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Dinosaurs & Cherry Stems

(Cindy's Crusades #1)

Susan Jean Ricci (Goodreads Author)

4.13 · Rating details · 84 ratings · 36 reviews

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 in ...more

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Kindle Edition, 202 pages

Published December 16th 2013 by Jumping Jersey Jenkins Books (first published September 14th 2012)

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· 84 ratings · 36 reviews

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Oct 31, 2018 Anna Burke rated it it was amazing

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 fun ...more

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Feb 27, 2019 Casi McLean rated it it was amazing

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 ve ...more

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Oct 28, 2018 Kathy - Books & Munches rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2018

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 wom ...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Mrs. D. rated it it was amazing

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 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!
...more

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Oct 04, 2012 Albert rated it it was amazing

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 eye ...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Susan Griscom rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, memoirs

“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 b ...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Melanie Adkins rated it it was amazing

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 a ...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Margaret Radisich rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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 sh ...more

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Sep 11, 2014 Stacy Jones rated it it was amazing

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 talkin ...more

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Nov 11, 2013 InD'tale Magazine rated it really liked it

Shelves: genre-contemporary, 2013-holiday-issue, rating-3-5-star

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. ...more

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Jun 08, 2015 Christy King rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Sep 23, 2019 Aaron Lazar rated it it was amazing

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 ...more

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Jul 17, 2018 Book Him Danno rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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 ...more

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Jul 06, 2018 Phoenix Rainez rated it it was amazing

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 st ...more

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Aug 30, 2018 Steve rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed

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 r ...more

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Jul 07, 2018 Tracie R rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgally

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

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Oct 04, 2012 R.J. Palmer rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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 muc 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. ...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Rachel Eliason rated it really liked it

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 ...more

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Nov 27, 2012 James Jr. rated it it was amazing

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 t ...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Jessica Elliott rated it liked it

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 fl ...more

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Dec 15, 2012 Ginger Myrick rated it it was amazing

Shelves: rated-and-reviewed

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 avoid ...more

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Nov 04, 2015 Nancy Silk rated it it was amazing

"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 he ...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Margaret Radisich rated it it was amazing

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Oct 26, 2012 Donna rated it really liked it

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.

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Dec 28, 2012 Dennis Higgins rated it it was amazing

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!
...more

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Feb 08, 2013 Bethany Aan rated it it was amazing

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! :) ...more

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Jul 10, 2016 Angela rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Aug 24, 2016 Angela Mortimer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance

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.

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Mar 23, 2013 Jill rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favs, chick-lit

OMG this book is hilarious! Absolutely loved it! This is one of those that really resonates with me because I can see this kind of relationship happening.

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Oct 06, 2013 Literary Chanteuse marked it as chick-lit

For a star rating and complete review please visit InD'tale Magazine online, Dec/Jan 2013 issue. http://indtale.com/reviews/contempora... ...more

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About Susan Jean Ricci

Susan Jean Ricci

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A USA Today, Award-Winning, Women's Pens Author and Humorist, Author Susan Jean Ricci is best known for her Cindy's Crusades Series, starring the hilarious duo Cindy and Jay DeMatteo. These cherished characters are first introduced in the novel Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems, and return to entertain you in the sequel The Sugar Ticket. Their mischief making continues in these shorts: Two Miracles for C A USA Today, Award-Winning, Women's Pens Author and Humorist, Author Susan Jean Ricci is best known for her Cindy's Crusades Series, starring the hilarious duo Cindy and Jay DeMatteo. These cherished characters are first introduced in the novel Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems, and return to entertain you in the sequel The Sugar Ticket. Their mischief making continues in these shorts: Two Miracles for Christmas, A Valentine's Day to Remember, Falling for Niagara, Christmas With Niagara, and The Blind Seer.

Most recently, Ms. Ricci's stories have been included in the USA Today Bestselling Love, Christmas 2 - Movies You Love, the Sweet and Sassy at the Beach Collection, Enchanted Romances - Magical Passion Collection, the Sweet and Sassy Weddings - A Time for Romance Anthology, Sweet and Sassy Valentine Collection, Sweet and Sassy Christmas - A Time for Romance Collection and the Unforgettable Christmas - Gifts of Love (The Unforgettable Book 3) Collection. Her novella When Sailors Play was part of Uvi Poznansky's Bestselling Anthology Love in Times of War. Her other titles are offered in the following anthologies: Unforgettable Heroes - Unforgettable Passion, and Sweet Heat - Where Love & Suspense Meet.

Ms. Ricci's Christmas stories and novellas have been published in the beloved Annie Acorn Christmas Treasuries 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. Other selections appear in Annie Acorn's 2015 Valentine Treasury, Annie Acorn's 2016 Romance Treasury, and Annie Acorn's 2015 Spirited Tales. All may be purchased as stand alone stories, as well as other her titles, including those smoking, hot novellas available in Ms. Ricci's catalogue, The My Sexy Chef Series.

Susan and her husband Joe live in a beautiful town near the sea, and when time allows, they love to travel. Together they have seven children and ten grandchildren.

Ms. Ricci blogs at http://www.susanjeanricci.com/blog.php. You can friend her at https://www.facebook.com/DinosaursChe..., and you can follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Susanjeanricci Her books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iTunes.

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