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The Dumpling Date
Two dreams, linked by one place – The Souper Dumpling.
After her parents' divorce, Haeun’s mother left her with her uncle in Busan and a yearning for validation that academic drive can’t drown out. Five years later, a scholarship opportunity leads Haeun to Seoul. Seeking solace from disappointment, she wanders through the streets of an unfamiliar city, and finds comfort in a small dumpling shop.
Yujin thinks all his problems will fade once he gets his degree and a solid job as a writer, but then he loses his scholarship — and his hope. Surrounded by darkness, Yujin runs to his comfort place, working behind the counter of Souper Dumpling.
One little cafe in Seoul, South Korea, with heavenly food and punny jokes on their napkins, weaves together the fate of these two wandering souls from afar.
But will they ever meet? Or will they forever touch each other's lives from a distance?
After her parents' divorce, Haeun’s mother left her with her uncle in Busan and a yearning for validation that academic drive can’t drown out. Five years later, a scholarship opportunity leads Haeun to Seoul. Seeking solace from disappointment, she wanders through the streets of an unfamiliar city, and finds comfort in a small dumpling shop.
Yujin thinks all his problems will fade once he gets his degree and a solid job as a writer, but then he loses his scholarship — and his hope. Surrounded by darkness, Yujin runs to his comfort place, working behind the counter of Souper Dumpling.
One little cafe in Seoul, South Korea, with heavenly food and punny jokes on their napkins, weaves together the fate of these two wandering souls from afar.
But will they ever meet? Or will they forever touch each other's lives from a distance?
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2025
About the author
Z.I. Smeraldo
3 books24 followersZ.I. Smeraldo has found solace and boundless creativity in the world of literature. With each stroke of her pen and every page she turns, she invites readers to join her on an enchanting journey through her imagination. She likes to craft captivating short stories and heartfelt poetry, and she is currently pouring her heart and soul into her very first novel, "The Dumpling Date." When she's not engrossed in the lives of her characters and their thrilling adventures, you can find her curled up with a good book and a warm cup of coffee, or indulging in the soothing art of crochet.
download and my poetry "Unfinished Tale" in an anthology for free here link: Imagination
download and my poetry "Unfinished Tale" in an anthology for free here link: Imagination
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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September 9, 2025Dnf @ 50%
July 19, 2025
✧.➛ the perfect book for when you need a boost in life
I would never get tired of writing a review for this book. If you could see me as I was reading the last segment of the book, I was hooked. I will try to keep this review as coherent as possible with no spoilers. First of all, I love this book, it's actually crazy. The characters, their growth, their bonds, just everything was chef's kiss. As the book progressed, it went from a darker, more monotone colour scheme to a brighter, more colourful, and lively atmosphere which will forever stay with me. I loved that transition, you don't understand. Through that, the characters also grew, their complex nature were more understandable and a lot of characters (especially my favourite, Youngmin) changed for the better. I loved the relationships between each character. Most honourable mention would be Youngmin and Yujin but I could name a few more that are close seconds.
On another note, the pacing was so well done. The pacing was slow enough to allow you to savour all that's been said but fast enough to keep you super intrigued. I loved the buildups, the conflicts, the aftermaths- and as someone who gets super anxious reading them in other texts, I loved this one.
I already mentioned characters and honestly I could go on about each character but that will spoil too much. Even the one character that appeared for one singular scene, I love her so much.
This book is very and I mean very special to me. Thank you to Zi.Smeraldo for giving me a chance to read it and obviously, thank you for writing such a masterpiece- wish you the best for your publishing journey <3
With love,
Samiya <3
I would never get tired of writing a review for this book. If you could see me as I was reading the last segment of the book, I was hooked. I will try to keep this review as coherent as possible with no spoilers. First of all, I love this book, it's actually crazy. The characters, their growth, their bonds, just everything was chef's kiss. As the book progressed, it went from a darker, more monotone colour scheme to a brighter, more colourful, and lively atmosphere which will forever stay with me. I loved that transition, you don't understand. Through that, the characters also grew, their complex nature were more understandable and a lot of characters (especially my favourite, Youngmin) changed for the better. I loved the relationships between each character. Most honourable mention would be Youngmin and Yujin but I could name a few more that are close seconds.
On another note, the pacing was so well done. The pacing was slow enough to allow you to savour all that's been said but fast enough to keep you super intrigued. I loved the buildups, the conflicts, the aftermaths- and as someone who gets super anxious reading them in other texts, I loved this one.
I already mentioned characters and honestly I could go on about each character but that will spoil too much. Even the one character that appeared for one singular scene, I love her so much.
This book is very and I mean very special to me. Thank you to Zi.Smeraldo for giving me a chance to read it and obviously, thank you for writing such a masterpiece- wish you the best for your publishing journey <3
With love,
Samiya <3
August 20, 2026
ARC review!!
How am I supposed to rate a book when five stars simply don't feel like enough!!
I went into The Dumpling Date expecting a sweet romance, but I ended up with a story that made me laugh, ache, worry, smile, and become ridiculously attached to two fictional people.
I also have to talk about the quotes😭💌 So many of them felt like they were written specifically for me. I found myself stopping, rereading certain lines, and just sitting with them for a moment because they somehow put feelings into words that I hadn't been able to express myself. Some books give you beautiful sentences, but this one gave me lines that actually felt personal🩷
I loved the atmosphere of this book too. The Korean setting, the dumpling shop called Souper dumpling(aahh, their first meeting), the cozy little moments, the conversations, the dreams they're chasing... it all came together so beautifully. There's a warmth to this story that makes you want to stay inside it for just a little longer✨
And that ending?🤍 I closed the book with such a full heart, but also with one very important thought: I NEED MORE YUJIN AND HAEUN especially Yujin's POV😭
I wasn't ready to say goodbye to them at all. If I could have stayed in their world for another 300 pages, I absolutely would have.
If you're looking for a heartfelt romance with a beautiful Korean setting, characters you'll genuinely become attached to, and a story that will quietly find its way into your heart, please give The Dumpling Date a chance🥟💌
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read The Dumpling Date as an ARC💕
How am I supposed to rate a book when five stars simply don't feel like enough!!
I went into The Dumpling Date expecting a sweet romance, but I ended up with a story that made me laugh, ache, worry, smile, and become ridiculously attached to two fictional people.
I also have to talk about the quotes😭💌 So many of them felt like they were written specifically for me. I found myself stopping, rereading certain lines, and just sitting with them for a moment because they somehow put feelings into words that I hadn't been able to express myself. Some books give you beautiful sentences, but this one gave me lines that actually felt personal🩷
I loved the atmosphere of this book too. The Korean setting, the dumpling shop called Souper dumpling(aahh, their first meeting), the cozy little moments, the conversations, the dreams they're chasing... it all came together so beautifully. There's a warmth to this story that makes you want to stay inside it for just a little longer✨
And that ending?🤍 I closed the book with such a full heart, but also with one very important thought: I NEED MORE YUJIN AND HAEUN especially Yujin's POV😭
I wasn't ready to say goodbye to them at all. If I could have stayed in their world for another 300 pages, I absolutely would have.
If you're looking for a heartfelt romance with a beautiful Korean setting, characters you'll genuinely become attached to, and a story that will quietly find its way into your heart, please give The Dumpling Date a chance🥟💌
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read The Dumpling Date as an ARC💕
August 24, 2026
So here's a review of the book!! I read it in one sitting because of how captivated I was throughout. It was such a comfort read which gave me Kdrama vibes. Also, it reminded me of the anime movie 'Your Name'. ✨
There were some scenes which felt like a drag, and some scenes which felt too rushed, like her reunion with her mom. I feel like there were a few plot holes (just minor details) 🤔
The book signing event had my heart in my throat because I was so eager for them to meet again, that has to be my favorite scene! I was giddy the entire chapter!! 💛
Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book! I'm so excited for the bonus chapter! Initially, I was going to wait till I recieved the bonus chapter so I could read it all in one go but I was too impatient to read the book, I dived right in!
3.5/⭐️
There were some scenes which felt like a drag, and some scenes which felt too rushed, like her reunion with her mom. I feel like there were a few plot holes (just minor details) 🤔
The book signing event had my heart in my throat because I was so eager for them to meet again, that has to be my favorite scene! I was giddy the entire chapter!! 💛
Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book! I'm so excited for the bonus chapter! Initially, I was going to wait till I recieved the bonus chapter so I could read it all in one go but I was too impatient to read the book, I dived right in!
3.5/⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2026
The Dumpling Date is a novel with alternating chapters between our two main characters, the “financially unstable” Yujin, and the “emotionally unstable” Haeun.
I absolutely love how the main characters became each others’ supporter and muse without direct interaction between them. It feels like it is by fate and by chance, they both are brought together, with the universe rooting for them. I, too, unknowingly rooted for Yujin throughout the second half of the novel.
Comparing both the main characters, I liked Yujin’s side of the story, but Haeun’s story was better executed with lesser cringey scenes. They are both a mess in their own way, but I enjoyed watching their characters develop over the chapters.
This novel is a fun read with all the characters very lovable, although they may be insufferable at times. The writing could be better executed if there were lesser repetition on description (I lost count how many times their back of their heads got slapped, and how many times their lips quivered). Despite that, the pacing is perfect to keep me interested throughout.
I recommend you to give this a try if you like a cute rom-com filled with love and support from found family while chasing dreams in spite of their aching loneliness
I absolutely love how the main characters became each others’ supporter and muse without direct interaction between them. It feels like it is by fate and by chance, they both are brought together, with the universe rooting for them. I, too, unknowingly rooted for Yujin throughout the second half of the novel.
Comparing both the main characters, I liked Yujin’s side of the story, but Haeun’s story was better executed with lesser cringey scenes. They are both a mess in their own way, but I enjoyed watching their characters develop over the chapters.
This novel is a fun read with all the characters very lovable, although they may be insufferable at times. The writing could be better executed if there were lesser repetition on description (I lost count how many times their back of their heads got slapped, and how many times their lips quivered). Despite that, the pacing is perfect to keep me interested throughout.
I recommend you to give this a try if you like a cute rom-com filled with love and support from found family while chasing dreams in spite of their aching loneliness
July 14, 2026
I absolutely loved this book!!! it was just so comforting! I REALLY ADORED THE MAIN LEADSS and Youngminn!! was my absolute favorite side character right after them. Honestly, everyone was so great that I’d happily read a whole book just about the side characters! The story made me cry at some points, but it was also so fun and balanced joy in its simplest form. The relationships are incredibly inspiring and really make you want those kinds of connections in your own life. It totally hooked me, my biggest takeaway was how much open communication can fix. In the Last, honestly, I never knew I needed a solar-charging tote bag until now!
September 15, 2025
The Dumpling Date is a cozy, heart-warming story about growing up, trying new things, and how fate entangles two people. I loved the setting and the growth of all the characters, and the fateful meeting of Haeun and Yujin was well deserved. I do wish we got to see them together more times, though.
September 28, 2025
I received an advance reader’s copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Z.I. Smeraldo’s debut novel is a funny, emotional, contemporary coming-of-age romance set against the backdrop of food, family, and dreams. Told through alternating perspectives — Haeun, a determined fashion student, and Yujin, an aspiring writer and cook — the story blends themes of ambition, disappointment, family and quiet resilience.
It’s a great boost for someone feeling demotivated and needing that warm energy to move forward! Also, the Souper Dumpling is every aspiring creative persons dream!
The prose is emotional and intimate, almost diary-like, capturing the rawness of creative struggle: rejection, impostor syndrome, and the ache of absent family. Food is the book’s heartbeat — dumplings, kimchi, rice bowls — offering both comfort and survival, also making the readers mouth water. Small details shine, such as Haeun’s love for journaling and excitement over purple Post-its, or the affectionate bickering with her cousin Unnie (chapter 1, p.7), which feels utterly real. Yujin’s chapters ground the story in the bustling café, where Jihya Noona, Hyung, and Chan add texture and humor. Contemporary touches, like references to "tea," nervous anticipation, and playful dumpling jokes ("its favorite genre of music is wrap"), keep the tone fresh and current.
The book’s strengths lie in its authentic portrayal of young adulthood: nuanced family bonds, tactile sensory descriptions, and the bittersweet push-pull between doubt and hope. At times, the pacing drags (for example, lengthy details about cups and napkins, p.46), and one chapter feels a little flat. The use of multiple nicknames can also be confusing. Romance is present but subtle — readers expecting a more traditional love arc may find it understated.
Overall, The Dumpling Date feels less like a conventional romance and more like a slice-of-life story about two young people learning to persist, dream, and find belonging. Warm, bittersweet, and relatable, it’s a debut brimming with promise and a voice worth watching. I especially enjoyed the detail of the creative processes (fashion and writing) both the central characters centered around.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5)
Z.I. Smeraldo’s debut novel is a funny, emotional, contemporary coming-of-age romance set against the backdrop of food, family, and dreams. Told through alternating perspectives — Haeun, a determined fashion student, and Yujin, an aspiring writer and cook — the story blends themes of ambition, disappointment, family and quiet resilience.
It’s a great boost for someone feeling demotivated and needing that warm energy to move forward! Also, the Souper Dumpling is every aspiring creative persons dream!
The prose is emotional and intimate, almost diary-like, capturing the rawness of creative struggle: rejection, impostor syndrome, and the ache of absent family. Food is the book’s heartbeat — dumplings, kimchi, rice bowls — offering both comfort and survival, also making the readers mouth water. Small details shine, such as Haeun’s love for journaling and excitement over purple Post-its, or the affectionate bickering with her cousin Unnie (chapter 1, p.7), which feels utterly real. Yujin’s chapters ground the story in the bustling café, where Jihya Noona, Hyung, and Chan add texture and humor. Contemporary touches, like references to "tea," nervous anticipation, and playful dumpling jokes ("its favorite genre of music is wrap"), keep the tone fresh and current.
The book’s strengths lie in its authentic portrayal of young adulthood: nuanced family bonds, tactile sensory descriptions, and the bittersweet push-pull between doubt and hope. At times, the pacing drags (for example, lengthy details about cups and napkins, p.46), and one chapter feels a little flat. The use of multiple nicknames can also be confusing. Romance is present but subtle — readers expecting a more traditional love arc may find it understated.
Overall, The Dumpling Date feels less like a conventional romance and more like a slice-of-life story about two young people learning to persist, dream, and find belonging. Warm, bittersweet, and relatable, it’s a debut brimming with promise and a voice worth watching. I especially enjoyed the detail of the creative processes (fashion and writing) both the central characters centered around.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5)
August 3, 2025
Have I ever read a book this unique? No. I haven’t.
This book stood out in so many ways, making it genuinely unforgettable. I can honestly say I loved everything about it.
The first thing I want to talk about is the genre : healing fiction. No other label could define it better. This book made me confront things I had been neglecting for a long time and even helped me realise the misunderstandings I’d been holding on to. I related deeply to the characters, and the story felt so personal that it healed a part of me I didn’t even know was broken.
I was also deeply impressed by the writing style. It was simple yet captivating, with chapter openings that instantly hooked me and chapter endings that flowed seamlessly into the next. The abrupt endings of certain chapters pushed me to keep reading without pause.
Another highlight was the small, inspiring lines scattered throughout the book. This is the kind of book that contains some of the best quotes I’ve ever read lines.
One thing I appreciated greatly was how every side character had their own distinct personality. Many authors tend to overlook side characters, but here, each one has unique traits that bring the story to life.
The best part of the book for me was the "invisible string" between the main characters of the book. It really tied the book together and made it 10 times more beautiful.
This book stood out in so many ways, making it genuinely unforgettable. I can honestly say I loved everything about it.
The first thing I want to talk about is the genre : healing fiction. No other label could define it better. This book made me confront things I had been neglecting for a long time and even helped me realise the misunderstandings I’d been holding on to. I related deeply to the characters, and the story felt so personal that it healed a part of me I didn’t even know was broken.
I was also deeply impressed by the writing style. It was simple yet captivating, with chapter openings that instantly hooked me and chapter endings that flowed seamlessly into the next. The abrupt endings of certain chapters pushed me to keep reading without pause.
Another highlight was the small, inspiring lines scattered throughout the book. This is the kind of book that contains some of the best quotes I’ve ever read lines.
One thing I appreciated greatly was how every side character had their own distinct personality. Many authors tend to overlook side characters, but here, each one has unique traits that bring the story to life.
The best part of the book for me was the "invisible string" between the main characters of the book. It really tied the book together and made it 10 times more beautiful.
September 2, 2025
I think this review isn't enough to explain how much I love this. If you ever feel like you are alone This is your sign to read this it is the perfect combination of Reality checks, Electric feels, richshits, CHAAAANN and something that is lost in the crowd of the world. The annotations are filled with RELATABLE stamp and not just to me I think for everyone somehow in their life.
If I talk about characters firstly YUJIN omg this guy is just too good the way this character potrays the reality most people faces and don't know how to deal with it you gotta take notes from him. The way a connection to our hearts is portrayed with few words that I CRIED.
HAEUN the way this character made a 360 switch from not being my fav charcter to being the most beautifully written character ever. She shows emotions that we suppress because we think we are "weird".
The other characters just SLAYEDDD please I felt like home with all those characters.
The way of writing, the invisible string theory that just made everything so beautiful, The placing EVRYTHING IS PERFECT.
Lemme put a warning as well YOU WILL DEFINITELY CRAVE DUMPLINGS WHILE READING THIS SO BE PREPARED.
If I talk about characters firstly YUJIN omg this guy is just too good the way this character potrays the reality most people faces and don't know how to deal with it you gotta take notes from him. The way a connection to our hearts is portrayed with few words that I CRIED.
HAEUN the way this character made a 360 switch from not being my fav charcter to being the most beautifully written character ever. She shows emotions that we suppress because we think we are "weird".
The other characters just SLAYEDDD please I felt like home with all those characters.
The way of writing, the invisible string theory that just made everything so beautiful, The placing EVRYTHING IS PERFECT.
Lemme put a warning as well YOU WILL DEFINITELY CRAVE DUMPLINGS WHILE READING THIS SO BE PREPARED.
July 25, 2025
Ready for something new? This is the perfect book!
I have never read this genre before, nor would I usually, willingly take a book like this. Yet I do not regret it for a second. This book is a mix of cuteness, chaos, happiness but also a lot of sadness, anger and frustration. It perfectly showed the life of two teenagers trying to succeed in something
they love with the thoughts of giving up but small little things being able to push them
forward nonetheless. Ups and downs.
The invisible string theory here was perfect. You could really follow it through the two
storylines while making them both unique so I think you did an amazing job.
The characters, the setting, everything was described the way it is necessary.
Reading this book changed me as a person and as a writer. This book and author has taught me so much and I will forever be grateful for this.
I have never read this genre before, nor would I usually, willingly take a book like this. Yet I do not regret it for a second. This book is a mix of cuteness, chaos, happiness but also a lot of sadness, anger and frustration. It perfectly showed the life of two teenagers trying to succeed in something
they love with the thoughts of giving up but small little things being able to push them
forward nonetheless. Ups and downs.
The invisible string theory here was perfect. You could really follow it through the two
storylines while making them both unique so I think you did an amazing job.
The characters, the setting, everything was described the way it is necessary.
Reading this book changed me as a person and as a writer. This book and author has taught me so much and I will forever be grateful for this.
September 25, 2025
★★★½ (3.5/5)
The Dumpling Date is a gentle, reflective story about Haeun and Yujin, two people weighed down by family, failure, and loneliness until fate brings them together at The Souper Dumpling.
This isn’t a romance, but more about how food, kindness, and little moments can slowly heal. That said, the pacing is quite slow for me. Sometimes I found myself wishing the story moved a little quicker. Still, I liked how it honored the mundane parts of life instead of rushing through them. By the time they finally share dumplings, it feels less like an ending and more like a beginning🥟✨
If you enjoy character-driven, slice-of-life storytelling and don’t mind a slow burn, this book might bring you the same comfort as a warm bowl of dumplings.
The Dumpling Date is a gentle, reflective story about Haeun and Yujin, two people weighed down by family, failure, and loneliness until fate brings them together at The Souper Dumpling.
This isn’t a romance, but more about how food, kindness, and little moments can slowly heal. That said, the pacing is quite slow for me. Sometimes I found myself wishing the story moved a little quicker. Still, I liked how it honored the mundane parts of life instead of rushing through them. By the time they finally share dumplings, it feels less like an ending and more like a beginning🥟✨
If you enjoy character-driven, slice-of-life storytelling and don’t mind a slow burn, this book might bring you the same comfort as a warm bowl of dumplings.
September 2, 2025
This is such a warm and cozy story, full of comfort to the reader in every possible way. Dear author, thank you so much for creating this novel which feels like a big hug. I loved it. Definitely recommend for all who needs tenderness through words which go beyond what you can imagine. I think everyone needs to read this book at least once.
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