MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Time of Grace Ministry has released Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One, a book by Pastor Mike Novotny aimed at helping couples navigate the challenges and opportunities of their first year of marriage. The book, published by Straight Talk Books on May 26, 2026, addresses topics such as communication, intimacy, finances, household responsibilities, in-laws, conflict, faith, and shared expectations.
According to the press release, couples often invest significant time and resources in planning a wedding day but may be less prepared for the daily realities of married life. Newlywed seeks to fill that gap by focusing on the conversations, expectations, and spiritual habits that help couples grow together after the ceremony. Rather than idealizing marriage, the book offers honest guidance for loving each other with grace, humility, and purpose.
Pastor Mike Novotny, lead speaker for Time of Grace and a pastor at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin, emphasizes the value of marriage. “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 research highlighting generational attitudes toward marriage. Data from Barna’s The State of Today’s Family Report shows that while 81 percent of Gen Z say they value marriage, this response is lower than every other generation Barna 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 importance of resources like Newlywed that help couples establish healthy patterns early.
Novotny is 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. The book is positioned as a timely resource 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. The page also offers a free chapter download and the option to order the book.
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 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
