Browning is nice!!!!! Not exactly cheap, though. Are all firearms up since the Bamster got in? I use on occasion, but never joined the “firearm of the month” club, so I only check the market every few years.
Springfield Armory XD subcompact in either 9MM or .40 would be a good choice and it’s pretty economical. If you need to go a little less expensive, an S&W Sigma (not as refined but serviceable) or a used Glock 19 or 12 compact would also be good choices. I’m not big on Sig because they’re expensive and don’t feel as good as the Glock to me but they’re good choices if you can get a used one. Taurus model 85’s in .38 are good alternative to S&W and Ruger’s SP 101 in a revolver. I’ve never had an problems with my Taurus.
“She is relatively small…,”
So for concealed, size and weight of the weapon would seem the most important for her. First, of course, is that it go bang every time. And, you get that with a revolver.
Ditto what rockrr and HossB86 stated upthread.
Recommend she consider testing with a rented semi-auto, then rent, experiment and buy and carry a revolver first. Experiment later with the semi’s and learn how to quickly clear a malfunction.
Rhetorical question: What sort of circumstance could she find herself in that would make her wish she could fire more than 5 or 6 rounds before having to reload?
Caveat! Read the reviews re the Kahr P9, looks great but may be problematic for reliable self defense.