Metalious wrote or rather co-wrote a sequel to Peyton Place called Return to Peyton Place (1959), in which many of the original characters from her first novel make a reappearance. Allison, now a full-fledged author, has her book published and made into a movie.

Her trials with a charismatic publisher and among the fleshpots of Hollywood form the general plot line of the sequel.

Of more interest than Allison's progress, however, is the continuing saga of Selena Cross, Leslie Harrington, and the Rossi's.

After further tribulation Selena is finally wed to the trial lawyer who defended her at the murder inquest of her stepfather. Leslie, now softened by time and his approaching mortality, searches out Betty Anderson and offers to help raise his grandson in the manner to which the Harrington's are accustomed. Betty agrees but extracts a sizable price in both money and humility from Leslie...