Daydream Believer Books & Gifts - Lake Mills, WI

Daydream Believer Books & Gifts, Lake Mills, WI

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There can be no better recommendation for any bookstore than that of the customers who patronize it.  As I was enjoying a wonderful visit to Daydream Believer I overheard a conversation between two young women when one of them said, “I absolutely love this store.”  (What more can I add to that?!). My experience here is merely as a first-time visit yet I can appreciate this customer’s declaration.  Daydream Believer has become a successful independent business that opened in 2021 thanks to Jean L.’s vision for the community.  All towns need a bookstore and Jean, who is also a practicing lawyer, has filled the void with this terrific bookstore/cafe/gift shop with the perfect location in downtown Lake Mills across from the picturesque city park.  As Jean told me, this bookstore has become her happy place and therapeutic escape from a stressful law job and a challenging personal life.  Who knew a  bookstore could offer such a super healthy benefit (all you OTHER owners know!).

It was great to hear her say that everything is going very well.  Lake Mills and Wisconsin in general are well-populated with readers and authors giving a boost to any indie.  Naturally, Daydream Believer has a dedicated group of regulars but they also enjoy many Chicagoans who own lake property in the area.  Tourism is also a good benefit for business and with all the events across the street in the park including regular farmer’s markets, foot traffic is excellent.  

The store does very well selling all new books, also available online, along with numerous gifts and sidelines.  Many of the sidelines are book-related including candles, totes, and puzzles to name a few.  Several of their items are created by talented local artisans.  You don’t have to be a reader to enjoy visiting Daydream Believer, there’s something here for everyone.  Make sure to visit the children’s section where the books are selling very well.  If nothing else, you can enjoy the whimsical creative touch they’ve achieved with the interior’s decor.  

If you’re in Wisconsin and haven’t discovered this place yet, get with it.  Grab a latte, find one of the comfy chairs, sample a book, and begin your daydream adventure.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Hell's Princess, Harold Schechter.  What a book!  The true story of Belle Gunness, a serial murderer in Indiana at the beginning of the 20th century.  And her victims were all men.  She was a widow living on a farm who coaxed men to live and help her at the farm but they would soon disappear without a trace.  Find out what she did to the men after killing them and whether she was ever brought to justice.  For fans of true crime, this one is good. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Parable of The Talents, Octavia E. Butler. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Luckiest Boy In The World, Patrick McBride. 

This unassuming storefront is filled with treasures. 

A beautiful day to enjoy outdoor seating. 

The front of the store has a very attractive and comfortable seating area. 

View looking straight toward the back of the store. 

A very comfy setting in the front of the store.

An award-winning business. 

Head to these shelves to find some of the books by local authors. 

Display of new releases. 

A wonderful display of a wide variety of gift items.  There's something here for everyone. 

Overview of the cafe service area. 

ALWAYS ask about gift cards at your favorite bookstore. 

A nice wall to browse and a chair awaits for you and your book. 

A wall of fiction. 

A variety of South Street Soapworks created locally and to keep you smelling nice. 

A collection of Harris Tweed items.  Very nice. 

You can find perfect places to sit throughout the store. 

Overview looking into the back room.  Notice the ceiling decor and book art.  Jean told me they were going for whimsy and I think they nailed it. 

A better look at the whimsical creativity. 

Look for this cart in the back of the store for your bargain buys. 

Sarah Maas is selling very well at many recent bookstore visits. 

Overview of the children's area. 

Two small and unique chairs for little readers. 

Another angle and overview of the children's area. 

Nicely done. 

An overview looking from the back toward the front entrance. 

A popular promotion at many indies, Blind Date With A Book. 

A Shakespeare chia pet!  Now I've seen everything!

With Jean, the fine owner at Daydream Believer Books & Gifts.  Thanks for a great visit.