Emerald — Phyllis A. Whitney

EMERALD takes heroine Carol Hamilton to the intriguing, subtly shadowed world of Palm Springs, California, where a secret reaching back into Hollywood history is about to explode with consequences menacing many lives.
The names of Monica Arlen and Saxon Scott have spelled magic to Carol since the days when she watched their marvelous old movies being replayed on television. When flight with her small son is Carol's only refuge from her husband's savage threats, her great-aunt Monica Arlen seems her one sanctuary.
Instead, she finds unexpected danger, as well as unexpected love. The drama of Monica and Saxon, created so tragically in the past, must be played out again in the present, with Carol the frightened and unwilling catalyst, fighting for her own life, and for the safety and well-being of her son.