Another vote for the Ruger LCR, I bought the LCRX because I like the option of cocking it and having a light release, mostly for when I am on the range, but who knows when you might need that ability. I sold my sp101 because it was DAO and I did not have a hammer, and the trigger was terrible and heavy in DAO mode.
My wife had a Taurus 85, she could shoot it, and she could put 100 rounds through it. She would not shoot it with +P ammo though, and as was said above, she did not really like it. She eventually moved on to a LCP, not sure in my opinion if that was better or not for recoil, but it kicks less than a 9mm to her, and she likes it.
I mention that because the Taurus was ok, I carried it for a while after I sold my SP101, and I shot it quite a bit, it was an OK gun and it was only like $299 when I bought it, it worked and if that is all you can afford, then that might be an option. Taurus had a bad rep for a while, and I wont say they are as rugged as a ruger, but, if you need something now, then it might be an option.
My LCRX is my Primary EDC, I got it new for $450 IIRC. I alternate between it and the LC9S, but mostly I carry the revolver.