Choose a title?? Really??

There is something that has been on my mind for awhile now and it seems like as good a time as any to bring it up: book titles and covers. I'm thinking these have to be two of the hardest things for an author to decide upon and also the most important. (there are a few authors who drop by here occasionally - please feel free to jump in and let us know how it works) When I am idly wandering through a book store, not really looking for anything in particular, I will be attracted to a random book by either the cover or the title. Then I'll check out the story line and, if I'm still interested, buy the book. Really, they are the first things a potential reader sees. The 'curb appeal' of the novel, if you will.

One of the books I read recently was 'Blind Faith' and the biggest problems I had with the book were the title and the cover. Look at it:

Lovely cover. Great title. But the cover and title don't jibe with the story. It is a great read! A romantic suspense that really grabs you and settles in your heart, but the cover and title both say to me - inspirational self-help. (this is a book I decided not to review because the story line hit too close to home for me - but I really recommend it! Not your average romantic suspense novel. If you'd like to read it, click on the image - you won't be disppointed)

Another thing that happens with covers is that they change when the movie comes out. And often not for the better. Take 'Water for Elephants' for example. Which cover do you prefer?

I'd pick up the first one in a heartbeat! The second ... not so much.

Let's be clear - I'm not criticising at all! I know how much trouble I have figuring out a title for each post I write. I can't imagine how hard it would be to pick a title for a book ... let alone cover art! Writers really are amazing!!

Readers: What are your favorite titles or covers? Authors: How do you choose?