When I worked (briefly) in the retail firearms sales bidness back in the late 80's, we used to hawk 38 Special revolvers as the best gun for "new shooters" - especially women. I now think that is bad advice in most cases.
Many new shooters have difficulty working a stock double action revolver (or semi for that matter) trigger press without disturbing their sight picture. While, yeah, you can put an Apex spring kit in a SW 642, I'm talking stock here. That having been said, I personally carry a 642 with an Apex kit in it a lot. But I have checked it with my carry ammo for reliability... the issue with putting a lighter spring kit in ANY gun is that you are also inevitably going to reduce striker power, which may give ignition issues on some brands of ammo.
the LCR DOES seem to have a lighter and smoother trigger press than a S&W - I wouldn't hesitate to carry one, especially in 9mm (commonality with the duty ammo I carry), but I still think it would be harder to shoot WELL than a striker fired gun.
So, of those listed, I'd lean towards the Glock 43 or Shield. If she is planning on purse carrying and has room, the S&W Shield EZ 9mm is getting rave reviews for ease of use. I have not fired one yet.
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