Time of Grace Ministry has released a new book by Pastor Mike Novotny titled Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One. The book addresses the everyday realities that often strain early marriages, 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, far less attention is often given to the daily habits and conversations that build a lasting marriage. Novotny's book aims to fill that gap by offering honest, grace-filled guidance for the first year and beyond.
The release comes amid research showing that younger generations value marriage but approach it with hesitation. According to Barna's The State of Today's Family Report, 81 percent of Gen Z say they value marriage, yet that figure is lower than every other generation surveyed. Novotny believes this cultural shift makes the book's message especially urgent. "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 counters cultural ambivalence by presenting marriage as a priority worth investing in, not just on the wedding day but throughout the first year and beyond.
Beyond cultural trends, there is academic evidence that the newlywed period is critical. 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, authored by Lavner and Bradbury, underscores the importance of addressing conflict and communication early. Newlywed responds directly to this need, helping couples identify and work through issues before frustration, silence, or resentment become entrenched patterns. By combining practical chapters with biblical encouragement, Novotny offers couples tools to love each other with grace, humility, and purpose in everyday life.
The book is being promoted through a range of national media appearances. Novotny is discussing Newlywed on 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 platforms allow him to reach a broad audience of couples, pastors, premarital counselors, and family members seeking meaningful wedding gifts. The timing of the release positions the book as a resource for engaged and newly married couples, as well as for those who support them.
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. His experience in ministry informs the practical, relatable tone of Newlywed. Time of Grace is a digital ministry based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, whose 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 resources are designed to help people grow in faith, understand the Bible, and apply God's grace to everyday life.
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. For those interested in the academic research cited, the study is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00757.x. Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One is published by Straight Talk Books, with a publication date of May 26, 2026. It is 176 pages, ISBN 1965694500. Media assets, including cover art, author headshot, and interview clips, are available through the press kit.
