I love historical fiction stories by women about women, that put women back into the pages of history where they belong and have always to been — too often have their contributions been omitted, forgotten, or overlooked. This book is precisely that regarding Berta Benz and her integral role alongside her husband Carl Benz in the pioneering invention of the gas powered auto and it becoming the first mass produced automobile. She not only supported him in his dreams and vision, but as the author clearly shows made them possible and at key moments along the way made them a reality. She stepped in during negotiations, worked with clients and the new invention, made key contacts and created awareness for it, and made the FIRST long distance test drive - just to name a few of her roles — despite being as some thought “only a girl”. She turned that notion on its head and made it only a girl could do some of the things she did, especially when Carl got in the way of himself. She inspired many and still does, especially in a field where women are still a minority.
The only con was for me at least that the pace moved a little slow for me and I at times got lost in the in-depth technical aspects and discussion of the auto and it’s intricacies/invention path. Some could be due to lack of interest and understanding in those specific areas/fields, but other readers may enjoy and appreciate them. This could definitely vary reader to reader subjectively.
Either way this author did an amazing job with her debut novel and I will clearly look and think a different way when I see or think of Mercedes-Benz vehicles!

Penny Haw's "The Woman at the Wheel" is a captivating exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of redemption. Set against the backdrop of the rugged South African landscape, this novel takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and profound revelations.

At the heart of the story is Sarah Turner, a woman grappling with the aftermath of a tragic accident that has left her physically and emotionally scarred. Determined to reclaim her independence and sense of purpose, Sarah embarks on a cross-country road trip, accompanied only by her loyal dog and the haunting memories of her past.

As Sarah navigates the open road, she encounters a colorful cast of characters who challenge her perceptions and force her to confront the demons she thought she had left behind. From the enigmatic hitchhiker with a troubled past to the wise old mechanic who offers her sage advice, each encounter serves as a catalyst for Sarah's journey of self-discovery.

What sets "The Woman at the Wheel" apart is its richly drawn characters and evocative prose. Haw's vivid descriptions bring the South African landscape to life, immersing readers in a world of sweeping vistas, dusty highways, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Through Sarah's eyes, we witness the beauty and brutality of the natural world, as well as the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

But perhaps the novel's greatest strength lies in its exploration of themes such as forgiveness, redemption, and the healing power of self-acceptance. As Sarah confronts her past and embraces her vulnerabilities, she learns that true strength comes not from hiding our scars, but from embracing them as a testament to our resilience and capacity for growth.

While "The Woman at the Wheel" may be classified as a work of fiction, its message resonates deeply with readers on a universal level. It reminds us that life is a journey filled with unexpected detours and challenges, but also moments of profound beauty and joy. In the end, it's not the destination that matters, but the lessons we learn and the connections we forge along the way.

In conclusion, "The Woman at the Wheel" is a beautifully crafted novel that will linger in the hearts and minds of readers long after they've turned the final page. With its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and poignant themes, it's a book that celebrates the transformative power of self-discovery and the resilience of the human spirit.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark Publishers for an advance copy for my honest review.

Fans of historical fiction will greatly enjoy this book. While it is a work of fiction it is based upon the real life story of Bertha Benz and the beginning of the Mercedes-Benz car company. It was well researched and written. I also enjoy hearing stories about women who have greatly contributed to our history yet often do not get the recognition they deserve.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction about the start of the Benz family and the focus on Bertha Benz and her roll in the story was absolutely engaging. I always learn something from historical fictions as I look up the facts to see what is true and what is fictional and I’m glad that Bertha’s story has been told for her and all the other women who were told they were “just another girl.”

"The Woman at the Wheel" is a well-written and enjoyable historical fiction novel that sheds light on a fascinating historical figure and the early days of the automobile. Whether you're interested in women's history, technological innovation, or captivating stories, this book might be worth checking out.

"You also changed my mind about women and their power in this life. I told my daughter that just as the world lies at her brother’s feet, it lies at hers.”

"Unfortunately, only a girl again."

My thoughts: This book is so good! Firstly I always love a book that sparks an interest in me that I never thought I'd have and now I'm obsessed with this story! Clearly this author did her research in all things Benz and I can't believe how much I was sucked in from the start! Also the characters are awesome! Bertha is a BA female MC, probably one of my favorites I've read about and I had no idea about anything in this book so I love learning something new that leads me down really intriguing rabbit holes! Anyway! you really should check this one out!!

Also Happy release day! (cause it's still October 3rd in Colorado!)

I liked the book for its look into this independent and strong woman’s life. However, the telling of her story was a little dry and disheartening with all of the failures, bad decisions, disloyal friends, and bad business partners.

I really appreciated the Author’s Note at the end to help complete the story of the rest of her life.

I had really high hopes for The Woman at the Wheel. I typically love reading stories about women who had a hand in shaping history but due to their gender, are often left out of history books. The first quarter of the book was really good. I was engaged and interested in the story. Almost as soon as Bertha and Carl got married, however, I started losing interest. The pacing flattened out and the tale became repetitive. I understand that Carl had several failed business partnerships but I feel that the author could have taken some liberties here and condensed them all into one ginormous heart breaking failure. By the time we got to her famous drive, I couldn't bring myself to be excited for her because I was already so bored of her. If you prefer your historical fiction to be more historically accurate or already have an interest in either Bertha Benz or the invention of the automobile, you will probably love this one.

I love a good inspiring story - I had no idea about. Bertha Benz and the story of her husband Carl Benz - the man behind the prototype of Mercedes Benz. I love reading about strong women whose lives have remained behind their husband's shadow, I am glad that her contributions are now celebrated in this inspiring story.

*Set in Germany 1859-1888
*Based on the true story of Bertha & Carl Mercedes
*Bertha is a strong character who is the driving force behind her husband’s success
*I thought Bertha was gutsy to go on a long test drive with her sons without telling her husband or anyone else where they were going- good thing they knew how to fix the problems! Shows how determined, strong, and smart she was.
*I loved that Bertha fell in love with Carl because he treated her as an equal
*Well-written, draws the reader in at the beginning
*Reading Group Guide included

What a neat story based on a true life. I had never heard of Bertha prior to this book and now I'm anxious to learn more. Amazing read for anyone interested in history and/or cars.

An extraordinary story of grit and determination. A unique and inspirational love story. Lovers of historical fiction will gobble this up.

Firstly, this cover is absolutely stunning!

Penny Haw is an amazing author, and I feel that she brings history to life in a way that jumps right off of the page. She seamlessly weaves history and historical fiction, and I can only begin to imagine the amount of research she must have done for this novel, as I felt totally immersed from the first page to the last.

This novel tells the story of Bertha Benz. She was a strong, determined, loyal, and hard-working woman who fought for an invention she believed in, and played a major role in the invention and success of the horseless carriage, along with her husband Carl Benz. She pushed her husband to keep going, fought for opportunities, and stood strong even when times were very rough. This book truly has so much in it: the backstory behind the company that would become Mercedes Benz, both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, historical detail, gripping moments, and so, so much more!

If you like Historical Fiction, I highly recommend this book! I look forward to reading what Ms. Haw writes next!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book follows Bertha Benz (Mercedes Benz) and her life with Carl and all of his inventions. She played a crucial role in his success, as well as supported him when no one else would. I could relate to her in being a wife to a man who runs his own business, which isn’t always easy when you’re first starting.
I was fascinated by this book as a lover of historical fiction this was such an original story concept. I was happy to read about a totally different time in history as WW2 novels flood the genre. Bertha was the epitome of a strong woman and I enjoyed getting to know the woman behind the man.

The Woman At The Wheel by Penny Haw - thank you @bookmarked for providing me with an ARC - I loved my reading and learning about the early automobile and Bertha Benz' impactful ride.
I love learning about little known nuggets of history in historical fiction and this book gave me those nuggets I wanted. Benz in Mercedes- Benz or Daimler- Benz was a name I equated with cars and I knew it went back to the inventors - but did not know much about the inventor Carl Benz and less (of course) about his wife Bertha. Late 1800s Germany was an interesting place for people with big ideas and Carl Benz was one of them but while he was a brilliant thinker and engineer he was not independently rich or an astute businessman. He was obsessed with developing a horseless carriage in a time when some people thought machines like that unnatural or evil. Bertha met him by chance in 1869 and was impressed by his determination and passion for a subject and his will to share his knowledge with her. This book describes Bertha's background having been born into a well to do large family and her relationship with her father. She loved talking to him about his work but was also driven by a note she saw written in the family bible next to her name by her father. He wrote that she was
"unfortunately, only a girl again." That statement made her want to show him she could be more than just be a wife, mother, and housekeeper. So when she heard Carl describe what he wanted to build someday his enthusiasm was what captured her and brought her along on the journey. Bertha's negotiation skills, what you would describe today as marketing skills, persistence and constant support for her husband's invention was remarkable.
The ultimate marketing ploy was proving it would go long distances so she and two of her teenage sons, drove 66 miles with it to see her birth family - and it is a hilly area they traveled through. The details of this trip were so intriguing to learn- she was definitely not afraid of hard work or getting her hands dirty or finding an ingenious solution.

In this fascinating historical fiction novel about Bertha Benz, Penny Haw brings late nineteenth century Germany and Austria to life as she follows Bertha and her inventor husband Carl on the path to the motorwagen, what we now call the automobile or car. Haw’s characters are fantastic, and she brings the relatively unknown Bertha to life, giving her a stake in the development of the motorwagen and Carl’s various businesses and inventions and making her a brilliant, clever, and loyal figure. The minor characters that come in and out of Bertha’s life are equally well-developed, and this novel is very character-driven and character-centric, yet all of the characters are equally developed and emerge, at various points in the story, fully formed and dynamic. The settings of Germany and Austria add to the story’s atmosphere and charm, and Haw has created some incredibly engaging setting pieces and elements to expand the story’s scope and descriptions. Haw has created a fascinating, charming, educational, and immersive historical fiction novel about an unknown historical woman who absolutely dominates every page of this novel. The Woman At the Wheel is a fantastic fictionalized insight into the technological advancements of the late nineteenth century and the development of an invention which modern readers take for granted.

The Woman at the Wheel is a fascinating story about Bertha Benz, the wife of Carl Benz. Feel like that last name sounds familiar? Think Mercedes Benz are you would be correct!

Bertha and Carl develop what is known as the motor wagen. Later their name would be recognized as part of Mercedes Benz. This is their story. A story of family and invention.

This story had me from the very beginning and young Bertha’s interest in her father’s business. As we got into the story of her meeting Carl, their marriage, and the continued development of this mode of transportation I was hooked.

I love that it was a family project. Even their children were invested in the outcome. I love that Bertha believed in and supported Carl against all odds. Together they developed this motor wagen, together they tested it and convinced people it could and would work.

Two very strong people combined were unstoppable and their development of the motor wagen continues to impact generations after them.

I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, fans of strong female characters, and readers looking for a good story.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

This historical fiction novel focuses on the life of Bertha Benz, wife to Carl Benz, and how her contributions led to his successful invention of a horseless carriage. In 1800s Germany, this motorwagen was a precursor to the modern car and would also lead to the creation of the Mercedes-Benz company. Despite financial ups and downs as well as Carl’s disputes with business partners, Bertha never lost faith in her husband and his dream. Alongside two of her sons, Bertha hatched a plan to showcase the motorwagen across various German towns. This risky endeavor proved to be the turning point in the motorwagen’s future.

This book was incredibly interesting and engaging. Bertha was such a strong figure at a time in history when women were expected to be happy in the sole role of raising a family. I loved that her story was told from her perspective! She was a determined and loyal individual who certainly made a mark in history.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

Bertha is in no hurry to marry, especially to a man who does not listen to her ideas. But when Bertha’s sisters get married and travel to America with their husbands she feels left behind. Then on a fateful train ride she meets Carl Benz who is working on a horseless carriage. Bertha is immediately taken with Carl as he truly listens to her and asks for her opinions. Carl struggles working at the factory where the workers are only there for the pay, not because they are interested in engineering. Years of disappointment with various business partners has impeded Carl from establishing himself and the motor wagon. But Bertha truly believes in Carl, fights for him and is a true partner. What a remarkable pair they were!

The Woman At the Wheel is an historical fiction novel about Bertha Benz, the wife of Carl Benz. You might’ve heard of him, you know, from Mercedes Benz. What you might not know is how important his wife was in getting his ideas manifested and negotiated with everyone around him.

Ya’ll know I love a good historical fiction and this one is no exception. I loved this story and how this family’s story developed. Obviously, the book is told in novel form, but there’s a ton of accurate history here as detailed in the author’s note at the end.

I’d recommend this one for anyone who loves a good historical fiction or is curious about the Benz family and their contribution to the automobile industry.