amazing relationship while remaining incredibly mother-daughter like. The grandparents also play a big role in their lives, which makes the story feel more realistic as well.

The audiobook is fantastic too. Thanks to NetGalley, I had a copy of it and as usual, Lorelei King nails it! She’s definitely one of my favorite narrators and she does not disappoint in this one at all!

Title: A Good Day For Chardonnay
Author: Darynda Jones
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🔊Song Pairing: Sheriff You Want To - Luke Combs

💭What I thought would happen:

I honestly thought it was going to be about some savvy wine sommelier…this is when judging a book by the cover is LAUGHABLE!

📖What actually happens:

The second installment of Sheriff Sunshine Vicram back at solving crimes with sassy retorts and vicious flirtation with her colleague Quincy.

Sunny is attempting to solve a case around a stabbing involving a local, her good friend Levi (whom she is attracted towards), and the mystery attempted murderers.

Sunny is simultaneously trying to remember her abduction when she was 17, determining who saved her and the events surrounding her disappearance.

🗯Thoughts:

The book starts out with a bad first date and a rogue raccoon. Yes, please! This was very much a Stephanie Plum-like read. A badass woman solves a crime. I’m here for a strong lead female with authority.

The chapter titles are hilarious. Just a random extra highlight that the book has to offer: Man arrested for practicing karate on swans, the swan won.

I don’t love the voice the narrator does for Sun’s daughter Aurora, the girl has a dark sense of humor that is mature beyond her teenage years yet the narrator makes her sound like a simple-minded first grader.

I missed the first book but it’s easy to jump into the second but I think I would have liked the background from the first novel. However, the book is flooded with characters and it’s difficult to keep up with all the townsfolk and coppers. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I don’t think I will continue to read this series but it was fun and the title of this book obviously captured my attention instantly as I am a huge fan of chard. 😉

A Good Day for Chardonnay opens not too long after the conclusion of the first book, A Bad Day for Sunshine. Sunshine Vicram continues to situate herself in the roll of sheriff, helping out the town, and trying to discover the truth behind her abduction. The book has several storylines that run parallel, eventually criss-crossing and running all together.

I continue immensely enjoy Sunshine Vicram and her larger-than-life story. A Good Day for Chardonnay is filled with humor, romance, friendship, family, mystery, and a bit of suspense. The characters and their various relationships, especially the bond between Sunshine and teenage daughter, Aurie, are the best part of the story. The author creates three-dimensional, quirky, charming characters that I love. The back and forth banter is hilarious, but also touching at times. The connections create a lot of emotion, and I care deeply about each character.

Ms. Jones puts together a couple smart mysteries with several moving pieces that come together over time. Sunshine, Levi, and the sheriff department are investigating a knife attack with ties to Sunshine’s past. Aurie, Cruz, and Sybil pick up the pieces of a cold case. Additionally, Sunshine is contacted by Levi’s uncle, Wynn, regarding details of her abduction. Although there is a lot going on, the book flows well, and each case is easy to follow.

Overall, the stories and characters are amazing, but I did have two small annoyances. First, it is painfully obvious who Aurie’s father is since the first book, and it’s frustrating that Sunshine can’t or won’t put it together. Also, I know that Aurie is only 15, but she made a few TSTL (too stupid to live) moves – and not just once, but similar things over and over.

Narration: The story is shared via the alternating third person POVs of both Sunshine and Aurie. The narrator remains the same female voice for both POVs and changes with dialogue. Although a few of the voices sound similar, Ms. King creates a cast of dozens, adjusting each for gender, age, etc. Her males are deeper; Levi is sexy and rough. Her females range from average to deep timbre. She does younger (teen) amazingly: her Aurie sounds just like a fresh, sometimes angsty, teenage girl. Ms. King’s performance adds value to the overall experience, submersing me into the story.

In the end, I AM LOVING this series. The characters are amazing: smart, fun, witty, silly, passionate, loyal. Their love for one another, whether familial, romantic, or friendship, makes the story all the better. I continue to absolutely enjoy Sunshine Vicram and cannot wait for the next tale.

Ratings:
Story: A-
Narration: A+

Harlequin Junkie Top Pick!

A Good Day for Chardonnay was a superb follow-up in the Sunshine Vicram series–and a novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Humor, a fast-moving plot, action, swoony romance…Darynda Jones included it all here and it worked perfectly.

First, I have to say that Darynda Jones has the most awesome book titles for this series so far. (Book one was A Bad Day for Sunshine, and boy was it ever) Second, I am simply in love with Sunshine, Auri, Cruz (adore him), Quincy, Levi (oh my word, Levi!), and the rest of the quirky locals in Del Sol, New Mexico. The town itself was like a living, breathing character in the story. From the townspeople to the locations Sunny and her crew explored in this installment, Jones described it all so well that I literally felt like I was there in every scene. And that’s impressive considering I’ve never been west of the Mississippi. (lol)

It’s always tough to review one of Jones’s books because I want to go all fangirl, first of all, but there are also so many layers to her stories that it would be easy to give spoilers. What I can say is that Sun was still fighting to figure out what happened in her past when she was abducted, who was involved, and how it related to what was going on in the present with a few outlying members of the Ravinder family. There was also, of course, a new case in Del Sol snagging Sunny’s attention and keeping the force on their toes.

There was a lot happening in Sunny’s spunky daughter Auri’s life as well. Much of it revolved around her boyfriend Cruz, whom I couldn’t love more if I tried. In some ways (the best of ways) Auri and Cruz’s relationship reminded me of Sunny and Levi quite a bit. Especially the guys. Levi and Cruz were just *good* to the core and were the type of guys who would do anything at all for those they loved. Jones reduced me to tears when it came to Cruz’s part of the storyline. But as sad as his situation was, it also showed the level of care and camaraderie locals in Del Sol had for him and anyone else in need. *sigh*

Be prepared to giggle, cry, and sigh happily–sometimes all within one scene–and for some shocking revelations when you read A Good Day for Chardonnay, Darynda Jones’s newest masterpiece. Highly recommended.

There are many layers to the Sunshine Vicram series. the mystery of her abduction fifteen years earlier continues to unravel as other Del Sol occurrences require police intervention. There are answers to some questions and crimes are solved while others remain a mystery. I love the sign/police blotter quips that begin each chapter and the snarky banter. Like the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, there are plenty of quirky supporting characters. This series is also read by the same narrator as the Stephanie Plum books -- Lorelei King. I was happy to see that the beefcake comments were not as prominent as in the first book. If you like your mysteries with some spice, this book does have one very detailed interlude. For me that takes a star away from my review, but some may find it adds to their experience. Still invested for Book #3.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, so fair warning, if you hate cliff-hangers as much as I do, you might want to hold off reading or listening to this book until the next one is published. Well, I’m guessing and hoping there will be a next one, it would be cruel otherwise.

A Good Day for Chardonnay is a rollercoaster of a book and I had the best afternoon listening to it. I don’t know how best to explain it, but Darynda Jones gives us a story that’s funny, serious and sad with a heavy dose of sass. It borders on OTT, but doesn’t venture too far off the line but manages to keep to that light-hearted and quirky feel we readers have come to associate with small town settings filled with busy-bodies.

I think I’m going to skip talking about the plot, there’s just too much going on for that to really matter. That saying about throwing in everything but the kitchen sink does come to mind though. But, I honestly didn’t mind it. It was fun listening to everything going on in this town. Just don’t expect a mystery masterpiece, because this won’t be that, the mystery part of this series is obvious and predictable to say the least, but it’s still entertaining.

As far as the narration goes, Lorelei King has a new fan in me. She performed this book to perfection, especially the snark between mother and daughter, that was epic. She is without a doubt a talented voice actor and it showed in the delivery of this book. Every line was spot on; the descriptions, dialogue and the emotions even more so. I am definitely going to watch out for more of her work in the future.

This series is perfect to listen to on a sunny day when you just want to relax – or a rainy one when you want a dose of happiness. You know what, just read the books, you won’t be sorry.

A copy of this audiobook was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

OMG! There is a reason I love this author and read everything she write. She drawls you in. You laugh, and cry and route for the characters. This was no different.

Sunshine is on the case. There is something afoot in Del Sol, and as Sheriff, Sunshine Vicrum has a job to do. This book takes a number of turns, and adds a whole lot of Auri and Cruz. There is so much I want to say, or scream about, or throw hot coffee while yelling WTF. That can’t be the end. Oh hell to the no. But that would spoil the ride. Trust me, read A Bad Day for Sunshine. And then jump right into this. There are some great questions that get answered. Just beware, you get left wondering…

Now I think it’s important to note that reading this book is good, but listening to it is so much better. Even when I was just reading it, I heard the Audible narrators voice in my head. Get the Audible. It’s amazing

Sheriff Sunshine Vicram is back along with her teenage daughter Auri and the rest of the quirky crew from the first book A Bad Day For Sunshine. Before I tell you a bit about the story, I have to say, this is a series you want to read in order, so make sure you read book one before this one. Sunshine Vicram is investigating a case linked to her past while her teenage daughter, Auri, is investigating a cold case involving a serial killer. She and her BFF along wit boyfriend Cruz, are involved in this sleuthing and what fun that is. Meanwhile the man Sunshine is "secretly" in love with, Levi Ravinder, is involved in a serious bar fight, where one person is dead and another in the hospital, and that has another investigation going on. Then there are town secrets, who are the Dangerous Daughters?

If you are looking for a serious mystery, you might want to give this one a pass. This is a humorous, sort of rom-com with a mystery as well. It is sarcastic, with witty banter and laugh out loud scenes. The story further investigates Sunshine's abduction years earlier and gives us most of the answers. Sunshine knows that Levi Ravinder could not have been behind what happened, but clues are pointing in that direction. The search into the past only strengthens their relationship and there is one scene that was a bit cringe worthy for me. The graphically descriptive intimate scene had me fast forwarding before my ears set on fire. I really enjoyed getting to know Auri better. She is a scrappy teen, who wants to follow in her mother's sleuthing footsteps. I can't review this book without talking about the banter that Darynda Jones is known for. The dialogue will have you laughing out loud, so it's probably best that you are not drinking anything while you read or listen to this one. The rest of the cast are also wonderful and all play a part in this entertaining read. I would love to have a best friend like Quincy, and to work with him is great. His antics with the raccoon had me laughing out loud. I love Sunshine's parents. They only want their family happy, so besides setting Sunshine up on hilarious blind dates, they are the stable hand in raising Auri. This quirky town sets a stage for all the highjinx and shenanigans, while supporting each other, especially Sunshine and her family. The audiobook was narrated by Lorelei King. I have listened to a few books she has performed and I enjoy her work. She uses voices to give personality to the characters and her tone and expression gives emotion to the characters adding to my enjoyment. If you enjoy a fun mystery, with some romance and a lot of humour, then this book is for you.

I am a fan of the author and enjoyed this book, but the app doesn't work so well so I can't provide the best feedback on the audio unfortunately.

A Good Day for Chardonnay is the second installment in the Sunshine Vicram series by Darynda Jones. There is A LOT going on in this book so I highly recommend you read the first book, A Bad Day for Sunshine, before delving into this small town quirky mystery.

Even though she didn't actually run for office, Sunshine has been elected to the Sheriff position in Del Sol, New Mexico. Usually the town is quiet where the most stressful call is for a wild raccoon committing a home invasion, however, in Chardonnay all heck breaks loose. Sunshine is still investigating leads into her own abduction years ago while trying to juggle her current case load. Her teenage daughter, Auri, is investigating a cold case involving a serial killer with the primary suspect being a sweet elderly woman. The man she is in love with, Levi Ravinder, is involved in a bar fight which ends with multiple people seriously injured and missing (presumed dead) thus leading to an even bigger investigation. On top of this, her parents set her up on a terrible date, town secrets are revealed, a tragic death occurs, and a huge revelation is made, leading to a cliffhanger ending. There is a lot going on and it really felt like a bit much at times.

My favorite parts were the witty dialogue; the mother/daughter relationship between Sunshine and Auri, and the cast of quirky characters scattered throughout. I was more invested in the possible serial killer investigation being conducted by Auri than the book's central mystery.....though with that being said, Auri should be grounded for a hot minute after all that!

I listened to the audiobook version. The narrator is Lorelei King. This may be the first audiobook I've listened to with her as the narrator and she does not disappoint. She does a great job giving different voices to the characters, even the male ones, and she has impeccable delivery of the dry/witty tone of the book.

This is a terrific audio book. Lorelei King is one of my favorite readers and she does a fabulous job narrating this one. A small town sheriff, Sunshine Vicram, has a precocious teenage daughter, a rather crazy family, a capable interesting staff, and loyal friends. Nothing goes smoothly for Sunshine but with the help of her circle of people she always manages to come out OK. This is part mystery, part comedy, and part romance. There is lots of action and close calls are inevitable. The dialog is fantastic, snappy and witty, and leaves the reader wanting more. The author does know how to get you anxious for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this one and the first book in the series, A Bad Day for Sunshine.

The next installment in the Sunshine Vicram series has it all. Suspense, murder, humor, and a little romance. I love these laugh out loud books.