Thrilled to announce that fellow author and friend Dreena Collins will be here in the Forest of Dean as guest speaker at a special event on Saturday 18 April 2026.
The topic is her new historical novel, Perotine, published by Blue Ormer Press and to be launched in April.
‘The truth inside the lie’
The Guernsey martyrs were three ‘ordinary’ Protestant women. Brought to trial in 1556, their remarkable story is full of twists and trauma. Yet, while these events were first recorded by John Foxe in 1563, modern retellings have been surprisingly few.
Dreena spent two years researching and writing Perotine, visiting the site of the women’s trial, talking to historians, and learning more about the island where they lived.
Now you can join Dreena as she presents Perotine – reading extracts and exploring a bleak period in history through the women’s own voices.
STORIES FROM THE INSIDE: LOST VOICES
For all those interested in uncovering hidden histories and hearing the lost voices of the past ….
WHEN
Saturday 18 April, 3 pm-5 pm
WHERE
The Harvey Centre, Minsterworth GL2 8JH (across the road from the Village Hall, in the old school hall)
Ample free parking
£5 entry includes tea, coffee, cake
OPEN MIC
After Dreena’s talk we will be inviting attendees to read us their own (short) pieces relevant to the theme, either your own or a favourite from somewhere else.
INTERESTED?
It would be great if you would go to my Facebook page where you can find the event as a pinned post, and let me know if you’re thinking of coming (so I know how much cake to make!) Or email me at cheryl@cherylburman.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dreena Collins is a multi-genre author. Her short fiction has been listed and placed in numerous writing competitions, such as The Bridport Prize and the Bath Flash Fiction Award. She is also the author of a suspense novel, And Then She Fell.
As Jane Harvey, Dreena writes commercially successful, feel-good fiction: The Hummingbird House series. Books one and two of the series both won the Eyelands International Awards, Published Novel of the Year (2021 and 2022).
Perotine is Dreena’s first full-length work of historical fiction, and a labour of love – retelling the powerful story of the Guernsey Martyrs of 1556. Shortlisted in the Flash 500 Novel Opening Competition, the manuscript was also a top ten finalist in the Marlowe and Christie prize.
She lives in Jersey with her spouse, a teenage son, and a grumpy white dog, where she also works as the Project Manager for a local charity.