I also have smaller hands and have gone back and forth between semi autos before finding what I believe is the perfect compact handgun; the Smith and Wesson 642 Airweight 38 special.
The debate will always go back and forth, but for me, it is the perfect handgun and one many pros carry. It conceals well and is as light as just about any compact I have held.
I have recently put on Crimson Trace Laser grips and am as happy as can be.
I do have a Taurus 357 magnum, but it is too big to carry and is uncomfortable for me to shoot due to the heavy kick.