Positive psychologist and author Barbara Becker Holstein has announced both a temporary ebook giveaway and an upcoming film release that explore different aspects of human relationships and personal growth. Her bestselling novel 'Women's Freedom, Unfinished Love Stories' will be available at no charge in ebook form from January 31 through February 1, 2026. The book examines the struggles and desires of three college students in the 1960s, using their experiences to reflect universal challenges women have faced throughout history. Holstein's narrative encourages readers to consider their own rights, needs, and societal influences while emphasizing that fair treatment and understanding are essential for self-discovery and emotional growth.
Simultaneously, Holstein has announced the forthcoming release of her new film 'I Had an Affair with My Husband,' scheduled for early 2026. The film follows a married couple, Laura and Larry, who discover that adopting playful alternate personas can reinvigorate their relationship. Based on Holstein's personal experiences with her psychologist husband, the film demonstrates how fantasy and romance can strengthen long-term partnerships when approached responsibly. The production features actors Justin L. Wilson and Jessica Miano Kruel portraying both the positive and challenging aspects of this relationship dynamic.
Holstein explained the film's development process, noting that she and her husband first documented their experiences in written form before adapting the story into a script and eventually a film. As psychologists, they recognized both the value of incorporating fun into marriage and the potential risks if such play becomes excessive. The film aims to entertain while prompting viewers to reflect on their own relationships and consider how imagination might enhance their connections with partners.
These releases continue Holstein's career-long mission of presenting Positive Psychology concepts through accessible media formats. Her work spans six bestselling books, four self-esteem workbooks for girls, award-winning films, podcasts, stage plays, and various digital platforms. Her recent book 'Conflict and a Bit of Magic' helps children build self-esteem through identifying with a fictional girl's journal, while her workbook 'Secrets' achieved bestseller status in teen depression categories.
Holstein's innovative approaches include The Selfie Showcase, a project allowing young people ages 13 to 18 to create selfie videos expressing their concerns about contemporary issues. This initiative, which emerged from her earlier Selfie Project, provides youth with meaningful engagement opportunities around anxiety and stress. More information about The Selfie Showcase is available at http://www.selfiefilmmakers.com, where participants can upload their videos. Additional details about Holstein's work can be found at her primary website http://www.enchantedself.com.
These announcements represent significant contributions to both historical understanding of women's experiences and contemporary relationship dynamics. The ebook giveaway provides accessible insight into generational struggles for equality, while the forthcoming film offers a psychologically-informed perspective on maintaining marital satisfaction. Together, they demonstrate how psychological principles can be effectively communicated through creative media to address both historical reflection and present-day relationship challenges.
