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 father's 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 Carl's partners threaten to withdraw their support, he's 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 family's passage to absolute derision or prove their genius. What Bertha doesn't know is that Carl is on the cusp of making a deal with their nemesis. She's not only risking her marriage and their life's work, but is also up against the patriarchy, Carl's own self-doubt, and the clock. Like so many other women, Bertha lived largely in her husband's shadow, but her contributions are now celebrated in this inspiring story of perseverance, resilience, and love.

A Novel

The Woman at the Wheel

Invincible Miss Cust

"Inspiring, heartwarming, and ultimately triumphant." —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Friends "What a remarkable woman—and what an enthralling story!" —Janet Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library Must-read historical fiction for fans of Marie Benedict and Tracey Enerson Wood, based on the real life of Britain's first woman veterinary surgeon. Aleen Cust has big dreams. And no one—not her family, society, or the law—will stop her. Born in Ireland in 1868 to an aristocratic English family, Aleen knows she is destined to work with animals, even if her family is appalled by the idea of a woman pursuing a veterinary career. Going against their wishes but with the encouragement of the guardian assigned to her upon her father's death, Aleen attends the New Veterinary College in Edinburgh, enrolling as A. I. Custance to spare her family the humiliation they fear. At last, she is on her way to becoming a veterinary surgeon! Little does she know her biggest obstacles lie ahead. The Invincible Miss Cust is based on the real life of Aleen Isabel Cust, who defied her family and society to become Britain and Ireland's first woman veterinary surgeon. Through Penny Haw's meticulous research, riveting storytelling, and elegant prose, Aleen's story of ambition, determination, family, friendship, and passion comes to life. It is a story that, even today, women will recognize, of battling patriarchy and an unequal society to realize one's dreams and pave the way for other women in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. More Praise for The Invincible Miss Cust: "The Invincible Miss Cust is an absolute delight, an exceptional, immersive work of historical fiction set amid the beautifully detailed landscapes of Ireland and England." —Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Switchboard Soldiers "A skillfully told story of an extraordinary woman's grit, determination, and devotion to her dream. Detailed and evocative, The Invincible Miss Cust is an engrossing read." —Shana Abé, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mrs. Astor "I loved this gripping and inspirational book! Her courage and independence of spirit shine through on every beautifully-written page as she faces life's triumphs and tragedies." —Fiona Valpy, bestselling author of The Dressmaker's Gift "An amazing story! Haw's descriptive prose and deft characterizations lead us through Cust's remarkable life, setbacks and triumphs, and leaves us in awe of her perseverance, determination, and loyalty." —Katherine Reay, bestselling author of The London House and The Printed Letter Bookshop

The Invincible Miss Cust

This is the true tale of Alice Kirk and Nicko, the baby vervet monkey that was found abandoned on her home farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Alice and her husband Jack shared their home with a menagerie of animals – both domestic and wild! Alice agreed to raise Nicko and he remained there as her companion until he died of old age at 17. The story encompasses his interaction with the other animals of the household, as well as humans. It carries the reader through a range of adventures and emotions from the wonderfully whacky and hilarious to alarming and sometimes sad. Author Penny Haw is the granddaughter of Alice and throughout her childhood, Penny was entertained with the stories of Nicko’s escapades. She now retells these tales in the first person through Alice’s ‘voice’. Children (of all ages) will enjoy them, and the relationship between Nicko and Alice, and Nicko and the other animal species, will fascinate all animal lovers.

Nicko – The Tale of a Vervet Monkey on an African Farm

This is the true tale of Alice Kirk and Nicko, the baby vervet monkey that was found abandoned on her home farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands of South Africa. Alice and her husband Jack shared their home with a menagerie of animals - both domestic and wild African! Alice agreed to raise Nicko and he remained there as her companion until he died of old age at 17. The story encompasses his interaction with the other animals of the household, as well as humans. It carries the reader through a range of adventures and emotions from the wonderfully whacky and hilarious to alarming and sometimes sad. Author Penny Haw is the granddaughter of Alice and throughout her childhood, Penny was entertained with the stories of Nicko's escapades. She now retells these tales in the first person through Alice's 'voice'. Children (of all ages) will enjoy them, and the relationship between Nicko and Alice, and Nicko and other animal species, will fascinate all animal lovers.

Nicko, the Tale of a Vervet Monkey on an African Farm

Faye Mackenzie and her friends' anorexic daughter, Clare, are thrown together when a flood separates them from their hiking group in the remote, mountainous Tsitsikamma region of South Africa. With Clare critically injured, Faye is compelled to overcome her self-doubt and fear of the wild to take care of the younger woman, who opens her heart to Faye. As their new friendship takes the women on an unexpected journey of discovery, the rest of the group wrestles with the harrowing aftermath of their own near tragedy. When the hiking party is reunited, their number is reduced by one. Juxtaposing physical and psychological suspense, The Wilderness Between Us is a tale of two fragile women who unexpectedly find clarity, independence, and renewed purpose as they fight to survive. It is a vivid, moving story about family, friendship, adventure, and the healing power of nature and compassion.

Penny Haw

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