First a 642. I just recently bought her a M&P40c. She had to have because she liked mine so well and said she felt way more comfortable shooting and carrying the 11 rounds of .40 instead of 5 .38's.
Years ago she started with a Browning BDA .380, then to a M36, now her carry is a PPK/S that she will not part with, I think its the James Bond mystique. I bought her a 3913LS and a LC9 did not like either one, so I carry the LC9 now.
My wife has tried a number of my handguns, and while she has liked some of them (like the Shield 9 in particular) the only semi she can rack the slide on without difficulty is her LC9. So, that is what she has. I've tried to encourage her to get a revolver, but she doesn't like them.
A few years ago I purchased a Sig P238 for use as my pocket gun. It worked very well in that capacity until one day when I was out shooting it at our home range. My Bride came out with a glass of ice tea for me and sat quietly watching for some time. During a break she exclaimed "Gee, that's a cute thing, can I shoot it once?" 6 shots dead center from about 25'. It has been hers ever since! It is with her everywhere. She carries it in her purse or jeans pocket and you do not want her mad at you!!!
Dave