Mossley Hill mum becomes Amazon bestseller with debut novel about ’90s Liverpool

A Liverpool mum has become an Amazon bestseller with her debut novel about ‘90s Liverpool.

Rachel Fegan, 53, from Mossley Hill, started writing her book, The Wonder Bra Years, during Covid after a challenge from her daughter Abby.

And just over a month after it came out, she’s already been named Number 2 bestseller in women’s fiction on Amazon – and is about to be sold in America.

Rachel says:

“It’s unbelievable. I would never have imagined this in a million years, and I still keep having pinch-me moments. It’s just amazing.

“It shows what you can do if you get out of your comfort zone and give something a go.”

“I’ve got a whole new career and it’s a dream come true.  That’s why I do get a bit emotional.”

The mum of 21-year-old twins Abby and Lucy used to work in insurance before becoming an administrator for a number of Merseyside companies, but around 10 years ago Rachel was forced to step back for medical reasons after being diagnosed with a series of autoimmune conditions.

“I suffer, among other things, with rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis so in lockdown I was forced to isolate,” continues Rachel. “And I just got bored!

“I’d always said ‘I could write a book about that’ as a response to so many things, so my daughter Abby said ‘well then, you know that book you’re always saying you could write? Now’s the time to do it’!

“I just thought why not?  I’ll give it a go.”

Paying homage to the boosting bra which was a sensation when it was relaunched in 1991 amid much hype and a traffic-stopping ad campaign starring top model Eva Herzigova, The Wonder Bra Years focuses on a teenage girl growing up in Liverpool in the early ‘90s.

It begins with 18-year-old Nicky – her only confidence boost is her Wonderbra – once again waiting for the phone to ring after a whirlwind holiday romance.

Navigating her new job at Liverpool’s hottest cocktail bar Labello’s, a girls’ trip to Crete has introduced her to the charming Steven, but disappointment follows. And back home, a wild stag night with Joe leads to unexpected ‘betrayal and desire’.

Rachel says: “I loved the ‘90s, and the fact that there was no phone, no social media, and no internet.

“I used to work in a wine bar called Labinsky’s in Matthew Street, which is what Labello’s is based on, and I loved all the cocktails there and the way women in Liverpool used to dress up – and still do.

“There was More Cherubs, Drome, and Wade Smith which pioneered the fashion trainer… and of course, I always remember the Wonderbra. 

“It’s written in first person and about 50% of it is about me and my life, although I’m obviously not going to say which bits; about 25% is made up for entertainment purposes, and about 25% is what maybe happened to people I know.”

All the ‘90s references are there from Club 18-30 holidays to travel giant Lunn Poly, along with Asian Blue mascara and Avon’s Arabian Glow bronzer.

And there are mentions of all the shops and bars anyone living in the city at the time will remember to create a nostalgic backdrop to Nicky’s rollercoaster of a life.

“It’s a bit of a history lesson in Liverpool and a nostalgic look to a different time,” says Rachel. “It was a joyous time – you could spend £100 on an outfit and, because there was no social media, you could wear it again three weeks later and no-one had seen it!

“It’s also about the people and their kindness and generosity which is the same even now. 

“Sometimes I’d start writing and a memory would come back and I’d think ‘oh my God’, and that would spark another.  I’ve had a lovely time reminiscing.

“And everyone’s said the details are spot on – and that makes me really happy.”

Like many of us Rachel might not always love social media, but it’s played its part in making sure more people know about her novel: “I sent it to influencers like former Hollyoaks actress Davinia Taylor, and within one hour of her post, I’d sold another 300 copies.”

Her publishers Foreshore have already commissioned a sequel – she got a two-book deal – and Rachel is planning a children’s novel.  The Wonder Bra Years is also set to be sold in the US too by Barnes and Noble.

“To have written an Amazon Number 2 bestseller is incredible and I love the fact that it shows being ill doesn’t mean you can’t do things. 

“And it’s about believing in yourself. 

“My life has totally changed – and all because my daughter joked ‘that book you said you could write? Go on then…’.

“But look who’s had the last laugh,” she grins.

You can buy a copy of The Wonder Bra Years here.

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