Keeping What's Mine by Carly Keene is a poignant exploration of love, regret, and the complexities of personal ambition set against the backdrop of a small-town funeral and a Victorian house renovation. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Flora and Everett, a couple whose relationship has been strained by the demands of career and the weight of unspoken feelings. Keene deftly weaves a tale that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, inviting readers to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of love and ambition.

Flora's return to Dogwood Falls after six years in Silicon Valley is not just a physical journey but an emotional one. The death of her great-aunt Zee serves as a catalyst for Flora to confront her past, including her relationship with Everett, her estranged husband. The author captures Flora's internal conflict beautifully; she is torn between her love for her hometown and the life she has built in the fast-paced tech world. This duality is a central theme in the book, highlighting the struggle many face when balancing personal dreams with the expectations of love and family.

Everett, on the other hand, embodies the archetype of the small-town man who feels left behind. His character is rich with depth, showcasing a blend of vulnerability and resilience. Keene does an excellent job of portraying his regret over the decisions that led to their separation. The tension between Flora and Everett is palpable, and their interactions are charged with unresolved emotions. The author skillfully uses their shared history to create a sense of nostalgia that permeates the narrative, making their eventual reconciliation feel both inevitable and satisfying.

The twist in Aunt Zee's will adds an intriguing layer to the story. The conditions that Flora must meet to inherit the estate force her to confront not only her feelings for Everett but also her own identity. The requirement that she and Everett live together in the house during its renovation serves as a clever plot device that brings the couple back into each other's lives. This setup allows for moments of tension and tenderness, as they navigate their shared space and the ghosts of their past. Keene's writing shines in these moments, blending humor and heartache in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

One of the standout themes in Keeping What's Mine is the idea of home—not just as a physical space but as an emotional sanctuary. Flora's journey is as much about finding her place in the world as it is about reconciling with her past. The Victorian house, with its peeling paint and unfinished renovations, becomes a metaphor for Flora's own life—beautiful yet incomplete. Keene's vivid descriptions of the house and the town evoke a sense of nostalgia that resonates deeply with readers who have experienced the pull of their own hometowns.

Character development is another strong point in Keene's narrative. Flora evolves from a woman who feels trapped by her choices to someone who begins to reclaim her agency. Her journey is marked by moments of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her past while also envisioning a future that includes both her dreams and her love for Everett. Similarly, Everett's character arc is compelling; he transforms from a man burdened by regret to one who is willing to fight for the love he once took for granted. Their growth is intricately tied to the renovation of the house, symbolizing the rebuilding of their relationship.

The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with a balance between introspective moments and plot-driven action. Keene's writing style is engaging, filled with witty dialogue and emotional depth that keeps readers invested in Flora and Everett's journey. The secondary characters, including Flora's friends and townsfolk, add richness to the story, providing a sense of community that enhances the overall narrative.

In comparison to other contemporary romance novels, Keeping What's Mine stands out for its focus on the complexities of marriage and the impact of career choices on personal relationships. Readers who enjoyed books like The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo or One Day by David Nicholls will find similar themes of love, loss, and the passage of time in Keene's work. However, Keene's unique blend of humor and heart, along with her vivid portrayal of small-town life, sets her apart in the genre.

Overall, Keeping What's Mine is a beautifully crafted story that resonates on multiple levels. Carly Keene has created a narrative that is both a love letter to small-town life and a poignant reminder of the importance of following one's heart. The emotional stakes are high, and the resolution feels earned, leaving readers with a sense of hope and the belief that love can indeed conquer all obstacles. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever grappled with the choices that define their lives and the relationships that shape their hearts.