Catherine Coulter was trying to convey something plausible through Aftershocks but out of the norm. Yes, at times one person in a relationship forces a decision deeming it as best for the relationship. But that is just how they perceive it. The concept of the book is questionable is the sense that something like this is hard to come across.
I found the protagonist to be somewhat childish and unlike the normalities that a person in such a profession comes across. It just highlighted the frequency of flying and the hours that are put into the job. Whereas, the doctor did nothing to make one believe that he is actually a doctor and not a corporate businessman. Although, I liked how the family of the protagonist was shown.
Anyhow, I am sure that there are better books out there written by Catherine Coulter. The ending of the book was nothing short of a shocker and there was an element in between which could have been substantial.