Time of Grace Ministry has released Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One, a new book by Pastor Mike Novotny aimed at helping couples build a strong foundation during the critical first year of marriage. The book addresses the daily realities that often strain newlyweds, including communication, intimacy, finances, household responsibilities, in-laws, conflict, faith, and shared expectations. While many couples invest significant time and money in planning a wedding day, Newlywed focuses on the ongoing conversations and spiritual habits that shape a marriage after the ceremony.
The release comes amid research highlighting a generational shift in attitudes toward marriage. According to Barna's The State of Today's Family Reports, 81 percent of Gen Z individuals say they value marriage, but this percentage is lower than that of every other generation surveyed. Pastor Novotny emphasizes the importance of prioritizing marriage despite cultural messages. "Marriage is one of God's best earthly gifts. It shows up on the first pages of the Bible in the Garden of Eden. So don't let the culture tell you that it's some lesser thing when it deserves to be a priority," he says. The book aims to counter idealized views of marriage by offering honest, grace-filled guidance for everyday life.
The significance of addressing first-year challenges is supported by academic research. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that negative communication patterns during the newlywed years predict steeper declines in marital satisfaction over time. Newlywed seeks to help couples recognize and address these patterns before they become entrenched, using practical chapters and biblical encouragement to foster healthy communication and conflict resolution.
Pastor Mike Novotny serves as lead speaker for Time of Grace and is also a pastor at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin. He has been in full-time ministry since 2007 and has authored multiple books on faith, suffering, relationships, and difficult questions. In support of the book, Novotny is appearing on national radio and podcast programs, including Chris Fabry Live, The Reconnect with Carmen LaBerge, The Bill Arnold Show, Faith in Culture Podcast from CBN News, American Sunrise from Real America's Voice, GoodLife, and Author's Corner. These appearances extend the book's reach to engaged couples, newlyweds, pastors, premarital counselors, and family members seeking meaningful wedding gifts.
Time of Grace, a digital ministry based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, produces weekly television programs, radio shows, social media content, emailed devotions, and print publications that reach people nearly six million times per month in multiple languages. The ministry's resources are designed to help individuals grow in faith, understand the Bible, and apply God's grace to everyday life. Newlywed aligns with that mission by providing couples with tools to navigate the early years of marriage through a Christian perspective.
Readers can learn more about the book and access interview links through the Newlywed resource page. The page also offers a free chapter download and the option to order the book. Published by Straight Talk Books, Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One was released on May 26, 2026, and is 176 pages long. The book is available for purchase, and media assets, including cover art and author headshots, are available through the provided press kit.
