The Promises of Ophelia Bennett — Cecil Murphey

Trouble might not come right away, but it always came. Of that truth, Ophelia Bennett had no doubt. Northern Illinois, 1940 North Prairie School has a reputation for ill-behaved children, and veteran teacher Ophelia Bennett has just been offered a last-minute position to teach them. Desperate for a job to support her disabled husband, and with Superintendent Pettygill's intimidation tactics, she has little choice. If she refuses the demanding position, she'll never be allowed to teach in Illinois again. And, according to the manipulative superintendent, it would be her fault if North Prairie had to close. Ophelia is confident she can change conditions in the school and love the needy children-she'd done it in her previous schools--but her unusual methods weren't well received by the community. She agonizes over what she knows will happen. How will she handle the jealousy and misunderstandings of the other teacher? What about the ambitious, difficult parents of the better students who would soon become her enemies? Why do I have to do this again? On the first day of school, thirty-three students gather at North Prairie School to await the arrival of their new teacher, scheming how to make her miserable so she'll leave. As they size up Mrs. Bennett, they have yet to hear her promises that will change their lives. Poignant. Heart-warming. Unforgettable. A teacher's passionate calling to make learning easy and enjoyable. New York Times' best-selling author and international speaker Cecil (Cec) Murphey has written or co-written more than 135 books, including the runaway bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold millions of copies, been translated into more than 40 languages, and brought hope and encouragement to countless people around the world. For more information, visit cecilmurphey.com.