Time of Grace Ministry has released a new book by Pastor Mike Novotny titled Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One, aimed at helping couples build a strong foundation in the first year of marriage. The book addresses common first-year challenges such as communication, intimacy, finances, household responsibilities, in-laws, conflict, faith, and shared expectations, according to a press release from the ministry.
Couples often invest significant time and resources in planning a wedding day, but the daily realities of marriage after the ceremony can be overwhelming. Newlywed focuses on the conversations, expectations, and spiritual habits that help couples grow together. “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,” Novotny said.
The book’s release comes amid data showing that younger generations, while valuing marriage, are more hesitant about its importance. According to Barna’s The State of Today’s Family Reports, 81 percent of Gen Z say they value marriage, but this percentage is lower than every other generation Barna surveyed. This suggests a cultural shift that Novotny’s book seeks to counter by presenting marriage as a priority worth investing in.
Research supports the need for early intervention. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that negative communication patterns in the newlywed years predict steeper declines in marital satisfaction over time. The study, conducted by Lavner and Bradbury (2010), highlights the importance of addressing communication and conflict resolution early. Newlywed aims to help couples do just that by providing honest guidance for loving each other with grace, humility, and purpose in everyday life.
Rather than idealizing marriage, the book offers practical chapters and biblical encouragement to help couples tackle real-life issues before frustration, silence, or resentment become entrenched patterns. It is designed for newly married couples, engaged couples, pastors, premarital counselors, and family members looking for a meaningful wedding gift.
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 written multiple books on faith, suffering, relationships, and difficult questions Christians often face. He is currently discussing 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.
Readers can find more information 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. The book is published by Straight Talk Books and was released on May 26, 2026. It is 176 pages long with ISBN 1965694500.
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. For more information, visit Time of Grace.
The release of Newlywed underscores the ongoing relevance of faith-based resources in addressing modern relationship challenges. By combining practical advice with biblical principles, the book aims to equip couples with tools to navigate the critical first year of marriage, potentially reducing the risk of long-term dissatisfaction. As cultural attitudes toward marriage continue to evolve, such resources may play a vital role in supporting couples who seek to build lasting, fulfilling relationships grounded in their faith.
