Taurus has always been a knock off on all the big manufacterers. I'd deffinately suggest sticking with a J-Frame S&W if you want a wheel gun, but for auto's I'd stick with a compact Glock in 9mm like the 19, or the ladysmith in 9mm by S&W. You get what you pay for with hand cannons, if you go cheap you get cheap. No need to start a female that has never touched a firearm off with .40 and above. 9mm, .380, or .38 is a great starter cartridge for self-defense/fun shooting. Once she gets acclimated to those catridges, then step up to the .40, .357 etc..
Ladysmith
http://blog.hollywood-guns.net/images/3913ls.jpg
J-Frame
http://www.shooterssupply.com/assets/images/auto_generated_images/a_ctclg305.jpg
Glock 19
http://www.gunshopfinder.com/Glock/G19.jpg