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Dream City Dreaming
A once-in-a-lifetime event. A rest-of-her-lifetime transformation. When a young widow brings her son to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, she is unaware of the odyssey of inspiration and healing that is about to begin.
Junaluska Lewis is convinced that her future lies in the hands of her son, Henry, reluctant heir to the family business. To that end, she agrees that he be mentored during the world's fair by her family's Chicago agent. With time on her hands, Juna explores the grand exhibition halls and Venice-like waterways, opening her eyes to new possibilities for herself as a modern businesswoman.
Risking family disapproval with a daring business idea, she finds an unexpected ally in Henry's mentor, who encourages her endeavor. As their relationship deepens, boundaries become blurred. When Henry discovers incriminating evidence about the man, Juna is forced to confront what is real and what is illusion.
Junaluska Lewis is convinced that her future lies in the hands of her son, Henry, reluctant heir to the family business. To that end, she agrees that he be mentored during the world's fair by her family's Chicago agent. With time on her hands, Juna explores the grand exhibition halls and Venice-like waterways, opening her eyes to new possibilities for herself as a modern businesswoman.
Risking family disapproval with a daring business idea, she finds an unexpected ally in Henry's mentor, who encourages her endeavor. As their relationship deepens, boundaries become blurred. When Henry discovers incriminating evidence about the man, Juna is forced to confront what is real and what is illusion.
334 pages, Hardcover
Published August 8, 2023
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 8, 2025
Dream City Dreaming has something for everyone: history, mystery, coming of age, and a touch of romance, it was authentic and believable. Atmospheric and moving, it is obvious how much the author researched and loved writing this novel. It's a compelling story built around a strong female character and her likeable, reflective son, taking place in the richly detailed setting of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, it's a lovely novel that is well worth reading.
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
July 8, 2025
Dream City Dreaming has something for everyone: history, mystery, coming of age, and a touch of romance, it was authentic and believable. Atmospheric and moving, it is obvious how much the author researched and loved writing this novel. It's a compelling story built around a strong female character and her likeable, reflective son, taking place in the richly detailed setting of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, it's a lovely novel that is well worth reading.
May 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I live near Chicago and architectural history is a favorite hobby, so I'm predisposed to enjoy a story set at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. It was so fun to read the descriptions of the fair and of the historical people and fair attractions that pop up in the story. The plot was low-stakes but compelling - I'm a sucker for a story about a woman discovering her own competence - and the characters were all likeable and distinct. There's some action and drama at the end of the book, but nothing grim or dark. Just a sweet story and a fun read, with lots of interesting historical facts. I had to keep wikipedia open on my phone to look up the references.
January 28, 2024
A delightful cream puff of a book!
What a pleasure it was to step back in time to a slower, gentler time while reading Dream City Dreaming. Against the backdrop of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, America’s first World’s Fair, Author Angell Keeling tells the story of young widow Junaluska Lewis and her teenage son, Henry, who arrive in Chicago with the intent of gauging the popularity of their family’s business product (apple cider vinegar). However, they soon find themselves intrigued by the exotic nature of the exhibitions representing 46 cultures, including the Venetian Canal, the first Ferris Wheel, and a Norwegian Viking ship. With the realization they have been living a more sheltered life along the Mississippi in Missouri, they start to dream about life’s other possibilities.
After immersing herself in the art, literature, and science achievements in the Woman’s Building, Junaluska wonders if there’s more to life than living under the auspices of her father-in-law and focusing on Henry’s safety and upbringing. Inspired by interactions with independent women, she enrolls in an elocution class to improve her public speaking skills, goes on her first bike ride, and sees a new business idea come to fruition. She also feels increasingly attracted to Henry’s attentive mentor, Mr. Peterson, who may or may not have their best interests at heart.
As mother and son continue to expand their cultural horizons, they experience a few harrowing near misses suggesting their safety is in jeopardy. As they prepare to leave the fair, the story picks up the pace with a sinister twist I didn’t see coming, combining historical fiction with suspense. Bravo, Ms. Angell Keeling!
From the Old-World charm of the Exposition’s setting, the delicate button-down dresses, Old Maid card games, and apple cider foot soaks, Dream City Dreaming is a fascinating step back to a long-ago era. (Realizing that my paternal grandparents were born during this time made for an even more engaging read.) The author has done a very thorough job of researching the Exposition and the cultural trends and customs of the time. Reading Dream City Dreaming was like a dream—an entertaining literary time capsule that allows you to experience a very different way of life—one that makes you want to linger longer.
What a pleasure it was to step back in time to a slower, gentler time while reading Dream City Dreaming. Against the backdrop of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, America’s first World’s Fair, Author Angell Keeling tells the story of young widow Junaluska Lewis and her teenage son, Henry, who arrive in Chicago with the intent of gauging the popularity of their family’s business product (apple cider vinegar). However, they soon find themselves intrigued by the exotic nature of the exhibitions representing 46 cultures, including the Venetian Canal, the first Ferris Wheel, and a Norwegian Viking ship. With the realization they have been living a more sheltered life along the Mississippi in Missouri, they start to dream about life’s other possibilities.
After immersing herself in the art, literature, and science achievements in the Woman’s Building, Junaluska wonders if there’s more to life than living under the auspices of her father-in-law and focusing on Henry’s safety and upbringing. Inspired by interactions with independent women, she enrolls in an elocution class to improve her public speaking skills, goes on her first bike ride, and sees a new business idea come to fruition. She also feels increasingly attracted to Henry’s attentive mentor, Mr. Peterson, who may or may not have their best interests at heart.
As mother and son continue to expand their cultural horizons, they experience a few harrowing near misses suggesting their safety is in jeopardy. As they prepare to leave the fair, the story picks up the pace with a sinister twist I didn’t see coming, combining historical fiction with suspense. Bravo, Ms. Angell Keeling!
From the Old-World charm of the Exposition’s setting, the delicate button-down dresses, Old Maid card games, and apple cider foot soaks, Dream City Dreaming is a fascinating step back to a long-ago era. (Realizing that my paternal grandparents were born during this time made for an even more engaging read.) The author has done a very thorough job of researching the Exposition and the cultural trends and customs of the time. Reading Dream City Dreaming was like a dream—an entertaining literary time capsule that allows you to experience a very different way of life—one that makes you want to linger longer.
October 21, 2025
Much more enjoyable that Devil in the White City, and chock-full of researched facts about the Columbian World's Exhibition in Chicago, 1893. Follows the adventures of teenage Henry and his widowed mother, Janaluska Lewis, who travel from small town in Missouri to Chicago, where Janaluska's sister is reporting on the Columbian Exhibition. Henry's dad and grandfather had run a vinegar factory, and Henry and his mother are tasked with representing the business and perhaps finding ways to expand. Each day is full of wonder and delight as they take in the exhibits, meet people from around the world, and Janaluska tries to break out of the restrictions that the time period and her protective father-in-law have placed on her. Actual photos add to the realism of the story.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews