First of all, congratulations on the £2k payout. Although it doesn't replace a much loved bike, you do have a lot of options open to you for a new bike.
As I'm sure you've already sussed, you need to get your partner to borrow as many bikes as possible and try them out over a weekend to get to know each bike's foibles.
From my own experience on an old-ish Specialized Enduro, I can vouch that the FSR system on Specialized bikes feels great, but it can be prone to pedal induced squat under power, which can sap your energy on long rides. This is offset by the excellent traction and comfortable ride. The Giant system feels very good under pedalling, but isn't quite as plush.
You might be better served not limiting yourselves to women's specific machines, try all sorts of men's frames out too. You might also consider a Marin Mount Vision or a Rift Zone. They pedal very well and the warranty is excellent, even covering you for replacement bearings so peace of mind is a given.
[edit] It's taken a while to find the "perfect" bike for Mrs PJM. We started out with a Spesh Hardrock that she really liked, but it was a tad too small for her. I swapped the frame for a Merlin Malt, which she felt a tad "nervous". Finally, I gave her my old medium sized Marin Rock Springs, which she seems to get on well with, but if I'm honest it's a little too much bike her her. If I win the lottery sometime soon, I daresay I'll be buying her a Spesh Stumpy or equivalent!
