Chicken Dinner News
Ryan Shipley wouldn't have recognized his grandfather if they were the only two people in a room. So when an unwanted inheritance lands in his lap, Ryan is overcome with obligation. Does he leave his life as a journalist in LA to run his grandfather's weekly newspaper and revive a dying Ozark town, half of which he now owns?
The overwhelming amount of casserole dishes brought to his door, along with being stopped by anyone and everyone to be regaled about the virtues of his grandfather, don't sway him. But when he starts to fall in love with more than just a girl named Olivia, Ryan sees a future there.
Change is due for this small town, and Ryan is all in. But when there is talk of a chicken processing plant being built on the outskirts, he writes an editorial in its favor and stirs up trouble. An arsonist and a rigid bigot turn the uproar of the townspeople into mayhem. But it only makes Ryan more empowered to guide the town, and with Olivia by his side, they begin to turn the tide.
Charming and humorously thoughtful, Chicken Dinner News is contemporary fiction for open-minded soul searchers that enjoy books by such authors as Richard Russo, Robert James Waller, and Boo Walker.
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"Chicken Dinner News is a well-written, enjoyable read that has a lot to say about our world and the society in which we live. Billington offers a mix of humor and deep thoughts to ponder throughout the novel. The story highlights the precious resources we have in small towns and the challenges of journalism in these days when we question the integrity of the truth. A fresh voice that makes me look forward to seeing more books from this author." Kathryn Johnson, author of The Gentleman Poet
"Chicken Dinner News provides a thoughtful glimpse into the angst of a dying and often bigoted Middle American town whose only hope for redemption hinges on the possible influx of 'the Mexicans, the hippies, and the gays.' Author Billington delivers a compelling story through the eyes of a reluctant small-town newspaper journalist." J.D. Painter, author of The Black March: A Novel of World War II
"If you have ever wanted to move to a small town and really make a difference, Chicken Dinner News is a must read. It's a gripping tale with charming personalities and plenty of intrigue to keep the pages turning." Chad Stebbins, executive director, International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors
