Having read this book I can honestly say that it will not leave my thoughts. A truly stunning piece of work. Simply enchanting. One of those that I will NEVER forget.

The Rebel Of Seventh Avenue is a story of a woman who has been through it all and still created beauty during the hardest times of her life. Thrilling, beautiful, stunning and creative all in one! 💫💫💫💫💫


Maisie McIntyre was most definitely ahead of her times. She starts off in Scotland with little to her name and big dreams. When her mother dies, sewing brings into life all of the wonders that live in her head. But Scotland is not enough for her so when she finds spare money hidden away in her mom's things she sets her eyes on New York. Here is where her whole life starts and all the trials and tribulations of the 1920s, with its racism, homophobia, hatred and misogyny.  This book is perfect for lovers of fashion, historical fiction and those who love a book with a strong heroine who suffers along with the changes of the world and survives.

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

Thank you Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.

4.5 ⭐️

An excellently written, rich story. It was a tad too long for my liking but otherwise I loved it. I look forward to reading more from Annabella Marx, starting with The Herbalist’s Secret.

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue

"Nobody was going to own me, nobody was going to tell me how to live my life." Maisie mclntyre

TW: Racism, Violence, Homophobia, and SA.

Happy Release day and hello, my sweet, awful creatures!

I hadn't expected this ARC to be sent to me, as I got the email a week before the release date, but I quickly realized that the story and book are so well narrated that I ended up finishing it quite quickly.

Maisie McLntyre, a young Woman stuck in a life consisting of working in a textile factory with bad working conditions and taking care of her mother and sister, decides in a moment of courage that she wants to follow her dream and become a famous fashion designer in New York. This story follows all the hardships and happenings on her path to fame, including the lives of the people she meets along the way. The question is, will Maisie be able to achieve her dreams and become New York's most requested fashion designer, or collapse under the pressure of being a woman in a man's world and make her way back home?

This is a heartbreaking, rage-inducing story of a woman trying to survive through the misogyny, racism, and upcoming wars at the beginning of the 1900s as she climbs the stairs of fame and realizes that misogyny is not just caused by men, but also by women. Feminism at its finest!

I don’t know how to put the emotions I felt as I read this book into words, but I can tell you that I had moments where I had to put the book down and take a breather. I am too much of an empath and feel for someone intensely which is why I try to move past stories like this one. However, I do not regret reading this book, on the contrary, it became one of my favorite feminist stories.

Usually, I tend to build a connection to the FMC and relate to them slightly, and I do not deny that I had a few moments in which I sympathized with her. Though when she became the mistress of the Senator, all the sympathy I had for her disappeared... You guys know that I cannot stand women like that, as I don't see how any reason would make it okay for a woman to hurt another by doing that. Even if it was or is normalized for powerful men to have a mistress, I will not be justifying that. Ever.

In conclusion, I loved this Story for the women who held onto each other since the first days of working in a small room until they made it to a whole couture house together, hand by hand.

Until next time

Mira

I love historical fiction & so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I requested it right away. The cover is so beautiful & I really wanted to enjoy this book.

I was so disappointed when I could not connect with the FMC & the story. The plot spans over decades & it just felt a bit drawn out for me. The book was repetitive. The historical setting and the potential for exploring an interracial relationship in early 1900s NYC were intriguing but the book ultimately fell flat for me. The characters felt shallow and underdeveloped, and I never felt truly invested in any of them.

If you are into fashion, overly detailed descriptions of fabrics and fashion design, you will probably like this book.

Auch! I loved, I very much loved the Maise McIntyre story. I like fashion very, very much despite having been a food engineer and a university professor for more than 40 years. So, reading a book that allowed me to swing into the fashion industry was a tremendously happy task. Mrs Annabell Marx kept me sitting on my chair reading as long as I could, every single day. The story of Maise and her friends is very appealing. I recommend reading the book.

Overall, I liked this! It was cozy and a great bedtime read to relax and unwind.

This is a more character driven book, not plot driven. It takes the first quarter of the book to really get the plot moving. Plenty happens, but Maisie’s transformation is the dominant point of the book. I really liked the book and found Maisie fascinating and fun, but it was a slower read for me.

The dresses are described in so much detail that I started to skim those parts. It’s supposed to be immersive so you can see the dress, feel its texture, hear its ruffle, but it got a bit repetitive. I would’ve loved to see sketches of each dress!

7.5

Maisie McIntyre's life story, spanning across decades, is leisurely contemporary tale of female liberation, breaking societal norms and fighting for one's own, set against the backdrop of true events and figures from the 20th century. On the one hand, the classic "rags to riches" story, on the other, a discreetly smuggled social commentary, of which I feel there could have been more, but at a time when the myth of the "American dream" seems to be falling apart, the plot resonates with additional force.

Is this a novel for everyone? Probably not, but it's definitely worth giving it a chance.

A sweeping, heartfelt journey through history, identity, and resilience — this novel is everything I hope for in historical fiction and more.

From the very first page, I was drawn into the world of Maisie McIntyre — a bright, ambitious young woman whose dreams are bigger than the circumstances she’s born into. Her story is one of courage and transformation, and watching her fight for a better life, for herself and for others, was deeply moving. Maisie is a character who lingers in your heart long after the last page. She’s not perfect, but she’s honest, determined, and full of hope — and that’s what makes her so real.

The novel beautifully and thoughtfully explores the complex issues of race in America. It doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh realities, yet it approaches them with sensitivity and depth, allowing the reader to connect emotionally with the characters' struggles. It was eye-opening and deeply emotional to witness how systemic injustice and prejudice shaped not just lives, but entire communities — and how love, kindness, and resilience still found a way to thrive in the face of it all.

One of the most powerful elements of the book is how major world events — war, economic upheaval, societal shifts — are interwoven into Maisie’s personal journey. History doesn’t just serve as a backdrop here; it’s an active, sometimes brutal force that shapes her path. Yet through it all, Maisie never stops striving, growing, and dreaming. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

The novel also celebrates the spirit of giving and community through its depiction of philanthropy, which was uplifting and inspiring. And on a lighter note — the fashion! The descriptions of styles through the decades were vivid and joyful, offering moments of beauty and fun that balanced some of the heavier themes.

Despite the sorrow and hardship that Maisie and others face, there is so much light in this book. Moments of joy, of triumph, of deep connection — they shine brightly. I laughed, I cried, and more than once, I paused just to sit with the emotion a scene stirred in me.

Spanning a wide timeline, the story gracefully captures the evolution of social attitudes and daily life, making each chapter feel like a new window into a world that is both distant and achingly familiar.

This is more than just a well-written novel — it’s an emotional experience. A tribute to hope, perseverance, and the power of chasing your dreams even when the odds are stacked against you.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this unforgettable book in advance. I won’t soon forget it.

An epic rags-to-riches tale, I enjoyed following the career of Maisie McIntyre. She made an interesting character: hard to like in some ways, she is utterly driven, possessing great talent but also great selfishness. However, she is a loyal friend and highly motivated.
The secondary characters of Oti, Joseph and Aidan were endearing, and the story of the fashion industry underpinning Maisie’s career was well researched.
I loved the descriptions of changing fashions in this book. Fashion is depicted as a means of not only self expression and of status but also for a woman to improve her confidence.
Although I enjoyed the story, it did feel quite lengthy, and I never quite managed to empathise with Maisie. Somehow her road to success seemed too charmed: while she met obstacles, each was quickly defeated without much difficulty. And I’m not sure I ever forgave her for stealing from her sister and running off to New York
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely loved it! Well written, beautifully descriptive and well paced. It takes you on an amazing, historically based, transatlantic adventure in fashion/couture through two world wars. Maisie, the story of Maison McIntyre and all the characters are so well developed. Clear your schedule to be able to read it cover to cover- it’s a hard one to put down. I highly recommend it!
Thank You to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Annabelle Marx for
the pre-approved access to read and thoroughly enjoy this ARC.

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