How does Sarah Dessen use imagery in Along for the Ride?

Imagery:

"Heidi was [... the] kind of woman whose strengths were her constant self-maintenance, knowing everything you never wanted to about hemlines and shoes, and sending entirely too chatty e-mails to people who couldn't care less."

"[Heidi] let Mrs. Stock pull her into her arms, patting her on the back as she allowed herself to be the one soothed, finally."