StephBee's (sgcardin) Reviews

#4824255

Review of Mother Dearest

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: 13+

| (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE STORY

As Lydia talks to her mother she gets an unpleasant feeling.

WHAT I LIKED

I totally had VC Andrews vibes when reading this, waiting for that twist.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the 3rd person limited from Lydia's perspective. Past tense is used in the story.

DIALOGUE

The dialogue accented the narration well and helped to build the suspense.

OPENING PARAGRAPH

The opening paragraph did a great job setting the tone and establishing a level of tension to build on.

CHARACTERS

Lydia came across as honest and sincere in her emotions. Her mother was cold hearted. Good job with characterization.

FLOW & PACING

There's a good flow and pacing which builds to a logical conculsion.

MECHANICS

I did not notice and spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The title fits the story well. The author uses a good economy of words to pull on emotions and build suspense. A taunt, suspenseful read!

A Bee Hive Review

FORUM

(E)
JUL 2025 - hang out with theBees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUL 2025 is OUT!
#1474097 by StephBee

A Queen Bee signature for the Bees at the Bee Hive

2

#4824114

Review of Neighborhood Beautification

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: 18+

| (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE STORY

A noisy neighbor gets a taste of her own medicine.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the ending. It was positive and upbeat.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the 3rd person omniscient. Past tense is used in the story.

DIALOGUE

The dialogue accented the narration well and really helped to drive the story.

OPENING PARAGRAPH

The opening paragraph put me right in the moment as we took a walk with Petunia. Well done.

CHARACTERS

Petunia is a very distinctive character and everyone knows a neighbor busy body. What connects with the reader is Petunia's behavior and we all wish we could do something about it.

FLOW & PACING

Flow and pacing is spot on! It can be tough in a flash fiction, but the characterization, and the moral of the story are contained well in 300 words or less.

MECHANICS

I did not notice and spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to increase the font and make the reading easier on the eyes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The title fits the story well. Good economy of words communicates well and evokes emotion. A just desserts ending. I highly recommend this quick read.

A Bee Hive Review

FORUM

(E)
JUL 2025 - hang out with theBees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUL 2025 is OUT!
#1474097 by StephBee

3

The Best of the Rest at the Bee Hive

#4823808

Review of Lazy Days of Summer

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: E

| (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE WORD SEARCH

Lazy Days of Summer was a word search with a summer theme.

WHAT I LIKED

While the word selection proved challenging to find, I really liked words used and the Trinket was a nice reward.

ENGAGING

I can honestly say, this put me in the mood in the mood to go to a beach, a water park, a pool, or a lake.

VARIETY

There were a lot of choices which made this puzzle med to difficult.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The introduction did a nice job setting the tone and mood of the puzzle and the Trinket was a nice added benefit. Well done! The word search is intimidating but you can find all the words and picture yourself just chilling.

A Bee Hive Review

IN & OUT

(E)
JULY 2025 Contest is open! Submit your Favorite Photographs!
#1134192 by StephBee

4

#4823597

Review of Music Notes

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: 13+

| (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE BLOG

"Music Notes," engaged the Bard's Hall Blogging Challenge by documenting the author's thoughts, feelings, and expressions through the lens of music.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the entry that told us how the author became an Imagine Dragons fan. What really clicked for me was the phrase, "Being always curious." That's what I'm like - always curious.

ENGAGING

The blog was written in a very conversational tone.

VARIETY

There was a good focus on music - mainly Imagaine Dragons and One Republic. I liked the links to the music videos.

EXPRESSIVE

The blog was easy to read and unique to the blogger.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. Good use of WDC ML to assist with making the blog appealing.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The introduction does a good job of setting the tone for the overall blog and what it was used for. The author shared some of their achievements with the blog. I enjoyed popping in and reading the author's insights into life and music.

A Bard's Hall Review

The Bard's Hall Contest

(13+)
JULY is Photo Prompt Month!
#981150 by StephBee

5

#4823590

Review of June '25 Blog Entries For Bard's Hall

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: E

| (4.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE BLOG

"June 25 Blog Entries for the Bard's Hall," engaged the Bard's Hall Blogging Challenge by documenting the author's insights and everyday life with a sense of humor.

WHAT I LIKED

Humor is a great way to tell a story. It keeps people engaged and there's a hint of smile and a light touch of laughter with every entry, even when the entry has a bit of a serious note to it.

ENGAGING

The blog was written in a very conversational tone which made it easy to engage with.

VARIETY

There was a nice mix of observations from family life to everyday life.

EXPRESSIVE

The blog was easy to read and unique to the blogger. I really enjoyed the Broadzilla entry. That one had me in stitches. Best name for a car EVER.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. If anything, I might suggest increasing the font of WDC, because reading a size 3 can be a strain for us who used glasses and I might also suggest spacing between the paragraphs.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The introduction does a good job of setting the tone for the overall blog, but I'd like to see it be a tad more inviting with maybe a giphy or a couple of quotes, some WDC ML like increasing the font size or color. A warm hearted blog that doesn't blather.

A Bard's Hall Review

The Bard's Hall Contest

(13+)
JULY is Photo Prompt Month!
#981150 by StephBee

6

#4823589

Review of Team Ahimsa Blog Relay, Various Contests

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: 18+

| (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE BLOG

"Blog Relay, Various Contests," engaged the Bard's Hall Blogging Challenge by documenting the author's everyday life which focused on life at school with 3rd graders, personal insights, family adventures, and a lil bit of food/cooking.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the heart warming stories behind the day-to-day postings. As I reader, It was nice to pop into this blog and just relax and enjoy the content.

ENGAGING

The blog was written in a very conversational tone which made it easy to engage with.

VARIETY

There was a nice mix of observations from school children, personal insights and family. I really enjoy the blog post about making circles as a form of relaxation.

EXPRESSIVE

The blog was easy to read and unique to the blogger.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes, but then when it comes to reviewing blogs, I'm a bit more easy going.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The introduction does a good job of setting the tone for the overall blog and what it was used for. The author shared some of their achievements with the blog. I enjoyed visiting the blog.

A Bard's Hall Review

The Bard's Hall Contest

(13+)
JULY is Photo Prompt Month!
#981150 by StephBee

7

Honoring Our Veterans - Challenge

#4823169

Review of Water

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: 13+

| (4.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE STORY

A soldier gets lost in the desert and needs water.

WHAT I LIKED

I thought the second paragraph built suspense well and often I didn't know what was real and what was an hallucination.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the 1st person by an unnamed narrator. Past tense is used appropriately to tell the story.

DIALOGUE

There is no dialogue used.

OPENING PARAGRAPH

The opening paragraph put me right in the moment with the narrator - a bit out of sorts due to a lack of water and only getting worse.

CHARACTERS

Our unnamed narrator seemed very determined to find water despite the obstacles. That sense of drive is something that a lot of readers can relate to.

FLOW & PACING

The lack of water does a good job accelerating the pacing, tension, and suspense.

MECHANICS

I did not notice and spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

The title is simply "Water," which is the topic of the story, and it allows for the reader to let the emotional beats drive the story. The ending offers a satisfactory resolution to the story.

A Bee Hive Review
A Queen Bee signature for the Bees at the Bee Hive

in association with:

FORUM

(ASR)
Celebrating Veterans Day every day
#423698 by StephBee

8

#4823114

Review of A Christmas Tree's Story

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM
This is a poem about what it feels to be a Christmas tree.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked how the story progressed and I thought the feelings the Christmas tree were realistic and honest.

STRUCTURE

This is a poem in the form of a Christmas tree. Well done!

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "Someone praises my beauty, I’d blush if I could, instead I stand here silently," Our Christmas tree shares a lot of emotion here - there's a pride in how it's been decorated, and yet all it can do is stand silently and be pretty. It's a nice description that one can not only visualize, but allows the reader to feel the emotion as well.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The visual of the poem engages the reader, and keeps them reading, wanting to find out what will happen to the Christmas tree. The title fits the poem well. This is a great poem perfect for the Christmas season.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

9

#4822358

Review of Victory

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E

| (4.5)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM
An acrostic poem about the power of love.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the simmering hint of passion behind the words.

STRUCTURE

This is an acrostic poem using the word "Victory." The first letter of the line spells Victory.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "To not have you near is so unreal." This description really touches to the heart of romantic emotion, tapping into longing, desire, need, using colloquial speech.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening engages the reader in an opposite way, and turns like a boomerang to keep the reader interested. The title fits the poem well. Nice word play.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

10

#4822233

Review of Poetry Forms

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: ASR

| (4.5)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE QUIZ

This is a quiz about different forms of poetry.

WHAT I LIKED

It was an easy format and very educational. I thought I did better than I did! Ha on me!

ENGAGING

The quiz was very engaging. I liked the topic and thought the questions weren't too hard.

VARIETY

There were a lot of good choices or the answers which I liked.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS
Good use of a graphic to set the tone of the quiz and I liked that you liked a bitem about poetry forms to help the test taker. Overall, the quiz is informative, and educational in a fun way. It's a good quiz to test one's knowledge.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

11

#4822121

Review of Cluster Of Crows: flock together

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E

| (4.5)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM
An observation of crows.

WHAT I LIKED

I thought this was an interesting observation of the dynamics of scavenger birds.

STRUCTURE

This is free form poem. The last line has a light hearted rythme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a good flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "flap those wings look for shiny things" It's a nice, easy description that helps to set a scene in the reader's mind and stirs a sense of curiosity.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening engages the reader, with a lighthearted invitation to eat, and keeps them reading. The title helps to add context to the poem. Easy expression makes the author wonder about what those birds are up to.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

12

#4821792

Review of Service Dog BELLA: I miss you.

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E

| (4.5)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM
A heartfelt dedication to the poet's service dog.

WHAT I LIKED

I could feel the honesty, sincerity, and reverence in the poet's voice.

STRUCTURE

The poem alternates starting with a 3 line stanza, then 4, then 3, then 4. Rythme scheme ABB CCDD EEF GGHH.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "Although you're gone, you still live on. You're in my heart and mind each day." This is a very warm, poignant emotional description of how important the poet's dog was to her heart. Such honest expression connects with the reader in a heartwarming way.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening engages the reader, and keeps them reading. The title fits the poem. Poignant.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

13

#4821252

Review of The Flags of Arlington

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM
A stirring poem centered around a solider placing flags on graves.

WHAT I LIKED

The pictures are very stirring and compliment the poem well. I appreciated a little of background and history and how the author was inspired to take pen to paper.

STRUCTURE

This a free form poem. There is an AABB rythme scheme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is heartfelt to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "He pauses a moment in front of a grave, I cried when I saw the salute he gave." The verse captures a framed moment in time, that contemplation which concludes with a gratitude and thankfulness that stirs in one's heart. It's easy visualize and evokes emotion well.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

There's a reverent, respectful tone to the poem which shines through; an appreciation that has been cultivated and is sincere. Clean expression that tugs on the heartstrings. The title is representative of the poem.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

14

#4821251

Review of Each Day

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM
An inspirational poem about the saving power of the Lord.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the upbeat, positive nature of the poem. It's very uplifting.

STRUCTURE

This a free form poem. There is an AABB rythme scheme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "Victory assured, to us His great promise. God is true and He is very honest." Victory assured implies a battle. I would think an internal one, for some a belief in the Lord doesn't come easy and so we are reminded of the rewards - He is true and honest.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The sets a tone of reverence which draws the reader into the poem. Nice, easy expression leads to poem that displays it's honesty. The message is heartfelt, sincere and respectful. The title fits the poem.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

15

#4821250

Review of Mask of The Beauty Mistress

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM
When is beauty too beautiful?

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the conundrum that is posed - people generally don't think of beauty being too beautiful it has be hidden. This is a poem that reads well and lingers after it's read.

STRUCTURE

Each stanza is made up of a couplet that rythmes. There are 7 couplets.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "She is a forbidden fruit and a scorching land, her appearance, burning coals in the hand." This is an intriguing visual in that it evokes emotion well - forbidden fruit - don't we all want to try it even though it's forbidden, ah, but here are the consequences if you do. Think long and hard if it's what you want to do.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening piques the reader with a nice tase of intrigue and keeps them reading. Nice expression and word play. Easy reading with a deeper meaning. The title fits the poem.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

16

#4821160

Review of Waterlily

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: 13+

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

A waterlily anticipates blooming.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the progression of the poem and how it built anticipation for our waterlily.

STRUCTURE

This is free form poem.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "In the thaw mud stirs and my heart bobs. to sunlight, " This is a great description that put the reader in the moment. The use of 'heart bobs' stirs emotion, has the reader anticipates what might come next. Well done.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening engages the reader, and keeps them reading, wanting to find out more. I really liked the reverent expression for nature in this poem, following cycles of life, staring in winter to a summer bloom. The title fits the poem well. Nice, succinct expression.

If anything I might check the links and the invalid item as I don't think they're all good more.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

17

#4821022

Review of I, Katrina

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: 13+

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM
A poem about the empress of the wind and the waves.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the flow and progression of the story. How the reader meets Katrina and a certain point and finds out her fate.

STRUCTURE

This is free form poem.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a really nice flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "I, Katrina, queenly robed, with bosomed bounty, lightning tressed, have rode the waves, and come well dressed" This is a great, vivid description that captures the essence of a woman fully in her power and understanding her power. Nice word play and very succinct.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening intrigues the reader, and keeps them reading - who is Katrina? Why has she come? The title fits the poem well. Great rythme and rhythm. Well done.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

18

#4820470

Review of Red flowers of the Silver Maple

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM
Visual onslaught of seasons and colors surrounding silver maples and red leaves.

WHAT I LIKED

I enjoyed the suggestive expression. For me, it was like an impressionist painting, just enough there to wet the appetite and let you, the reader, run with it.

STRUCTURE

This is free form poem which compliments the expression.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "Velcro hooks, at heart soft green, grow, unfurl their thin veined wings," An intriguing description of branches unfurling, gaining strength and depth.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening piques the reader's interest, drawing them in. Good word play and nice expression.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

19

#4820294

Review of Yucky ... the word search

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: ASR

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE WORD SEARCH

A fun little word search that offers 5 letter without the A and E.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked how you found one word and then a couple of words later, you just added another letter and had another word. Double words were staring you in the face and it was easy to miss on the first go around.

ENGAGING

This was very engaging because when you hit that double word it was like hitting the jack pot!

VARIETY

There were a lot of words that fit the criteria for the puzzle.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

I might suggest using a graphic or a giphy in the introduction to set the tone for the puzzle. I did like that the introduction as written because it told me what to expect. I would put the puzzle difficulty at medium. This was a very fun and rewarding puzzle.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

20

#4820208

Review of - Ode to Summer -

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: E

| (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE CROSSWORD

A crossword with a summertime theme.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked that the puzzle wasn't too hard to do. I didn't get one question and the other I could have looked it up but was too lazy!

ENGAGING

The clues were easy to medium easy and I liked that. I felt like I could answer them and not be overwhelemed.

VARIETY

There were a lot of questions/clues that were applicable to the theme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

I might suggest using a graphic or a giphy in the introduction to set the mood for the crossword, if doable. That said, it was a fun puzzle, a good easy challenge and perfect for this time of year. I highly recommend it for some summer fun!

A Bee Hive Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(E)
JUL 2025 - hang out with theBees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUL 2025 is OUT!
#1474097 by StephBee

21

#4819485

Review of Val Kilmer Trivia

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Steph Bee's Bee Hive

Rated: E

| (5.0)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE CROSSWORD

This is a crossword puzzle with a Val Kilmer theme.

WHAT I LIKED

I loved the puzzle. If you're a Val Kilmer fan, it's a rewarding game.

ENGAGING

The crossword is very engaging and touches on some of Val's roles.

VARIETY

There was a good variety with his movies. If anything, my suggestion would be that there could have been a couple of questions about him, for example, name of his ex-wife, name of his daughter, what famous acting school did he attend?

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS

I might suggest using a graphic or a giphy in the introduction to set the tone for the crossword. I did like there was a helpful link to a Val Kilmer page where the answers could be found. Overall, a solid tribute puzzle for great actor.

A Bee Hive Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(E)
JUL 2025 - hang out with theBees & enjoy the Flowers. NEW challenge for JUL 2025 is OUT!
#1474097 by StephBee

22

#4819346

Review of Memorial Day for Bard's Hall contest

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: E

| (4.0)

THE ESSAY

This was an inspirational military essay that discussed the establishment of Arlington National Cemetery and the foundations of Memorial Day.

FOLLOWED PROMPT?

Yes, the essay was inspired by the photo and newly created for the contest

2000 words or fewer.

Place word count with the item.

WHAT I LIKED

I never knew that about Arlington National Cemetery so I thought the essay was very informative.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the third person. Good job with narration. Present and past tense mix in the essay, I might just pick one and use it consistently.

THEME

For me, I picked out the theme of history's lessons. It's surprising the ties Arlington National Cemetery has to the founding of our nation and how it helped to heal Civil War wounds. It should be a lesson for all in today's civic's classes where finding middle ground is a challenge.

EMOTIONAL BEATS
How well does the emotional beat resonate with the reader? Great; Good; Okay.

The author infuses a light touch of emotion at the end comparing and contrasting what "we" think of Memorial Day now, as compared to the noble start of the holiday.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening piques the reader's interest and keeps them reading. Good luck in the Bard's Hall contest.

23

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

#4819344

Review of Picture Proof

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with Bard's Hall Group

Rated: E

| (4.5)

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE STORY

A solider in the National Guard gets reassigned from kitchen duty to cemetery duty.

WHAT I LIKED

I liked the ending. There was a lesson to be learned in the story and the ending nailed it.

POV NARRATION/TENSE

This is told in the first person by an unnamed narrator. Good job with narration. Past tense is used appropriately.

DIALOGUE

There's not much dialogue in the story. It's only used for emphasis.

DESCRIPTIONS

There's enough to set the scenes. If anything, a suggestion for the ending, maybe tap into the 5 senses and share how it felt to be out there in the cemetery. How did it smell? Did the narrator hear sounds? How could that hype up the emotion?

SETTING

TIME: modern day
PLACE: urban setting

This was something that was clarified for the reader.

CHARACTERS

Unnamed narrator

There's enough here to understand his motivations. An honest mistake leads to accountability.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling punctuation mistakes.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

Good job following the prompt and using the photo to inspire the story. The opening engages the reader using a nice, conversational voice. Word count was listed in accordance with the rules. Good luck in the Bard's Hall Contest. contest.

Glowing Steph

24

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

#4815968

Review of Fair Weather Friends

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: E

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

A poem about the toll of fair weathered friends.

WHAT I LIKED

I thought the ending was spot on and brought the poem full circle. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

STRUCTURE

This poem as 3 stanzas with 4 lines and and an AABB CCDD EEFF rythme scheme.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "But comes the rain, storms or showers, Not one stands with us, in our loneliest hour" I like the metaphor here, as we known rain and showers are a bit of depressing time (just about everyone can relate to a rain storm) and we feel much the same way when our "friends" aren't there for us when we need one.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening engages the reader and keeps them reading. The title is an apt description of the poem. The poet uses a good economy of words to communicate complicated feelings. Well done!

An Angel Army Review

FORUM

Only reviews from the past
14 days may be credited.

(ASR)
Read, Review, Rate and Record all items read by the Army Angels.
#1188311 by iKïyå§ama

Image #1229001 over display limit. -?-

25

#4815860

Review of I Know You By Your Tells

Review by StephBee

In affiliation with The WDC Angel Army

Rated: ASR

| (5.0)

HAPPY WDC ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARY FROM
"Anniversary Reviews ~ Summer Break"

My review is based on professional editing points. It is meant to be honest, encouraging, and respectful in accordance with WDC guidelines.

THE POEM

A poem about observing one's significant other and assessing their mood.

WHAT I LIKED

I thought this was a very insightful poem.

STRUCTURE

This is free form poem with the first two lines of each stanza rythming.

MECHANICS

I did not spot any spelling/punctuation mistakes. The poem is easy to read and has a nice flow when read out loud.

DESCRIPTIONS

I liked: "I know you by the glare, Today's a day, beware" There's a lot in this description. There's a glare and a facial expression can say a thousand words. In this short, succinct sentence, the poet packs a lot - there's an unhappy look, a moody expression, be weary of approach. Nice blend with the visual sense and emotional outlook.

PARTING THOUGHTS/SUGGESTIONS

The opening engages the reader with it's sing song rythme, and keeps them reading. The title announces what to expect and I picked this poem because I wanted to see where it would lead me as a reader. A reflective poem with the hint of a whimsical voice that dares the reader to go deeper.

An Angel Army Review

FORUM