Ladies / Women's Bike Fitting

I've just thought of something. When I was researching my roadbike last year I had a fit with OYB and found it interesting that the focus was more on leg length than reach, so whilst a 47cm bike was good for the legs, it was horrible reach-wise as I couldn't operate the brakes effectively with only one finger. Admittedly I was very nervous because I was more comfortable on a hybrid (still am).

This rings so true with me. I'm considering an upgrade to my current hybrid. Options are a better hybrid (with more road components) or a road bike. But I am really struggling reach-wise with the brakes. Riding along and changing gears all felt fine since the height at 47cm is fine but I just don't feel safe with the brakes - an emergency stop just ain't going to happen. The pad at the base of my thumb ends up aching since there's too much pressure there as I stretch. The woman in one bike shop today after putting me on multiple models (including an Orbea Junior) said that perhaps I just have short arms and am better suited to flats.