Award-Winning Author Kay Louise Bowen Featured on Times Square Billboard Following Major Literary Success

Award-winning author Kay Louise Bowen is taking center stage in New York City on October 10th with a featured display on a Times Square billboard. Presented by Printed Word Reviews as part of its Billboard Showcase Event, the display celebrates Bowen's recent accolades and the release of her latest novel, Secrets II: Vengeance & Revenge.

The Times Square feature caps a period of momentum for the author, whose work has swept major independent publishing awards in 2026. Her debut novel, Secrets, took top honors at the 2026 Independent Press Award, while its sequel, Secrets II, was named a winner at the 2026 NYC Big Book Award.

Bowen’s journey to becoming an author began under extraordinary circumstances. As she shared during a recent appearance on the broadcast program GAB TALKS with host Gabby Olczak, her debut book was inspired by an unfinished chapter left behind by her late mother.

"My mom unfortunately died very suddenly in 2020... I was clearing out my files in January... and I came across this document called Gina," Bowen explained during the interview. "It was in my mom's folder... and it was the first chapter of a book. I read it and I was captivated by it... so I decided to try and finish it in her honor."

That homage has grown into a acclaimed series. Secrets II: Vengeance & Revenge returns to protagonists Gina and Neil Adams as their quiet life in Weymouth, England, is upended by the disappearance of their son, Teddy, following the prison release of their former tormentor. Printed Word Reviews recently likened Bowen’s emotional domestic thrillers to the works of bestselling authors Harlan Coben and B.A. Paris.

"'Secrets II: Vengeance & Revenge' is an emotionally charged domestic thriller that will appeal directly to fans of Harlan Coben and B.A. Paris. While it functions as a standalone, readers who enjoyed the first book will find immense satisfaction in seeing the final, definitive reckoning between Neil, Gina, and the ghosts of their past." Read the full review here: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781037121852

"Kay Bowen's success across both the Independent Press Award and the NYC Big Book Award reflects exceptional storytelling and resonance with readers," said Ted Olczak, publisher of Printed Word Reviews. "We are thrilled to highlight her work in Times Square and continue celebrating independent publishing excellence."

In addition to the billboard display, a video trailer for Secrets II released on the Independent Press Award YouTube channel has surpassed 7,000 views. Bowen will officially accept her awards alongside fellow honorees at the annual Awards Dinner on April 10, 2027 at BookCAMP.