Praise

"Written with a playful hand and impeccable wit, Beth Brookhart’s uplifting debut novel will have you rooting for her endearingly flawed characters and eagerly awaiting her next release."

– Sandra Kring, bestselling author of The Book of Bright Ideas.

"Beth Brookhart is a wonderful writer—smart, funny, and insightful about the tangles of small towns. The Four Queens of the Buttonbush Museum is a rich and engaging read."

– William Haywood Henderson, author of Augusta Locke

"You are going to love this delightful trip through the realm of THE FOUR QUEENS OF THE BUTTONBUSH MUSEUM! Beth Brookhart has created a playful and rich world full of fabulous, feisty characters and oodles of charm and humor, all while staying true to the realities of a complex time period when it was difficult for women to thrive. You will be rooting for the strong women at the center of this story -- each one fighting serious odds as they reach for their dreams."

– Shana Kelly, book editor, writer, publishing consultant

“When Buttonbush Museum is under threat, four wildly different women band together to save it only to discover they are up against a greater force within their own town. Through creativity and determination,The Queens first fail and then discover a strength they didn’t know they possessed, a path forward for the museum, and how the power of friendship can transform us. A beautiful novel about the complexity of female friendships and the powerful things it can do."

– Carrie Talick, author of Beware the Mermaids

“This book will make you laugh and cry. If you're old enough, then it will remind you of the way you used to feel when you read a Fannie Flagg novel, or watched Steel Magnolias. If you're not that old then you're in for a real surprise treat--women who fight hard, love hard, and support each other. The Four Queens of the Buttonbush Museum is a delightful book about what really matters in life, and how to protect it.”

– Jonatha Kottler, University of New Mexico Honors College, author of Fat in Every Language

"In The Four Queens of the Buttonbush Museum, Beth Brookhart crafts a spellbinding tale of ambition, resilience, and the intertwining legacies of remarkable women in mid-century California. Equal parts heartfelt and hilarious, this novel blends sharp social commentary with rich historical detail, inviting readers into a town bursting with grit, gossip, and unyielding charm. As the museum becomes both battleground and sanctuary, we witness how determination and identity collide, proving that history is written by those brave enough to claim it. A must-read for anyone who cherishes stories of redemption, rivalry, and finding one's place in the world."

– Mike Young, author of The Farmer’s Code

“With rich humor and unforgettable characters, this captivating story is a love letter to friendship and the unstoppable force of determined women."

– Jacquelin Cangro, Developmental Editor and Book Coach

"A fun romp with the serious theme of fighting gender oppression, The Four Queens of Buttonbush Museum will keep you reading—and laughing and groaning until, finally, you’re cheering. Beth Brookhart’s lively prose and captivating characters rule! "

– Jennifer Wortman, author of This. This. This. Is. Love. Love. Love.

"In these tumultuous times, it's nice to take time off with a fun read, and The Four Queens of the Buttonbush Museum fits that bill. Irene will make you smile with her humble, folksy ways, and Odelia will make you cringe with her overbearing attitude. But somehow, the two women, along with Maye Marie and Betty, save the Buttonbush Museum, but not without a lot of hilarious hijinks along the way."

– Pamela Stockwell, author of A Boundless Place and The Tender Silver Stars.