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Newlywed: A Christian Guide for Loving Year One
Your wedding was perfect. But between saying the vows and actually living your marriage . . . there’s a whole world no one really prepares you for.
Pastor Mike Novotny remembers that world well. He and his wife stepped into marriage with deep love—but almost no shared expectations about money, communication, sex, family, faith, chores, or even what “being sick” really meant. Like most couples, they learned a lot by bumping into things they never saw coming.
This book is the guide they wish they’d had. From mismatched assumptions about chores and money, to navigating in-laws, intimacy, and the mysterious way your spouse loads the dishwasher, this book helps you bridge the gaps, build connection, and enjoy being married.
Whether you’re a young couple or someone who loves them, this is the how-to guide every newlywed needs to survive—and genuinely love—year one.
Pastor Mike Novotny remembers that world well. He and his wife stepped into marriage with deep love—but almost no shared expectations about money, communication, sex, family, faith, chores, or even what “being sick” really meant. Like most couples, they learned a lot by bumping into things they never saw coming.
This book is the guide they wish they’d had. From mismatched assumptions about chores and money, to navigating in-laws, intimacy, and the mysterious way your spouse loads the dishwasher, this book helps you bridge the gaps, build connection, and enjoy being married.
Whether you’re a young couple or someone who loves them, this is the how-to guide every newlywed needs to survive—and genuinely love—year one.
176 pages, Hardcover
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Mike Novotny
63 books81 followersPastor Mike Novotny pours his Jesus-based joy into his ministry as a pastor at The CORE (Appleton, Wisconsin) and as the lead speaker for Time of Grace, a global media ministry that connects people to God through television, print, and digital resources. Unafraid to bring grace and truth to the toughest topics of our time, he has written numerous books, including 3 Words That Will Change Your Life, What’s Big Starts Small, Gay & God, How to Heal, and Sexpectations.
Mike lives with his wife, Kim, and their two daughters, Brooklyn and Maya; runs long distances; and plays soccer with other middle-aged men whose best days are long behind them. To find all of Pastor Mike's books, go to timeofgrace.store.
Mike lives with his wife, Kim, and their two daughters, Brooklyn and Maya; runs long distances; and plays soccer with other middle-aged men whose best days are long behind them. To find all of Pastor Mike's books, go to timeofgrace.store.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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April 6, 2026Pastor Mike Novotny’s book, NEWLY WED, is one of the most insightful, engaging, and spiritually grounded books on marriage I’ve ever read. It’s a valuable resource not only for newlyweds, but for couples at any stage who—if they’re honest—may still wrestle with challenges beneath the surface. Drawing from his own marriage as well as the experiences of couples he has counseled over years of ministry, Novotny courageously addresses everything from spiritual misalignment and communication struggles to often-taboo topics regarding sex and finances. He even explores the complexities of navigating in-laws—sometimes reminiscent of Everybody Loves Raymond—all while consistently examining each issue through the lens of God’s Word.
July 27, 2026
I'd recommend NEWLY WED to any Christian couple looking to improve their marriage, even if they weren't in their first year. Thank you to Time of Grace, Mike Novotny, and Goodread for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2026
Newlywed is a practical, faith-centered guide that goes far beyond the typical marriage advice book. While it is written with newly married couples in mind, many of the lessons apply to anyone looking to build a strong, Christ-centered relationship.
What I appreciated most was how Novotny addresses both the big and small aspects of marriage. He covers important topics like communication, expectations, intimacy, finances, and conflict resolution. He also discusses everyday habits that can have a significant impact on a relationship such as establishing boundaries with phone usage, social media, and how healthy eating/exercising gives each partner more energy to put towards their relationship. I found it to be very insightful, as he highlighted how seemingly small choices can influence connection, priorities, and overall well-being within a relationship.
Throughout the book, Novotny balances biblical principles with practical advice, making the lessons easy to understand and apply. His writing is engaging, relatable, and often humorous without losing sight of the deeper message.
Overall, Newlywed is an excellent resource for couples who want to build a strong foundation for marriage and intentionally grow together in faith, love, and partnership.
What I appreciated most was how Novotny addresses both the big and small aspects of marriage. He covers important topics like communication, expectations, intimacy, finances, and conflict resolution. He also discusses everyday habits that can have a significant impact on a relationship such as establishing boundaries with phone usage, social media, and how healthy eating/exercising gives each partner more energy to put towards their relationship. I found it to be very insightful, as he highlighted how seemingly small choices can influence connection, priorities, and overall well-being within a relationship.
Throughout the book, Novotny balances biblical principles with practical advice, making the lessons easy to understand and apply. His writing is engaging, relatable, and often humorous without losing sight of the deeper message.
Overall, Newlywed is an excellent resource for couples who want to build a strong foundation for marriage and intentionally grow together in faith, love, and partnership.
July 4, 2026
Excellent advice (for any kind of relationship in the first part of the book). Addressing: expectations, centering your life and relationship in Jesus, communication skills, personality differences (strength and weaknesses), “The Stoplight” tip, “Wheel of Emotions” (increase your ability to communicate your feelings), love languages,chores, finances, sex, in-laws, etc.
While the focus is newlyweds, much of this book could be helpful to anyone considering marriage, as well as, anyone learning to communicate with others they need to live with.
While the focus is newlyweds, much of this book could be helpful to anyone considering marriage, as well as, anyone learning to communicate with others they need to live with.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This author is my favorite! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews