I found this book very hard to put down. It’s a beautifully written rags to riches story, but also a carefully researched and accurate description of life in a very difficult period in recent history.
Maisie Macintyre was born in 1890 and bought up with her older sister, Netta, by their mother in a one room Edinburgh tenement.
This story unfolds as Maisie’s mother teaches her to sew, using a Singer sewing machine given by her employer, Mrs Robertson, in dubious circumstances.
Maisie discovers a passion for beautiful fabrics and design. She has great strength of character and this sees her through her life as she deals with the attitudes and prejudices of the time. She lives through two world wars, then the Depression in America, but always building her successful fashion business and caring for her employees.
Maisie is fiercely independent. She has a strong sense of family values and she has romantic relationships, but can her one true love can ever be?
This is a great story which gives insight into the lives, some hard, some privileged, that many people had just a few short years ago.

"The Rebel of Seventh Avenue" by Annabelle Marx is a beautifully crafted historical novel that follows Maisie McIntyre, a young seamstress from Edinburgh, who sets off to make her mark in New York after her mother’s death.
The novel’s portrayal of Maisie’s growth is nothing short of inspiring, as her resilience and determination are truly captivating. What truly elevates this book is how Annabelle Marx expertly weaves historical events into the narrative, particularly the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the rising women’s rights movement, grounding Maisie’s journey in a broader social context.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Annabelle Marx for the ARC!

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue by Annabelle Marx is an inspiring story of ambition, love, and self-discovery. Set in 1910, we follow Maisie McIntyre, a young seamstress from Edinburgh, as she escapes the poverty-stricken life she once knew. Stealing a bolt of silk and some money, Maisie sails to New York City, where she begins to build a couture empire from scratch, showcasing her remarkable talent for dressmaking.

What stands out in this book is Maisie's fierce determination. She faces many challenges, including the gender biases and prejudices of the time, but her strength and ambition keep her moving forward. Her ability to make her mark in a male-dominated industry is empowering, and it was refreshing to see a character so resolute in her pursuit of success.

The backdrop of early 20th-century New York is rich and well-developed, with the city’s dynamic energy adding depth to the story. I particularly appreciated how the fashion scene, the women’s rights movement, and even the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire were woven into the plot, giving the book both historical depth and relevance.

Maisie’s relationship with Joseph Jackson, a talented Black architect, adds another layer to the story, with the challenges of love in a prejudiced society making their connection all the more poignant. The themes of self-respect, freedom, and personal growth are at the forefront, making this a powerful read for those who enjoy stories about strong, independent women.

The Rebel of Seventh Avenue is a compelling and immersive read that will captivate anyone who enjoys historical fiction, particularly stories of women who defy the odds to carve their path. Marx’s depiction of the fashion world and Maisie’s journey to success is detailed and engaging, making this book a standout in the genre.

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I was invited by the publisher to review this book. This book is set in 1910, as Maisie leaves Scotland and poverty to make a life for herself in New York City. She embarks in the fashion industry and soon finds herself making creations for the elite of Manhattan. But she encounters many issues of that time, such as working in a man's world, an era before regulations, racism, and women's rights.

I enjoyed this book a lot - it takes place in an interesting timeframe, but also during an important social movement in society. This is a great book if you are looking for that historical feel, as the author does a great job of capturing that scene and feeling. I also enjoyed the peek into the fashion industry, from the design process to production.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Annabelle Marx's The Rebel of Seventh Avenue tells the story of Maisie McIntyre, a determined young seamstress who escapes poverty in Edinburgh to build a couture empire in New York City. We follow Maisie's journey as she confronts the challenges of a male-dominated industry, pursues her ambitious dreams, and finds love amidst the burgeoning fashion scene of the early 20th century.

We see Maisie's unwavering determination, particularly when facing the gender biases of the time. The historical backdrop of early 1900s New York, with its bustling energy and evolving social landscape, was well-crafted.

This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially those who appreciate stories of strong, independent women forging their own paths. The detailed descriptions of the fashion industry and Maisie's innovative designs made this novel a truly captivating read.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read The Rebel of Seventh Avenue by Annabelle Marx, a historical fiction novel in the world of the fashion industry following a fascinating woman from humble beginnings to her rise to the top along with a wide group of unconventional friendsand family.

What a gorgeous historical novel! I love anything to do with fashion and I am beyond excited for readers to en there this world of fashion, glamour, and intrigue. Also a beautiful interracial love story that will have you rooting for this gorgeous couple throughout the whole novel.