In this brilliant new historical fiction novel, readers visit 1910 Edinburgh where seamstress Maisie McIntyre’s world has shattered with her mother’s death. Desperate to improve her life and move out of poverty, Maisie leaves for New York City with a stolen bolt of blue silk and a stash of money, ready to use her skills at dressmaking to change her life and open new doors. Readers follow her path to becoming the head of a couture empire that caters to elite Manhattan society and falling in love with ambitious Black architect Joseph Jackson, a relationship that could ruin everything she has built for herself and for her workers. A fascinating insight into early twentieth century prejudice and fashion, readers will love the intricate details and fascinating characters in this immersive historical fiction novel. The characters are definitely the stars of the book, and Maisie is a complex, ambitious, creative, and relatable character that fans will absolutely love, while the historical setting and details add a lot to the settings and tensions in this brilliant book. Incredibly written, fascinating, and immersive, historical fiction fans will absolutely love the complex historical details, relatable emotional storylines, and brilliant characters in this amazing novel.

How neat would it have been to see NYC in 1909! I love the city and can only imagine life during the early 1900’s. Maisie was so independent, like women started becoming during this time truly a wonderful book!

Scotland is really having a moment in historical fiction lately and I’m here for it.

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue had everything I want in a historical read: scrappy heroine, stolen fabric, early 1900s NYC drama, and some slow-burn tension. Maisie’s rise from a working-class seamstress in Edinburgh to a couture powerhouse in Manhattan was so fun to read about. The book doesn’t shy away from the grit—labor rights, racism, sexism, all the -isms, but it also has that sweeping, cinematic feel that made it hard to put down.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

Possibly one of my favourite reads of the year so far. I was engrossed so quickly and finished it over a few days. Fabulous

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue:
Thank you to NegGalley for the advanced reader’s copy of this novel. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and the book provided a lot of history, covering five decades from the early 1900’s to the 1950’s. There was a lot of focus on the plight of women, as the lead character followed a unique path and achieved success in the field of fashion. The storyline covers the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, the Suffragette movement as well as two world wars. There is a great detail on fabrics and accessories used in creating fashion, which I enjoyed as it added a lot of detail to the overall book. Highly recommend.

This was a very sad but also a great achieving story.. Travelling from Scotland to New York, this young women challenged the fashions of the city, earning amazing success. A very peaceful conclusion.

This was incredibly slow. It’s about fashion so detail is to be expected but the excruciating detail in which each material is described makes this very cumbersome. When a book becomes difficult to get through, I try listening to it to give it a fair shot. This helped a little and, despite the narrator’s annoying laugh, I found myself enjoying the story. Maisie is a force but I found it difficult to connect to her, mainly because things seemed to just happen around her; she doesn’t react to anything. She is determined and builds her business with this determination. I wish I had liked this more because she was formidable. Unfortunately, her naivete and lack of awareness, made her unbearable at times, and I came away from this both in awe of her but also feeling like I didn’t really know her.

I love a great historical fiction and this one intrigued me at the outset. A story about Maisie McIntyre, a young woman ahead of her time, determined to create a better life in New York, in the early 1900s. She has always loved to sew and has an incredible, creative eye for colour and fashion. She's strong minded, independent and not afraid to throw herself into an interracial relationship at a time in history when this was frowned upon by many.

Unfortunately, despite the beautiful, detailed descriptions of the fabrics and clothing, the story didn't quite hit its mark with me as much as I'd hoped. The story dragged on in parts and it didn't quite keep me excited or interested in where it was going. I didn't connect with the characters who I felt weren't fleshed out in the depth I would have hoped for, given the length of the book. In particular, I felt the love story between Maisie and her love interest was flat and one dimensional and overall I was a little disappointed with the book.

I found myself rooting against the protagonist near the very beginning; however, as I continued reading she redeemed herself in some ways. Over all, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it, but it wasn’t one of my favorites.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for a review.

The fashion industry was and still is cut throat. Only strong women with flair, passion and incredible work ethic survive. "The Rebel of Seventh Avenue" by Annabelle Marx introduces us to Maisie McIntyre. Living in the tenaments of 1910 Edinburgh, she works hard in a laundry to help put food on the family table and by night slowly develops her dressmaking skills, under the tutelage of her mother who was injured in a workplace incident that was swept under the carpet by her being "paid off" with a sewing machine and a new way of making a crust. Tragically her mother dies well before her time, as a hard poor life catches up with her.
Maisie is desperate to escape the grinding poverty that has defined her life so far, so makes a daring choice: she steals a bolt of peacock-blue silk, a stash of money and sails for New York City, under disguise as a mourning widow. She meets people on this voyage who will be pivotable in building her new life.
On arrival, she must start at the bottom of the New York ragtrade. She works in a factory which locks it's door when the work day is underway and physically pats down its staff as they leave at the end of the day!  Maisie luckily avoids the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, but loses her beloved friends. 
She is determined to build her own courtier empire, along the way supporting women of all colour and nationality. 
This is an era of the emerging women’s rights movement and Maisie is a woman determined to fashion not just beautiful clothes, but her own place in a man’s world; fostering a workforce where self confidence can build and talent is able to be demonstrated and acknowledged. Needless to say customers will be lost along the way as this rebellious stance shocks many. 
Maisie falls in love with Joseph Jackson, a talented Black architect with dreams as ambitious as her own. But in a world steeped in prejudice, she finds herself making an impossible choice.
This is a story of grit rather than glamour, as far as Maisie is concerned. She works incredibly hard, avoids the limelight and parties of the pre and post first world war. An enormous fortune is built; easily destroyed on the word of mouth of wealthy women who crave being the centre of attention or the wall street crash and war time downturns that demanded diversification and clever business acumen.
A riveting story. Not based on any one actual historical figure but incorporating people of the time like Coco Chanel. This is the best type of historical fiction, the blending of real events along with a compelling story. Each chapter introduces an outfit made by Maisie and proceeds to tell the story of the inspiration and manufacture of this garment. 
Thank you to NetGalley, Annabelle Marx and Storm Publishing for providing me with the opportunity to read this novel. I was captivated from start to finish and will actively look out for Annabelle's books in the future.

|:: The Rebel of Seventh Avenue
By Annabelle Marx
Chapter title: Maw Page 28
Edinburgh 1902
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

{ My heart was now beating so fast I could hardly breathe. I got up, just to be able to do something, to force air into my lungs, and began pacing up and down the tiny room.
This money was for our family, to make our lives better.
Turn
Perhaps I could keep it all for myself.
Turn
Should I tell Netta?
Turn
But if I didn't, she'd never know. I could just leave and start my own life somewhere else.
Turn
But if Maw had left it for us, she'd know what is done. Somehow she'd know. I came to a halt.
What should I do?
Standing in the middle of the room I heard footsteps on the stairs, voices: Netta and Duncan returning with the girls. }

We follow a beautiful, unpredictable and very talented Masie McIntyre from a young age when she would sit and sew for her mother right up to the life-changing age of 19.

With the help of a boat destined for America and nothing but ideas and inspiration floating around in her head. She set out to make the life she has always dreamed of. She had a vision, a passion and her visions were hers to grasp and make come true, once she put dreary Scotland behind her, she could breathe finally.. In her bones, she knew she could not be a wife, married to a man, cleaning and taking care of him, a hoard of children running around never giving her a moment's peace.

No, her life was to be something else. She wasn't sure exactly what it would be yet but she had ideas.
And it involved Colour. Shape. Tailoring. Sketching, and taking the world by storm.
And that is exactly what she did. One goal after another.

This book was so inspiring and influential. To have a book that praised women, showing the beautiful harmony we could have if we all worked together and even though it touched briefly on some uncomfortable subjects, it made the story so raw and engaging. I find myself looking at the way people dress now.

It's unnerving because I have never been an arty person but after reading what Masie achieved in her lifetime, it made me look at mine. I know life is precious, you should live every day to the max. Just as wonderful as it was to see Maisie thriving, it put into perspective what could happen during pregnancy, postnatal depression and other circumstances that unfortunately we sometimes find ourselves in.

I thought this story was amazing. It did steal a little bit of my heart and I'm so grateful to you for allowing me to read this.
It's one of those books you will never, ever forget.

A huge thank you to Annabelle Marx, Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|

This book was flawless. I enjoyed this story so much. Annabelle is a prolific and inspiring author. Her descriptions make for a vivid experience. I love the pacing throughout time and the conclusions felt seamless. Absolutely in awe of this story. I will remember this for a while

I absolutely loved Rebel on Seventh Avenue. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Maisie McIntyre’s world—a young seamstress in 1910 Edinburgh who risks everything to chase a better life in New York City. Her story is bold, heartbreaking, and beautifully told.

What stood out to me most was how richly layered every character felt. Whether it was a central figure like Maisie or someone who only appeared briefly, the author gave each person emotional weight. No one felt like background—they all had purpose, history, and heart. It made the whole world of the book feel real and lived-in.

Maisie herself is unforgettable. Watching her rise through the fashion world, armed with only her talent and stubborn determination, was incredibly satisfying. Her relationship with Joseph Jackson, a Black architect with big dreams of his own -- felt raw and very real. Their love story is tender and courageous, but never simplified, especially in the face of societal barriers they both face.

The historical backdrop—the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, the growing women’s rights movement—was handled with care and vivid detail. I learned things, I felt things, and I never once felt like I was being talked down to. It just felt immersive and honest.

If you’re drawn to stories about women carving out space for themselves in a world that tries to keep them small, Rebel on Seventh Avenue is a must-read. It’s ambitious, emotional, and full of quiet triumphs and devastating choices.

I really enjoyed this story. Maisie is the main character and she learns to sew when her mother is injured by her employer's son. Her employer buys her a sewing machine and sewing materials and commissions her to make clothes for her.
Maisie works in a laundry and she is excellent at designing and making clothes.
Maisie is resilient and talented. She travels to America when her mother dies.
The author describes the time well and how the clothes are made up.
Also she describes the poverty and the life of that time as well as the thrill of moving to another country and Maisie making her way there.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Content warnings from the reviewers of Storygraph: Graphic: Racism, Death, Emotional abuse Moderate Homophobia, Domestic abuse, Infidelity

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue strongly aligns with my well-established preference and love for historical fiction. There’s a lot to like about this book, from social struggles in the early 20th century, to the well-researched historical aspects, most especially the Triangle Shirtwaist fire in 1914, of which I knew something about.

This book does have one of the content warnings that I try to avoid, but it was unknown when I requested the book: domestic and emotional abuse, so I struggled a bit during those scenes. And if you haven’t heard of the above-mentioned Triangle Shirtwaist fire, it’s a horrifying and terrible disaster for young women in the early part of the 20th century. In other words, this is the sort of book that brings about strong emotions.

I recommend this book with the above reservations noted. This is the best type of historical fiction, the blending of real events along with a compelling story.

This was a fascinating story, but could have been a tad shorter. Overall I enjoyed the characters and their development throughout the story.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Rebel of Seventh Avenue by Annabelle Marx, published by  Storm Publishing
It takes en exceptional author to bring tears to my eyes at the end of a novel. Just wow! This novel was brilliant. I read every word, the book flowed so well, I didn't want to miss any detail. One of the best books I've read this year.
I was instantly drawn to the main character, Maisie with her determination and confidence. I loved the legacy she created, the friends she made, the people she employed, the creativeness she found in herself, and the lives she helped and changed along the way. This woman had quite the vision.
The author created an excellent plot, and great characters, perfectly describing people, places and things. The reader can envision the story unfolding as they read.
Absolutely loved this book and will be reading Annabelle Marx's other novel in the near future

This was a really interesting book that drew in my attention. There were some parts that were harder to get through due to the themes, but overall I was pulled in through the whole thing.

🧵 The Rebel of Seventh Avenue by Annabelle Marx is a book full of major life decisions, aspirations, dedication, and regrets.

🪡 Maisie McIntyre is the second daughter of a seamstress, living a hard life in Edinburgh. As a young girl Maisie dreams of creating couture fashion designs, dressing women of all skin tones and body shapes with cutting edge designs, fabrics, and colors that would suit them best.

👗 Maisie takes the risk of a lifetime to pursue her dream. She very quickly learns of the poor work conditions women are exposed to, the pressures/expectations placed on those who are in wealthy social circles, and the unfair treatment of those who are looked down upon during this period in time.

🧥 The Rebel of Seventh Avenue is a perfect title for this book as Maisie was rebellious from her early years up through adulthood. She stood up for what she felt was right, extremely progressive in her thinking. Unfortunately Maisie learns a bit too late that even though she took a hard stance on most things she believed in, she compromised the ultimate sacrifice, one that haunted her until the day she died.

💠 This story encompasses many issues that occurred during the time period, whether it connected to women’s suffrage, prohibition, the Great Depression, segregation, WWI, interracial relationships, other taboo relationships, or inequality: this book literally has it all.

✨ I thoroughly enjoyed EVERY page of this novel. If you are hesitant to pick up this book because historical fiction is not your preferred genre, take a risk as Maisie did. Go all in without a second thought and read this! It was FANTASTIC!

🤩 Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with the opportunity to read this novel. All opinions are my own.

#netgalley #historicalfiction #annabellemarx #therebelofseventhavenue #annabellemarx #summerreading #stormpublishing

I went into this book blind and oh my gosh what an amazing read. This is one of the few books to make me cry at the end and for that alone it definitely deserves the 5 stars.
The book begins in Edinburgh in 1902 and having come into some money Maisie leaves Scotland on a ship ending up in New York. She uses her textile skills to start making dresses and takes us through the decades of her life.
The descriptions of the dresses and fabrics were colourful and beautiful. The book also focused on the racism and sexism of the era with her falling in love with a black man and having a black workforce and the trials this brought. The story took us through wars, the depression, love and friendships as well as the stark contrast between Scotland and America in those times. I loved the characters and especially how strong and powerful they were. I will be recommending and looking out for more from this author.