That depends on a lot of factors, Rebecca. What is the purpose of the Handgun? If its going to be a range toy for plinking, then something in 9mm with a heavy steel frame would be great, heavy guns help absorb recoil and generally have softer shooting impulse, but steel fram guns are not good for carry because they are heavy. A heavy pistol can also be great for home deffense, like a night stand gun, that you grab if you hear a bump in the night.
Or if you are wanting a carry gun you want something light, which will usually be made of Polymere or Aluminum framed.
The recoil will be a little more harsh the lighter you go, but there are still alot of guns that are light that have good ergonomics and will handle well.
Id get to a range to try a few out if can.
But the ones id recommend, would be Smith and wesson M&P2.0 (id stay away from the shield and shield plus while you learn go with a full size or a compact they'll be easier to shoot) a CZ P01 (Or P01 Omegga), CZ P10 Series are food too. if you really need something really small and concealable and can only get one gun at the moment, a SHIELD EZ, a compensated hellcat pdp (the non comp model will be hard to shoot for a new shooter)
Id also try to stick with 9mm as it has the best mix of high capacity and excellent stopping power.

Just though of another that you should check out Berreta Px4 has a rotating barrel that helps mitigate barrel rise, and felt recoil, and berreta is the oldest firearm manufacturer in the world.
Compact and full size in stock here
budsgunshop.com/search.php?q=BERETTA+PX4+&type=