Twitch is reporting that Keira Knightley (Atonement) is in early talks for the lead role in Lasse Hallstrom’s adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel, Safe Haven.

Here’s the book synopsis:

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her…a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards…and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

As Twitch reports, Hallstrom – who previously directed the Sparks adaptation Dear John – is eyeing Knightley for the lead role. Casting for the film is said to be a priority, as Relatively Media eyes a May production start for Safe Haven.

Are you interested in this film? Does Knightley seem a good fit for the role?