RE: 13 Little Blue Envelopes

Can things be 'reminiscent of' when they are written earlier but read later? Oh well, 13 Little Blue Envelopes is almost a YA version of Eat, Pray, Love. The main character's journey to find herself and the aunt she thought she knew is quirky and has some truly outstanding moments in it. 

I have a couple of little bones to pick with it, firstly the author seemed to have forgotten by the end of the book that this girl had parents whom loved and cared for her. The writing made it feel like she had no one to turn to but Richard. 
Secondly, and this is a publisher issue - the cover photo has absolutely nothing to do with the character. Ginny is meant to be awkward, thin, in braids, lacking in self-confidence. The girl on the cover looks like something from the cover of "Dolly" magazine. I do not like being misled by covers.