The Kiki Lowenstein Universe of Stories

An introduction and an explanation

A few of you are wondering, “Why on earth did Joanna write All In, a book about poker?”

The short answer: “It isn’t about poker. Not really.”

You see, all of my books revolve around the same ideas. I believe in human kindness, creating found family, care of fur babies, creativity as a prescription for mental health, the strength of women’s friendships, and building your own “happily ever after” world.

I write about strong women who have backbones rather than wishbones. Their dreams might get crushed, but their spirits never are.

I know life isn’t fair, but in my books, justice is done and beloved animal characters never die. I realize people can suffer soul-crushing situations, but I also have seen how people take those fragments and build bits of beauty.

An example

Take for example, the late ceramics artist Brooke Andrews.

Brooke’s specialty was ceramic pins, each with a story. This angel was part of a vase, a commissioned item that took many firings to complete. While it was cooling, one of Ms. Andrews’ cats knocked it off the table and broke it into pieces. After mourning the loss, Ms. Andrews turned the pieces into pins, such as the one I bought.

The moral of the story?

Even when life breaks you, you can turn the pieces into something beautiful.

Back to All In.

That idea—making beauty from broken pieces—is at the heart of All In. It’s the story of a family that’s threatened by a series of events that could destroy every aspect of their lives. As a result, the husband returns to a skill he’s sworn he’ll never use: playing tournament poker. And yes, Kiki Lowenstein is a part of their story.

True confession

I don’t play cards of any kind. I am miserable at them! Just embarrassingly bad. But my husband, David, came in 11^th in the World Poker Tour years ago. My son (Michael) met his wife (Chelsea) while they were both playing poker. All three are very, very good at the game, and for them it is a mental challenge, not an addiction (thank goodness!).

Chelsea’s request

In fact, I had written this book decades ago and tucked it away, but Chelsea found it, read it, and suggested I revisit it. I’m glad I did, as this book has become a family project—and one I think you’re going to love. Why not pre-order your copy today?

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Ready to Write Your Book This Year?

Because storytelling matters to me so deeply, I love helping others begin their own. I’ve had several people take me up on this and share wonderful vignettes. So, we started with three words, moved to a scene, and now we need to consider POV (point of view). Who’s telling this story? Is it you? Is it a character you wish to invent? Is it omniscient (told from God’s point of view or from an all-seeing/all-knowing POV)? You need to decide. Yes, you can switch POV, but it’s hard to do, so give your POV some thought. You can share your POV with me in the chat area.

What Would You Like to See in 2026?

Other items to discuss in the chat area? I want to hear from you! Let’s make this a conversation.

What would you like to see me write in 2026? I’m open for suggestions! Choose one:

• 1.) A favorite character you’ll like for me to revisit? 2.) A story thread you think I haven’t fully explained? 3.) A plot idea you have? 4.) More craft projects?

• Let me know! I’ll choose one lucky commenter in the chat section to receive a signed paper book, but you’ll need to share your idea before next Sunday, okay?

Lots of love and best wishes for a healthy, prosperous, and joyous 2026—Joanna