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Reflections
SYNOPSIS
Reflections
©
2012
Rose Mary Stiffin, PhD
Warren Dwyer is a graduate student in computer engineering. He is brilliant, the spoiled only child of his doting but oft-times frustrated parents, as handsome as a model, and a drunk. But the innocent Cosby Tates sees only the obvious: he is tall, dark, and handsome. And she wants him, as only an eighteen-year-old innocent can desire an older man – with her total heart and soul.
She rescues him, drunken and oblivious, from a wedding reception and takes him home. Perhaps, he would have been grateful if, upon awakening the next morning, he had an inkling of who she is!
Ten years later, Warren is now sober, responsible, and junior partner in an expanding, successful bioengineering company. He is happily engaged to the beautiful photographer Dawn Redfield when he is assigned to attend a conference in Boise, Idaho. There, he sees the woman who has haunted his memories for a decade. But who is she and who is this little boy who, as Dawn claims, looks exactly like Warren?
Reflections is a beautiful summer read, full of diverse and inspiring characters who stay with you long after their stories are over.
Reflections
©
2012
Rose Mary Stiffin, PhD
Warren Dwyer is a graduate student in computer engineering. He is brilliant, the spoiled only child of his doting but oft-times frustrated parents, as handsome as a model, and a drunk. But the innocent Cosby Tates sees only the obvious: he is tall, dark, and handsome. And she wants him, as only an eighteen-year-old innocent can desire an older man – with her total heart and soul.
She rescues him, drunken and oblivious, from a wedding reception and takes him home. Perhaps, he would have been grateful if, upon awakening the next morning, he had an inkling of who she is!
Ten years later, Warren is now sober, responsible, and junior partner in an expanding, successful bioengineering company. He is happily engaged to the beautiful photographer Dawn Redfield when he is assigned to attend a conference in Boise, Idaho. There, he sees the woman who has haunted his memories for a decade. But who is she and who is this little boy who, as Dawn claims, looks exactly like Warren?
Reflections is a beautiful summer read, full of diverse and inspiring characters who stay with you long after their stories are over.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 8, 2026
Reflections by Rose Mary Stiffin PhD
Reflections by Rose Mary Stiffin PhD presents a compelling romantic drama centered on inaugural love, overlooked opportunities, individual growth, and the remarkable manner in which past events can resurface to reshape the future.
The narrative centers on Warren Dwyer, an exceptionally gifted computer-engineering doctoral candidate who appears to possess considerable advantages. Possessing both physical attractiveness and professional aptitude, Warren is simultaneously indulged by his devoted parents while battling substance abuse. His circumstances undergo a significant transformation upon meeting Cosby Tates, an eighteen-year-old woman of innocence who perceives his imperfections and develops an intense emotional connection to him.
Following the discovery of Warren in an intoxicated state at a wedding celebration, Cosby escorts him to her residence. This encounter proves indelible for her. Conversely, Warren awakens with no recollection of the young woman whose life has been substantially altered by their interaction.
A decade subsequently, Warren has undergone profound personal change. Currently abstinent, dependable, and an accomplished associate partner within an expanding bioengineering enterprise, he has transcended the troubled individual he previously embodied. He maintains an engagement to Dawn Redfield, an accomplished photographer, and appears positioned for a secure existence.
Circumstances shift dramatically when Warren attends a professional conference in Boise, Idaho, and serendipitously reconnects with the individual who has occupied his consciousness throughout the preceding decade. This encounter presents a compelling enigma: her identity and the striking resemblance between the accompanying young child and Warren himself.
This unresolved question propels Reflections forward emotionally. The narrative progressively intertwines Warren's former and current circumstances, generating contemplation regarding accountability, affection, recollection, and the ramifications of determinations established years prior.
Reflections by Rose Mary Stiffin PhD presents a compelling romantic drama centered on inaugural love, overlooked opportunities, individual growth, and the remarkable manner in which past events can resurface to reshape the future.
The narrative centers on Warren Dwyer, an exceptionally gifted computer-engineering doctoral candidate who appears to possess considerable advantages. Possessing both physical attractiveness and professional aptitude, Warren is simultaneously indulged by his devoted parents while battling substance abuse. His circumstances undergo a significant transformation upon meeting Cosby Tates, an eighteen-year-old woman of innocence who perceives his imperfections and develops an intense emotional connection to him.
Following the discovery of Warren in an intoxicated state at a wedding celebration, Cosby escorts him to her residence. This encounter proves indelible for her. Conversely, Warren awakens with no recollection of the young woman whose life has been substantially altered by their interaction.
A decade subsequently, Warren has undergone profound personal change. Currently abstinent, dependable, and an accomplished associate partner within an expanding bioengineering enterprise, he has transcended the troubled individual he previously embodied. He maintains an engagement to Dawn Redfield, an accomplished photographer, and appears positioned for a secure existence.
Circumstances shift dramatically when Warren attends a professional conference in Boise, Idaho, and serendipitously reconnects with the individual who has occupied his consciousness throughout the preceding decade. This encounter presents a compelling enigma: her identity and the striking resemblance between the accompanying young child and Warren himself.
This unresolved question propels Reflections forward emotionally. The narrative progressively intertwines Warren's former and current circumstances, generating contemplation regarding accountability, affection, recollection, and the ramifications of determinations established years prior.
October 9, 2026
Reflections by Rose Mary Stiffin is an engaging and emotionally rich story that explores love, memory, responsibility, and the unexpected ways our past can return to shape our present. Warren and Cosby’s story begins with an impulsive encounter and unfolds into a fascinating journey filled with unanswered questions and surprising revelations.
I enjoyed the contrast between Warren’s troubled younger years and the responsible man he becomes a decade later. The characters are diverse and memorable, and the mystery surrounding Cosby and the young boy adds an intriguing layer that keeps the story moving.
The book has a warm, emotional quality that makes it an enjoyable summer read. Stiffin’s storytelling brings together romance, family, personal growth, and second chances in a way that feels heartfelt and engaging. A good choice for readers who enjoy character-driven romantic fiction with a touch of mystery and plenty of emotion.
Overall: A touching and enjoyable read with memorable characters and an engaging story.
I enjoyed the contrast between Warren’s troubled younger years and the responsible man he becomes a decade later. The characters are diverse and memorable, and the mystery surrounding Cosby and the young boy adds an intriguing layer that keeps the story moving.
The book has a warm, emotional quality that makes it an enjoyable summer read. Stiffin’s storytelling brings together romance, family, personal growth, and second chances in a way that feels heartfelt and engaging. A good choice for readers who enjoy character-driven romantic fiction with a touch of mystery and plenty of emotion.
Overall: A touching and enjoyable read with memorable characters and an engaging story.
February 28, 2018
Nothing about this book was believable. Warren walks by a male nurse and “knows” he is gay. Alcoholism “skips a generation”? Like reading a fairy tale.
September 10, 2015
Reflections
Rose Mary Stiffin
Review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
The pushing, pulling, and positioning in these relationships are handled deftly by the practiced “omniscient observer.”
“You’re…you’re the girl from my dreams! It’s you. You’re real. I knew it! I just knew it!” With those words, Warren Dwyer confronts his past, his present, and his future.
Years before, Warren, at that time a handsome, callous, privileged youth and a budding alcoholic, got drunk at a friend’s wedding and was taken home by a lovely young girl. What happened between them was obvious the following day, when Warren surveyed his rumpled bed—but the girl, embarrassed that the now sober Warren has no recollection of her or their night together, has disappeared. Time passes and Warren reforms, becomes a success in life and meets a very beautiful artist, Dawn Redfield. The two hit it off immediately, partly perhaps because they, to their friends, look very much alike; although they do not see this resemblance. Their engagement soon follows but the marriage plans never seem to materialize. Then one day, Warren sees Cosby, “the girl from my dreams,” and the mother of a little boy Avery who, even Dawn can see, looks just like him. Cosby is engaged, and her future husband, Ralph, is already taking on the role of father to Avery. For both couples, the reunion of Avery’s biological parents is hardly a formula for blissful future plans. Something, or someone, has to give.
As in her other novels, especially Groovin’ on the Half Shell, author Rose Mary Stiffin has created and then deals with a complicated plot, with the feelings of numerous people in collision. How will Ralph feel about Warren, how will Dawn feel about Cosby, and how will all of them make the situation calm and positive for the person central to their hopes and fears, an innocent ten-year-old boy? Stiffin knows where she wants her characters to end up, and she moves them smoothly toward a peaceful, rational conclusion. A chemist, the author knows a lot about biology, too; the passions between and among these two couples are convincing, making their doubts and concerns doubly convincing.
Any of the situations in the book could happen: a young girl opts for single motherhood despite her parents’ trepidations; a young man secretly retains a beautiful vision of youthful lust even as he falls in mature love; a fiancé swallows his jealousy to let his woman decide how to handle the legacy of her past without interference. Stiffin takes these true-life possibilities and fashions a fascinating fiction for our enjoyment. Reflections, like Stiffin’s family saga Walk in Bethel, presents a dramatic scenario that reminds us that of all animals, human beings are the least predictable, the most fallible, and the most capable of redemption.
Rose Mary Stiffin
Review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
The pushing, pulling, and positioning in these relationships are handled deftly by the practiced “omniscient observer.”
“You’re…you’re the girl from my dreams! It’s you. You’re real. I knew it! I just knew it!” With those words, Warren Dwyer confronts his past, his present, and his future.
Years before, Warren, at that time a handsome, callous, privileged youth and a budding alcoholic, got drunk at a friend’s wedding and was taken home by a lovely young girl. What happened between them was obvious the following day, when Warren surveyed his rumpled bed—but the girl, embarrassed that the now sober Warren has no recollection of her or their night together, has disappeared. Time passes and Warren reforms, becomes a success in life and meets a very beautiful artist, Dawn Redfield. The two hit it off immediately, partly perhaps because they, to their friends, look very much alike; although they do not see this resemblance. Their engagement soon follows but the marriage plans never seem to materialize. Then one day, Warren sees Cosby, “the girl from my dreams,” and the mother of a little boy Avery who, even Dawn can see, looks just like him. Cosby is engaged, and her future husband, Ralph, is already taking on the role of father to Avery. For both couples, the reunion of Avery’s biological parents is hardly a formula for blissful future plans. Something, or someone, has to give.
As in her other novels, especially Groovin’ on the Half Shell, author Rose Mary Stiffin has created and then deals with a complicated plot, with the feelings of numerous people in collision. How will Ralph feel about Warren, how will Dawn feel about Cosby, and how will all of them make the situation calm and positive for the person central to their hopes and fears, an innocent ten-year-old boy? Stiffin knows where she wants her characters to end up, and she moves them smoothly toward a peaceful, rational conclusion. A chemist, the author knows a lot about biology, too; the passions between and among these two couples are convincing, making their doubts and concerns doubly convincing.
Any of the situations in the book could happen: a young girl opts for single motherhood despite her parents’ trepidations; a young man secretly retains a beautiful vision of youthful lust even as he falls in mature love; a fiancé swallows his jealousy to let his woman decide how to handle the legacy of her past without interference. Stiffin takes these true-life possibilities and fashions a fascinating fiction for our enjoyment. Reflections, like Stiffin’s family saga Walk in Bethel, presents a dramatic scenario that reminds us that of all animals, human beings are the least predictable, the most fallible, and the most capable of redemption.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews