My former wife carried a 9mm CCO built on a Caspian with a Kart barrel that John Harrison fit. I got a super good deal on it and she shot several hundred rounds a month through it. We kept it lubed and I would clean it about every six months. It was very reliable and was a great little package for carry. It didn't like HST but ate 124+P Gold Dot with ease.
If you wanted something off the shelf, I would look at the Dan Wesson offerings and not worry too much about the cost. Your wife might enjoy shooting more if she has something enjoyable to shoot