Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eCopy to review

I went into The Rebel of Seventh Avenue with high hopes. A historical novel set in the early 20th century, spanning from Edinburgh to New York, and centred around fashion, ambition, and forbidden love? It sounded like a dream. And in some ways, it delivered—but in others, it left me wanting more.

The story follows Maisie McIntyre, a young Scottish seamstress who, after the death of her mother, steals a bolt of peacock-blue silk and some money, and sets sail for New York City. There, she builds a couture empire from the ground up, designing bold, modern fashions for Manhattan’s elite. Along the way, she falls in love with Joseph Jackson, a talented Black architect, and faces the harsh realities of racism, sexism, and societal expectations.

While the premise is compelling and the historical backdrop—especially the depiction of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the women’s rights movement—is vividly drawn, I found the narrative repetitive at times. There were long stretches focused on fabric choices and design details that, while authentic, didn’t always move the story forward. I often felt like I was being told the same things about Maisie’s struggles and triumphs without gaining new insight.

Most importantly, I struggled to connect emotionally with Maisie. Her journey is undeniably difficult and her ambition admirable, but something about her inner world felt distant. I wanted to feel her heartbreak, her passion, her fire—but instead, I often felt like a spectator rather than a participant in her story.

That said, the book does shine in its exploration of the social issues of the time, particularly the challenges faced by interracial and queer couples. These moments were some of the most powerful and thought-provoking in the novel.

In the end, The Rebel of Seventh Avenue is a beautifully written, well-researched novel that just didn’t quite hit the emotional notes I was hoping for. It’s worth a read for fans of historical fiction and fashion, but be prepared for a slower, more reflective pace.

This book is a solid 3.75 stars because in the end it managed to make me cry. This is a tale of an American dream during a time where all the odds were stacked against a single woman refusing to be controlled by men. Is it a little idealistic? Perhaps. Unrealistic? Probably. But it is a beautiful story, one where you root for the main character the whole way from childhood to death. I do think, however, that being a fan of fashion is kind of a must. I am not that into it myself, and the great paragraphs of detail were lost on me as I skimmed for the greater developments and drama in Maisie's life. I think Maisie's story with Joseph is what truly made me cry. A story of missed opportunities, pride and, yes, a bit of ambition getting in the way of family, but neither truly regretting it because of what it allowed Maisie to do. Her story is of what beauty can come from being single and creating your own family not through marriage, but through friends, and even affairs. It is a haunting and hopeful book.

1⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Rebel Of Seventh Avenue.

Maisie is a seamstress living in Edinburgh but her heart is shattered when her mother passes away. She needs to make a change so she heads for New York.

The premise was intriguing because of the fashion aspect but it was way too overly descriptive. I was not a fan of the characters so it was hard to connect to the story.

A really fun historical novel about fashion and NYC that had so many intricate details but didn't always come together. It was still interesting!

This creative historical fiction novel explores one woman's journey after leaving Scotland in the early twentieth century. From there she will move to America and start her very own fashion empire. Despite her success with fashion she also goes through the discrimination of dating an African American and experiencing the hardships of the first world war.
Our main herione Maise learns to sew from a very young age. After the death of her mother and feeling like she needs to break free from her sister's children she decides to board a ship and set sail to America. From there she makes the acquaintance of a friend who encourages her to enter the fashion industry.
Overall this was a very impressive novel. The detailed descriptions of the clothing and sewing process was interesting to read. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue was a unique historical fiction that not only examines a less known time period, but also used such a unique thread to weave the story together. I found that Maise was a strong and smart protaginist who not only wanted what was best for her family but but for those around here. I was hooked from early on in the book not only because it starts in the future, but because it left me wondering why she made a wedding dress but was never married and even to better understand why she would claim that yellow was the only color she could wear. As someone who has studied history it left me with many different questions about how the author would include real life issues that existed during the time and how they would be handled. While the story did drag on some, overall it was a unique and refreshing edition to the historical fictio category

This was an absolute delight to read! It's got everything for a good book in its genres: history, romance, powerful women, amazing settings and deep characters.
I'm not one for fashion in my life, but I love stories about seamstress like there's so much to say through clothes about humanity and history and the people who make them.
I was instantly drawn to the book, the cover is eye-catching and the description was an immediate yes for me.
When historical novels have real-life events intertwined I feel it makes them more real, like this could've actually been someone out there then. That's how this read felt.
So many characters to like but I won't say my favourite so I don't spoil anything. But yeah they were all very multidimensional and I was very into their stories, even as side characters.

When this book gets translated into Spanish (hopefully soon) I'll be gifting it all around.

A highly engaging, and beautifully told story, for the most part. Fear, shame, betrayal, loyalty, found family, ambition - it's all here. The setting along is fascinating - the detail of fabric and embroidery will entice anyone who loves reading about people who do interesting, tricky, jobs. There's a lot about the business of dressmaking and design spanning decades and political developments how how that all impacted the world of clothing and the people who bought the clothes.

I adored the characters. Everyone got their time in the sun and Marx weaves them all together in such smart ways. The final paragraph made me crack though - there's some very moving sections in this story but I didn't cry until the very end and only because I remembered so clearly the seed that Marx planted early on in the story. Very clever writing.

It does move pretty fast and there were moments when I wanted it all to slow down a bit so I could stay in the world a bit longer.

The obituary at the end is odd though. Making a strange dig at Joseph and then his team? Doesn't quite sit right and I'm not sure what point the author is trying to make.

There are some typos that need catching, missing words etc so hopefully that will all be sorted by the time it hits the shelves.

I really enjoyed the development of the main character Maisie who from very poor and humble beginnings in Edinburgh at the start of the 20th C , "invests" in herself which takes her New York and the Hollywood with her fabulous clothing creations. I am not too sure that I liked her though !! She is a positive role model by taking on workers in her workshop who many would have shied away from at that time, but then at other times she seems to caught up with herself especially in regards to her sister. Set between Edinburgh, America and then back to the Scottish Borders and during the two world wars, there is a lot going on and could possibly have been a much longer story or even two books.

Thanks to Netgalley/ Storm publishing for the ARC to review

I enjoyed some parts this book - particularly the descriptions of and setting in NYC.

I found many aspects hard to believe - specifically that there were very few true obstacles in her path and when something complicated was on the horizon, it just worked out. A teenager who stole fabric and happened upon a stash of illicit money then takes a boat across the ocean, where her thievery is found out (but nothing comes of it), to quickly land in a shop of her own, where she soon owns the building itself. From there....bigger and better locations moving up from the LES to 5th Avenue, dressing snooty rich women who don't approve of her African American suitor. And then, even though the benefactor takes her business (and that of her friends) to other dressmakers - she still thrives. Throw in the affair and resulting pregnancy with a politician connected to and killed by the mob that results in really no ill effects.

One final point of disbelief is the quickly repaired relationship with her estranged sister. There were many intriguing plot points and the more I read the more unbelievable Maisie's luck/escapades became.

Annabelle Marx’s The Rebel of Seventh Avenue captures the transformative power of fashion as both a statement of personal freedom and a vehicle for social change. Set in the early 20th century, the novel follows Maisie McIntyre, a talented seamstress whose journey intertwines with the evolving roles of women in society.

Fashion in the novel serves as more than adornment—it is armor, rebellion, and a coded language of defiance. The suffragettes used structured, practical clothing to assert authority and determination, while the liberating flapper style reflected a generation breaking free from societal restraints. Even mourning attire, typically associated with grief, is portrayed as a tool of subterfuge, allowing women to maneuver unnoticed when secrecy is paramount.

Maisie’s story unfolds through her relationships—with fellow seamstresses, clients seeking individuality in their clothing, and the chosen family she forms along the way. These connections underscore the strength found in female solidarity, weaving together themes of friendship, tradition, and the pursuit of independence. Her bond with Joseph Jackson, an ambitious architect, introduces a dynamic exploration of class and race as both characters strive to build lives beyond the expectations imposed upon them.

Through richly detailed settings, Marx immerses readers in a world where fashion is stitched into history. Moments like the struggles of early garment workers and the rise of women’s rights are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, making the book both an engaging read and a thoughtful reflection on social evolution.

For those drawn to historical fiction that merges personal ambition with broader cultural shifts, The Rebel of Seventh Avenue offers a vibrant and immersive journey. It is a story of resilience, creativity, and the quiet yet powerful ways in which clothing shapes identity and destiny.

I enjoyed this book and in particular, learning more about fashion in NYC during this time period.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for access to this eARC.

I overall loved the story line and the Maisie’s character development over the decades. The beginning was a bit slow - but it really picked up and I really loved our characters and plot by the end. This book includes some real historical events like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory which is a fun touch! I loved Oti and Maisie’s friendship and the element of found family.

My major complaint is the long chapters! It made it difficult to get through

1910, Edinburgh. Young seamstress Maisie McIntyre’s world shatters with her mother’s death. Desperate to escape the grinding poverty that has defined her life so far, Maisie makes a daring choice: she steals a bolt of peacock-blue silk, a stash of money and sails for New York City.

With nothing but raw talent and fierce determination, Maisie’s gift for dressmaking opens doors she never imagined. As she builds her couture empire, designing bold, modern fashions for Manhattan’s elite, Maisie falls for Joseph Jackson, a talented Black architect with dreams as ambitious as her own. But in a world steeped in prejudice, she finds herself facing an impossible choice.

This was a fantastic look at historical 1920s NYC, and I loved it. Some readers may feel bogged down in the details of dressmaking and fashion, but I thought it added authenticity to the story. I really enjoyed the story, getting to know Maisie, and learning more about the time period. Excellent read! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

A wonderful book about a time period not discussed often.. This book opened my eyes and left me wanting to learn more about this period.

I chose this book for many reasons. Both the cover and the title appealed to me. It's set in New York City in the early 20th century. I love historical novels set in New York. The premise of a young immigrant woman trying to make her place in the fashion industry sounds interesting. And, even, more interesting is the hint of an interracial relationship which could have been full of difficulties in the early 1900s.

So, the stage was set. But, somehow, it did not come together for me. There were many, many pages describing fabrics. The colour, the shimmer, the sheen, how the fabric would flow. The description of the clothing created was endless and repetitive. Colours, collars, cuffs, trim. Perhaps someone who is a fashion designer would be able to appreciate it. It was just too much for me.

The characters did not seem real to me. I did not feel like I knew any of them. The dynamics of the relationship between the MFC (Maisie) and her man, didn't develop. The description was superficial. I just could not connect. On the positive side, Maisie was a determined woman to achieve what she set out to do. I just wish I could have enjoyed her journey more.

I always feel bad when a book does not live up to my expectations. I do see many positive reviews. Which is good. This just was not the book for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue is a rags to riches story, following the life of Masie McIntyre. As a young Scottish woman and after her mother's death, she heads to America, hoping to stay with her cousin before finding a job and somewhere to live independently. With her is a roll of money discovered in her mother's sewing drawer, a stolen bolt of material, and her mother's sewing machine.

This is a sweeping tale which starts at the beginning of the twentieth century, ending during the nineteen sixties. Masie's mother, whom she refers to as Maw, is a dressmaker, sewing dresses and underwear for well to do women. Masie has learned her mother's trade, but once she dies, wants a new life for herself away from sharing a house with her sister Netta, now married with children. Masie believes there is a new life to be had across the Atlantic. But she soon discovers it not only takes time and hard work to achieve her dreams, a certain amount of luck is also needed.

I enjoyed The Rebel of Seventh Avenue, which reminded me of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman of Substance. Masie is a confident character, determined to achieve success despite building her business during a time when women faced multiple barriers. The book cleverly blends fiction with historical fact, some of which will directly affect Maisie's destiny. As for many other heroines of this type, it shows that despite her fame, close friendships and being a trail blazer in the fashion world, her real dream of happiness and sharing her life with the man she loves will sadly never happen. Compulsive reading.

Goodness me, this was such a good book. Highly entertaining. Would definitely recommend to others, that's for sure!

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue is a book about fashion. It's also a book about decades of racism, sexism, and heartbreak.

When her family received a sewing machine, Maisie McIntrye developed her love of sewing, fashion, and design. After the death of her mother, Maisie chooses to steal a bolt of fabric and escape to New York. Once in New York, Maisie truly grows up and learns the realities of life. The man she loves is the brother of one of her employees. Her client makes a point that she will NOT support a designer who employs people of color....much less one who is in a relationship with one.

The book spans decades, from Maisie's early 20s to her 60s, so we see the change of perspective and how the world changes. I did feel that the story dragged a bit, with too many details about fabrics and design. This could have been a fashion book or a book about historical change, but it chose to try both.

Still, it's well written and engaging, so I'm sure it's going to be a hit on the beach and in book clubs.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue by Annabelle Marx is a first person-POV historical set in Scotland and the US in the early twentieth century. Maisie McIntyre’s entire life was changed when her family received a Singer sewing machine, developing a love of sewing, fashion, and design. When her mother dies, she steals a bolt of gorgeous, expensive fabric and heads to New York to change her future.

What I really liked was how honest the narrative was about the difficulties faced by interracial and Queer couples at the time. The love of Maisie’s life is Joseph, the brother of one of her employees (who is a very talented embroiderer) but at every turn, it is made obvious that no matter how much they love each other, New York society is not going to accept them. There’s mentions of a racist attack against Joseph’s friend, a Black man involved in a relationship with a white woman, and Maisie’s most important client early in her career states very clearly that she will not support a designer who employs people of color or is in a relationship with them. Maisie also has the chance of having a lavender marriage with a gay man who later becomes her friend and we see the pressure for those marriages. None of this is easy to read and some of it is very heartbreaking and possibly triggering for some readers, but these things did happen.

The tone is a lot more reflective and melancholy. We open with Maisie looking at a wedding dress she sewed for herself but never had a chance to wear and then the rest of the book is her hardships, the reality of the world she lives in, and the tragedies connected to those things. What was really interesting was how familiar it feels in the current climate. The first World War and then the Roaring Twenties followed by the economic downturn of the Great Depression mirror a lot of what is happening right now as we head into what could very well be a global recession. Much like the flappers moving away from grand embellishments and accessories, I can see people around me spending less and less.

I think someone who is really into fashion history would be very interested in this. I was unaware of how much embroidery played a part in early twentieth century fashions outside of wedding dresses or traditional gowns. The plot also recognizes the part that Black Americans played in fashion and the hurdles they faced to get a job and be recognized for their talents. There’s also mentions of Hollywood and fashion icons, which adds a lot of flavor and voice to the text.

Content warning for mentions of sexual assault and depictions of pregnancy, birth homophobia and racism

I would recommend this to fans fashion history and readers of historical looking for something that takes place in the turn of the twentieth century