Roger may I recommend Full Busted by Marta Alto, a DVD, but it sort of goes with the book Fit for Real People, and Marta clearly shows you exactly how to do the FBA (Full Bust Alteration), she is using patterns from the Palmer Pletsch for McCalls, (some are out of date but available at a cost in the USA) and also some ordinary patterns. However when using the Palmer Pletsch patterns for McCalls, the extra lines she mentions are already pre printed on the tissue, so it makes it much easier to follow what she is doing (hence it is worthwhile seeking these out of print but factory folded patterns in the US – look for the pattern numbers on the tissue pattern as Marta is working). Also Marta is tissue fitting on real people, on herself, on a young full busted lass, some older well endowed ladies. The beauty of this DVD is that you can stop and start as many times as you like, rewind and go over and over a particular area if necessary and it is like having Marta in the room with you. Marta also covers a wide variety of bodice styles, a wrap fronted top, a princess seamed blouse, a strapless top, a side panelled jacket, oh there are all sorts of different styles on this DVD, and really well worth the cost involved. I got mine from Book Depository, excellent service not only for the DVD but for books as well.
Good luck with sorting this out and I hope you are able to create the garment your wife is seeking.