Book Reviews

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New Wine is chapter 21 of Fine Line, the sequel to Woodcutter’s Revival. Both historical fiction books, written by Jerry Slauter are set at the beginning of the final phase of the Industrial Revolution.

A wedding is planned for the chapel at Mudlavia. The resort boasts a Christmas feast in books and articles about Mudlavia. The couple decides to plan the wedding like a week-long Jewish festival and invite guests to Mudlavia for the entire week. The following excerpt includes a menu from Christmas day:

“The time came and guests arrived. Christmas dinner at the resort was one to remember. The main entrées included roast turkey with cranberry sauce, small filet of veal a la financiere, and roast prime rib of beef au jus. Side items included peach fritter with vanilla sauce, mashed or glazed sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, lettuce and tomatoes with mayonnaise.”

“Desert included plum pudding with brandy sauce, mince pie, pumpkin pie, assorted cakes, and tutti-frutti ice cream. There were also mixed nuts, figs, raisins, camembert and Roquefort cheeses. Drinks included coffee, Postum, milk, green or black tea, cocoa to order and Mudlavia Spring Water. There were no written warnings, only rumors that drinking too much of Kramer’s water could give a person the ‘green apple quick steps.’”

Another excerpt includes a portion of the wedding ceremony:

Pastor Douglas said, “The first recorded miracle performed by Jesus was at a wedding in Canaan. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles include several references to weddings. The church is the bride of Christ. When asked why John’s disciples fasted and the disciples of Jesus seemed to be celebrating most of the time, Jesus responded, ‘The groomsmen do not mourn while the groom is with them.’

“There are a lot of symbols present here. The bride and groom have decided to have a week-long festival similar to a Jewish festival. They want to share their special time with friends and family. They also acknowledge that the public ceremony of marriage is like the water baptism. They die to the individual and become united as one. Although they become as one, they do not lose their individuality. They grow and encourage, motivate and help each other. They each learn to live for the other, thereby completing the other.

“Jesus said that unless a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Jesus spoke of Himself as the bridegroom. He acknowledged that He must go so the purpose of His ministry could be fulfilled on earth. The disciples wanted to keep him in his bodily form, not realizing the extent of His ministry.

“The water was symbolic of the water baptism. Jesus changed it to wine, which was symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The water of baptism was a symbolic death and cleansing of the body. The water that became wine was the symbolic introduction of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of empowerment.

“After the water was changed to wine, some was taken to the chief steward of the wedding. He commented that people usually served the good wine and when people had enough to lose their powers of perception and discriminating taste, the cheap stuff was brought out. He was amazed in this situation because the good wine was saved for last, symbolizing the Holy Spirit is greater and deeper than the initial rebirth and baptism. The couple will share in communion to symbolize the end of their individual lives and to commit to each other and God to go forward, growing in relationship, first with Him and then with each other.”

Woodcutter's Revival is available now. Fine Line is due to be released in 2014.

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About the Author:

Jerry is a retired school teacher who loves to spend time with his family, including children and grandchildren. He published Woodcutter’s Revival in 2012 and plans to release the sequel, Fine Line, in 2014. He likes to travel and speak about writing and the topics of his writing and research. He works in his wood, leather and metal shops at home. Writing aligns well with his passion of reading and research. Jerry is available to speak in schools and churches or conferences and seminars.

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