The Story Siren Reviews:, August 24, 2008 Ashley Asher has been sexually abused by her stepfather since she was nine years old. When Ashley finally finds the courage to expose her abuser, her mother turns her back on Ashley and insists that Ashley is lying. The only person that takes Ashley's claims seriously is her high school English teacher, who in turns gets Ashley the help she needs. Ashley moves to Patience, Texas to live with her biological father, his wife and his adopted son. It isn't surprising however that Ashley has a hard time trusting her new family. Bev, her step mother is an English teacher at the local high school and when she finds herself unexpectedly teaching summer school Ashley asks if she can take the class as well. Ashley's eyes are opening in the class when she discovers the problems of various students within the class, ultimately helping Ashley in the road to recovery. Courage in Patience is the debut novel for Beth Fehlbaum. Not since the poetic storytelling of author Catherine Ryan Hyde has a book moved me so emotionally. At first glance you would assume as I did that this was a novel about sexual abuse, but let me assure you that there is so much more to this story. While sexual abuse is the main theme in the novel the story also touches on the topics of racism, acceptance, fear and most importantly hope. The novel conveys a powerful message, and I'm so very thankful that I had the chance to read it.