Stepping on Roses Volume 1

At 15, Sumi Kitamura is left to live in poverty while trying to care for five adopted siblings. But just when all looks bleak, Sumi meets Soichiro Ashida, a rich but arrogant young man who makes her an offer she can't refuse: she can get money she needs, but she must give up any hope of true love.

In Stepping on Roses, Rinko Ueda gives her fans what they adore: a sweet love story with a historical backdrop. While it's a bit formulaic, this Meiji Era Cinderella story will charm anyone who's got a weakness for cute guys, ditzy but good-hearted heroines and fairy tales that give you the warm fuzzies.

Set in Japan's Meiji Era, when the old feudal ways collided with newly-introduced Western culture, Stepping on Roses is basically an old-fashioned Cinderella story, complete with a poor but spunky heroine and a rich and arrogant hunk who needs a little lesson in love.

Meet Sumi Kitamura, a 15-year old girl with no money, but lots of heart. Things are pretty tough at the Kitamura household: Sumi's got five adopted siblings to feed and her older brother is a smooth-talking but ultimately good-for-nothing gigolo who just saddles her with debt thanks to his gambling.

When poverty forces Sumi to the point of desperation, she's rescued by a handsome young man in Western clothing. Sumi's knight in a suit and tie is Soichiro Ashida, a rich gentleman whose brusque manner and arrogant personality makes him very intimidating, especially to a näive girl like Sumi. He makes Sumi an unusual proposition: if she marries him, her money worries are over - but love is out of the question. Sumi agrees, but doesn't realize how hard it will be to pass herself off as a refined, westernized young lady, and to give up love for the sake of money.

If you've read and loved Tail of the Moon, Rinko Ueda's other historical romance, then chances are you'll adore Stepping on Roses. Ueda excels at creating simple but well-crafted love stories that are full of "warm fuzzies." And just like Tail of the Moon, Ueda's story has historical context that makes this otherwise fluffy fantasy kind of... educational?

I say "kind of educational," because Ueda presents an interesting period of Japanese history through a rose-colored lens. It conveniently glosses over some of the not-so-pretty aspects of this tumultuous period, compared to the more historically faithful approach seen in manga like Times of Botchan. However, this simplified approach suits Ueda's purpose, which is primarily to tell a sweet love story.

That's not to say that Stepping on Roses is without merit - quite the contrary. It's a cute, sometimes funny story that's presented in a feminine and appealing style. Ueda has a knack for drawing very pretty characters, including some swoon-worthy men. Sure, her heroines are a bit ditzy, but they're essentially good-hearted girls who are brave enough to stand up for what they believe in - and what's not to love about that?

Stepping on Roses reminded me of Harlequin romance novels, in that its formula practically guarantees that readers will be eventually rewarded with a love-conquers-all happy ending. It's a tried-and-true fairy tale plot that will make cynics roll their eyes, but if you embrace its good intentions, Stepping on Roses is a charming and unapologetically romantic story that will make you smile.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.