They couldn't possibly pull it off, could they?  She could never really be convincing, could she?  GRACE OF THE EMPIRE STATE, a debut novel by Gemma Tizzard, provides the answers to these questions. Set in New York City during the Great Depression we meet Grace O'Connell, an accomplished dancer. Since their father died, she and her twin brother Patrick supported their family.  When Grace unexpectedly loses her job and Patrick is injured while working as a riveter on the Empire State Building the family faces financial ruin. However, Patrick has a plan. He can go back to work in six weeks and he wants Grace to take his place at work.  He and his team can train her.  After all, they have a whole weekend to teach her to catch hot rivets in a bucket dressed as a man all while standing hundreds of feet in the air and while balancing herself on beams. What could go wrong?

The author has created one of the most memorable fictional protagonists I have ever encountered. Grace is giving, brave and loyal to a fault. She is devoted to her family and friends.   Even so, she is vulnerable and not immune to fear and grief as readers will see as we follow her brief career as a riveter on the iconic building. Expertly plotted and vividly told, the narrative is immediately immersive.   Readers can feel the staggering heights of the building as well as the heat from the rivets. There is a varied group of secondary characters who add depth to the story.

GRACE OF THE EMPIRE STATE is a fascinating story in which themes of family, heart and friendship are expertly woven together.  Highly recommended.