welcome to the Forum!
This is a beautiful photo! I like very much how the face of the woman and the child is illuminated. Combined with the woman’s smile it creates a very nice soft atmosphere.
@Toand007 Welcome! I am loving the facial expressions of your photo. I find the darkened / dirty window edge to be distracting. Perhaps, reducing it would make it less so? Another source of tension is the twig that is close to the baby / toddler’s face. Softening it may make it seems less threatening. I like the Chinese lantern crafts in the background.
PS One way to find your style is to do as many Play Raws as possible. We have lots available!
Welcome to the forum @Toand007. Interesting username! Interesting that you didn’t opt for Toandfro (since you are searching for a style !!! ).
Here is an attempt using RawTherapee 5.8. DSCF6669.jpg.out.pp3 (12.1 KB)
Your description fits what I’m often going for. I just try to go easy on the crushing-the-blacks part and I also lift the black point quite a lot trying to find the sweet spot for a smooth contrast.