Hi Clarke2! Sorry no one replied to your thread, if you want more info on the difference between a men's small and women's small see if you can find the geometries online. Normally this is available even for older models. I pay attention top tube length and standover, not all there is to bike fitting but for a nonprofessional it can give you an idea of whether the frame will feel bigger or smaller to you, generally.
I have a santa cruz julianna and she's been a good bike to me. Can't lie, I'm tempted to start searching for a 29er....on my wish list