It's been a while, and I hadn't responded. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. Ultimately, we got her a Liv Alight - 2 700c bicycle. She was not comfortable with the Felt, and we collectively decided that we can revisit the road bikes in a few years. This is what she finally got (in purple). She has put in a couple of hundred miles already on her bike, and will be joining me on the 33 mile Roe Jan Ramble this September. Hope to get her into another ride (Tour De Bronx) possibly before that.
https://www.liv-cycling.com/us/alight-2-2018