Time of Grace Ministry has released Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One, a book by Pastor Mike Novotny that helps couples build a strong foundation in the first year of marriage. The book arrives as new data and research highlight both the value younger generations place on marriage and the unique pressures that can undermine it in its earliest stage.
Couples often spend more than a year planning a single day, yet the daily realities of marriage—communication, intimacy, finances, household responsibilities, in-laws, conflict, faith, and shared expectations—receive far less preparation. Newlywed focuses on those everyday conversations and spiritual habits that help couples grow after the ceremony. Rather than idealizing marriage, the book offers honest guidance for loving each other with grace, humility, and purpose.
The release is timely. Data from Barna’s The State of Today’s Family Report shows that Gen Z believes in marriage but hesitates about its value. While 81 percent say they value marriage, that response is lower than every other generation Barna surveyed. “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,” says Novotny.
The stakes are high. According to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, negative communication patterns in the newlywed years predict steeper declines in marital satisfaction over time. The research, titled “Patterns of Change in Marital Satisfaction Over the Newlywed Years,” underscores why early intervention matters. Newlywed aims to help couples address real-life issues before frustration, silence, or resentment become entrenched patterns.
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’s message is especially relevant 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 serves as lead speaker for Time of Grace and is a pastor at The CORE in Appleton, Wisconsin. He 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. The book is published by Straight Talk Books and is available now.
