June 2025 —A compelling new work of historical nonfiction is set to shed light on the little-known yet deeply significant past of the Bay Islands. In Piece of the Puzzle: The History of My Ancestors on the Bay Islands, author Keila Thompson uncovers the powerful legacy of the English-speaking settlers who made their home in Roatan beginning in the early 1800s.
As a descendant of the Cooper family—one of the island's foundational lineages—Keila draws from over 20 years of investigative research, family archives, and official documents to bring this rich and complex story to life. With more than 300 rare images, including private family photos and legal records, this immersive book provides a rare, firsthand perspective on the cultural identity, resilience, and ingenuity of the Bay Islands’ earliest modern inhabitants.
“The story of my ancestors and the broader English community on the islands has been fragmented and misunderstood for too long,” says Thompson. “This book aims to preserve the facts, celebrate their contributions, and honor the society they built with limited outside support.”
From the settlers’ journey through England and the British West Indies to the eventual cession of the Bay Islands to Honduras, Piece of the Puzzle follows the threads of migration, industry, and family heritage that shaped the region's development. Readers will meet key historical figures—planters, shipbuilders, doctors, merchants, and more—who helped form the social and economic fabric of island life.
Keila’s deep-rooted connection to the islands, combined with her editorial contributions to publications such as Roatan Relocation and Investment Guide, Roatan Magic, Bay Islands Voice, and Paya Magazine, make her uniquely qualified to tell this story. She currently serves as Vice President of the newly founded Bay Islands Historical and Cultural Preservation Society and continues to advocate for accurate, inclusive narratives about island history.
This book is an essential read for locals, expats, historians, and visitors seeking a greater understanding of the Bay Islands' identity. Piece of the Puzzle is more than a historical account—it is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of a community whose legacy spans continents.
Available in Paperback and eBook formats.
