Barbara Eden and June Squibb lead star-studded audiobook cast for Where the Light Is Brighter

Christmas Lake Press has released the audiobook of Where the Light Is Brighter on Audible, with Barbara Eden narrating and June Squibb, Loretta Devine, James Remar and others in the cast. The release leans into the book’s message about ageism and later-life friendship, with a wider platform rollout coming soon.

Why it matters: - The audiobook puts two nonagenarian stars, Barbara Eden and June Squibb, at the center of a story about aging, friendship and resilience. - The project is designed to challenge ageism and present later life as active, humorous and emotionally rich. - Christmas Lake Press is using a multi-narrator cast to broaden the book’s reach and appeal in a crowded audiobook market.

What happened: - Christmas Lake Press released the audiobook of Where the Light Is Brighter on Audible, with streaming on other platforms coming soon. - Barbara Eden narrates the role of 98-year-old Edith. - June Squibb voices Pearl, the centenarian gift shop owner. - Loretta Devine, James Remar, Steve Schirripa, Gerard Doyle, Elayne Gordon and Christine Rendel are among the cast. - The novel was published in 2023 by Christmas Lake Press and was written by C. C. Griffin and Thomas G. Fiffer. - The audio edition is available for purchase on Audible and will stream soon on other platforms.

The details: - The story follows residents of the fictional River’s Edge care home through a year of holidays from New Year’s Eve to Christmas. - Edith arrives reluctant and expects to go home soon after her son William places her in the facility. - Edith bonds with Stella, Roula and Nellie, a self-appointed welcoming committee who help turn strangers into family. - Other characters include Bruno, O’Neill and Pearl, each part of the book’s ensemble approach. - Griffin drew on extensive healthcare experience and family history when writing the novel with Fiffer. - The book was shaped by Griffin’s view that ageism can affect healthy life expectancy and should be challenged through fiction. - Griffin cites Yale public health research led by Becca Levy showing ageism can reduce healthy life by as much as 7.5 years. - Christmas Lake Audiobook Producer Jacob Sundlie worked with talent agencies including Hanson & Schwam, Innovative Artists and WME to assemble the cast. - Julia Bobkoff helped direct sessions in New York and Los Angeles. - Fiffer said recording in Studio City in spring 2025 included a first meeting between Barbara Eden and June Squibb during a 20-minute break between sessions.

Between the lines: - The casting turns the audiobook into part performance project, part statement about the value of older performers. - Releasing the audiobook on Barbara Eden’s 95th birthday appears meant to frame the launch as both a milestone and a tribute. - The project also extends beyond one title: Fiffer and Bobkoff have launched a new traditional publishing venture, Dreamfield Press. - Christmas Lake Press is building a broader audiobook slate, suggesting the company wants more presence in voice-driven publishing.

What's next: - Where the Light Is Brighter will continue rolling out on additional audio platforms. - Christmas Lake Press plans more audiobook releases and in-production titles, including The Climber of Pointe du Hoc, Hope on Wheels and The Fall of Jordan Rome. - More information is available through Christmas Lake Audio.