Born in 1951 on a farm/ranch in central South Dakota, JL Whitaker has lived a life full of diverse experiences, which supplied a solid base for his writing. Graduating from South Dakota State University with a major in Animal Science, Whitaker served two years overseas with the USAF during the Vietnam War, an experience that broadened his perspectives and instilled deep appreciation in him for resilience and perseverance. His life’s journey has taken him from sea to shining sea and from the northern to the southern borders of the United States, working jobs that have enabled him to know and understand the world around him. Whitaker has been a chef and baker in restaurants, worked on cattle and dairy farms, laid railroad tracks, and toiled in the coal and oil fields of Wyoming. His versatility and adaptability are evident in his professional journey, which includes more than 22 years with the U.S. Geological Survey. Continuing his academic pursuits, he taught Environmental Science and Surveying for five years at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City, South Dakota, and spent two years in landscaping in Wisconsin. Back in Pierre, South Dakota, he is content to stay with his wife Lynne, whom he has been married to for over 40 years now, surrounded by calm and nature. They reared two sons together, and by now have six grandchildren who they adore. His other interests include woodworking, gardening, and motivating others to be optimistic about their future. In his first novel, “The Search For a Diamond,” Whitaker shared much of the history that he learned and appreciated. This is an authentic historical fiction book set in the Civil War era that evidences the torn-apart lives of twin brothers on opposite sides of the conflict. “The Search For a Diamond” is a riveting historical civil war book that weaves adventure, loyalty, and redemption against the tapestry of a most turbulent period of American history. The lavish life experiences and extended travels of Whitaker lend a voice so unique, so compelling, to historical fiction that it is a must-read for enthusiasts.