Book Review: Perotine By Dreena Collins

It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Dreena Collins and the blog tour for her book. Perotine.

Abandoned, faithful – and on trial for heresy.

On a bleak autumn morning in 1555, Protestant Perotine wakes to find her husband packed to leave. Catholicism has returned to Guernsey, and, fearing for his life, he abandons Perotine, her sister and mother to face increasing hostility alone.

The three women endure a challenging winter of rain, isolation, and poverty – until a dramatic series of events draws unwanted attention. When a local woman asks Perotine to hide stolen goods, what begins as a trial for theft spirals into accusations of heresy.

Secluded, steadfast, and terrified, the women face their plight with fortitude and prayers. Together.

But Perotine Massey holds a terrible secret. One that could bring a reprieve, or a fate worse than death.

And she’ll do anything to keep that secret safe.

*****

Perotine has recently married and is settling into life with her new husband on the island of Guernsey. However, with the rise of Catholicism under the reign of Queen Mary, it isn’t long before Perotine is left alone with her sister and mother. Alone and vulnerable, rumours soon put them in danger. Can they weather the storm?

I had not previously read anything by Dreena Collins when I was invited onto the blog tour for her latest book, Perotine. The premise for this novel is one I found intriguing.

This book immediately drew me in. It begins with a punishment and then goes back a few months prior, following the life of Perotine and her family. The plot unravels and with it comes a sinister, tense feeling that doesn’t let up right until the end. The mystery of how the story reaches it’s conclusion meant that I became invested very quickly.

Told mainly from the point of view of Perotine, the main characters in this book have had their share of heartbreak and there were so many times I wanted to reach in and comfort them. I wondered how much bad luck one family could take. Perotine, Guillemine and their mother, Catherine have endured death and abandonment, hardship and disownment and yet, they carry on with strength and determination. I am not going to say much more about that as I don’t want to give too much away, especially if you’re not familiar with the history on which this book is based.

Themes explored include that of religion, persecution, betrayal and loneliness but also show elements of love, family and endurance. The history behind this novel was not an event I was familiar with, and it has made me aware of these three woman and just how sad their story is.

Perotine is a strong reminder that we should not mistreat people simply because we may be divergent or see things differently. A message that is even more important right now.

If you like historical fiction based on real events or are looking for a book with strong characters full of resilience, this book is perfect.

About Dreena Collins  –

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.

Say hi on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky. 

Perotine was released in April 2026. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.