Time of Grace Ministry has announced the release of Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One, a new book by Pastor Mike Novotny designed to help couples build a strong foundation in the first year of marriage. The book, published by Straight Talk Books, is available now and addresses the practical and spiritual challenges that newlyweds often face.
According to the ministry, couples frequently invest more than a year planning a single day—their wedding—but may neglect the daily conversations, expectations, and spiritual habits that sustain a marriage after the ceremony. Newlywed focuses on these everyday elements, covering topics such as communication, intimacy, finances, household responsibilities, in-laws, conflict, faith, and shared expectations. The book aims to provide honest guidance for loving each other with grace, humility, and purpose, rather than idealizing marriage.
The release comes amid research highlighting the importance of the early years of marriage. Data from Barna’s The State of Today’s Family report shows that while 81 percent of Gen Z say they value marriage, that figure is lower than every other generation surveyed. Additionally, 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. These findings underscore the need for resources that help couples establish healthy patterns from the start.
Pastor Mike Novotny, lead speaker for Time of Grace and a pastor at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin, emphasized the significance of marriage in a statement. “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 said.
Novotny is promoting the book through 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 particularly timely for newly married couples, engaged couples, pastors, premarital counselors, and family members seeking a meaningful wedding gift.
Readers can learn more about the book and access interview links through the Newlywed resource page, which also offers a free chapter download and the option to order the book. The book is 176 pages and is available now.
Pastor Mike Novotny 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 aim to help people grow in faith, understand the Bible, and apply God’s grace to everyday life.
For more information on the study cited, the Journal of Marriage and Family article is available online.
