MILWAUKEE — 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 navigate the often-turbulent first year of marriage. The book, published by Straight Talk Books on May 26, 2026, addresses common challenges such as communication, intimacy, finances, household responsibilities, in-laws, conflict, faith, and shared expectations.
According to the press release, couples frequently invest more than a year planning a single day—their wedding—but often neglect the daily conversations and spiritual habits that sustain a marriage after the ceremony. Newlywed aims to fill that gap by providing honest, practical guidance rooted in biblical principles. “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 the importance of early marital communication. 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 (Lavner & Bradbury, 2010). Additionally, data from Barna’s The State of Today’s Family Report shows that while 81 percent of Gen Z say they value marriage, that percentage is lower than every other generation surveyed, indicating a growing hesitation about the institution.
Novotny, who serves as lead speaker for Time of Grace and is a pastor at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin, has written multiple books on faith, suffering, relationships, and difficult questions. 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.
The book is positioned as a resource for newly married couples, engaged couples, pastors, premarital counselors, and family members seeking a meaningful wedding gift. Readers can find more information, including a free chapter download and interview links, through the Newlywed resource page. The book is 176 pages and available for order.
Time of Grace Ministry, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a digital ministry 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 aims to help people grow in faith, understand the Bible, and apply God’s grace to everyday life. For more details on the book, including cover art and author headshot, visit the Mike Novotny - Newlywed press kit.
The release of Newlywed matters because it addresses a critical period in marriage that often sets the tone for decades to come. By focusing on realistic challenges rather than idealizing marriage, the book offers couples tools to build a resilient, grace-filled relationship. In a cultural moment when even those who value marriage are hesitant to prioritize it, Novotny’s guide provides a timely and practical resource for strengthening families and communities.
