A .38 seems like the way to go, but I'd steer clear of the ultra-light models. A buddy of mine bought a LCR for his wife, and recoil with standard 158 grain ammo is sharp to say the least. Tolerable with lighter bullets, but still not a gun for a novice or anyone with any sensitivity to recoil.

Ruger SP101 with a three inch barrel might be a good choice. Not heavy in the hand, but you can shoot .38 special all day comfortably.