I also live in the Northeast where summertime can be challenging for concealed carry. I purchased a Walter for my fiancée in nine mm. We belong to a local outdoor range and shoot three to four times a month, pistol, rifle mostly. Because of an injury to her hand, she sometimes has difficulty with anticipation.
I recently got her one of the new Smith and Wesson J frame in 32 H and R magnum, together with a Desantas pocket holster. She loves and shoots the J frame as good as her nine mm. The Smith and Wesson has the same approximate ballistics as a 38 Special with about 25% less felt recoil. Would I want to be in an extended gunfight with the J frame? No, but for an effective six shot handgun that is easily concealed to the extent that you almost forget that you are carrying a firearm, it is more then adequate for what is expected in a sudden encounter.