I would go with the GLOCK 42. My wife is very recoil sensitive and has trouble working the slide on most semi-autos, but can shoot and work the action of the GLOCK 42 without problems. Also, I carry one as well off duty and have found it to be completely reliable and easy to shoot accurately. She uses HORNADY Critical Defense in her gun.
A slightly smaller gun that both my wife and I like is the BERETTA 3032 Tomcat in .32ACP. It is smaller, but about the same weight as the GLOCK. It is a traditional double action/single action and has a thumb safety if that is an advantage to you. Also, the pop up barrel makes loading and unloading, very easy.
I can recommend both of these guns as they have proven very reliable to me and are easy to operate and reliable.
Jim
A slightly smaller gun that both my wife and I like is the BERETTA 3032 Tomcat in .32ACP. It is smaller, but about the same weight as the GLOCK. It is a traditional double action/single action and has a thumb safety if that is an advantage to you. Also, the pop up barrel makes loading and unloading, very easy.
I can recommend both of these guns as they have proven very reliable to me and are easy to operate and reliable.
Jim