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The Last Supper Catering Company
2013 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal, Readers' Favorite Five Star Review and winner of the Silver Medal for Women's Fiction, Amazon Kindle Bestseller - The Last Supper Catering Company is the humorous and heartwarming story of B. Thankful Childe-Lucknow. Turned out with red corkscrew hair, one eye brown, the other green, and gifted with the power to hear the voices of the departed, B. Thankful is cast aside by the town, and lives an isolated upbringing in the woods with Big G, Little G, and Daddy.
Tragedy, followed by the discovery of a long-forgotten paint-by-number picture of the Last Supper, thrusts B. Thankful from the safety of everything she has ever known.
Beyond the boundary of her sheltered life, B. Thankful discovers the world's hard edges as well as its beauty. More importantly, with the help of a cast of quirky and tenderhearted souls (both earthly and heavenly), she discovers why God made her special.
Tragedy, followed by the discovery of a long-forgotten paint-by-number picture of the Last Supper, thrusts B. Thankful from the safety of everything she has ever known.
Beyond the boundary of her sheltered life, B. Thankful discovers the world's hard edges as well as its beauty. More importantly, with the help of a cast of quirky and tenderhearted souls (both earthly and heavenly), she discovers why God made her special.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 4, 2013
This book will remain in my memory. It is perhaps among my all-time favourites; a simple, beautiful work of holy imagination. All about the power of love, and doing a given job in love. If that sounds prosaic, it isn't! Read the book and see...
January 28, 2013
I LOVED this book and think it's a work of genius. The story is infused with magic and love, and the characters (characters in every sense of the word), are the kind of people I'd love to sit around with and shoot the breeze.
December 15, 2012
This beautifully crafted, enthralling read touches your heart with its thought-provoking deep meaning and clear religious message.
This beautiful story is one that touches your inner core, as you loose yourself within words that hold such meaning and such truth. The story focuses on the true meaning of life and death, by observing death through the eyes of God and his love for those upon earth; such as when he sacrificed his only son for us. This witty, emotive and clever tale complete with distinctive, memorable characters will become ingrained within your memory for all-time. The contemplative narrative on life and death is by no means depressing, but which opens our hearts and minds to such insight as to fill us with hope, inspire us in our lives on Earth and fill us with a certain purpose to go out and fulfill. It recounts how in ones final hour before death that they, similarly to Jesus, performs their own last supper and in doing so brings them closer to God.
‘The Last Supper catering company’ tells the story of inspired character ‘B’. Thankful childe-Lucknow. Turned out with red corkscrew hair, one eye brown, the other green, and gifted with the power to hear the voices of the departed. *which is a significant detail to note* B, thankful is cast aside by the town as the devil’s child and lives an isolated upbringing in the woods. *Once again this is another point to take note of; rejection for being different* Tragedy, followed by the discovery of a long-forgotten paint-by-number picture of the Last supper, thrusts B Thankful from the safety of everything she has ever known.
Beyond the boundary of her sheltered life, B. Thankful discovers the world’s hard edges as well as its beauty. More importantly, with the help of a cast of quirky and tenderhearted souls, she discovers why God made her special.
This inspired, clever and ironic but by no means cliché tale is something totally original, and which I cannot enthuse about enough for it moved me and prodded my soul. The deep meaning within the story is something truly special, as ones perception on death and outlook on life will dramatically alter. It reminds one also of the important things within our lives such as love, selflessness and friendship, whilst always remaining thankful to others but being fearless and brave as you take on your endeavors.
Captivating, profoundly meaningful and really special this is a book that I highly recommend as a spectacular read and one that will be forever close to my heart; as an avid reader and a Christian who is guided along the path of God. This is an outstanding debut novel that reminds us when we have the mindset of gratitude opening us up to possibilities that are far beyond the purview of our imaginations, we should thus be thankful for our world and our life. Michaelene McElroy’s novel brings something past into the modern world with as much relevance today, making this book a contemporary and current read.
This beautiful story is one that touches your inner core, as you loose yourself within words that hold such meaning and such truth. The story focuses on the true meaning of life and death, by observing death through the eyes of God and his love for those upon earth; such as when he sacrificed his only son for us. This witty, emotive and clever tale complete with distinctive, memorable characters will become ingrained within your memory for all-time. The contemplative narrative on life and death is by no means depressing, but which opens our hearts and minds to such insight as to fill us with hope, inspire us in our lives on Earth and fill us with a certain purpose to go out and fulfill. It recounts how in ones final hour before death that they, similarly to Jesus, performs their own last supper and in doing so brings them closer to God.
‘The Last Supper catering company’ tells the story of inspired character ‘B’. Thankful childe-Lucknow. Turned out with red corkscrew hair, one eye brown, the other green, and gifted with the power to hear the voices of the departed. *which is a significant detail to note* B, thankful is cast aside by the town as the devil’s child and lives an isolated upbringing in the woods. *Once again this is another point to take note of; rejection for being different* Tragedy, followed by the discovery of a long-forgotten paint-by-number picture of the Last supper, thrusts B Thankful from the safety of everything she has ever known.
Beyond the boundary of her sheltered life, B. Thankful discovers the world’s hard edges as well as its beauty. More importantly, with the help of a cast of quirky and tenderhearted souls, she discovers why God made her special.
This inspired, clever and ironic but by no means cliché tale is something totally original, and which I cannot enthuse about enough for it moved me and prodded my soul. The deep meaning within the story is something truly special, as ones perception on death and outlook on life will dramatically alter. It reminds one also of the important things within our lives such as love, selflessness and friendship, whilst always remaining thankful to others but being fearless and brave as you take on your endeavors.
Captivating, profoundly meaningful and really special this is a book that I highly recommend as a spectacular read and one that will be forever close to my heart; as an avid reader and a Christian who is guided along the path of God. This is an outstanding debut novel that reminds us when we have the mindset of gratitude opening us up to possibilities that are far beyond the purview of our imaginations, we should thus be thankful for our world and our life. Michaelene McElroy’s novel brings something past into the modern world with as much relevance today, making this book a contemporary and current read.
March 30, 2013
Highly recommend! Must read!
If you want to laugh, cry, and fall hard for a genuinely worthy heroine, please pick up a copy of The Last Supper Catering Company! I have been in denial for the better part of three weeks that this book came to an end. I think that is why it took me so long to write my review…I was so disappointed I had finished reading it already. When I wasn’t reading my copy, I was thinking about reading it and wondering what in the world the author would have this charismatic woman, B. Thankful Childe-Lucknow, do next. I was so absorbed with this story and the loveable characters. Within moments of meeting B. Thankful, she had my sympathy, compassion, and attention, and I was going on a journey with her.
The author transported me back to an era I have only read about or seen portrayed on the screen, and she did it in a truly unique and original way. Plus, I felt like I was watching the story unfold from the front row of a movie theater. Michaelene McElroy can tell a story. I felt as though the characters were dear friends…they each grabbed hold of my heart so.
I took my time to finish the novel, or tried at least, but finally had to accept the fact this part of B. Thankful’s story had closed. I love the way McElroy ended this story and sincerely hope I will be reconnecting with my new friend, B. Thankful, in another story or sequel. I am so grateful this book was recommended to me!
If you want to laugh, cry, and fall hard for a genuinely worthy heroine, please pick up a copy of The Last Supper Catering Company! I have been in denial for the better part of three weeks that this book came to an end. I think that is why it took me so long to write my review…I was so disappointed I had finished reading it already. When I wasn’t reading my copy, I was thinking about reading it and wondering what in the world the author would have this charismatic woman, B. Thankful Childe-Lucknow, do next. I was so absorbed with this story and the loveable characters. Within moments of meeting B. Thankful, she had my sympathy, compassion, and attention, and I was going on a journey with her.
The author transported me back to an era I have only read about or seen portrayed on the screen, and she did it in a truly unique and original way. Plus, I felt like I was watching the story unfold from the front row of a movie theater. Michaelene McElroy can tell a story. I felt as though the characters were dear friends…they each grabbed hold of my heart so.
I took my time to finish the novel, or tried at least, but finally had to accept the fact this part of B. Thankful’s story had closed. I love the way McElroy ended this story and sincerely hope I will be reconnecting with my new friend, B. Thankful, in another story or sequel. I am so grateful this book was recommended to me!
April 9, 2013
This book was so sweet and charming and I loved so many of the euphemisms...And so different too. I really liked the main character.
My only fault with it..is for such a spiritual and inspiring book about death...the writer had to put some foul language in the very middle of the book! I know...they were suppose to be gang members...but really..! If the F word doesn't bother you ..you will really enjoy it. And if it does..you can skip the middle section where she helps a gang member.Which was the least realistic part of the book to me. And how many books do you read about people who are dying and someone fixing their Last Supper..and it is a light read.
My only fault with it..is for such a spiritual and inspiring book about death...the writer had to put some foul language in the very middle of the book! I know...they were suppose to be gang members...but really..! If the F word doesn't bother you ..you will really enjoy it. And if it does..you can skip the middle section where she helps a gang member.Which was the least realistic part of the book to me. And how many books do you read about people who are dying and someone fixing their Last Supper..and it is a light read.
July 22, 2014
A delightful breath of fresh air (a strange thing to say about a book that had so much to do with death). I have a theory that an author's first novel is often their best because they have mulled over the ideas and aren't trying to meet publishers deadlines as sometimes happens in later books. I hope future books by Ms.McElroy are as well crafted as this one.
December 14, 2012
4 and a half stars for this one! This is an uplifting story with very likeable characters. It is also beautifully written. I hope there is a sequel!
Because it deals with death, I would recommend this excellent book to mature young people on up.
Because it deals with death, I would recommend this excellent book to mature young people on up.
October 2, 2013
I think this is the BEST book I have read all year, so far.
A magical, spiritual journey that feeds the soul.
Should be mandatory reading for everyone, and is one of those books, that I think, WILL BE, one day.
BIG, BIG LOVE for this book !
It is YUMDERFUL !
A magical, spiritual journey that feeds the soul.
Should be mandatory reading for everyone, and is one of those books, that I think, WILL BE, one day.
BIG, BIG LOVE for this book !
It is YUMDERFUL !
December 23, 2012
WOW! This book reaches way down into your heart making you laugh with and care about all the characters. But be warned: you cannot read this book without a good supply of tissues.
Superb writing!
Superb writing!
June 7, 2013
Such a sweet story. We all need a little bit of B. Thankful Childe-Lucknow in us. Remember me, for I will remember you!! Definite read again kind of book.
October 19, 2013
Remember me. powerful phrase
April 15, 2024
“Turned out with red corkscrew hair, one eye brown, the other green, and gifted with the power to hear the voices of the departed,” bi-racial B. Thankful Childe-Lucknow is thrust by tragedy from her isolated life deep in the woods of coal country into the big world armed with nothing but an old RV she doesn’t quite know how to drive, a long-forgotten paint-by-number picture of the Last Supper with a gotch-eyed Jesus (one eye on Judas, the other on B), wide-eyed wonder, a heaping dollop of faith, and a dash of bravado.
The catalyst? Her newly found calling as chef to the soon-to-be departed. B isn’t much of a cook, but with a bit of help from the already deceased loved ones of her “clients,” she gifts the dying with a last supper that replicates the most memorable meal of their lives, thus replacing fear, bitterness, and depression with peace, joy, and hope. The last suppers run the gamut of culinary adventure, starting with the jellied pigs feet she makes for her grandmother. (Trust me, the food gets better.)
The book is full of quirky characters, too many to list, but they all play a role in B’s new life. The book is listed as Christian fictions and centers on B’s “road trip for Jesus,” but it’s not preachy, and with references to “diddle wands and hoohas,” it’s definitely not stuffy. The language varies from earthy (“words coming out as unnatural as a constipated poop”) to sublime (“unexpected loneliness sitting in the spoon of my throat where emotions wait to be served up”). Along with the good-natured humor, the book digs deep into racial prejudice and the cost of being different and shows that people (even the scariest) aren’t always what you think they are.
This book is an all-time favorite. I read it ten years ago, and I’d forgotten just enough that on the reread, it was almost brand-new to me. Is it hilarious? Yes. Is it tear-jerking sentimental? Yes. Is it wonderful? You bet your jellied pigs feet it is!
The catalyst? Her newly found calling as chef to the soon-to-be departed. B isn’t much of a cook, but with a bit of help from the already deceased loved ones of her “clients,” she gifts the dying with a last supper that replicates the most memorable meal of their lives, thus replacing fear, bitterness, and depression with peace, joy, and hope. The last suppers run the gamut of culinary adventure, starting with the jellied pigs feet she makes for her grandmother. (Trust me, the food gets better.)
The book is full of quirky characters, too many to list, but they all play a role in B’s new life. The book is listed as Christian fictions and centers on B’s “road trip for Jesus,” but it’s not preachy, and with references to “diddle wands and hoohas,” it’s definitely not stuffy. The language varies from earthy (“words coming out as unnatural as a constipated poop”) to sublime (“unexpected loneliness sitting in the spoon of my throat where emotions wait to be served up”). Along with the good-natured humor, the book digs deep into racial prejudice and the cost of being different and shows that people (even the scariest) aren’t always what you think they are.
This book is an all-time favorite. I read it ten years ago, and I’d forgotten just enough that on the reread, it was almost brand-new to me. Is it hilarious? Yes. Is it tear-jerking sentimental? Yes. Is it wonderful? You bet your jellied pigs feet it is!
June 11, 2021
This is a book you will remember long after you've finished reading. B. Thankful is an innocent, and most delightful character who has one eye green and one eye brown. In her seemingly simple life we see many layers of human emotions. You won't forget B. Thankful.
June 12, 2019
I loved this story and the characters it introduced.
July 9, 2019
Great story about learning to love, not sure what to do about her Fannie Flag mystical ways.
September 14, 2020
This book is magic! I've recommended it to all my writing friends.
Take it in slivers - don't read it all at once. It's too much to take in.
Take it in slivers - don't read it all at once. It's too much to take in.
December 17, 2020
Such an uplifting book! I really enjoyed it!
May 13, 2022
I liked the book but it felt unfinished to me.
June 3, 2013
B. Thankful Childe-Lucknow was born in 1950, just seconds after her mother died. She had red corkscrew curly hair, one brown eye and the other eye green; as if that is not enough to make her stand out, she also hears voices of the dead.
After a tragedy rocks her world, a long forgotten paint-by-number picture of the Last Supper sets B. Thankful on a journey to find others who need the comfort of a last supper before leaving this world.
At 18 years old, she has so far lived a sheltered life, she rarely went into town, and had never been inside a store; her family kept her protected from the hard edges of the world. She also discovers the beauty of the world along the way, and discovers why God made her special.
I enjoyed this story, and B. Thankful is a likable person that you root for; she is naive in many ways to the world outside her home, yet she also seems to have a wisdom beyond her years. It did take me a little while to really get into the groove of the story; I admit it just seemed plain weird at first, but by chapter 4, I found myself really liking the story and the characters. Even though the book talks a lot about God, the tone is more spiritual than religious.
I do enjoy stories with quirky characters, however, I think the author could have dialed the quirkiness back just a little bit. I think that is why the first few chapters were a little off putting to me.
After a tragedy rocks her world, a long forgotten paint-by-number picture of the Last Supper sets B. Thankful on a journey to find others who need the comfort of a last supper before leaving this world.
At 18 years old, she has so far lived a sheltered life, she rarely went into town, and had never been inside a store; her family kept her protected from the hard edges of the world. She also discovers the beauty of the world along the way, and discovers why God made her special.
I enjoyed this story, and B. Thankful is a likable person that you root for; she is naive in many ways to the world outside her home, yet she also seems to have a wisdom beyond her years. It did take me a little while to really get into the groove of the story; I admit it just seemed plain weird at first, but by chapter 4, I found myself really liking the story and the characters. Even though the book talks a lot about God, the tone is more spiritual than religious.
I do enjoy stories with quirky characters, however, I think the author could have dialed the quirkiness back just a little bit. I think that is why the first few chapters were a little off putting to me.
May 28, 2013
I really wanted to like this more and I DID like it but someone should tell Ms. McElroy that sometimes less is more. I felt like it wanted to be a Fannie Flagg novel, or The Help, but every euphemism, cliche, and home-spun piece of wisdom was crammed in where McElroy thought it might fit. Would have been much better if some of the little bits of southern pretty were left out. And I agree with other reviewer about the foul language. Author could have conveyed how tough the gang members were without resorting to the ugly language they used. She managed to convey the relationship between B. Thankful and Pride without coming right out and describing all the particulars.
All in all a good read.
"Maybe that's what dying is all about: becoming less to become more" (2666)
But if God is inside all of us, wasn't God inside the men who did you such harm?
Ja, but fearful of those who were different, they chose to turn their hearts to stone, no room for God or the light to shine in or out. The light is everything. There is hope in the light. (3011)
All in all a good read.
"Maybe that's what dying is all about: becoming less to become more" (2666)
But if God is inside all of us, wasn't God inside the men who did you such harm?
Ja, but fearful of those who were different, they chose to turn their hearts to stone, no room for God or the light to shine in or out. The light is everything. There is hope in the light. (3011)
October 21, 2013
What a great story! Told in an entertaining and unusual voice, The Last Supper Catering Company is about a girl whose personal characteristics draw stares, and whose family is culturally diverse and not accepted by the local townspeople. Completely sheltered from the outside world to begin with, B. Thankful Childe finds her surprising life's calling at an early age and learns to use it to help others. As the title implies, there is a theme of showing love through cooking or sharing food which was used in a very touching way. I loved the part of the Banner Bars and The Five Senses, and the references to the paint by number last supper. The main character was completely lovable, and I enjoyed most of the other characters too, especially B. Thankful Childe's father. What a wonderful man, who had gone through so much but was full of love for his adopted family. Funny, sad, happy and full of love and tenderness, The Last Supper Catering Company has a lot to offer!
August 27, 2014
Real Life Wisedom And Fantasy
This is, by far, one of the very best books I have ever read. I have lived a lot of life and have had the pleasure, and sometimes displeasure, of many books. This one is among my favorites, right near the very top.
This author, in a gifted fashion, is I superb storyteller. She masters the weaving and intertwining of the main story and the sub-plots. The story takes the reader on a special journey with many special characters and experiences. This skillful writing was touch ok ng and entertaining while it brought tears to my eyes and caused me to laugh aloud.
It is amazing to think this is the author's debut publication. I eagerly look forward to more from this writer, hopefully a sequel to this one. What a delightful series this would be.
I thoroughly enjoyed savoring each and every page and now enjoy the opportunity to recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading. Definitely 5 stars. Enjoy!!!
This is, by far, one of the very best books I have ever read. I have lived a lot of life and have had the pleasure, and sometimes displeasure, of many books. This one is among my favorites, right near the very top.
This author, in a gifted fashion, is I superb storyteller. She masters the weaving and intertwining of the main story and the sub-plots. The story takes the reader on a special journey with many special characters and experiences. This skillful writing was touch ok ng and entertaining while it brought tears to my eyes and caused me to laugh aloud.
It is amazing to think this is the author's debut publication. I eagerly look forward to more from this writer, hopefully a sequel to this one. What a delightful series this would be.
I thoroughly enjoyed savoring each and every page and now enjoy the opportunity to recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading. Definitely 5 stars. Enjoy!!!
March 6, 2014
This book is one of the best I've read in recent memory. The authors's way of expressing her main character's thoughts and feelings are indelibly vivid. If I could turn a phrase like this author, I'd write every day of the rest of my life for the sheer joy of sharing it! Perhaps I was ready for this book when I chose to read it. I'd like to think it was placed before me at this specific time for a purpose. My takeaway? Open yourself to love, and you will experience it everywhere in your life.
May 2, 2013
I loved the authors style of writing, loved the main character and her mission after her grandmother and daddy died. B. Thankful Childe Lucknow was born the day her mother died and raised in isolation by her big g and little g and daddy. She is a very innocent and wonderful character, I hope to see her again in another book. Warning in the mid section of the book she comes in contact with some gang members and there is some language.
May 20, 2013
I absolutely loved every page of this book and every person in it! We were all put on earth for a reason. B. Thankful had a trying life. Her mother died while giving birth, people teased her for how she looked and for who she was and she lost everyone that had loved her. Many people would have given up but B. Thankful had a very important job to do. This is a book to read with a box of Kleenex at the ready. I am sad that the book had to come to an end. It is one of my favorites!
February 24, 2014
Whatever our circumstances we all ask ourselves the question, Why am I here? This beautifully written book leads one to the sanctified magic that links all souls together. As the author writes, "God gave us hearts that mend again and again." And, "All a person has to do is hook you with one first rate story about their life, and by the end of the telling you will love that person as if you had known them your whole life." This book will stay with me.
August 29, 2016
Loved it. Very interesting premise. Quirky, lovable characters. B Thankful Childe Lucknow is rejected by everyone in her little town because of her looks but dearly loved by her grandmother, great grandmother and the black man who volunteers to be her dad. When they all die and leave her alone, she realizes she has to use the gift of hearing from dead people to help others leave this life and enter the next. Sounds weird but it's really a lovely, funny, touching , heartwarming story
September 3, 2012
Wonderful book! Witty, Emotional, beautifully written! The main character, cleverly named B. Thankful, can communicate with those who have passed on... and is given a very special job as a result. This book had me laughing, crying & contemplating life (and death) all the way to the end. I highly recommend it!
May 26, 2013
First her momma dies, then Little G, and then Daddy. It seems more than B. Thankful Childe-Lucknow can handle until she discovers she can communicate with the dead. This is her story of helping people cross to the other side and comforting those left behind.
Sweet story about faith, love and grief.
Sweet story about faith, love and grief.
July 25, 2013
I don't know what can be added that has not already been said. This was an amazing first novel with lovable characters and very humbling experiences. Truly the best inspirational story I've read in a very long time. Loved the ending! The author has left her readers wondering about a sequel. The possibilities are limitless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews