Time of Grace Ministry has announced the release of Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One, a new book by Pastor Mike Novotny aimed at helping couples build a strong foundation in the first year of marriage. The book, published by Straight Talk Books, was released on May 26, 2026, and addresses the daily conversations, expectations, and spiritual habits that help couples grow after the wedding ceremony.
Newlywed tackles common first-year marriage topics such as communication, intimacy, finances, household responsibilities, in-laws, conflict, faith, and shared expectations. Rather than idealizing marriage, the book provides honest guidance for loving each other with grace, humility, and purpose in everyday life. Through practical chapters and biblical encouragement, it helps couples address real-life issues before frustration, silence, or resentment become patterns.
The release comes as data from Barna’s The State of Today’s Family Reports shows that Gen Z believes in marriage but hesitates when it comes to its value. While 81 percent say they value marriage, this response is lower than every other generation Barna surveyed for the report. Pastor Novotny commented, “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.”
According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, negative communication patterns in the newlywed years predict steeper declines in marital satisfaction over time. The study, titled “Patterns of Change in Marital Satisfaction Over the Newlywed Years,” is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00757.x. This research underscores the importance of addressing communication and conflict early, a core focus of Newlywed.
Novotny is promoting the book 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. The book’s message is especially timely for newly married couples, engaged couples, pastors, premarital counselors, and family members looking for a meaningful wedding gift.
Readers can learn more about the book and access interview links through the Newlywed resource page. The page also includes an option to download a free chapter and order the book.
Pastor Mike Novotny serves as lead speaker for Time of Grace and is also a pastor at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin. He has served in full-time ministry since 2007 and has written multiple books addressing faith, suffering, relationships, and difficult questions Christians often need help discussing. He is available for interviews.
Time of Grace is a digital ministry based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its weekly television program, radio shows, social channels, emailed devotions, and print publications reach people nearly six million times per month in multiple languages. The ministry’s relatable resources help people grow in faith, understand the Bible, and apply God’s grace to everyday life.
Book details: Title: Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One | Author: Pastor Mike Novotny | Publisher: Straight Talk Books | Publication date: May 26, 2026 | 176 pages | ISBN: 1965694500.
Media assets, including cover art, author headshot, and interview clips, are available through the Mike Novotny - Newlywed press kit.
