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The Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club #2
The Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club Book Two
Josephine, Devi, and Mac’s story continues. Devi and Mac are falling in love, but a complication comes along in the form of Mac’s pregnant ex-wife. As for Josephine, with the excitement of unmasking the Brookside thief and Devi’s being shot now over, she’s finding Brookside Retirement Community (aka Babbling Brook) as dull as she initially expected it to be. Until, that is, she gets involved with a man who suspects her of being a criminal mastermind. Finding love at this late date is something Josephine never expected, and it’s her Edward Hopper painting that plays matchmaker.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2016
580 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Ann Warner
36 books95 followersA former Air Force brat turned clinical chemist, toxicologist, and university professor, Ann's life took another turn in 2001, when she began writing fiction. After completing a perfectly dreadful novel (she didn't know it was at the time) she talked her way into a graduate writing seminar and followed that up with several years of study as she continued to write. Along the way she made friends with other writers who have supported, critiqued, and eventually praised her novels. Her debut novel, Dreams for Stones, was a finalist for the Indie Next Generation Book Award.
Ann's novels take advantage of the many unusual settings she's traveled to or lived in including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, San Francisco, Wrangell Alaska, Colorado, Boston, and Puerto Rico. As well, her experiences as a toxicologist have added fillips of intrigue to many of her stories.
In Ann's novels, the consequence of choosing to love or not to love is an underlying theme, as characters face crises and complications that force them to dig deep within themselves to discover their own resilience.
Ann has a readers' group. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/dctGuf
Members of the group will receive a link to a short story along with insider information about Ann's writing process, the stories behind the stories, and recommendations of books Ann has enjoyed.
Contacts for Ann:
Website http://annwarner.net/
Readers' Group Sign-up http://eepurl.com/dctGuf
Email Contact http://annwarner.net/contact-ann/
Facebook Ann Warner Author of Emotionally Engaging Fiction
Ann's novels take advantage of the many unusual settings she's traveled to or lived in including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, San Francisco, Wrangell Alaska, Colorado, Boston, and Puerto Rico. As well, her experiences as a toxicologist have added fillips of intrigue to many of her stories.
In Ann's novels, the consequence of choosing to love or not to love is an underlying theme, as characters face crises and complications that force them to dig deep within themselves to discover their own resilience.
Ann has a readers' group. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/dctGuf
Members of the group will receive a link to a short story along with insider information about Ann's writing process, the stories behind the stories, and recommendations of books Ann has enjoyed.
Contacts for Ann:
Website http://annwarner.net/
Readers' Group Sign-up http://eepurl.com/dctGuf
Email Contact http://annwarner.net/contact-ann/
Facebook Ann Warner Author of Emotionally Engaging Fiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 8, 2020
I will agree with the previous reviewer that this changed from the cozy mystery of the last book to more of a light romance. Were the characters less engaging I would have minded more.
February 10, 2017
Cozy mystery, sweet romance - this story was a welcome respite from a slew of recent novels I reviewed, cynical, tragic, brutal stuff, beautifully written with vivid, memorable characters who suffer horribly and die (most of the time) or suffer the loss of loved ones. Gaahh!! I went off in search of a guaranteed happy ending. Ann Warner delivers.
Humor is harder to find than happy endings, and the title - Naked Poker Club, in a nursing home - actually had me worried. The stakes were better than I expected. Warner's dialogue, inner monologues, and sense of timing keep the story rolling along.
Sometimes the "voice" of certain characters didn't strike me as fresh or authentic, but most of the time, it was spot-on.
It's nice to see old people as protanonists. How marginalized they are - how disposable - how invisible they can be even when they're not shut away somewhere, out of sight. This aspect of the novel elevates it to five stars, in what otherwise might have gotten only four from me.
Not having read Book One, I'm curious how Josephine's son could be so awful. Yes, it's what his father modeled. Still, his character lacks depth and complexity. I'm curious to see if he develops more in Book Three. It's delightful to see how Josephine's second chances, her generosity, her forgiveness, are rewarded in this story. I love to see good people refute the old "No good deed goes unpunished" theme. Worst example of it is in the movies: oh, here's my perfect chance to kill the guy who's been trying to kill me. But offing him would make me a killer, like him, and I'm better than that. Let's just let him live. Later, guess who's back, trying to kill the "I'm better than that!" protagonist?
There's so much to love about this book, I won't bother nit-picking about some of the little things I didn't like.
Fans of the genre will not regret buying this book.
Humor is harder to find than happy endings, and the title - Naked Poker Club, in a nursing home - actually had me worried. The stakes were better than I expected. Warner's dialogue, inner monologues, and sense of timing keep the story rolling along.
Sometimes the "voice" of certain characters didn't strike me as fresh or authentic, but most of the time, it was spot-on.
It's nice to see old people as protanonists. How marginalized they are - how disposable - how invisible they can be even when they're not shut away somewhere, out of sight. This aspect of the novel elevates it to five stars, in what otherwise might have gotten only four from me.
Not having read Book One, I'm curious how Josephine's son could be so awful. Yes, it's what his father modeled. Still, his character lacks depth and complexity. I'm curious to see if he develops more in Book Three. It's delightful to see how Josephine's second chances, her generosity, her forgiveness, are rewarded in this story. I love to see good people refute the old "No good deed goes unpunished" theme. Worst example of it is in the movies: oh, here's my perfect chance to kill the guy who's been trying to kill me. But offing him would make me a killer, like him, and I'm better than that. Let's just let him live. Later, guess who's back, trying to kill the "I'm better than that!" protagonist?
There's so much to love about this book, I won't bother nit-picking about some of the little things I didn't like.
Fans of the genre will not regret buying this book.
September 20, 2020
Love the Characters
Every person is unique and interesting. The heroine, Josephine, is very rich but has a sad history. She has never truly been happy or had friends until she was moved into the retirement community. Yes, I said she was moved into, not that she moved into. Her new best friend is an older black woman, skinny, who can eat anything and not gain weight. I am so jealous. Lill is kind and very bright. She does handwriting analysis, which came in handy in book 1 to determine who was stealing from the residents. Devi is a younger Indian woman who worked for the facility. She is a kind and giving woman who also had a sad past. Until she met Mac, a local police detective who has befriended the residents. Poor Mac. This book is mostly about his difficulties. The book also is about a new employee of the residence, Norman, and his struggle to make friends with Josephine. There is not really a mystery in this book, it was mostly about the difficulty of relationships. I would call it more women's fiction. But the story was so entertaining, I could not stop reading it.
In the first book I did not like all the narrative descriptions. I found that much less in this book. This book was way more interactive discussions among the characters. Yeah!
Every person is unique and interesting. The heroine, Josephine, is very rich but has a sad history. She has never truly been happy or had friends until she was moved into the retirement community. Yes, I said she was moved into, not that she moved into. Her new best friend is an older black woman, skinny, who can eat anything and not gain weight. I am so jealous. Lill is kind and very bright. She does handwriting analysis, which came in handy in book 1 to determine who was stealing from the residents. Devi is a younger Indian woman who worked for the facility. She is a kind and giving woman who also had a sad past. Until she met Mac, a local police detective who has befriended the residents. Poor Mac. This book is mostly about his difficulties. The book also is about a new employee of the residence, Norman, and his struggle to make friends with Josephine. There is not really a mystery in this book, it was mostly about the difficulty of relationships. I would call it more women's fiction. But the story was so entertaining, I could not stop reading it.
In the first book I did not like all the narrative descriptions. I found that much less in this book. This book was way more interactive discussions among the characters. Yeah!
February 23, 2025
THE BABBLING BROOK NAKED POKER CLUB -- BOOK 2
Devil is recovering from being shot by her ex-fiance's brother & finally gets to go home. Mac is there to help her out & they are so happy! He proposes to her & she accepts!
A few days later, Mac's ex-wife, Lisa, shows up & begs him to let her stay with him while "her new apartment" gets ready. Her big news is she is pregnant! Because of a "morals clause" in her teaching contract, she asks Mac to not only pretend to be the baby's father, but to tell anyone they remarried! Mac is furious! He tells her he will not lie but she can stay a few days. When the date passes when she was going to leave, she tells him the apartment fell through & she has no place to go. She whines she is pregnant & can't sleep in her car. He tells her she can stay then starts working late hours & staying at Devi's so he doesn't have to deal with her.
The next thing she drops is that the twins are Mac's. She used their last 2 embryos to get pregnant! When Mac asks about joint custody, she demands that he remain single or marry her or she won't let him see the babies. He goes to Josephine & explains what is happening. Phillipa, one of the other residents, is a lawyer & she agrees to help Mac get a workable custody arrangement with no "Staying Single" arrangement!
More good news from Devi! One of the people from the Museum is going out of town for a year & asks her if she could house-sit! This will work out great! Lisa can stay in Devils apartment & Mac & Devi will stay in separate areas of the house!
What trouble can Lisa cause? Will she agree to joint custody? Who is the man who has replaced Devil at the Babbling Brook?
Devil is recovering from being shot by her ex-fiance's brother & finally gets to go home. Mac is there to help her out & they are so happy! He proposes to her & she accepts!
A few days later, Mac's ex-wife, Lisa, shows up & begs him to let her stay with him while "her new apartment" gets ready. Her big news is she is pregnant! Because of a "morals clause" in her teaching contract, she asks Mac to not only pretend to be the baby's father, but to tell anyone they remarried! Mac is furious! He tells her he will not lie but she can stay a few days. When the date passes when she was going to leave, she tells him the apartment fell through & she has no place to go. She whines she is pregnant & can't sleep in her car. He tells her she can stay then starts working late hours & staying at Devi's so he doesn't have to deal with her.
The next thing she drops is that the twins are Mac's. She used their last 2 embryos to get pregnant! When Mac asks about joint custody, she demands that he remain single or marry her or she won't let him see the babies. He goes to Josephine & explains what is happening. Phillipa, one of the other residents, is a lawyer & she agrees to help Mac get a workable custody arrangement with no "Staying Single" arrangement!
More good news from Devi! One of the people from the Museum is going out of town for a year & asks her if she could house-sit! This will work out great! Lisa can stay in Devils apartment & Mac & Devi will stay in separate areas of the house!
What trouble can Lisa cause? Will she agree to joint custody? Who is the man who has replaced Devil at the Babbling Brook?
May 25, 2019
Enjoyed Book One of this series immensely,. Could not wait to read number two. What a letdown. It started off great and I was enjoying it until along comes Mac's ex-wife, pregnant, having been impregnated with a frozen embryo that has been around since before they got divorced. And at that point, the novel ends and a soap opera begins. A soap opera that is left with Mac, his ex-wife, his present wife and two innocent babies hanging off a cliff at the end of the book.
Having read the excerpt of book three, it would appear that they are just going to go on hanging there as there was no mention of them in the excerpt.
In my mind, I can think of several scenarios to this dilemma, all of them unsatisfactory and putting a strain on the marriage and two little ones living a back and forth life with one Daddy and two Mommies. How I hate soap operas and Ms. Warner seems to have reduced herself to writing one and leaving the superiority of her first book in outer space. Even if she eventually goes back to write more about the dilemma she has caused, I won't be reading it as she has officially been added to my Author Non Grata list. What a shame.
Having read the excerpt of book three, it would appear that they are just going to go on hanging there as there was no mention of them in the excerpt.
In my mind, I can think of several scenarios to this dilemma, all of them unsatisfactory and putting a strain on the marriage and two little ones living a back and forth life with one Daddy and two Mommies. How I hate soap operas and Ms. Warner seems to have reduced herself to writing one and leaving the superiority of her first book in outer space. Even if she eventually goes back to write more about the dilemma she has caused, I won't be reading it as she has officially been added to my Author Non Grata list. What a shame.
September 17, 2020
"Josephine, Devi, and Mac’s story continues. Devi and Mac are falling in love, but a complication comes along in the form of Mac’s pregnant ex-wife. As for Josephine, with the excitement of unmasking the Brookside thief and Devi’s being shot now over, she’s finding Brookside Retirement Community (aka Babbling Brook) as dull as she initially expected it to be. Until, that is, she gets involved with a man who suspects her of being a criminal mastermind. Finding love at this late date is something Josephine never expected, and it’s her Edward Hopper painting that plays matchmaker."
The second charming book in this series, continuing the nice little love story and complete with the aforesaid feisty old ladies. Somewhat of a cliffhanger, since Mac's pregnant ex-wife seems determined to dig her claws into her ex-husband but good.
The second charming book in this series, continuing the nice little love story and complete with the aforesaid feisty old ladies. Somewhat of a cliffhanger, since Mac's pregnant ex-wife seems determined to dig her claws into her ex-husband but good.
November 26, 2020
So, The Babbling Brook Naked Poker Club book two simply wasn't what I was expecting based on book one. The first book was a cozy mystery/suspense novel with some romance, but this one wasn't. If I were to attempt to name a genre for this novel, it would probably be women's fiction, almost light enough to be called chick lit, focused on friendship and light romance along with a certain exwife's devious behavior. While it's well written enough and the characters were still great, there were simply too many threads in the plot, and most of them honestly didn't add anything to the story. I was disappointed with it, and I'm not sure if I want to read the rest of the series.
October 6, 2019
I loved book #2 in this series though I'd be hard pressed to find any real mystery in it. But the story was so delightful I didn't mind. This was a continuation of book #1, and I strongly recommend reading them in order. The main characters are back plus a new one Norman who is taking Devi's place as activities director on a temporary basis. He seems very interested in Josephine but she still has major internal barriers to starting a relationship. Another new character, a resident of the retirement community, is Phillipa, a novelist (and former family lawyer). She finds inspiration to get over her writer's block after playing in the naked poker game. Fun book. I'm starting book #3 now as I'm so connected with these characters I can't yet let go!
April 8, 2022
just as good as the first
It is best you read book one to get the full background of events snd characters moods/past. But if one isn’t available do not pass this book up.
Like book one this has romance, past coming back to haunt, an ex-wife skeeming, and friendships bonding even closer. Characters are age from 30-80. And such a great cast of characters. Each chapter is written in a different characters view point so you get to know thier thoughts and feelings and what they are doing.
If you want a clean very well written drama, love, heartache this is it. Don’t pass this up.
It is best you read book one to get the full background of events snd characters moods/past. But if one isn’t available do not pass this book up.
Like book one this has romance, past coming back to haunt, an ex-wife skeeming, and friendships bonding even closer. Characters are age from 30-80. And such a great cast of characters. Each chapter is written in a different characters view point so you get to know thier thoughts and feelings and what they are doing.
If you want a clean very well written drama, love, heartache this is it. Don’t pass this up.
December 30, 2021
What a charming series! I just finished the second one and enjoyed it so much. This time the drama between Devi and Mac held my interest the most. I wasn't as intrigued by the romance between Norman and Josephine and didn't quite feel convinced of it but that's not a big deal. I was a little annoyed by the drama of Josephine's painting made it's way into this book, and I hope the next book adds another level to Josephine's life (more with Norman!) than this painting.
Definitely will continue this one.
Definitely will continue this one.
October 7, 2021
This ending will bring you to tears . . .
. . . but, in a very good way!
Heart warming moments intermingle seamlessly with snapshots of underhanded dealings. But there is no doubt as to who the good guys are, and which side you are firmly on.
Warner hits it out of the ballpark with series, and I am moving right along to the next episode. If you haven't already, get your hands on Babbling Brook . . . you won't regret it!
. . . but, in a very good way!
Heart warming moments intermingle seamlessly with snapshots of underhanded dealings. But there is no doubt as to who the good guys are, and which side you are firmly on.
Warner hits it out of the ballpark with series, and I am moving right along to the next episode. If you haven't already, get your hands on Babbling Brook . . . you won't regret it!
January 30, 2022
Second in a cute series
These mystery novels are set in a retirement community. Besides the actual story line it is so nice to read about characters who are aging with intelligence, grace and dignity. They remain capable individuals. Josephine, the central character, becomes friends with a unique and fun group of characters who begin their relationships playing naked poker (read it!) and continue on by resolving various difficult situations. Simplistic and fast reading.
These mystery novels are set in a retirement community. Besides the actual story line it is so nice to read about characters who are aging with intelligence, grace and dignity. They remain capable individuals. Josephine, the central character, becomes friends with a unique and fun group of characters who begin their relationships playing naked poker (read it!) and continue on by resolving various difficult situations. Simplistic and fast reading.
December 10, 2019
Too short! I love this series and have found a new author to follow. Trials and tribulations but happy endings. The twists and turns are believable. Enjoying references to places in Cincinnati. Lived there for 22 years and this author gets them right. Refreshing to find a self-published author without typos and missing words!
September 19, 2020
Although book two might not have had the emotional impact, the first one did, it was a wonderful story in it's own right. The characters are stronger in each story and very believable. The plot straightforward, but twisty enough to keep one interested and the ending very satisfactory. I highly recommend this book, as well as the first one.
November 16, 2020
Loved it
Another wonderful book in this series. The second of five books it can be read stand alone but reads better after having read the book before. Fun characters, a popular ( but not over used, yet) setting and some humor. Being a retired senior with family dynamic issues I can sure relate to a lot of the stuff in this story!
Another wonderful book in this series. The second of five books it can be read stand alone but reads better after having read the book before. Fun characters, a popular ( but not over used, yet) setting and some humor. Being a retired senior with family dynamic issues I can sure relate to a lot of the stuff in this story!
December 9, 2020
This is the second book in the series, and I loved it just as much as the first book! I love the adventures that this odd group of friends always finds themselves in. This one Josephine is learning to trust men again, and Devi and Mac are learning to have a relationship when Mac’s ex shows up telling them she’s pregnant with twins and they are his.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2021
Disappointing
Book 2 was just a rehash of book 1. Same story told in the first 110 pages of book 2. Story just continued with development of main characters from book 1. No mystery in book 2. I'm not sure what the purpose was for book 2. Very disappointing. I don't think I will continue reading any more books from this series.
Book 2 was just a rehash of book 1. Same story told in the first 110 pages of book 2. Story just continued with development of main characters from book 1. No mystery in book 2. I'm not sure what the purpose was for book 2. Very disappointing. I don't think I will continue reading any more books from this series.
October 31, 2023
Five stars
What a delightful book. Lots of laugh out loud moments, the antagonist are easy to utterly dislike and the rest of the characters are downright loveable! The author is impressive and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. The books are well written and the grammar is excellent, which is hard to find these days!
What a delightful book. Lots of laugh out loud moments, the antagonist are easy to utterly dislike and the rest of the characters are downright loveable! The author is impressive and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. The books are well written and the grammar is excellent, which is hard to find these days!
December 13, 2025
One Cool Mystery After Another
The continuing adventures, or maybe misadventures, of the senior set living in a seniors' living facility. While this story is excellent, it is easier to follow the characters in book order rather as stand alone novels because the author refers to past events in this story. On to Book Three!
The continuing adventures, or maybe misadventures, of the senior set living in a seniors' living facility. While this story is excellent, it is easier to follow the characters in book order rather as stand alone novels because the author refers to past events in this story. On to Book Three!
September 9, 2019
This was a 3.5 , not quite as good as the first- but I am hooked on the characters and their life changes at an older age. I think that this leaves me lots of room for improvement, and I love the idea that you can change your personality by changing/ altering your handwriting!
September 14, 2020
Enjoyable sequel
The same gang is back and love is in the air. The constant change in point of view is still a bit odd but the characters are charming enough for it to work. Some elements seem rushed but I will still read the rest of the series.
The same gang is back and love is in the air. The constant change in point of view is still a bit odd but the characters are charming enough for it to work. Some elements seem rushed but I will still read the rest of the series.
June 3, 2021
4-1/2 Stars The "Babbling Brook" residents are back! Book two in the series rejoins the residents of the Brookside Retirement Community shortly after the events in the first book so consider reading that as a prerequisite. The plot this time around has less mystery and more romance than in Book One. Readers will once again become immersed in the lives of the characters and many will want to finish the story in one sitting then continue on with Book Three.
June 4, 2021
I read the first book and liked it so much I downloaded the second book right away. These characters are so relatable you can't help but get pulled into their lives. By the way there is no "Strip Poker" involved as they are all residents of a retirement home. Entertaining series.
August 31, 2021
Great BOOK 2! This is a WONDERFUL read as well!
New characters, Philippa and Norman are both interesting and charming. Surely a reason to continue with BOOK Three! THANK YOU, Ann!
New characters, Philippa and Norman are both interesting and charming. Surely a reason to continue with BOOK Three! THANK YOU, Ann!
March 16, 2023
I don't know what is it about these books that I enjoy so much. I usually read romance novels. I think I like the characters and the setting. I have fun with the little mysteries and the relationships between characters. I like how older people get to change and learn new things.
April 29, 2023
4-4.5
Great story but the author's narration style takes the reader out of the story. :(
I did not notice that with book one.
Will still listen to the rest of the series, if possible as I love the characters.
Great story but the author's narration style takes the reader out of the story. :(
I did not notice that with book one.
Will still listen to the rest of the series, if possible as I love the characters.
April 8, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable book. A senior lady recently widowed dumped into a retirement village by her son. Lots of surprises in this book, some good, some not so much so. Most people end up much happier by the end of the book.
June 15, 2024
Life's trials at the poker club
I like the individual story lines that then mesh together for a great book. Getting to know all the quirky characters, seniors, and even the not so nice ex beauty queen makes for good reading. I now am eager to start on book three!
I like the individual story lines that then mesh together for a great book. Getting to know all the quirky characters, seniors, and even the not so nice ex beauty queen makes for good reading. I now am eager to start on book three!
March 29, 2025
Delightful Series
Loved the changes in points-of-view. It kept the story line interesting while allowing a broader insight into what was happening. Some authors don’t know how to switch characters’ POV without losing the thread of the story.
Loved the changes in points-of-view. It kept the story line interesting while allowing a broader insight into what was happening. Some authors don’t know how to switch characters’ POV without losing the thread of the story.
July 4, 2025
Put a smile on your face and have a fun day with this book
Best read that keeps you laughing and a little tearing. I don't want to put it down, even for a second.
Great characters, sassy and outspoken lead equals you wanting to read the entire series.
I know I will.
Best read that keeps you laughing and a little tearing. I don't want to put it down, even for a second.
Great characters, sassy and outspoken lead equals you wanting to read the entire series.
I know I will.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews