Counting Coup, the prequel to the Benediction of Paul series, is a powerful coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Apsáalooke reservation in 1948 Montana. Rebecca, a determined and resilient young girl, faces the harsh realities of life as she assumes the responsibility of protecting her newborn brother, Karl, rejected by their mother and seen as an outcast for his striking blue eyes. Navigating a world of familial turmoil, cultural traditions, and a community grappling with change, Rebecca embodies the spirit of a warrior as she fights to ensure her brother's survival and belonging.

Through Rebecca's journey, Counting Coup explores themes of identity, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. The story paints a vivid portrait of life on the reservation, blending the spiritual richness of Apsáalooke traditions with the stark challenges faced by its people. With evocative prose and deeply human characters, Counting Coup captures the enduring strength of love and the fierce determination to protect one's own, no matter the odds.