Rob Kaldor

On a frozen January evening in 1944, Nancy Levin, and her three-year-old daughter, Emily, flee their impoverished East London home as an air raid siren sounds. Not far away, 39- year-old Diana Meadows and her own child, three-year-old Abigail, are lost in the black-out as the air raid begins. Finding their way in the jostling crowd to the mouth of the shelter they hurry to the safety of the underground tube station. Mrs Meadows, who has so far sat out the war in the safety of London's outer suburbs, is terrified - as much by the prospect of sheltering in an Eastend tube station as of experiencing a bombing raid first hand.

Far away Diana's husband, Gerald Meadows finds himself in a tank regiment in North Africa while Nancy's husband, Joe Levin has narrowly survived a torpedo in the Atlantic and is about to re-join his ship. Both men have their own wars to fight but take comfort in the knowledge that their wives and children, at least, remain safe.

But in wartime, ordinary people can find themselves taking extreme action - risking everything to secure their own and their family's survival, even at the expense of others.

We chatted with Maggie about her fourth novel, The Safest Place in London.

Four future AFL stars under one roof!? Go back to where it all began with THE SELWOOD BOYS ... In the Selwood house, there's madness and mayhem every day - and footy, of course! Meet the Selwood boys ... There's the twins, Troy and Adam, pulling pranks and making mischief, then Joel with his sneaky, cheeky antics, and finally little Scott, who just does his best (or make that his worst!) to keep up. Can Joel finally get off the sidelines and onto the footy field to play with his big brothers? It'll be a battle royale that's bound to involve the whole family!

Selwood Boys Book One - Battle Royale: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9780733335457/

Selwood Boys Book Two - The Miracle Goal: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9780733335464/

Italian-born Silvia Colloca is a firm believer that anyone can enjoy la dolce vita, the sweet life, no matter where you live. It's all in the attitude. Life is for celebrating, and for an Italian, this means offering generous amounts of food that can be enjoyed by one and all.

In her third cookbook Silvia embraces the Mediterranean food she grew up with, taking us far beyond the heavy pasta dishes and rich cakes that Italian cuisine is often (mistakenly) associated with. Italian home cooks are more likely to cook simply, allowing fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes and fish to shine, with sparing use of dairy, meat, animal fats and sugars. The recipes are authentic and nutritious, catering to those with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-, grain-, egg- and dairy-free dietary preferences. The perfect way to love and nurture your favourite people, and celebrate the sweet life together.

Get a little bit closer to living la dolce vita with Silvia by picking up her book in store or online here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9781921384417/

A fabulously funny madcap adventure from the multi-talented actor, director and writer Richard Roxburgh, now writing and illustrating books for children.

Artie and his best friend Bumshoe have stumbled upon a Cave-of-Possibly-Stolen-Stuff, and along with it a gang of shady characters including scary Mary, fang-toothed Funnel-web and the devious Mayor Grime.

Artie and Bumshoe's attempt to solve the mystery sparks a chaotic chain of events that involves kidnapping, puppy-dog cutlets, modern art and pioneering the sport of the bungee- wedgie.

It's a sticky situation and if Artie's going to escape, he might need help from family, friends, a little old lady, a small dog and the Fartex 120Y.

A riotously funny adventure from the multi-talented Richard Roxburgh.

Take Artie home with you today: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9781760292140/

The second book in the unputdownable, action-packed Zeroes series from New York Times bestselling authors.

EVERY POWER HAS A DARK SIDE. Keep the secret. Use your power for good. Keep out of trouble. Stick together. Or things will fall apart.

It's the holiday season, but the celebration at the Zeroes' underground nightclub is blown apart when two strangers with new powers take to the dance floor. The Zeroes pursue them, only to discover that they're fleeing an even more sinister power-wielder, Swarm. The Zeroes must learn all they can about this dangerous new player if they are to stay safe.

Meanwhile each of the Zeroes also has their own issues to deal with. Bellwether's confidence is challenged, and Mob questions the nature of her power. Crash's conscience gets a workout, and Anon and Scam face harsh truths about belonging. And it's up to Flicker to pick up the reins and lead the Zeroes into a terrifying showdown.

A terrific sequel with a cracking pace that raises the stakes in this brilliant and unique superheroes series.

Pick up your copy of Swarm in stores today or online here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9781925267242/.

The stunning new generational saga from Belinda Alexandra, bestselling author of Tuscan Rose and White Gardenia.

In New Orleans - the city of genteel old houses and ancient oak trees covered in Spanish moss, of seductive night life, of Creole culture, voodoo and jazz - two women separated by time and tragedy will find each other at last.

Amanda, orphaned as a child and suffering the loss of her beloved grandmother, has left Sydney in search of a family she never knew. Ruby, constrained by the expectations of society and class, is carrying a lifetime of secrets. Amanda's arrival sparks revelations long buried: a double life, a forbidden love, and a loss that cannot be forgotten.

Southern Ruby is a sweeping story of love, passion, family and honour. Alternating in time between the 1950s and the eve of Hurricane Katrina, it is also a tribute to a city heady with mystery, music, and superstition, which has borne the tumults of race and class and the fury of nature, but has never given up hope.

Pick up your copy of Southern Ruby in stores today or online here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9780732296445/.

A delightful debut novel of secrets and small town obsessions from Australian musician and songwriter, Holly Throsby.

Goodwood is a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. It's a place where it's impossible to keep a secret.

In 1992, when Jean Brown is seventeen, a terrible thing happens. Two terrible things. Rosie White, the coolest girl in town, vanishes overnight. One week later, Goodwood's most popular resident, Bart McDonald, sets off on a fishing trip and never comes home.

People die in Goodwood, of course, but never like this. They don't just disappear.

As the intensity of speculation about the fates of Rosie and Bart heightens, Jean, who is keeping secrets of her own, and the rest of Goodwood are left reeling.

Rich in character and complexity, its humour both droll and tender, Goodwood is a compelling ride into a small community, torn apart by dark rumours and mystery.

Pick up your copy of Goodwood in store or online today: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9781760293734/.

The exhilarating sequel to the New York Times bestselling and award-winning Illuminae.

Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.

The saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the space station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of BeiTech’s assault. Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter, Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while they are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy’s most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed to Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.

When an elite BeiTech team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the crew one by one, and a malfunction in the station’s wormhole means the space-time continuum may be ripped in two before dinner. Soon, Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival. The fate of everyone on the Hypatia - and possibly in the known universe - is in their hands.

But relax. They’ve totally got this. They hope.

Featuring guest journal illustrations by bestselling author Marie Lu.

Pre-order your copy of Gemina in stores or online today: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9781925266573/.

Home Cook, Aspiring Chef contains more than 100 recipes born of Will and Steve's passion for freshness, flavour and good food.

Born of their English heritage and their appreciation for Australian produce their innovative twists on traditional and time-honoured techniques result in some spectacular recipes suitable for both home cooks and aspiring chefs.

The book features six chapters:

* Brunch, Soups and Sarnies

* Shared Plates

* Home Cook, Aspiring Chef

* Dinner

* Sides and Salads

* Sweets and Desserts.

The Home Cook, Aspiring Chef chapter showcases Will and Steve's different approach to food. Using the same ingredients to create two contrasting dishes, Will's hearty but beautifully executed home cooking contrasts with Steve's meticulous, elegant gourmet dishes, showcasing different techniques and approaches with the same produce.

Each chapter also features a masterclass with a detailed focus on an important technique, such as pickling, making parfait or their signature scotch eggs. Beautifully photographed by Australia's leading photographer, William Meppem, the flavour-packed originality of these recipes make this the must-have cookbook this year.

Courtesan, countess, bestselling author - the tempestuous true story of a woman far ahead of her time ... The true story of the Countess Céleste de Chabrillan is a rich and tempestuous tale of an extraordinary woman.

Born in the gutters of Paris in 1824, Céleste made her name as a dancer in the Parisian dance halls, where it is said she invented the can-can. Then, as an equestrienne at the Paris hippodrome, her daring feats on horseback thrilled the crowds. However, it was as the city's most celebrated courtesan that the young Parisian found genuine fame and fortune.

Strikingly beautiful and charismatic, her lovers included famous novelists, artists and composers, not least Georges Bizet, whom, many believe, based his free and fearless Carmen on Céleste. But when Céleste married the Count de Chabrillan, a prominent member of the French aristocracy, Parisian society was scandalised.

And when the pair turned up in far off Australia, where the count served as the first French consul, Melbourne society was scandalised in turn. Later a bestselling memoirist, novelist, playwright and librettist, the remarkable Countess Céleste de Chabrillan was, indeed, a woman far ahead of her time.

Visit Roland's website here: http://www.rolandperry.com.au/.

Pick up your copy of Céleste in stores and online here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/9780733335082/.