SadieKate,
I'm a road bike newbie and don't know lots about them, but if her price range is around $1500, I have two suggestions. The Jamis Quest is a steel frame and a good value for the components. I think I tried the 47 and at 5'1" I didn't fit quite right, but everyone is different. I'm also a fan of the Bianchi Eros Donna (WSD) which I ended up buying for under $1300. It's steel and rode smoother than any of the aluminum bikes I tried including the Dolce and the Trek 1500 (I think). I love, love, love the Campy shifters! NOTIHING I've tried fit my small hands like these things. The more upright position of the Specialized Sequoia was enticing to me, but the ride did not compare to the Bianchi and I didn't like how the Sequoia climbed.

I've been very pleased with the Bianchi as a starter road bike.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/556.html

Hope this helps at least a little. Keep us posted.