More secrets from a fictional charitable trust community on the south coast will be revealed in Worthing author Wendy Greene's new novel.

Another Year at Carpenter's Row is a follow up to Malcolm Carpenter Collected People and Wendy will launch the book on November 26.

The first book in what is likely to be a series of three was published through Verité in 2021. It tells the story of a young social worker who had to make a quick escape from London. She takes a job in a Sussex town, where she unites a strange little community that is held together by one man but kept apart by secrets.

Wendy said: “It’s full of intriguing back stories of all the residents. Originally, I was trying to write short stories, having completed a course through The London School of Journalism. Some of the stories have made their way into the novella."

Wendy Greene will launch Another Year at Carpenter's Row at The Ardington Hotel in Worthing on November 26

placeholder image — Wendy Greene will launch Another Year at Carpenter's Row at The Ardington Hotel in Worthing on November 26

The new book continues the story of Carpenter's Row, with more secrets, lies and happy events to be revealed.

Wendy said: “My first novel told of Ann Watson's arrival at Carpenter's Row. Although this book does stand alone, it cannot fill in the background to every character.

“I hope you will enjoy reading this sequel as new characters arrive and new secrets emerge.

“If you haven't read the first one, I hope you will, as it introduces you to some of the characters in this book and reveals their secrets.”

The story is set in a charitable trust community, where the residents were afraid their secret pasts would be revealed if they became too close to their neighbours.

Secrets ranged from illegitimacy, piracy and the underworld to murder. Ann found a solution through The Barn, which had been decorated for the residents' use but stood empty. Now, with newcomers to the row, The Barn is about to come alive with more secrets.

The book launch will be held at The Ardington Hotel, in Steyne Gardens, at 2.30pm on Thursday, November 26. Tickets £6, to include a cuppa, scone, jam and cream. Book at reception or telephone 01903 230451.

Wendy will be signing and selling Another Year at Carpenter’s Row after giving a short talk about her writing career and reading from the new book. She describes it as a saga featuring a series of stories, including romance.

She said: “When the first book went on sale, I was regular asked 'What happens next?'. I really had no idea but over time I came up with new stories and started writing them down. And here’s the result.”

Wendy has been writing in various forms since she was a child and her varied work life has always brought her back to it. She started out as a journalist in the 1960s and worked on both Family Circle magazine and Pins & Needles. More recently, she was features editor at Essentially Worthing and Caring4Sussex magazines.

Her books are available to buy at Goring Road Carpets and she will be holding a signing session there on Saturday, December 12, from 9.30am to midday.