What is the setting of Fall on Your Knees: A Novel by Ann-Marie MacDonald?

The majority of the story is set in New Waterford, a small town on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. In Books 1 through 7, the action takes place in and around New Waterford, with brief references to Kathleen's time in New York City. When James goes off to fight in the war, the author includes scenes from the front lines in France and Flanders, giving the reader a sense of historical perspective. Book 8, which is Kathleen's diary interspersed with brief scenes from Lily's journey, is set in New York City.