Filled with Fortitude: Pilgrim Elizabeth Tilley

by Sally Hobert Whiting

In this carefully-researched historical novel full of surprising
revelations, you will meet Elizabeth Tilley, who was just thirteen
when she boarded the ship Mayflower in 1620. Through her
experiences, you will learn about the women and children during their
harrowing voyage and the devastating sickness that took the lives of
her parents and half the other passengers. You will witness Elizabeth’s
transition from a naïve child to a woman of remarkable strength as
she helps settle Plymouth colony, marries John Howland, gives birth
to seven of her ten children, and overcomes incredible challenges.
Be uplifted by this unique account of America’s early history, as seen
through Elizabeth’s eyes—a fascinating portrayal of the victory of the
human spirit over seemingly impossible odds.

Genres: Historical Fiction

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2025

Reviews

[luther cromwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because biographical novels are among my favorite genre, and I am quite familiar with the main character, Elizabeth Tilly Howland, I was prepared to be critical of this book.. I can now say, if I could give it ten stars, I would. Sally Hobert Whiting, while staying true to historical facts, brings life and depth to her characters. Parts of the story brought me to tears. Other parts had me laughing and my knowledge of the age and timeline were enhanced. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Mayflower history or simply early American history.

[Sandy Faden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and found it to touch my soul. George Soule was my several generation back grandfather and came over on the Mayflower. I got so excited to see that he was mentioned in it this book.

[Sue Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely because I am a descendant of both John Howland and Mary Allerton who came over to America on the Mayflower. This novel was fascinating, filled with hardships and challenges but more importantly, historically accurate about the pilgrims and what life was like for them in the 1600’s. It tells the story of John Howland and Elizabeth Tilly’s journey from England to settling in Plymouth, MA. Both of them had remarkable strength, fortitude and faith to endure the many hardships that followed the colony, but were able to endure a strong marriage and raise 10 children. The author did an extraordinary job capturing the historical facts through out the book. It was a pleasure to read and brought to life what the settler’s endured. Highly recommend reading this book and a job well done to the author.

[Nikolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only recently learned I am a Mayflower decendent

John and Elizabeth are my 10th great-grandparents. Hope is my 9th great-grandmother. I watched a video from the Howeland Society of an interview with the author Sally Whiting. I think she did a great job of recreating the feel of what life must have been like on the Mayflower and those first years in Plymouth. For one thing I will never think Thanksgiving quite the same. - though friendship, gratefulness, fellowship was a great part of it. It left the Colonist with no food reserves for the winter. I will highly recommend this book to everyone I meet who brings up Pilgrims, Mayflower, Plymouth etc

[Nanny · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable way to learn more about the 1620 Pilgrims who landed and settled in Plymouth, some of whom moved to Duxbury.