Universal Pictures has announced plans to release the film version of Redeeming Love, a famous Christian novel by Francine Rivers, in 2022.

Universal Pictures said they had settled on a release year for the upcoming adaptation of Rivers' bestselling novel. Initially published in 1991, the book was Rivers' first entry into the Christian publishing world.

The book tells the story of Angel, a woman sold into prostitution at a young age and who uses her anger to keep herself going despite how bitter things are. She then meets Michael Hosea, a Christian man who says that God has asked him to marry Angel and love her unconditionally. The romance explores how Angel's bitterness and Michael's love for her clash but end up helping her grow in belief.

Based on the Book of Hosea, the novel sold more than three million copies and is considered one of the earliest Christian historical romances. The film adaptation will be directed by D.J. Caruso, who previously directed Eagle Eye, xXx: Return of Xander Cage and Disturbia. The film will star Abigail Cowen (Fate: The Winx Saga), Tom Lewis (Gentleman Jack), Logan Marshall Green (Upgrade), Famke Janssen (X-Men: Days of Future Past), Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries) and Eric Dane (Grey's Anatomy). The film is slated to release in early 2022, although a date has not been set.

"Universal Pictures is a perfect home for our film," Caruso told Variety. "They have a rich history in enabling films to find their core audience and beyond. I am excited for fans of the book and even for those who haven't read it, that they will be able to experience Angel's journey up on the big screen where it belongs. Every actor and crew member felt the significance of the story we were telling, and it enhanced and elevated the film in a profound way."

Rivers herself said that: "After many years of dreaming about this, followed by years of work alongside D.J., we can't wait to see the story come to the big screen next year."

You can watch a first look below.