Picture a storyteller who spins heartwarming tales of love, both human and furry—meet Debbie Burns! This bestselling American romance novelist has captured hearts with her 'Rescue Me' series, where rescue dogs and second chances steal the show. With a knack for blending romance and animal advocacy, Burns’s stories are as uplifting as a wagging tail on a sunny day.
Based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Burns’s novels don’t just entertain—they inspire readers to open their homes to shelter pets. Her unique blend of cozy romance and four-legged heroes has earned her a loyal following and critical acclaim. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the journey of this pet-loving wordsmith!
The Making of Debbie Burns
Debbie Burns didn’t start as a novelist. With a biology degree in hand, she spent years exploring the natural world, which later fueled her vivid storytelling. Her love for animals, especially rescue pets, became a cornerstone of her life and work. Living in Saint Louis with her family, two rescue dogs, and a quirky Maine Coon cat, Burns found inspiration in her daily hikes through Missouri’s woods and her garden’s blooms. It took nearly two decades of honing her craft—writing short stories, entering contests, and joining writers’ groups—before her debut novel, 'A New Leash on Love,' hit shelves in 2017. That persistence paid off, turning her passion into a celebrated career.
Debbie Burns’s Unforgettable Stories
Burns’s 'Rescue Me' series is her crown jewel, a collection of contemporary romances set in a lively Saint Louis animal shelter. Her debut, 'A New Leash on Love' (2017), introduces Megan Anderson, a shelter worker whose fiery spirit and love for animals spark a slow-burn romance with single dad Craig Williams. Critics praised its heartstring-tugging charm, earning a starred review from Publishers Weekly.
Other gems include 'Sit, Stay, Love' (2018), where a wealthy businessman finds love amid shelter chaos, and 'My Forever Home' (2018), a tale of a former military dog handler and a devoted volunteer finding connection through their shared passion for puppies. Burns’s latest, 'Home Is Where Your Bark Is' (2024), continues her signature mix of humor, heart, and adoptable dogs. Her style—clean, emotionally rich, and peppered with adorable animals—makes her books perfect for readers craving feel-good romance.
Burns also dabbles in children’s literature with the 'Tukie Tales' series, co-authored with her sister Patty Cockrell. Inspired by a tragic bullying incident in 1993, these stories aim to teach young readers kindness and teamwork, showing Burns’s versatility and commitment to positive impact.
Why Debbie Burns Matters
Debbie Burns’s novels do more than entertain—they change lives. Her 'Rescue Me' series has inspired countless readers to adopt shelter pets, amplifying the no-kill shelter movement. Her stories highlight the transformative power of the human-animal bond, showing how love, whether romantic or furry, can heal and uplift. Awards like the HOLT Medallion and glowing reviews from RT Book Reviews cement her influence in contemporary romance.
Burns’s advocacy for rescue animals, woven seamlessly into her narratives, resonates with pet lovers and romance fans alike. Her ability to craft relatable characters and heartwarming plots ensures her stories linger long after the last page, making her a beloved voice in the genre.
- Key Works: 'A New Leash on Love,' 'Sit, Stay, Love,' 'My Forever Home,' 'Home Is Where Your Bark Is'
- Awards: HOLT Medallion, Starred Review from Publishers Weekly
- Hobbies: Hiking, gardening, daydreaming (which sparks her story ideas!)
Snag 'A New Leash on Love' and dive into Debbie Burns’s cozy, pet-filled romances—your heart (and maybe your local shelter) will thank you!