Francine Rivers (right) and Last Sin Eater actress Liana Liberato

In February, the film version of novelist Francine Rivers's The Last Sin Eater opened in theaters. TC talked to the bestselling Christian author about her mission as a writer and how she feels about the movie.

You've written everything from historical fiction to modern-day allegories. How do you typically decide what to write about?
Redeeming Love [1991], the first book I wrote as a born-again Christian, had much to do with my journey to Christ. I was a child of darkness, opposed to anyone controlling my life. The book of Hosea, which inspired the novel, had a profound influence on me. It made me realize I had spent my life behaving like a harlot, running to other "gods" for fulfillment.

The Atonement Child [1997] grew out of the fact that I had an illegal abortion in the 1960s, before I met and married my husband. I carried that guilt around with me for years. My husband also suffered, though he had no part in my decision. God was pushing me to write something about abortion, and I kept saying "I don't want to go there." Eventually, I gave in and entered a counselor-training program at a local crisis pregnancy center. I ended up in the post-abortion Bible study, and finally was able to surrender my past to the Lord and write the story He called me to write.

The Last Sin Eater is now a major movie. Were you nervous to see one of your books turned into a film?
Yes! I was hesitant at first, because I've seen what Hollywood can do to a book. When [director] Michael Landon Jr. and [producer/screenwriter] Brian Bird contacted me, I wanted to be certain the gospel would remain the heart of the movie. Michael's film versions of Janette Oke's novels confirmed that it was his goal as well.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the film?
That no matter how deep your pain, how secret and horrendous your sins, God knows you. He loves you. He waits for you to trust Him with your burdens. Jesus has the power to free us from sin, heal our soul, and give us the peace and love we crave so desperately.

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