Oscar winner Hilary Swank has signed on to star in the drama "P.S. I Love You," Variety reports.

The story, based on the novel by Cecilia Ahern, centres on a young widow who discovers letters left by her husband that are intended to help ease her pain and start a new life.

Richard LaGravenese, who directed Swank in the just-completed "Freedom Writers," will helm the film.

Swank will be seen next in the Brian De Palma-directed "Black Dhalia," which hits Canadian theatres on September 15.