DAYS Alum Jen Lilley Stars in New Christmas Movie and Releases Self-Help Book. Jen Lilley is spreading holiday cheer and inspiration From solving a festive mystery in her new film to sharing wisdom in her debut book, she’s showing off her many talents. Get ready for laughs, love, and a little faith-filled magic this season!
Jen Lilley, the daytime alumna who has worn many hats over the years, has a pair of new projects. The actress is starring in the Vision Films movie, A Chrismystery, and has released her first book, Wake Up Your Faith.
Lilley, remembered as Theresa Donovan on Days of our Lives and her fill-in stint as Maxie Jones on General Hospital, has had her share of lead roles in Hallmark Channel and Great American Family features over the years, including the holiday hits The Spirit of Christmas and A Paris Christmas Waltz. This time around, she stars in and serves as a producer in A Chrismystery, an offbeat romantic dramedy scheduled for VOD release on November 4.
A Holiday Mystery
Filmed on location in Savannah, GA and St. Joseph, MO, the movie incorporates humor and a bit of mystery and promises to keep audiences guessing as it unfolds. In A ChrisMystery, Lilley plays Annie, a big-city cop who reluctantly returns to her hometown with her daughter to take the deputy sheriff job. Although determined not to stay, when the town’s Christmas tree, lights, and decorations are stolen, she sets her mind on the case, where everyone is a suspect. Solving the holiday mystery alongside the charming sheriff (Tom, portrayed by Cody Mayo), she may just discover that love is always a gift worth giving.
“I love that A Chrismystery finds humor in the chaos,” says Lilley. “It’s a reminder that even when life looks nothing like a Hallmark movie — no perfect tree, no cookie-cutter town — hope, love, and laughter still show up in the mess. That’s what makes this story so human… and so funny.”
A Chrismystery will be available on major Transactional VOD platforms in the US and Canada on November 4, 2025, and can be ordered now at iTunes/Apple TV (US, CA) and Vudu/Fandango.
Actress Turned Author
In addition to her role in the aforementioned movie, Lilley has also branched out as an author with Wake Up Your Faith. With a foundation of scripture, the devotional offers biblical wisdom and thought-provoking action steps to help you reignite your faith and claim the promises of God.
The official release is November 4, and it has already become the number one new release in spiritual self-help on Amazon. “In a world full of truth seekers, I pray this book helps many find what (and Who) they’ve been searching for all along,” Lilley posted about the book on Instagram. Anyone interested in pre-ordering the book can do so on Amazon.