Positive psychologist and author Barbara Becker Holstein has announced a temporary free ebook giveaway of her bestselling novel 'Women's Freedom, Unfinished Love Stories' alongside the upcoming release of a new film exploring marital dynamics. The ebook will be available at no charge from January 31 through February 1, 2026, offering readers access to Holstein's exploration of three college students navigating their energies and futures during the 1960s. The novel serves as a mirror to women's historical experiences, highlighting universal longings and challenges that have shaped generations while encouraging reflection on rights, needs, and societal influences.
Holstein has simultaneously announced the forthcoming release of her film 'I Had an Affair with My Husband,' scheduled for early 2026. The film examines how fantasy and romance can play crucial roles in sustaining long-term relationships, following married couple Laura and Larry as they discover new dimensions in their partnership. Based on Holstein's personal experiences with her psychologist husband, the film features actors Justin L. Wilson and Jessica Miano Kruel portraying both the positive and challenging aspects of adopting new personas within a marriage.
The psychologist explained that she and her husband felt a professional responsibility to document their experiences after realizing they were discovering new pleasures in their marriage. "We were shocked when we found ourselves behaving as if we had become other people," Holstein noted, adding that as psychologists they recognized they were adding fun to daily life while remaining aware that such play could potentially become excessive. The film aims to demonstrate that relationships can carry through life's ups and downs while maintaining vitality.
Holstein's work consistently wraps Positive Psychology concepts in accessible media formats, including six bestselling books, self-esteem workbooks for girls, award-winning films, podcasts, and stage plays. Her recent projects address contemporary challenges, with cutting-edge presentations based on pandemic issues available on platforms including YouTube and Vimeo, as well as through her Roku channel and Amazon Fire TV under the title 'The Enchanted Self Presents'.
A particularly innovative initiative is The Selfie Showcase, which emerged from The Selfie Project and allows young people aged 13 to 18 to voice opinions on important subjects through selfie videos created with smartphones. This project addresses anxiety and stress by providing meaningful engagement opportunities, with more information available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com. Holstein's primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com offers additional resources and information about her work integrating psychological principles with creative media to foster emotional growth and relationship resilience.
