Like NCZO9, my wife and mother-in-law didn't care for the recoil of my Ruger LCR, even with plan 'ol 38 special loads. I ended up with M&P 9 mm's for both with the smallest back strap.
With some shooting/practice, they're getting better and gaining more confidence with the semi-auto including what to do with FTF issues, which aren't many with the gun.
Only issue I have with the double stack M&P is that the darn mags. are kind of tough to reload, especially the first round.