MILWAUKEE — Time of Grace Ministry has released a new book, Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One, by Pastor Mike Novotny. The book aims to help couples navigate the common challenges of the first year of marriage, including communication, finances, in-laws, conflict, and faith.
Couples often invest significant time and money in planning a wedding day, but the first year of marriage brings daily realities that require intentional preparation. Newlywed focuses on the conversations, expectations, and spiritual habits that help couples grow together after the ceremony. The book covers topics such as intimacy, household responsibilities, and shared expectations, offering honest guidance for loving each other with grace, humility, and purpose.
The release comes amid research showing that Gen Z values marriage but hesitates about its importance. According to Barna’s The State of Today’s Family Reports, 81 percent of Gen Z say they value marriage, yet this percentage is lower than every other generation surveyed. Pastor Novotny addresses this cultural shift directly. “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’s approach is grounded in the reality that negative communication patterns in the newlywed years can predict steeper declines in marital satisfaction over time. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family (Lavner & Bradbury, 2010) supports this finding. Newlywed seeks to help couples address real-life issues before frustration, silence, or resentment become entrenched patterns. By combining practical chapters with biblical encouragement, the book provides a resource for engaged and newly married couples, as well as 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 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 Christians face. He is currently discussing Newlywed 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, including a free downloadable chapter and interview links, through the Newlywed resource page. 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.
