I don't know if Dev has rebalanced dodge yet? But trust me, dodge is the most OP defensive skill in this game from mid game.
Anyone playing this game for the first time will encounter similar difficulties, I was no exception but learned a few lessons that:
1. The reputation of the inn is the most important thing for you to earn money.
2. Always keep an eye out for inn repairs (scrap metal bought on weekends or found while walking around).
3. Prepare medicine (high income in the mid-game).
4. Armor (just enough current budget and many dice slots are ok, early game is important to prioritize).
5. Weapon (if I remember correctly, it is the black sword, if you don't have enough money, upgrade the default sword to the maximum).
6. Passive skill heals and restores mana after each battle.
7. Beekeeping in 'Greenhouses' for brewing.
8. In the 'Tower', you should inlay the healing ability into the armor you are using.
* This game does not need specific and detailed instructions because after a few failed attempts, you will understand the game mechanics.
* I agree that there should be a gallery listing each character's scenes so people know if they've unlocked them all (this may be updated by Dev in the future).
* Has a 'dating sim' tag but it's not explicitly shown (Lucy gets into bed too quickly and minor H scenes don't have a specific cum in or cum out option). Sometimes there should be some sentences like: today is a dangerous day don't cum inside, I'm a bit tired today so do it gently, etc. Do the opposite and Lucy will be 'angry'.
Looks like version 1.61 has a bit of a winter update, I'll play it when I have free time and hopefully the game has been calibrated for more difficulty and harsh weather than previous updates (I stopped at version 1.21).