For what it's worth,

My experience teaching new & inexperienced shooters suggest they cross one thumb over the other when they grip a gun.

Mostly driven by comments on recoil - I'd look to see if you can find a revolver that handles .32s (preferably the .327). That will generally give her 6 shots. You can have some action work done on the trigger and/or have her thumb cock.

IF she is comfortable with a handgun and will practice, the Shield .380EZ is about as good as it gets. BUT, if she is not going to carry it or keep it in a vehicle, THERE IS NO REASON TO USE A HANDGUN!

My recommendation is a smaller, lighter, lever action, in .38, .22 mag., or maybe a .410.
Everyone knows how to use it, and it's much easier to hit something with it.

I have been incredibly busy the last two days and will be traveling the next two. I see there have been a lot of suggestions since I last checked and I really appreciate it. Hopefully tomorrow night while in a hotel I can catch up on reading suggestions as I have to get up crazy early tomorrow.