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

This was a very interesting story and I found it so difficult to put down. It really captured the atmosphere of the era. Such interesting times. My thanks to Netgalley for the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A rags to riches story that reads like a Singer sewing machine!

I loved this story. While not always believable, it reads wonderfully comfortable and follows a strong, levelheaded character through poverty in Scotland and immigrant life in America. Definitely recommend for everyone who usually devours historical fiction!

I’m not the target audience for this book, but I can see why others would enjoy it. It’s very detailed, which slows down the pace too much for me. DNF ~10%.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

A rags to riches story spanning pre WWI to the mid 50s. An interesting look at the immigrant experience in early 1900 America when dreams did come true for some. The story of a strong woman who struggled with the inequalities faced by friends and a potential lover. A woman who was directly independent. While it is unrealistic it presents a time when there was hope.

At first glance this is a waltz through the world of couture in the early part of the last century. It is a rags to riches story of a girl born in poverty who through luck, misfortune, courage, determination and above all talent creates an international fashion house based in New York. However, there is more to it than that. She embarks on a mixed race relationship, takes part in the suffrage movement and behind the scenes establishes a charity to support underprivileged garment workers. The book makes various points, most importantly the strength and capability of a woman, making this a well worth read.

A completely fascinating book - full of great well rounded characters and strong women.

The book centres around Maisie, a feisty Glaswegian girl who escapes the poverty of her life after her mother dies and she finds a stash of cash and steals a bolt of fabric. The meeting with Aidan, both when she steals the fabric and on the boat to America was slightly contrived but he plays a big part throughout the story.
She meets her one true love - Joseph- who is a man of colour - and though they try to meet the battles of their mixed relationship head-on it’s not to be.
There are various parts of true history, the World Wars and the terrible factory fire in the Triangle factory amongst others which caused Maisie great pain
But she shows her strength, her ideas of employment rules that are right for her workforce, and her ways of dealing with world events to the benefit of her business whether it’s diversifying into home wares or making hosiery in her home country of Scotland.
Along the way she has a child, loses her lover and finds her best embroiderer is her old friend Joseph - damaged by WW1.
There is a lot happening, a lot of social changes and health impacts for Maisie.

The most poignant bit for me was the last chapter - a tear jerker indeed but so beautifully written. You felt you were in Maisie’s mind.

Well written, well researched and a joy to read.

Oh and I nearly forgot all the interesting bits about how fashion was made and changed in the first half of the 20th century. I dabble in dress making and could imagine the clothes and their vibrancy. I also nearly forgot how well written the subsidiary characters were.

Thank you

It was great to follow the path of Maisie McIntyre from poverty in Scotland to world famous designer. Her friends her lovers and her family.
Her special ways could lead to friendship or making enemies. It’s a long read but it was worth the time.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this, this review is my honest opinion.

“𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨, 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛-𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩, 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙤𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a stunning historical fiction saga that completely swept me away. You don’t need to be a fashion expert to connect and truly immerse yourself in the story of Maisie McIntyre - 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙚. It’s a story full of female empowerment, resilience and courage at a time where women were expect to be in the background. I’m a huge fan of immersive and niche historical fiction with unforgettable and strong characters that inspire you. It’s truly a love letter to fashion and feminism and I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did.

The story follows Maisie McIntyre’s journey from her humble beginnings in Edinburgh to establishing herself as a fashion visionary in New York and dressing societies’ elite. The narrative spans decades, from 1910s to 1960s. The are some real historical events weaved into the story, for example the suffragette movement or the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. You can tell that the author did her research and delivered because the impact of these events, whilst fictionalised, left a some deep mark in the character’s heart.

Along the way, we meet some truly extraordinary and tenacious group of women, all united through their immigrant roots and love for fabrics, embroidery, colour and fashion. I found them to be very authentic and true to their nature - whilst I didn’t connect to all of them, I respected them so much and loved seeing how those relationships developed. I loved how Maisie always stood by her values and protected herself but also those she love fiercely, which as an immigrant woman in 1920s New York, must not been easy.

The story is not without its tragedy however, and there were quite a few impactful and brutal scenes that made me angry for the injustice but also tugged at my heartstrings. I will be lying if I didn’t admit that I teared up at some parts.. There is a bit of romance that you do root for, but you soon realise that Maisie is not that woman, which must’ve been quite tough at a time where society expected your life’s purpose to be marriage. This just made me admire her more!

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙝 𝘼𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙚 reminded me why I love a well-researched, purposeful and vivid historical fiction story. I enjoyed reading this greatly and Maisie’s love for fashion and colour was electrifying.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this copy in exchange for a review.

I picked up this ARC as this novel’s description seemed to be a good combination of some of my interests - the lives of women, fashion, and emotional explorations of the lives of others. On the whole, the story is interesting, and the broader strokes of the protagonist’s life are interesting. I did appreciate the detail that went into researching the history of fashion and trying to align this story through multiple large events in American and world history.

The reason why this book lost some stars for me had to do with the quality of the writing. I caught a few syntax and grammatical errors in this electronic ARC that I hope are removed before publication. I also found the dialogue to be a bit clunky in some places and the characters using modern day parlance and vocabulary that does not fit the time period. But beyond that, there were portions of the work that tended to rely on a lot of telling the reader what happened rather than showing them through experience. A lot of devastating and emotionally disturbing events occur in this protagonist’s life and they’re just told to us instead of them truly being unpacked and showing us how and why they were so emotionally fraught for the protagonist.

I also had qualms about the ways in which minor characters who were people of color were written. The protagonist’s Premier in her cotoure house is an African American woman who seems to be injected into the story as a sort of blind support for the main character in her expeditions, or subservient role. There were passages where I felt like the character in question (Oti) was extremely one dimensional and only there to serve as a wing woman for our protagonist. There are quite a lot of passages actually that seem to just be a lot of virtue signaling and attempts of our white protagonist to be a girl boss or champion against bigotry and racism in a performative manner.

Ultimately, while I think the overall plot and bones of this work are good, there were some issues I had with the delivery of the writing and quality of it that meant that this novel just didn’t work as well for me as I would have liked. I do think that this is worth reading if you are interested in learning about fashion throughout history and how the rise of couture houses came to be.

A great read, perfect for a long flight home. A strong female lead who took on the world and succeeded. Really interesting to see how the world of fashion worked in the 1920's and beyond. Many likeable characters.

Annabelle Marx delivers in this beautifully written historical fiction novel that integrates history and fashion in a thought provoking and entertaining read. Beginning in Scotland in 1902, Maisie McIntyre is the daughter of a poor widow who struggles to provide for her 2 daughters. When her mother is injured by the son of her employer, Maisie and her sister Netta are forced to become the providers for their family and work in laundry service for the wealthy of Edinburgh. Maisie's mother uses her injury and subsequent disability to becomes a well respected seamstress, often clothing the finest women in town and teaches Maisie her skills . In 1910, when her mother dies, life becomes more complicated as Netta becomes the mother to multiple children and Maisie is working even harder to provide for their growing family, all while continuing to sew and design. One day, as Maisie is dreaming up designs and imagining a better life for herself, she finds a hidden stash of money in their tenement. She takes the cash and goes to a shop, intending on splurging on lush fabrics and embellishments to create the frock of her dreams. While being overwhelmed with such extravagances, Maises steals a beautiful swatch of fabric and decides to take the rest of her found money and take a boat to New York, where she will start a new lie for herself.

With a first class passage booked, Maisie disguises herself as a widow and embarks on her first class voyage across the ocean, While on ship, she befriends a wealthy newlywed, Mrs. Rex Marshall, someone who becomes valuable to her once she reaches New York. Maisie finds herself a job working in garment factory, where she works many hours with little pay. There she befriends Rosa, an Italian immigrant and talented embroiderer. Maisie also finds herself introduced man named Aiden, who helps her get her own little shop started while she works in the factory. Maisie soon reaches out to Mrs. Marshall and sells her on commissioning a dress to update her work. With wild success, Maisie's fashion side hustle begins to bloom and she decides to embark on her own fashion house, Maison McIntyre with Rosa being her right hand woman. The two can finally quite the factory and live a better life. Only their dream is crushed when there is a fire in the factory, and Rosa does not survive.

Overcome with guilt, Masie does not know how she will go on without her best friend. She tries her best to stay connected to Rosa's family, but the relationship is strained. She is saved one day with the introduction to a striking young man, Joseph, who quickly becomes her friend and architectural tour guide of New York City, Their friendship turns to romance , and also must be kept a secret, as Joseph is black, Joseph introduces Maisie to his sister, Oti, who is a talented seamstress. Maisie hires Oti, and other women of color to work behind the scenes as Maison McIntyre continues to expand and becomes wildly successful.

As Maison McIntyre continues to grow, Maisie expands her growing empire in both physical space and manpower, hiring Rosa's adult daughter Nina. She is soon dressing the finest ladies who are travelling far and wide to wear her attire. Maisie also begins a love affair with a married congressman, named Tori, spanning several years and resulting in pregnancy. Maisie also longs to reconnect with her older sister Netta, who she hasn't seen in over 20 years. Maisie reaches out and convinces Netta to come to New York and help her care for her child. Her lover turns out to be working with the mob and is assassinated, prompting her to take another career opportunity in Los Angeles, as a film costume designer, bringing Netta and her daughter with her.

After many years of success LA, WWII falls upon the world, forcing Maisie to shift direction of her career and Maison McIntyre once again, returning to Scotland where she revamps her business to fit the needs of the new world adapting to war. Her fashions become more practical, fitting the needs of those affected by the war, while keeping her business afloat and her employees paid. When the war ends, Maisie makes one final move home to New York, where she is dealt with a progressive illness that ultimately forces her to hand over the business to her daughter, Jessica.

This book takes the reader on a journey through time, spanning many decades and dealing with progressive issues of the times. Beautifully written and engaging until the very end,

Couldn’t put this down! I loved the characters and also learning about the fashion industry and history in New York. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

in 1910 Edinburgh Masie is devasted at her mother's death. she steals a bold of cloth and some money and heads to America. she becomes a great seamstress.

I have loved historical fiction books since I was young and this had everything I love of these kind of books. I can't say I am particularly interested in fashion but I have been interested in historical fashion. This book did such a wonderful way to portray every single outfit and it was done to the details! For some reason I was not very bothered by these smaller details like which fabric or how what material the button would be made of. I felt that this just added an extra layer to the story and made it so much more believable. Something else I did enjoy was how the author came with Maisie's designs! They felt so genuine and unique and it's just a shame that this is a book and not reality. The author did an excellent job with that! I am impressed over the amount of details of every design Maisie made and that made this book a wonderful read.

As for the story itself I throughly enjoyed it. I loved Maisie's journey. I liked how she stood up not only for herself but also for her friends. I loved her friendship with Oti but also with the other seamstresses that worked for her. She saw the person for who she was and not the color of her skin. That cannot have been easy in those days and especially in the beginning when Maisie just started her journey as a fashion designer. But she never backed down from her principles and she always put herself first and that cannot have been easy in those days.

We follow her from her early teens to her sixties and this book spans over decades. Sometimes I felt the story a little bit dragging but I did like how the author never stayed so much during one time. Like weeks could gone by, even years. The author did stay in certain areas but the story kept moving and I liked that. I did find, however, the last part a little bit weaker than the first.

Except from the last part of this book, I might have wished for more romance. However, it was very clear that Maisie wasn't that kind of woman and she made her own way through life even though the pressure of getting married must have been strong. But I loved her courage for taking her own path in life and love might not have come from a man (I won't spoil anything about the love interest) but her love was the clothes she designed and that was fun to read and it made everything worth it in the end.