The answer to your question is almost an obvious one: the Sig Sauer P238.
It's a locked breach that is very mild in recoil when compared to .380acp blowbacks or scanty weight pocket pistols. The slide is quite likely the easiest of all the .380acp pistols to retract (most folks can rack the slide with their pinky wrapped around the rear sight). I was wondering if the spring was tired on the rental I was using, but was told it was a common reaction and it was fine. The mild recoil reinforced that fact.
I recently fired a P238 and now have a P238 HD on the way to my FFL, that's how impressed I was by the thing. The one I fired was incredible. The recoil was absolutely tame and
nothing like the LCP I fired a few days before. From my understanding, the P238 is highly recommended
by women for women for the reasons I listed.
I also understand they are described as "+p rated" if you're so inclined to use the hotter stuff on the market.
In addition, the quality of construction is second to none, the ergonomics are highly lauded by most who have fired one and they typically come standard with tritium sights that are actually usable.
The downsides? Its single action only and many have an issue with cocked and locked carry. I plan on carrying mine in condition 2, so that means nothing to me. It's how I currently carry my P64 and am used to pulling the hammer on the draw.
It's also expensive, but only you can decide if your wife is worth the investment. Personally, I plan on purchasing another for my wife when she obtains her ccw since she's also fallen in love with mild manners of the P238.
Have her rent one if you can and see what happens.
And as a side note, they're smart looking pistols if you ask me.
Googled images for reference