The best gun is the one you are comfortable with. There are so many good ones out there, you will probably get a dozen or more different recommendations. Instead, I would suggest going to a range that has several types you can try out yourself.
Also, think about how you plan to carry it. If it is in your purse, take that with you and see how each one fits and how comfortable you are getting to it.
But I would like to add that people should consider having more than one carry gun. As with everything else, this isn’t a one size fits all world.
People should consider having a small and light carry gun for ‘Normal’ situations – something you’re comfortable carrying all the time, and maybe a heavier weapon for when the threat probability is higher – when you need to go to more urbanized areas or we are at a heighten threat level from terrorism.