Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems

Cindy's Crusades #1

by Susan Jean Ricci

Twice divorced, cynical Cindy Layton feels like a relic with prehistoric baggage, and doubts she can muster the courage to establish a new relationship, even if it's on her own terms. Her journey out of the Stone Age hits freaky, hilarious turbulence when she joins an Internet dating service. The scammers and weirdoes she meets in cyberspace make Cindy want to crawl back into her cave, until she receives an accidental email from Jay DeMatteo. Jay has the dating blues, too, but after meeting Cindy, reconsiders his options. Now it's up to him to convince her it's never too late to pursue a meaningful relationship, even when a couple is struggling with midlife adolescence.

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit

202 pages, Paperback

First published September 14, 2012

About the author

It’s all about the love…

Susan Jean Ricci is a USA Today, Multi-Award-Winning Author, and is best known for her Cindy's Crusades Series, starring the hilarious duo Cindy and Jay DeMatteo. These characters were first introduced in the multi-award-winning novel Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems and return to entertain you in its sequel, The Sugar Ticket. The third story Don't Bruise the Bananas was released in 2021, and Ms. Ricci is currently composing more sagas for the Cindy’s Crusades series, Kissing Off the Chaos, Exodus to Shangri-la, and It’s a Matter of Attitude, releasing in 2026.

Cindy and Jay's mischief-making continues in these shorts: A Sweet Snafu, Christmas with Niagara, His Sacred Vow, Passion's Secret Ingredient, and Turning up the Heat.
The Love's Salvation series includes contemporary stand-alone works of fiction and short stories, and two new series: Wicked Moments (2024) and Single Or Mingle (2025) have been added to her collections.

Ms. Ricci’s only nonfiction title, Running On All Fours, was a best-selling RONE Finalist 2022, and was penned with true love.

Celebrate Christmas all year long with the Love for the Holidays Series – the latest release, November 2025.

A member of the RWA, Chill Out Books, The Authors Billboard, the Independent Authors' Network, and AllAuthor, Ms. Ricci creates Women’s Fiction, Humor, Romance, and Romantic Suspense. Many of her titles earned prestigious awards and have been recognized as Novella and Holiday Novellas in the IAN 2025, 2024, and 2022, Semi-Finalist in the Kindle Book Review Awards 2022, Novella Finalist with the IAN 2021, Outstanding Novella Award Winner with the IAN 2020, Gold Medal Award Winner in the Reader’s Favorite Awards 2020, and Finalist in the Outstanding Novellas Categories 2019,2018, 2017, the Women's Outstanding Fiction Winner in the IAN 2016, Bronze Award Winner for Humor in the Reader’s Favorite Awards and Silver Awards in the Global eBook Awards 2015.

Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I’ve been reading the newer releases from this author for about 3 years. This isn’t really a genre that’s a favorite of mine but I was introduced to her by a fellow reviewer. Because I do purposely try to promote indie authors, I read & reviewed her most current release at the time. It was as SUCH A GOOD TIME!

Ricci and I both live “down the shore” in NJ and are about the same age with lots of ethnic and family similarities. Go figure! Her writing is character driven and to create single volumes featuring folks you actually remember in about 100 pages is no small feat; especially for someone like me who usually reads upwards of 250+ books per year PLUS as many movies and writes reviews for all of them.

Anyway, I’ve been at my vacation home in Georgia and the nights are long and cold. I decided to go back to Ricci’s first book and see how this talented, quirky author began her journey and I read DINOSAURS & CHERRY STEMS.

Right off the bat, this book is twice as long as most of her other books. It’s the first volume in an 8 book series so we get to meet the two main characters - Cindy and Jay. They are mature, young at heart and have been married before. If I were writing a book and had the opportunity to craft my own Prince Charming, Jay Matteo would be close to perfection.

I’m not going to regurgitate the plot or tell you how the title fits the story. It’s really well worth the .99 to read this poignant and humorous introduction to the Cindy’s Crusade series for yourself.

Susan Jean Ricci lives through these characters. It’s the only explanation for the depth of wisdom and nuggets of truth you’ll find on these pages. I laughed, teared up and was inspired to keep hoping my Jay might come along. Until then, there are 7 more installments in this series 📚

[Anna Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Ricci is a wonderful writer. Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems is a poignant story of starting over in midlife after a nasty divorce. Cindy Layton is a well-developed character with wit, charm, and plenty of baggage. Deftly-written as a flawed woman capable of learning from her mistakes and growing as a person, you'll find yourself rooting for her.

The gauntlet she runs as she steps back into the dating realm evokes a range of emotions. You'll cringe a time or two at the parade of sad, sometimes funny, dating disasters. Cindy Layton's tough, though, and hangs in there.

When she meets Jay, instant attraction doesn't spell head-over-heels romance. Their relationship develops in a far more realistic way. They face lots of ups and downs, misunderstandings, jealousy, exes, old flames, and family issues as they struggle to discover if there's a happily ever after for them. Is there? You'll have to read this engaging story for yourself to find out.

[Casi McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

And enchanting story that hits close to home

Susan Jean Ricci’s Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems (Cindy's Crusades Book 1) is a delightful tale, portraying the trials and tribulations a fifty-year-old divorcee confronts upon reentering single status. Her humor enchants the reader with each play-by-play chapter, as Cindy, the heroine, dips her toes into a tumultuous sea of online dating.

Having been in that exact position myself, I found her hilarious fictional descriptions oddly comforting, as they hit very close to home. Viewing the scenarios from the outside looking in gave me a unique perspective, reminding me there’s humor to be found in most of life’s frustrations.

Ricci crafts an entertaining, playful, and heartwarming story I highly recommend. Whether you are young, old, male, or female, take a break from all the drama and pick up a copy of this light-hearted journal. You’ll love the satisfying and realistic happily ever after.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems is a very quick and short read, written in first person and told by a middle-aged woman struggling to find love after her second divorce.

I have to say, I was expecting something entirely different from this novel as it's under the "humor" section on NetGalley and.. well.. Some parts might have been funny, but overall I didn't really get the humorous vibe I was going for? So, yup, a bit disappointing on that part.

I also didn't feel as if Cindy's actually a middle-aged woman. The shortness of this novel probably has something to do with that as it doesn't give an author a lot of wiggling room to flesh out characters. Cindy simply felt very flat and at times very childish too. Me being 26, that.. might say something? I don't know.

I definitely liked the first part of this novel best though, because Cindy then tells us all about the weirdos and perverts she encountered on dating sites and ended up meeting in person. Definitely loved those stories!
After that, her romance had more of a "rushed" feel to it and you knew where it was going to end. Add in the childish moments, out of the blue events and too abrupt "plot twists".. You end up with an okay read for a Sunday afternoon.

I enjoyed it, but definitely wasn't blown away and expected to laugh way more than I did.

2.5 / 5!

[Mrs. D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many frogs must a woman kiss before she meets her prince?

If you really want to know, you should read Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems, a humorous, contemporary romance written by Susan Ricci. This is a great novel about two middle-aged people who join an online dating service and eventually fall in love. The story is written with honesty and understanding, covering every aspect of the dating journey of a broken and betrayed woman who has just completed a bitter divorce. After she stops crying and feeling sorry for her fading relationships and unhappy marriages, Cindy, the heroine of this entertaining book, is back on the dating market. In her search for the right man, she risks Internet dating, and that is where the fun begins.

Ahhh, glorious dating days! Who does not remember the thrill and excitement running through the veins while waiting for a date? Rushing through the closets in search of a low-cut blouse, we do not eat for days, trying to fit into tight pants we just bought in the juniors’ department. Dropping things on the floor and nervously looking at the clock, we rush out of the house an hour before our actual date. Sitting in the car in a busy parking lot, we are painting our date in the colors of the rainbow, feeling as if we've reached seventh heaven. That is how Cindy felt just before her first date. She walked into the bar and ordered a drink to calm her nerves. Pretending to sip an ice-cold mixture, she patiently waited for him to arrive, shaking from the slightest sound of the slamming door sending gusts of the chilly air into her face. Then he walked through the door.… Ahh, a long-awaited prince! Sweet kisses!

Hell, NO! Cindy would not waste one of her kisses on another frog after her bitter divorce from her former husband. This story drew me in from the first chapter and kept a smile on my face to the last page. It's a great, entertaining read for any adult! Like every woman who has experienced unlucky dating, I closely related to the main character, Cindy, who was funny and naïve, and a desperate single woman searching for true love. Through the main character, the author discusses the dating issues of middle-aged people, revealing their insecurities and fears at the beginning of new relationships.

When Cindy met the right man, she changed from an inexperienced dinosaur to a loving friend and wonderful lover. Susan Ricci captures the reality of Internet dating while still providing hope for people searching for love. Overall it is a wonderful, entertaining book, which I finished reading in one day while sitting on the beach. I would highly recommend this book to any of my friends, single and married, women and men, who appreciate salty humor and are not afraid to learn something from the experiences of divorced people and online dating. Buckle up and enjoy a fun ride!

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Feedback: Have you ever started a story and had the thought in the back of your mind that you were supposed to be doing something else? That nagging feeling that there was something that was suposed to be done but you just can not take your eyes off those pages because you might miss something. If you have not then you will with this story. Susan's tale is of love lost, baggage gained and the thrill of applying what past relationships have taught us.

Point of View: A tale through the eyes of a "Dinosaur" or as society will tell you "a mature woman". You will learn the follies of the past and present through the mind of a "mental cemetary".

Voice: Take your baggage and try to leave it at the door. By now you should know what to look out for in the bad relationships and be able to steer clear. Do not make the soul you find to share your life with pay for the trespasses of others, as they are capable of making their own.

Character Development: Every character is unique, well defined and endearing. There is not a character in the book that you do not know someone in real life to compare to.

Plot: There is something to be said about the journey one must take to understand what a relationship should be and how to ensure they do not mess it up or at least be honest enough with the other party to make progress.

Dialogue: The dialogue was clear and really gave you an insight into each character and their traits.

Pacing: Susan is able to propel you through her story with ease and not make you feel shoved forth.

Setting: I really felt that my inner reader was whisked off to all the places the character was and I felt if I was standing there with her.

Continuity: I feel that Susan tied together a perfect story for a first outing as an "Indie Author" and I can not wait for more from this brilliant new addition to the "Indie World" to be brought forth from her mind. Great work Susan!

[Susan Griscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Is that supposed to be some sort of threat, Glen? I’m damn good at my job and you know it.”
He scratches his ass quite thoroughly. “Nope, not a threat, just practical advice.”

It was lines like this that made this book so enjoyable for me.

Here’s one more just for fun: I email Larry to go shit in his hat.

This book was very amusing, to say the least. I don’t think I’ve laughed out loud from a book in a long time. It’s an easy to read book, meaning it kept my interest and I couldn’t wait to get back to it from whatever reason I had to put it down.

It was very entertaining, to go with Cindy, the protagonist, on some of her wild and most often weird dates and I cringed over some of them remembering some of my own. She is a character you just can’t help relating with, particularly if you’ve ever been through a divorce. At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read a book about such a depression topic, having been through the process myself. However, Susan Ricci has a way of taking something bad like divorce and all the crap that goes along with it and making it an interesting and fun read and I found myself nodding with an “uh huh” several times throughout the book. I became a little annoyed with Cindy at one point but within a few short pages I was relieved to see she came to her senses.

Glen was quite a character and loved hating him. That’s about all I’ll say about that guy.

Jay was a breath of fresh air and I’m going to go out on a limb and say I have one of these guys for my very own.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been through a divorce, both men and women. Men might learn something and women will surely appreciate the humor as well as the grief.

[Melanie Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding out your husband is being unfaithful is hard enough, but when you hear about it from a friend... that sucks. Then to add the cherry on top, he texts you that he wants a divorce. Cindy's week was NOT going well. Now she'd have to adjust to a whole new dating world. Cindy wasn't sure she even wanted to get involved with it all after Glenn. With encouragement from her friends, Cindy begins to explore the world as a single woman. It's not all it's cracked up to be.

A fun and romantic look at life after divorce. Ms. Ricci stepped into an area many are afraid to face and taught us it's okay to laugh at ourselves. She's taught us we're never to old to learn something new about life. This book is a story and guide all in one. Terrifically real characters and magnificent writing make this book a joy to read. I read this book and kept saying to myself, I've met every one of these types of men too. I LOVED IT! Ms. Ricci is right on the money with this book. You have to get your copy today!

I found no issues with this one.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it touched my heart!
~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~

[Margaret Radisich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; Cindy finds herself divorced through no fault of her own and even though hesitant, she signs up with an Internet dating site to see what is out there. Hoping against hope, that one of these men would be Mr. Right, she jumps in; her dates turn out not so great and sometimes create a humorous and/or awkward situation. She is ready to give up; after all, she is in her early 50's and maybe there is no one that will meet her criteria, but she clicks on a name before she closes the account with a glimmer of hope and begins yet another cautious dating session.

The book is very well written and whether you are young or old you can appreciate Cindy's situation and find yourself cheering her on. A lovely book that needs to be in the hands of anyone that loves a good romance.

[Stacy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! Laugh out loud funny! Susan Ricci created this wonderful story with Cindy's Crusades and the first is by far my favorite of the series. I read passages from this book out loud to my daughter while I was reading it, because she would walk by my office and ask me what I was giggling about, then I handed my iPad to her and let her read it when I was done and listened to her giggle.

It was great! Just a wonderful romance and the sort of story that you don't feel embarrassed talking about with your mom. In fact, I insisted that my mom get her own copy! This is not a "sex in the afternoon" sort of book. Cindy is a three dimensional, believable character who is in her 50s and trying online dating for the first time. Her escapades are well worth the time spent reading this novel, well worth it.

Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

A witty and at times sarcastic look at love and divorce through the eyes of Cindy, a middle aged woman, that is both honest and entertaining!

Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Christy King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was laughing, I was crying! This book has it all. From my favorite chapters of dates gone wrong, to insightful observations of love late in life, I was totally taken in by this storyline.

There is an immense amount of wise advice contained within these pages, but it's disguised with comedy and tears so that you don't even realize you've absorbed it.

Recommend to others? Yes, yes, yes.

[Aaron Lazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems is the first book I’ve ever read in the “women’s life” genre. Normally I’m engrossed in mysteries and thrillers, but I must say, to my absolute surprise, this engaging work of fiction captivated me. Beautifully written by Susan Jean Ricci, the story rings true, full of the human experience and laced with an underlying delicious sense of humor.

Ms. Ricci exposes the poignant inner thoughts of Cindy Layton, a woman hurting after breaking up with a dreadful husband. Trying to recover some semblance of happiness, Cindy embarks on a journey of discovery through Internet dating.
In a hilarious and poignant series of dates, Cindy endures some of the weirdest guys imaginable, until she is almost ready to give it up and forget about ever finding love again. She’s initially fooled by smooth talkers, handsome visages, fake down-home personalities, and more. But each one ends up revealing something terrible or really annoying about himself. I felt disappointment along with Cindy as she traveled down this road. But I also couldn’t stop laughing at the hilarious scenes Ms. Ricci painted.

Luckily for the reader, there is redemption in the end, and Cindy finds a guy you can’t help but love. When Cindy meets Mr. Jay DeMatteo, it’s as if she’s finally “home.” Their relationship grows throughout the rest of the book, and even though it’s fraught with a few misunderstandings and difficulties, this is, to this reader’s relief, a happily-ever-after book. After all this gal went through, she deserves that kind of ending! Best of all, there are sequels!

Most enjoyable was the natural dialog and descriptive scenes. I especially loved the youthful vigor and almost adolescent joie de vivre that arose when Cindy finally met her soul mate.

Thank you, Ms. Ricci, for an excellent read!

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars out of 5Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems is a laugh out loud funny easy to read story.

This is a must read book!!

Susan Jean Ricci is able to create a laugh out loud story with fund dialogue, a protagonist that will have readers loving and a hate to love or is it love to hate characters.

Cindy shows the world what it is like to date online and the humor you need when the crazy happens.

Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems is the perfect read for anyone going though a divorce not to mention if you just need to laugh.



This story from what I have heard from friends is a very honest look at dating after 40.



Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Susan Jean Ricci Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems.

[Phoenix Rainez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarmimg down to earth romance

This book totally deserves 5 gold stars. A modern day romance that highlights the pitfalls of life after divorce and online dating. A light hearted enjoyable read which made me laugh and smile a lot.
I'm so glad it has a happy ending and looking forward to following Jay and Cindy's future together in the next book, which I've already downloaded.

After reading through the acknowledgements, I realise how much time and effort Susan Ricci put into this excellent story and all the people who supported her along the way.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming modern day romance.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story but little humor

I read this book because it was promoted as humor, but I didn’t find much of it funny. In addition, I don’t generally like romance stories, so I should not have liked this book, but I did. Susan Ricci is a talented writer who created a warm, touching story of midlife romance. My one quibble was that near the end, it read more like an advice book than a novel. Aside from that, it was excellent.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems was my first audiobook with an AI narrator. Interesting concept. The story revolves around Cindy, who finds herself divorced and tries online dating. The author takes us through the process and the adventures Cindy goes through as a older woman trying to find a normal man. This process can be scary at times, but she does meet Jay. Could this be their love match, give it a listen to find out. It was an enjoyable book to listen to.

[Tracie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems is a great start to this series. A quirky, humorous contemporary romance with fabulous characters and a wonderfully refreshing storyline. I look forward to exploring more by this author and this series

[R.J. Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kind of had to push myself to read "Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems" at first because I was absolutely sure that it wasn't going to be my cup of tea. Then I started reading and had to drag myself away to go take care of my day to day life. Score one, Susan, my dear. It's a lighthearted, fairly easy read and I was so very happy that I didn't have to slog through a bunch of heavy love scenes. I like to have a little left to the imagination in that department.

"Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems" is not so much a love story as it is a story about a journey of self-discovery and how you don't have to be in your roaring twenties to embark on such a journey. Susan calls it "midlife adolescence" and I call it "getting back on the ol' horse". Either way, it shakes down to the same thing, you're never too old to start having a little fun even if you just came out of a phase in your life where the world seems to be crashing in around you. I got a real kick out of some of the names that Susan came up with for some of the sleazy characters that the main character met while giving a go at dating again. That was just plain funny. That and showing that what goes around comes around was strangely cathartic. It gives me hope for aspects of my life.

I have to say honestly, the part that I liked the most about "Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems" was that any person who has been where the main character has been can relate to the situation she's in whether male or female. The emotions; anger, jealousy, resentment, bitterness and distrust are real and come part and parcel with emotional baggage. These things are expected with someone who is emotionally scarred and getting back into the dating game. They're also confronted head on in what I can only call a superb accounting of self-identification. Anyone who has been in any kind of relationship and come out the other side is a changed person whether for good or ill and Ms. Ricci does not try to skate around this. I can only assume that she has used her own experiences to better her characters and make them more real and she's done it with a kind of forthright honesty that I applaud.

Now, onto the blasted star rating which is going to be a bit of an enigma to me. Instinctively, I want to give a five star because I genuinely liked "Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems" and finished reading with that disconnected, euphoric sensation that I only get after I've gotten completely involved in a book. I'm also struggling with the idea that Susan is a close and personal friend of mine. Even with that said, I have to take away a star not because if my association with Susan, but because I want to see more. I've seen Susan's talent for description first hand and I would like to challenge her to give me more stories to devour. Keep writing, bring out the emotion and show me what you've got. Enough said.

[Rachel Eliason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just realized that I rated the book but didn't put a text review. I am not sure why, I reviewed it on Amazon. Here is what I said:

I really didn't need to read Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems for this review (though I did) because I had the good fortune to be one of Susan Ricci's beta-readers and got a chance to read it while it was still a work in progress.

Cindy Layton is twice divorced, in her fifties and has grown children. After her marriage to Glen, an egotistical divorce lawyer, she wonders if she will ever be able to get back in the dating game as a "dinosaur". After a couple of false starts a friend talks her into trying out internet dating. She's skeptical at first and with good reason. Her first few internet dates are hilarious disasters.

Just before giving up for good she meets Jay. he too is older, divorced and with grown kids. Despite almost immediate chemistry they take their time getting to know each other. Can they build a lasting relationship with so much past behind them?

Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems is well written and a fast easy read. Cindy's dating foibles are told with grace and humor. Her romance with Jay is sweet and endearing. Any fan of romance novels would do well to add this to their library.

[James Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading a delightful book that is genuine, sweet, funny, tender... and real.
Sometimes we read something and can tell that the author really didn't "own" the material. They researched and did their best, but they really haven't lived it. If Susan didn't live every single moment of this storyline, than we must consider her a master, because I could find no flaws. It kept my attention throughout, driving me to turn those pages with a perfect narration that never once caused me to trip over a word or phrase. I laughed aloud a few times and even found myself tearing up at one point.
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I am pushing forty-four years old in 2013 that made me love this story. Now, I married my second girlfriend, didn't date much, and have never been divorced or separated. The only thing I really had in common with the characters is my age, and desire to be loved and to love another. In spite of all of that; however, I found myself completely engrossed with the characters and the story, finding myself right there with them.

[Jessica Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I'd actually give this three and a half stars, but this doesn't do halves so I'm stuck at three.

As far as the actual story goes, I thought the idea was great. I found the characters interesting and the story had appeal, especially since I'm not much of a romance reader to begin with. I got sucked in by the title. :) I appreciated that intimate scenes were discreet and that the story truly revolved around the formation of a realistic relationship. The descriptions of the main character's flubbed dates and frustration with trying to find love again were wonderful and often amusing.

My only complaint with the book was the amount of profanity in it. Now, I realize this is a personal complaint; I grew up in a home where women never swear...ever. I found the use of profanity to be distracting to the story. I can handle some profanity, but this went beyond what I am comfortable with. But, for people who aren't bothered by it, I could still recommend this book as a fun read. However, if you're like me and prefer clean language, this might not be the book for you.

[Ginger Myrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems is a fast & furious, fun little read about life after divorce in the new frontier of internet dating. The narrative conveys the full energy and enthusiasm possessed by Ms. Ricci herself and is told in the conversational tone of a weekend gabfest with your best girlfriend over wine and cheese. It is laid out in a blatantly honest fashion that pulls no punches, even relating the self-deprecating thoughts of the main character when she gets herself into hilarious, but avoidable, situations with various schmucks along her path to finding the gentle and caring man she discovers that she deserves.

But it is not all fun and games. Despite the light-hearted tone, there is an underlying shrewdness and practical wisdom to be gleaned. The only caution I would render would be that if you are squeamish about language or real (though not explicit) sexual situations, beware. Other than that, pick up a copy and let yourself be entertained!

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Fun, Enticing Story Of The Third Time Around"

This is a very humorous story of Cindy Layton. She's been twice divorced, the last one leaving her to buy another home (more like a cottage) and having to face her ex-husband, an attorney, also her boss. Needless to say, she'll not work there long! She feels like a relic and doubts she can ever establish a new relationship, even on her terms. This is an hilarious journey taking her to blind dates, as well as internet dating sites. Nothing offers her hope. She'd rather stay home in her cave with her dog, Shirley. But ... one day she receives an e-mail from Jay DeMatteo. Can she be swayed to take the risk of starting a new relationship at her age? One reason people like to read is to be entertained. Susan Jean Ricci knows how to entertain with lots of hilarious scenes, which will make you laugh out loud. Also, her story contains many thoughts of wisdom. Highly recommend.

[Margaret Radisich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; Cindy finds herself divorced through no fault of her own and even though hesitant, she signs up with an Internet dating site to see what is out there. Hoping against hope, that one of these men would be Mr. Right, she jumps in; her dates turn out not so great and sometimes create a humorous and/or awkward situation. She is ready to give up; after all, she is in her early 50's and maybe there is no one that will meet her criteria, but she clicks on a name before she closes the account with a glimmer of hope and begins yet another cautious dating session.

The book is very well written and whether you are young or old you can appreciate Cindy's situation and find yourself cheering her on. A lovely book that needs to be in the hands of anyone that loves a good romance.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems is a laugh out loud romantic novel. It is also a realistic look at the horror of dating at an older age. This author has captured all the joy and sorrow women of today face after a divorce, and moving on to a new life.
I love the fact that not everyone was rich, beautiful, and everything turned out perfect.
I recommend Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems to women of all ages looking for a fun, but realistic romantic novel.

[Dennis Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Susan Ricci's wonderful novel, Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems, It felt like I was finally privy to at least a glimpse of the secrets of how women think. I was able to get into the main character, Cindy and truly feel for her, at times wanting to rescue her from hoards of unsavory men. What a ride this novel took me on. The writing was great and flowed effortlessly across each page. Wonderful book!

[Bethany Aan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this delightful read-it-in-one-sitting book. 'Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems' is a cute, heart-warming story of middle age, internet dating, and the hope of finding real love when you've resigned to never being in love again. I think anyone who's ever participated in an online dating site can appreciate the early tales of woe, and anyone who's ever fallen in love can appreciate the rest. :) I highly recommend this book, for pretty much anyone. :)

Well done, Susan! :)

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this light hearted look at the trials and tribulations that face women after a divorce, in their fifties. Funny and poignant moments are wrapped up with self discovery in this elegantly told tale of finding new love and the rocky road you have to travel down to get there. This is my first read by this author but it won't be the last.

[Angela Mortimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know how difficult it is to find a suitable book for that long flight, or to read around the pool on holiday, well this is it. I smiled most of the way through. No matter the noise I was never distracted. It was so real, the main character very human as are the others and funny. Thoroughly recommend if you feel like a good book that makes you feel good.