The woman at the wheel - penny haw

Inspiring historical fiction based on the real life of Bertha Benz, whose husband built the first prototype automobile, which eventually evolved into the Mercedes-Benz marque.

Unfortunately, only a girl again.

From a young age, Cäcilie Bertha Ringer is fascinated by her fathers work as a master builder in Pforzheim, Germany.

But those five words, which he wrote next to her name in the family Bible, haunt Bertha.

Years later, Bertha meets Carl Benz and falls in love--with him and his extraordinary dream of building a horseless carriage.

Bertha has such faith in him that she invests her dowry in his plans, a dicey move since they alone believe in the machine.

When Carls partners threaten to withdraw their support, hes ready to cut ties.

Bertha knows the decision would ruin everything.

Ignoring the cynics, she takes matters into her own hands, secretly planning a scheme that will either hasten the familys passage to absolute derision or prove their genius.

What Bertha doesnt know is that Carl is on the cusp of making a deal with their nemesis.

Shes not only risking her marriage and their lifes work, but is also up against the patriarchy, Carls own self-doubt, and the clock.

Like so many other women, Bertha lived largely in her husbands shadow, but her contributions are now celebrated in this inspiring story of perseverance, resilience, and love.